CHEM& 131 - Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 4
LAB hours per week: 2
This lecture / lab course is the second of a two-quarter sequence that examines organic and biological chemistry, with emphasis on functional groups and reactivity in living systems. This course is intended for students seeking a 2-year degree in an Allied Health field. Replaces: CHEM& 122, CHEM& 123.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161 with a grade of C or higher; or permission of the Science Division Chair or designee.
Course Outcomes:

Describe the role of carbon and common heteroatoms in organic and biological chemistry.
Name and draw the structure of select organic and biological molecules.
Predict physical properties and reactivities of organic and biological molecules based upon their structure.
Recognize and describe the biological significance of geometric, stereo and constitutional isomers.
Identify common organic functional groups and recognize their presence in biological molecules and pathways.
Describe how common organic reactions occur in physiological contexts.
Describe how organic structure creates biological function in lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins.
Separate organic and biological mixtures via recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography.
Utilize common biochemical tests to describe the behavior of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Course Topics:

Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
Amines and amides
Chirality
Carbonyl-containing functional groups
Carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
Nucleic acids and gene expression
Enzymes and metabolism

Course Attribute(s): Lab Course, Natural Science