CHEM 471
Biochemistry I
1. Catalog Entry
CHEM 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.
Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.
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
March 01, 2021