2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Apr 24, 2024  
2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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BIOL 275 Elements of Biological Chemistry: Non-Lab (5 credits)



Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Science; General Transfer Elective
Prerequisite Completed one quarter of college biology (BIOL& 160 BIOL& 241 BIOL& 242 , BIOL& 211 BIOL& 212 BIOL& 213 ), with a grade of 2.0 or better, or High-School AP Biology with a grade of 2.0 or better; AND two quarters of college chemistry (CHEM& 161  + CHEM& 162  or CHEM& 141  + CHEM& 142 ) with a grade of 2.0 or better, or High-School AP Chemistry with a grade of 2.0 or better.

Course Description
For Interservice Physician Assistance Program only. Study of molecules of biological systems i.e. organic molecules, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Processes of metabolism i.e. respiration, nutrition, body fluids, and pH homeostasis.

Course Content
A. Introduction to biochemistry
B. Nomenclature, terminology, methodology and worldview of biochemistry
C. Practical application of biochemistry to everyday living
D. Introduction to organic chemistry
E. Structure and function of organic functional groups
F. Detailed description of biomacromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids)
G. Important biochemical reactions when cellular needs are being met, not met, and in abnormal cellular function 
H. Metabolic reactions and pathways including glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism; citric acid (Kreb’s) cycle; electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation; glycogen metabolism, gluconeogenesis and the Cori Cycle; fatty acid oxidation and biosynthesis; arachidonic acid metabolism; amino acid catabolism and the urea cycle; and amino acid biosynthesis
I. The general structure, action and regulation of enzymes
J. The expression and transmission of genetic information to include DNA replication, transcription, translation and polypeptide synthesis, the “Central Dogma of Biochemistry,” mutations and recombinant DNA
K. Ketogenesis and ketoacidosis, and phenylketonuria
L. Role of body fluids and micronutrients in maintaining cellular health
M. Relevant and cutting-edge biotechnologies

Student Outcomes
  1. Apply the principles, history, and terminology of organic and biochemistry.
  2. Distinguish between the classes and reaction characteristics of organic functional groups.
  3. Describe the structure of biomacromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids), their  role in human structure and physiology.
  4. Identify the role micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) play in human physiology, and causes and symptoms of deficiencies.
  5. Explain how energy in food is converted into ATP, the structure and reactions of ATP and the role coenzyme-A, NAD+ and FAD play in ATP synthesis.
  6. Describe the importance of body fluids and the special role of water in biochemical systems, including O2 and CO2 transport, urine composition, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, buffer control of blood pH, respiratory control of blood pH, urinary control of blood pH, and respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis.
  7. Apply the concepts of organic and biochemistry to the study of medical and recreational drugs, drug interactions, systemic drug use, dependencies, and abuse, and medical biotechnologies including cutting-edge genetic technologies such as CRISPR.


Degree Outcomes
Natural Sciences: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.

Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.

Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50



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