1._Introduction_and_Biomolecules-eClass_2025

Introductory Biochemistry Course Information

  • Overview of course details, policies, and procedures.

Important Contacts

  • Dr. Wright

    • Title: Biochemistry 200 Course Coordinator

    • Office: 5-81C Medical Sciences

    • Email: awright@ualberta.ca

    • Office Hours: Posted weekly on eClass

Prerequisites

  • Completion of foundational courses:

    • CHEM 101 or 103: Introductory University Chemistry I

    • CHEM 164 or 261 or 264: Organic Chemistry I

Course Content

  1. Course Information, Policies and Procedures

  2. Biomolecules

  3. Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids

  4. Protein Structure and Function

  5. Enzymes

  6. Biological Membranes

  7. Introduction to Metabolism

  8. Oxidative Phosphorylation

  9. Glycolysis and the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

  10. The Citric Acid Cycle

BIOCH200 Schedule Winter 2025

  • Lectures: ECHAL1-49011:00-12:20 PM

Key Dates

  • Jan 7: Introduction to Biomolecules

  • Jan 9: Biomolecules 2

  • Jan 14: Introduction to Nucleotides

  • Jan 16: Nucleic Acids

  • Jan 21 & 23: Continued Nucleic Acids

  • Jan 28: Protein Structure

  • Midterm on Feb 12 from 6:00-8:00 PM

  • Final Exam: April 25, 8:30 AM - 55%

Course Objectives

  • Provide a one-term overview of biochemistry.

  • Explain life at the molecular level.

  • Introduce extensive terminology.

  • Relevant to fields like medicine, nutrition, and exercise science.

  • Foundation for further studies (medicine, pharmacy, kinesiology).

Support Materials

  • Textbook: Essential Biochemistry by Pratt and Cornely

    • Check if either full or online version is preferred (recommended, not required).

  • Practice Questions: Available on eClass.

    • Includes MCQ Exam Sets & Short Answer Problem Questions.

    • Study Guide also posted on eClass.

Midterm, Quiz, and Final Schedule

  • Midterm: Thursday, Feb 13 – 40% (60 MCQ’s)

  • Quizzes: Online, 5% total (1% each) on Jan 23, Feb 6, March 6, March 20, and April 3.

  • Final Exam: April 25, 8:30AM – Cumulative, 55%.

Regulations for Deferred Exams

  • Email within two working days for permission to defer midterms (not for finals).

  • Typical format: Short Answer for deferred midterms.

Class Attendance Policies

  • Notify peers through eClass discussion for missed classes and offer to help others.

Course Resources

  • eClass: Access course materials and announcements.

  • Help Desk: Call 492-9400 or email helpdesk@ualberta.ca

Tips for Success

  • Attend help sessions, review study guides, do practice questions, and use discussion groups.

  • Contact instructors early for difficulties.

Reasons for Enrollment in BIOCH 200

  • Importance in major/professional future vs. personal interest (Visual representation of reasons).

Student Demographics

  • Participants from diverse fields: Biological Sciences, Pre-professional, Chemistry, Kinesiology.

Grading Policies

  • Class average is a B, minimum passing mark is 48%.

  • Less than 40% is automatic failure. No grade rounding.