CHEM 210 Biochemistry 3 credits

Prerequisites: General biology and chemistry (recommended but not required)

Instructors: Heather Dorman, Ph.D., Department Chair

Rodney Austin, Ph.D.
Craig Kozminski, MAT

Contact Information: Faculty may be contacted through the Canvas messaging system
Additional Information: www.portagelearning.com*
Course meeting times: CHEM 210 is offered continuously

Course Description: An introduction to the fundamentals of biochemistry covering biomolecules and

metabolism. Chemical and cellular foundations are explored including cell organization, organic chemistry, and
aqueous systems. The structure and function of biomolecules, including amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates,
lipids, and nucleic acids, are examined. Finally, the metabolism and energy transformation of biomolecules is
covered.

Course Outcomes: As a result of this course experience a student should be able to:
• Explain the elemental composition of biomolecules.
• Describe and articulate the biochemical role that carbon holds in biological organisms.
• Explain the importance of water, including its chemical and physical properties, for sustaining life.
• Classify and differentiate between the types of macromolecules found in nature.
• List the functions of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids in the cell.
• Recognize the essential properties and functions of the cellular membrane.
• Describe the biochemical processes surrounding energy flow, production, and storage in the cell.
• Discuss the significant metabolic pathways used for energy production.

*Please see the Module Topics section below for expanded course outcomes.

Each of these CHEM 210 student learning outcomes is measured:

Directly by: (1) Module application problems (with instructor feedback)
(2) Module Exams
(3) Cumulative Final Exam
Indirectly by an end of course student-completed evaluation survey

* Portage Learning college courses are offered by Geneva College, which is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on
Higher Education. Portage Learning is included in the College’s Department of Professional and Online Graduate Studies; courses are
delivered through the PortageLearning.com platform.
Course Delivery: This course is asynchronously delivered online and is composed of 40 - 50 hours of
reviewed module assignments with instructor feedback and 8 contact hours of secure online module exams.

Course Progression: It is the policy for all Portage Learning courses that only one (module lecture/final) exam
is to be completed within a 48-hour period. Research on the best practices in learning indicates that time is
needed to process material for optimal learning. This means that once an exam has been completed, the next
exam may not be opened or taken until 48 hours after the submission of the previous module exam. This
allows for instructor feedback/class expectations as the student moves through the material. Instructors, like
the College, are not available during the weekend; grading, therefore, is M-F and may take up to 72 hours
during these days. Also, it is the policy of Portage Learning to support a minimum of 21 days to complete a
course; this is not a negotiable time period. Please plan your time accordingly.

Note: Professors reserve the right to reset any exam taken in violation of these guidelines.

Required readings, lectures and assignments: Portage courses do not use paper textbooks. Students are
required to read the online lesson modules written by the course author which contain the standard information
covered in a typical course. Please NOTE: the exam questions are based upon the readings. Video
lectures which support each lesson module subject should be viewed as many times as is necessary to fully
understand the material.

We do not support the use of outside resources to study, except for the ones listed in the syllabus under
“Suggested External References”. If you have questions about the material or would like further explanation of
the concepts, please contact your instructor.

Module Problem Sets: The practice problems within the modules are a part of your final grade, and the
module work will be reviewed for completeness (not correctness) by the instructor. Be sure to answer all of
the problems, being careful to answer the questions in your own words at all times since this is an
important part of adequate preparation for the exams. After you answer the practice problems, compare
your answers to the solutions provided at the end of the module. If your answers do not match those at the
end, attempt to figure out why there is a difference. If you have any questions, please contact the instructor via
the Canvas messaging system (see Inbox icon).

NOTE: Module problem sets are not an option or a choice; they are required. This means that you must
complete all the review questions within the modules. Not only are problem sets class participation, they are
the best way to prepare for the exams.

Academic Integrity is a serious matter. In the educational context, any dishonesty violates freedom and trust,
which are essential for effective learning. Dishonesty limits a student's ability to reach his or her potential.
Portage places a high value on honest independent work. In a distance learning situation, we depend on the
student's desire to succeed in the program he or she is entering. It is in a student's own best interests not to
cheat on an exam, as this would compromise the student's preparation for future work.

It is required of each student to take exams without consulting course materials or study aids including another
person, the lesson pages, printed materials, or the Internet. It will be necessary to show all your work on
exams.

• Students may not reference or use outside materials from any source, including their own notes
or drafts in a word processing document, unless explicitly instructed to do so.
• Answers are to be written in your own words and not simply memorized from course material.
• Additionally, as we are required to evaluate the mastery of the material presented in this course,
the use of content/processes/methods from a previous course will be considered as the use of
an outside resource.

A violation of the academic integrity policy will result in a 10 point deduction per question for the first offense, a
“0” on the entire exam for the second offense, and possible expulsion from the course following review by the
instructor in consultation with an administrative-instructional committee for the third offense.

If students have questions about this policy, they should contact their instructor. Failure to understand this
policy regarding violations of academic integrity will not excuse any student from its consequences. In the
enforcement of the policy, no notification is needed between occurrences. If three occurrences are found in
your course prior to your instructor grading your work, each occurrence will be treated as an individual case,
and the enforcement will apply as shown above.

For example: If you take two exams before your instructor has time to review your work and there are
violations on both exams, you will receive a 10 point deduction per question involved in the first exam, and a
zero for the second exam. If you have any question about the work you submitted, we recommend that you
wait until your instructor has had time to grade your exam prior to taking another one.

Review the Student Handbook for more specifics. If you have any questions regarding the academic integrity
policy, please consult your instructor prior to taking module exam one.

Required Computer Accessories: It is recommended that students use a desktop or laptop computer, PC or
Mac, when taking the course. Some tablet computers are potentially compatible with the course, but not all
features are available for all tablet computers. The latest full version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or
Safari browser is required for the optimal operation of the Canvas Learning Management System. In addition,
this course will use the Respondus Lockdown Browser for exams; a strong internet connection is needed. You
are also required to use LockDown Browser with a webcam, which will record you during an online,
nonproctored exam. (The webcam feature is sometimes referred to as “Respondus Monitor.”) Your computer
must have a functioning webcam and microphone. Additionally, students will need a photo ID that
includes your picture and full name is required. Please note, Chromebooks and tablets (other than
iPad) are not compatible on exams using the Lockdown Browser. Instructions on downloading and
installing this browser will be given at the start of the course. It is recommended to also have the latest version
of Flash installed as a browser plugin as some sections of the course may require it. We highly recommend
using a high-speed Internet connection to view the video lectures and labs. You may experience significant
difficulties viewing the videos using a dial-up connection.

For more information on basic system and browser requirements, please reference the following:
- System requirements: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10721-67952720328
- Browser requirements: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10720
- Respondus requirements: https://web.respondus.com/he/lockdownbrowser/resources/

Additional Tools: A built-in scientific calculator for the course has been incorporated into the website and
can be found in the tool bar above each module and exam page. If you choose to purchase a calculator, keep
in mind that you do not need to purchase an expensive calculator as the features you will need are available
on basic scientific calculators with a cost of less than $20.

Module & Lab Topics:

Module 1: In this module, the field of biochemistry and the fantastic molecules that permits life is
introduced. Molecules, such as Vitamin C, hemoglobin, and insulin, are introduced and shown
to give organisms specific characteristics. An overview of the organization (monomer, oligomer,
and polymers) found in the molecules of life is presented. Furthermore, the point that all
biomolecules are made up of the elements from the periodic table made. Elements, including C,
H, O, N, S and some metals, combine in a variety of ways to make up the molecules that
enables life. The element carbon is especially crucial for life due to its unique bonding patterns.
The focus on carbon flows to an introduction of organic chemistry topics.

Module 2: In this module, the topic of water, its properties, and buffers are introduced. The fundamental
properties of water, including its molecular shape and unique physical features, such as high H-
bonding ability, high boiling point, and solubilizing ability are covered. These unique properties
are related to common phenomena like water beading up on a waxed surface and a drink
coaster "sticking" to a wet glass. Also, the ability of water to solubilize buffers systems such as
phosphate and bicarbonate is covered. Buffered systems will be included in some detail
bringing in pH, Ka, and pKa calculations. As a connection to the health fields, blood buffering
and the renal system is presented.
Module 3: This module covers amino acids, peptides, and proteins. The 20 standard amino acids, the
peptide bond, levels of protein structure, and structure-function of proteins are all covered.
Common proteins such as insulin, hemoglobin, and glucagon are covered to connect the course
to common health issues. The secondary structure of proteins, alpha helices, beta sheets, and
beta turns are discussed with some details of their arrangements. A protein's tertiary and
quaternary levels of structure will be discussed; myoglobin and hemoglobin will serve as
examples.

Module 4: The structures of carbohydrates, their structures, and functions are covered in this module. The
module begins with the different functions of carbohydrates, such as energy and structure, in
the natural world. Then, the mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharide molecules are introduced.
Hexoses, including glucose, is covered with the numbering of carbons and the ring structure of
hexoses. Finally, the descriptive, structural terms, such as anomers and epimers will be
discussed are presented.

Module 5: This module covers lipids using the functional definition: a lipid is a carbon compound that
dissolves in non-polar solvents. The five common classes of lipids: fatty acids, triacylglycerols,
phospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterols are covered in detail. The basic structure and function
of each type are presented. The relationship between composition and naming is introduced
using the standard and omega systems. Additionally, the composition and structure of cellular
membranes is discussed. The functionalities of phospholipids and cholesterol within the
membrane are introduced. Proteins, solubilized by the lipids of the membrane and how they
contribute a variety of functions such as transporters and receptors, is also reviewed. The
general structure of membrane components, their functions and overall properties will be
introduced (fluidity, mosaic, organization).

Module 6: The structure and function of nucleic acids, RNA, and DNA are presented in this module. The
presentation of information starts with the structure of the standard bases, including structures
of pentose and bases. The structures unique to DNA and RNA are explored, along with their
particular functions. Finally, formation and properties of the RNA and DNA polymers are
presented.
Module 7: The metabolic terminology such as flux, regulation, and control is introduced. An overview of the
metabolic pathways of glycolysis and fatty acid are covered in detail. These pathways will be
shown to lead to the electron transport chain, the primary energy production site whereby the
biochemical processes are described in detail. A systematic evaluation of the citric acid cycle,
 fatty acid oxidation, breakdown byproducts and medium-chain fatty acid oxidation mutation
pathways will be covered in detail.

Module 8: The goal of this module is to highlight the importance of the N handling by the body and the
production of ATP by the mitochondrion. The reactions of the nitrogen-processing urea cycle
are introduced along with the compartmentalization of the reactions. The connection of the
carbon oxidation of amino acids will be covered but in no depth. The general scheme of
funneling electrons and protons through the electron transport chain, which results in ATP
production by ATP synthase are presented. The importance of the chemiosmotic theory and
ATP are included.

Suggested Timed Course Schedule: (to complete the course within a typical college semester)

All Portage courses are offered asynchronously with no required schedule to better fit the normal routine of
adult students, but the schedule below is suggested to allow a student to complete the course within a typical
college semester. Students may feel free to complete the course on a schedule determined by them within the
parameters outlined under “Course Progression.”

Time Period Assignments Subject Matter

Days 1-14 Module 1, Exam 1 Introduction to biochemistry

Days 15-30 Module 2, Exam 2 Overview of aqueous

reactions and buffers

Days 31-45 Module 3, Exam 3 Amino acids, proteins and

enzymes

Days 46-60 Module 4, Exam 4 Overview of carbohydrate

structure and function

Days 61-75 Module 5, Exam 5 Lipid compositions and

membrane formation

Days 76-90 Module 6, Exam 6 Overview of nucleic acids

Days 91-105 Module 7, Exam 7 Bioenergetics and metabolic

pathways: Part I

Days 106-120 Module 8, Exam 8 Bioenergetics and metabolic

pathways: Part II
 Based on module material

Days 121-125 Final Exam

Grading Rubric:
Check for Understanding = 1 pt.
8 Module Problem Sets = 5 pts. each x 8 = 40 pts.
8 Module Exams = 100 points each x 8 = 800 pts.
Final Exam = 120 pts. 120 pts.
Total 961 pts.

*The current course grade and progress is continuously displayed on the student desktop.

Grading Scale:
96.5% - 100% = A+
92.5% - 96.4% = A
89.5% - 92.4% = A-
86.5% - 89.4% = B+
82.5% - 86.4% = B
79.5% - 82.4% = B-
76.5% - 79.4% = C+
72.5% - 76.4% = C
69.5% - 72.4% = C-
66.5% - 69.4% = D+
62.5% - 66.4% = D
59.5% - 62.4% = D-
0% - 59.4% =F

Suggested External References:

If the student desires to consult a reference for additional information, the following textbooks are
recommended as providing complete treatment of the course subject matter.
Textbook (online):
Ahern, K.; Rajagopal, I. Book: Biochemistry Free & Easy (Ahern and Rajagopal)
https://bio.libretexts.org/TextMaps/Biochemistry/Book:_Biochemistry_Free_and_Easy_(Ahern_and_Raj
agopal) (accessed Oct 10, 2018).

Paper Models:

PDB101: Learn: Paper Models http://pdb101.rcsb.org/learn/paper-models (accessed Oct 10, 2018).

NOTE: We do not support the use of outside resources to study, except the ones listed above.
Learning Support Services:
Each student should be sure to take advantage of and use the following learning support services provided to
increase student academic performance:

Video lectures: Supports diverse learning styles in conjunction with the text material of each module

Messaging system: Provides individual instructor/student interaction

Tech support: Available by submitting a help ticket through the student dashboard

Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities:

Students with documented learning disabilities may receive accommodations in the form of an extended time
limit on exams, when applicable. To receive the accommodations, the student should furnish documentation of
the learning disability at the time of registration, if possible. Scan and e-mail the documentation to
[email protected]. Upon receipt of the learning disability documentation, Portage staff will
provide the student with instructions for a variation of the course containing exams with extended time limits.
This accommodation does not alter the content of any assignments/exams, change what the exam is intended
to measure or otherwise impact the outcomes of objectives of the course.

One-on-one Instruction:
Each student is assigned to his/her own instructor. Personalized questions are addressed via the student
dashboard messaging system.

Online learning presents an opportunity for flexibility; however, a discipline to maintain connection to the
course is required; therefore, communication is essential to successful learning. Check your messages
daily. Instructors are checking messages daily Monday-Friday to be sure to answer any questions that may
arise from you. It is important that you do the same, so you do not miss any pertinent information from us.

Holidays:
During the following holidays, all administrative and instructional functions are suspended, including the
grading of exams and issuance of transcripts.

New Year's Day Easter

Memorial Day Independence Day
Labor Day Thanksgiving weekend
Christmas Break
The schedule of holidays for the current calendar year may be found under the Student Services menu at
www.portagelearning.com

Code of Conduct: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that supports learning and teaching
and promotes an atmosphere of civility and respect in their interactions with others. Verbal and written
aggression, abuse, or misconduct is prohibited and may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program;
see the Student Handbook for further details.

This is a classroom; therefore, instructors have the academic freedom to set forth policy for their respective
class. Instructors send a welcome e-mail detailing the policy of their class, which students are required to read
prior to beginning the course.

Grievances: If a student has a complaint about the course, the student is advised to first consult the instructor
of the course. After communicating with the instructor, if the matter is still unresolved, students may file a
formal grievance for consideration by the Academic Review Committee. The process must be initiated via
written communication to [email protected], with “Academic Grievance” listed in the subject
line of the email.

Remediation: At Portage Learning we allow a "one-time" only opportunity to re-take an alternate version
of one module exam on which a student has earned a grade lower than 70%. This option must be exercised
before the final exam is started. If an exam is retaken, the original exam grade will be erased, and the new
exam grade will become a permanent part of the course grade. However, before scheduling and attempting
this retest, the student must resolve the questions they have regarding the material by reviewing both the old
exam and the lesson module material. Once ready to attempt the retest of the exam they must contact their
instructor to request that the exam be reset for the retest. Remember, any module retest must be requested
and completed before the final exam is opened.

Note: Exams on which a student has been penalized for a violation of the academic integrity policy may not be
re-taken.

Syllabi are subject to change as part of ongoing educational review practices. Students are responsible for
accessing and using the most recent version of the course syllabus.