Biol/Chem 5310

Lecture:1

August 22, 2002

Introduction to Biochemistry

Goals of this course

  • To learn the molecules of biochemistry, processes, terminology etc.
  • To learn the ways of biochemistry: how to think about biochemical problems, how to apply what you already know to what you do not yet understand.

    • What is biochemistry?

  • The application of chemistry (and physics) to biological problems.

    • Core issues in biochemistry:

  • Structure of biological molecules
  • How do proteins work?
  • Expression of genetic information
  • Synthesis of biological molecules
  • Control of biochemical reactions
  • Growth and differentiation of organisms

    • Related courses at SMU:

  • Structure and action of proteins, lipids,carbohydrates, nucleic acids (Biol/Chem 5310)
  • Metabolic pathways (Biol 5311)
  • Gene expression (Biol 4321, 4322)
  • Physical Biochemistry (Biol/Chem 5312)
  • Biochemistry Lab (Biol 5110)

    • Biochemistry from the Chemical View

  • What are the atoms and molecules?
  • Biological molecules are constructed from small precursors

    • Biochemistry from the Biological View

  • What are the structures we can see at the cellular level?
  • Can simple behavior be explained? chemotaxis ?

    • Comments/questions: svik@mail.smu.edu

    Copyright 2002, Steven B. Vik, Southern Methodist University