Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Biological Chemistry (Face-to-Face)

CHEM 3510-01

Course: CHEM 3510-01
Credits: 5
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: PSCI
CRN: 31742

Course Description

This course will cover the three-dimensional structures and stabilities of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, and will introduce the catabolic and anabolic processes of animal metabolism. A focus will be on chemical mechanisms of enzymes and transformations of metabolites. The regulation of the enzymes within metabolic pathways and among metabolic networks within the organism will be discussed. This course will most likely not satisfy the biochemistry requirement for graduate studies in chemistry. (Fall - As Needed, Spring - As Needed) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1610 and BIOL 1615 and CHEM 2320 and CHEM 2325 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C

Required Texts

Essential Biochemistry by Pratt and Cornely, 5th edition, ISBN 978-1119713203
Scientific calculator able to compute logarithms

Learning Outcomes

(1) to develop a fundamental understanding of the structures and physical properties of biological macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, including the forces which stabilize these structures and the forces underlying the intermolecular interactions leading to complex formation and conformational changes, 

(2) to develop an understanding of the principles and mechanisms of enzymatic reactions and transport, 

(3) to explore the core catabolic and anabolic processes of living organisms,

4) to appreciate the power of biochemistry to address important issues in areas such as nutrition, medicine, agriculture and fuel technologies and to thereby become better-engaged local and global citizens. 

Essential Learning Outcomes include: Creative and Critical Thinking; Digital, Information, and Quantitative Literacy; Inquiry and Analysis; Problem Solving; as well as Lifelong and Integrative Learning.

Course Requirements

EXAM DATES AND FORMAT:
In-class exams will consist of multiple choice problems similar to those provided in the textbook, homework and quizzes. Exams will cover material discussed since the last exam.  As per department policy, exams will not be returned to students.  However, students will have ample opportunity to review exams, during office hours, and by appointment if desired.

HOMEWORK:
Each student will be assigned a set of problems to complete and turn in at the beginning of class the following week. Assignments will be turned in via canvas on specified due date. Late assignment policy discussed above will apply. 

IN-CLASS LEARNING ACTIVITIES: 
Learning activities will be given out during class, you will have the class time to complete the activity. The groups will switch each learning activity. These activities will be concept driven requiring the connection of multiple concepts together to achieve a deeper understanding. Each worksheet will be varied point amounts. These can be made up on a case-by-case basis. 

HOT WASH VIDEO AND PEER REVIEW: 
Each student will create at least one 5-7 min explanation video of a difficult concept. The video will be posted on canvas discussion board for classmates to see. During the semester each student has to write 2 reviews for the videos through a canvas quiz. The video is worth 50 points, the review is worth 10 points. Extra videos may be produced for 5 points of extra credit with 20 points of total extra credit being awarded. This is not focused on a disease but a fundamental biochemistry concept. Further details are available on canvas.
 
BIOCHEMISTRY OF DISEASE:
In a group of 2-3 people, dive into a disease state with a strong biochemical backing. Create a 10-minute video discussing the biochemical reasoning behind the disease state. There should be a references page provided with at least 10 peer-reviewed references. This is worth 100 points and due the week before the end of the semester. The grading rubric and further details are on canvas. 

QUIZZES:
Quizzes will occur randomly during the semester, with the exception of the last week of class. This is done to help students stay up to date with the material, no advanced notification will be given. These will be based on material already covered in class. If students keep up with the daily homework, the quizzes will be very familiar. Quizzes can be made up if given notice PRIOR to class. If no notification of absence is given, then there will not be an opportunity to make up the quiz and the student will receive a 0. Quizzes will consist of a combination of multiple choice and free response. 

Course Outline

Course outline will be provided by the instructor through Canvas

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work


Late work will have a 30% deduction and not be eligible for feedback if turned in (5) days after the stated due date. Achieve homework cannot be turned in late. Quizzes and exams must be scheduled ahead of time, except in medical emergencies, in order to qualify for make-up. These must be taken prior to feedback and grades being given to the remainder of the class. The last day to turn in any make up work is December 4th. 

Attendance Policy


Missing class is a choice that you make. Accepted excuses for missing class include University excused absences, medical emergencies, and anything related to COVID-19. Please stay home if you’re feeling ill. But, please let me know before class and if necessary, I will require evidence, like a doctor’s note to provide accommodations for make-up tests, quizzes, etc. 

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.