An introduction to organic chemistry stressing the physical properties and representative reactions of the common organic functional groups. The course is roughly divided into thirds. The first third of the course examines the structure and biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, amino acids, proteins and vitamins. The second third of the course deals with the metabolism of these basic biochemical components. Their degradation for energy and their use for the synthesis of complex biomolecules is explored.
Emphasis is placed upon how metabolism functions as a unified whole.
Lastly, the molecular biology of the cell is investigated. How the cell stores information in DNA, how the information in DNA flows to RNA, and how this information is utilized to direct protein synthesis is described. Throughout the course special emphasis is placed upon how biochemistry relates to normal health and disease. BISC 007 is less rigorous and not as in depth as BISC 413. Emphasis placed on health and disease.