Dec 06, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

CHEM 120 - Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry [GEKN]


A survey of organic chemistry and biochemistry; completes the study of chemistry begun in CHEM 117 /CHEM 118  and is a terminal course. Does not count toward major or minor.

Credit 4 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall and Winter

Prerequisites - (CHEM 117  and CHEM 118 ) or (CHEM 121  and CHEM 122 )
Other Restrictions -
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class - Undergraduate standing

Additional Information - A student with a score of 50 or better on the Chemistry CLEP exam may enroll in this course without meeting the prerequisite requirement. Please see the Chemistry Dept. for details.


Rationale for Knowledge of the Disciplines - Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry is a one-semester survey course that introduces students to some basic principles of organic chemistry and its applications to biochemistry. The course is designed for students who have an interest in health-related topics and who are considering careers in the medical and allied fields. in the first portion of the course, the structure and reactivity of all major classes of organic compounds are discussed, these include saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, amines, alcohols and others. During the second part of the course, the basic terminology and fundamental concepts of organic chemistry are applied to the understanding of biochemical processes. After a survey of the major categories of biochemical compounds, such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins, several overarching themes of biochemistry are explored. These include the structure and function of enzymes, bioenergetic cycles such as the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation and important catabolic pathways such as glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation. lastly, the field of molecular biology is briefly discussed, including the role of nucleic acids and protein syntheses. The laboratory portion of the course complements the lecture by introducing students to basic experimental techniques and by reinforcing concepts discussed in lecture.

Keywords: chemistry Biochemistry , Knowledge of the Disciplines - Natural Sciences (GEKN)  
Updates: Change to prerequisites 10/2019, effective Fall 2020; Course Rotation added 1/2015


Winter 2025 Course Sections

Fall 2024 Course Sections




Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)