Office of the Registrar

The Office of the Registrar is located at 105 Heth Hall on the main campus. The Office of the Registrar is located on the 4th Floor, Suite 417-419 at Radford University Carilion in Roanoke.

1 / 2

Registration is open for fall 2024 classes. »

2 / 2

Biology / Chemistry 471

BIOL 471
Biochemistry I

1. Catalog Entry

BIOL 471
Biochemistry I

Credit hours (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 105 or BIOL 132; CHEM 302

This course will introduce students to the fundamental building blocks of biomolecules, biopolymers, membranes, supramolecular structure, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, biological equilibria and thermodynamics, and cellular metabolism.

2. Detailed Description of Course

An outline of the topics covered:
   1) Role of water in biological systems
   2) Relationship between structure and function of biomolecules, including:
       a. amino acids and proteins
       b. carbohydrates
       c. nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids
       d. lipids
   3) Enzyme kinetics and mechanisms
   4) Flow of genetic information
   5) DNA technologies
   6) Structure and function of biological membranes
   7) Cellular metabolism

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

BIOL 471 is a lecture course with students encouraged to participate with comments and questions. The course uses a standard biochemistry textbook that the students are expected to use to guide the study of each of the topics covered. The content described above will be introduced and reinforced through practice problems and assignments. Molecular visualization and modeling software will be used to enhance the understanding of biomolecular structure and function.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

After successful completion of Biochemistry I, the student will:
   1) Be proficient in applying the topics listed above.
   2) Be able to communicate biochemical concepts clearly and accurately.
   3) Understand the theoretical use of modern techniques in biochemistry.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment of the student’s success in the course is based on examinations, a cumulative final examination, and other assignments which may include homework, in-class assignments, and/or quizzes.

6. Other Course Information

The students in Biochemistry at Radford University are mainly Chemistry and Biology majors and the course is designed to meet their needs and interests to the greatest extent possible. The course can also be of value to any other students, particularly those training for health-related fields, who might have an interest in the molecular basis of life and the necessary background to participate.

Review and Approval

October 2007
September 2, 2014