Section outline

  • COURSE INFORMATION AND POLICIES

     The complete document with course information and policies is here (link).

    The complete document with lab information and policies is here (link).

    Instructor:     Dr. Monica Chander

                            Park Science 113

                            mchander@brynmawr.edu

                            610-526-5096

     Lecture                                                                       Laboratory

    Tu, Th 10:10–11:30 am (Park 245)                                 W 1:10-4 pm (Park 126)

     

    Office Hours and Emails                                                 

    Mon 3-4 pm; Fri 3-4 pm.

    Dr. C.'s office (PSB 113) OR teaching lab (PSB 126)

     You may also email me to set up an appointment for specific issues.  I encourage you to attend office hours to discuss not only class material but also studying strategies, learning styles, etc.

    Please note that I will respond to emails as expeditiously as possible but cannot guarantee that I will read or respond to emails over the weekend or evenings.  So please do not wait until the last minute to inquire about matters of urgency. 

     

    Course Description and Learning Goals

    Biochemistry is the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level.  A truly interdisciplinary field, Biochemistry utilizes the methods of chemistry, physics, immunology, molecular and cell biology to study the structure and behavior of complex macromolecules, and how these molecules interact to form cells, tissues, and organisms. Biochemistry has provided insight into the causes of many diseases, and also the tools to manage or cure these diseases. 

    This semester, we will learn the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, enzyme kinetics, and central metabolic pathways.  This material will be investigated via lecture, discussion of primary literature, and laboratory experimentation.  My goals are for you to be able to apply the fundamentals you learn in class to solving new problems, to think critically and analytically about scientific data, to appreciate the benefits of working collaboratively, and to communicate effectively.   This is a writing-attentive class, so please be aware that you will be turning in several lab reports over the course of the semester.  Prerequisites:  Biology 110 and one year of Organic Chemistry with merit grade.

     

    Examinations

    There will be two midterms and a non-cumulative final.  All exams are closed book and non-collaborative.  There will be no make-up exams.

    Students will be able to pick up and return the midterm exams at Collier Library at any point during a six-day period when the library is open. Once the exam is picked up, students will have 3 hours to complete their checked-out exam and return it to the Collier front desk.  The final exam is self-scheduled through the Registrar's office.

    Midterm 1:  available Th Oct 1 noon through W Oct 7 noon (administered through Collier).

    Midterm 2:  available Th Nov 5 noon through W Nov 11 noon (administered through Collier).

    Final exam:  Self-scheduled through Registrar's office. 

    Collier Library hours:  M-F:  8 am-8 pm; Sa, Sun: 10 am-8 pm (double check library hours for any last minute changes and plan accordingly).

    Lab

    Lab attendance is mandatory and there will be no make-up labs.  If you need to miss lab due to illness, religious holiday or unforeseen circumstances, please contact me as soon as possible via email (mchander@brynmawr.edu) or phone (610-526-5096).  Lab manuals will be posted on Moodle.  You are required to read the lab manual prior to coming to lab.

    You will be handing in four lab reports (hard copies) and you will be provided with details on how to write these lab reports.

    Blood Cell Lab (25 points) - due in lab W, Oct 21

    Enzyme Kinetics Lab (25 points) - due in lab W, Nov 4

    Sugars Lab (10 points) - due in lab W, Nov 11

    DHFR Lab (20 points) - due in class Th, Dec 10

     

    While I will try my best to adhere to the schedule, changes to the syllabus/course format may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.  If so, I will announce the change(s) by email and will update the course Moodle page accordingly.