CHEM 231: Biochemistry Online

Fall 2020 Semester
Asynchronous Class Dates: August 17 -December 18, 2020

 

Welcome to CHEM 231

This course presents a detailed introduction to the principles, concepts, and terminology of biochemistry.  An emphasis will be placed on the structure and function of biological molecules and the role of metabolism in energy production.  We will examine the composition, fundamental structure, chemistry, and properties of biological macromolecules, as well as protein structure, function, enzyme catalysis, and the details and regulation of the central metabolic pathways (e.g., glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the citric acid cycle, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation).  The organizing principles of biochemistry and the distinctive characteristics of the living state will be emphasized throughout the course.  Most importantly, Chemistry 231 will give you an understanding of the biochemical world and how it is essential to everyday life.

 

Contact Information

Instructor:  Praveen Babu, Ph.D.

Email: pbabu@cuesta.edu

Office/Mailbox: SLO – 2324     NCC – N2429

Phone: SLO – (805) 546-3100 x2196            NCC – (805) 591-6200 x4511

 

Class and Electronic Device Requirements

Make sure to address the following question: Is an online class suited for you? 

• As your instructor, it is my duty to ensure you take the time to go to the Online Readiness Resources page Links to an external site., take the "self assessment survey," and then read "Your Results".  (If that survey does not describe you, then taking this class online is not in your best interest regarding student success and I strongly suggest you enroll in a traditional classroom section.

If you are suited for an online course, you will need the following:

• You must have constant access to a reliable computer.
• You must have a reliable Internet connection.
• You must have access to your my.Cuesta.edu email account (or have successfully set up email forwarding to your third party email provider).
• You must have access to Cuesta College's Canvas learning management system (LMS).
• You must have a backup plan in case your internet provider or computer goes down.  For issues related to accessing Cuesta's Canvas Site, email: support@my.cuesta.edu. 
• You must understand the basic concepts of email, web navigation and online communication to succeed in this course.
• Finally, you must obtain access to the following course materials prior to the second day of class.

 

Prerequisites

“C” grade or better in Chem 201A: General College Chemistry I or a higher course.

 

Required Texts and Materials

The following items listed below are the only course-specific materials you will need to succeed in this course.  Retailers may “suggest” or “recommend” additional items (e.g., lab coats, laminated Periodic Tables, study guides, etc.).  Those are not required for this course and you do not need to purchase them.  What you do need is as follows:

Biochemistry: A Short Course

   Tymoczko, Berg, Gatto,  & Stryer

   4^th Edition (2019)

   (ISBN-10: 1319114636, ISBN-13: 9781319114633) 

Scientific calculator

Grading Policy

Each student will be graded using examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, class participation weighted as follows: 

.

Type of Assessment	Weighted % of Overall Grade
Examinations	30%
Quizzes	30%
Assignments & Participation	20%
Cumulative Final Examination	20%

Final course grades will be based on a standard percentage scale: A (91-100%), B (81-88%), C (71-78%), D (61-68%), and F (< 60%).  Plus/minus grades will be given for borderline scores within 1%.

Examinations will be administered on the dates indicated on the lecture schedule.  A makeup examination will be given, at the instructor’s discretion, only in an emergency and must be requested within 2 days of the scheduled examination.  A 15% penalty will be deducted from the score on any makeup examination and only one makeup examination per student will be administered per semester.  Only students who have completed all assignments prior to the scheduled exam date are eligible for a makeup examination.  There are no makeup quizzes.  Each student’s lowest quiz grade will be dropped prior to the calculation of their final grade.  There is no makeup for the final examination. The cumulative final examination will be administered on the date scheduled by the College and provided in the lecture schedule at the beginning of the course.

 

Lecture Schedule

***NOTE: A detailed lecture schedule will be posted prior to the first week of class within the Canvas course site.***

 

Homework

A portion of your overall grade may be determined by submission of off-line assignments.  After you have joined a course you can open any assignment from the Assignments Due Soon area or from the Assignments page.  You must have the ability to generate PDF documents for submission of written assignments and work.

 

Attendance Policy

1. Regular participation in an online course is equivalent to regular attendance in a face to face lecture.  It is essential to succeed in this course. Your participation is monitored by your instructor by your posts to discussions; attendance in Zoom office hours, discussions, or problem-solving sessions; and course analytics provided by our Canvas learning management system.  
2. Students who do not participate in the course for four consecutive days may be dropped from the course.  Administratively dropped students will still need to officially withdraw from the course.
3. In the event of an absence, you are responsible for turning in assignments on time, obtaining new assignments, and noting any schedule changes.

 

Dr. Babu's Office Hours (Tentative; Finalized once class starts)

Academic Honesty

Students are responsible for being aware of and complying with the Cuesta College Student Conduct/Academic Honesty Policy.  This policy especially pertains to our course as each student is responsible for generating, analyzing, and submitting their own calculations, conclusions, and assignments. Students who fail to comply will be dropped from the course or given a failing grade (F).

 

Special Accommodations

Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should discuss your specific needs with me privately.  Please contact Disabled Student Services & Programs at (805) 546-3148 (SLO) or (805) 591-6215 on the North County Campus to help coordinate accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

 

Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives