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.

This course meets the Natural Science with lab general education distribution requirement.

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

College-Wide Learning Outcomes
This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Teamwork, the ability to participate actively and cooperatively in a group to advance a common goal.

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