Catalog 2021-2022 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

CHEM& 131 Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry

5 credits
This course provides a survey of major functional classes of compounds in organic and biochemistry. Topics include structure, properties, and key metabolic reactions of the major organic and biological molecules of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Includes laboratory.

Prerequisites: CHEM& 121 .

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Examine the relationship between organic and biochemistry and living systems including the role of chemistry in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cellular physiology, metabolism, and health
  • Classify organic chemistry and understand the role of carbon and nitrogen in organic chemistry and biochemistry, including the carbon and nitrogen cycles
  • Distinguish between the different classes of organic compounds (including alkanes, alenes, alkynes, aromatics, alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and amides) and be able to assign a simple compound to the correct class
  • Identify basic functional groups and understand how each group affects the chemical and physical properties of the molecule
  • Determine the name and structure of organic compounds including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, esters, ketones, aldehydes and amides
  • Contrast organic molecules and their structural and geometric isomers and the concept of chirality
  • Apply acid/base and redox chemistry to living systems
  • Contrast aerobic metabolism against anaerobic metabolism
  • Generalize the application of nuclear chemistry in allied health occupations and environmental issues
  • Interpret the environmental impact of hydrocarbons on the environment
  • Identify the four organic chemistry groups: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids
  • Describe the general function of enzymes and how the shape of substrates affects them, including toxins
  • Apply general chemistry principles to basic mechanisms of common dental and medical drugs
  • Examine organic molecules and the role they play in energy release and metabolism based on bond types, structure, and function
  • Identify the effect of organic molecules in the environment and within living systems

Total Hours: 60 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 40 Guided Practice (Lab or Clinical) Hours: 20