Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

•  Identify and discuss the fundamental areas of biochemical investigation

•  Read, understand and extend selected papers from the biochemistry literature

•  Perform, analyze and interpret fundamental biochemical experiments

https://biochemistry.prof/141/    The course website provides an index for the course as well as links to papers, laboratory protocols and assignment details.

The grading scale is ten percent to the letter grade with appropriate ± distinctions. Thus, the lowest "A–" is ninety percent, the lowest "B–" is eighty percent, the lowest "C–" is seventy percent, and the lowest passing grade for the course is sixty percent.

The paper(s) for each journal club day are linked from the course website. You should read that paper in preparation for our discussion. To aid in that, you are responsible for writing a short (250 words maximum) summary of that paper at least twenty–four prior to the start of the class period in which we discuss the paper. A detailed analysis of the paper is not possible in this format. Focus on the major question, the experimental system and the conclusion, ignore details such as buffers, concentrations and time. Following the discussion, you should write the same length summary of the paper again with all knowledge gained through the discussion.

There are some topics which lend themselves well to outside of class assignments (no purified chemicals involved). These topic will include an assignment to reinforce the learning from class. Questions and due dates will accompany each activity on the course website.

Each laboratory activity will be followed by a laboratory report. Not all laboratory report are full, formal report lab reports. Please see each laboratory page for full details and due dates.

While working on laboratory activities, all students must be properly attired (long pants and closed-toe shoes) and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (safety goggles). Students failing to meet these requirements will be asked to leave the laboratory until they are able to conform to these requirements.

All work submitted in this course must be the student's own scholarly work prepared originally for this course. See pages 50–53 of the 2024–2025 for the Grove City College Bulletin for Grove City College policies and procedures related to academic integrity.

As much of this course is participatory, either presenting or discussing, attendance is required. One unexcused absence is permitted during the semester. Any unexcused absence beyond the first will bring a reduction in your course grade by one letter grade. See pages 45–47 of the 2024–2025 Grove City College Bulletin for attendance expectations.

Any required learning accommodations will be provided in this course. See pages 31–32 of the 2024–2025 Grove City College Bulletin for information on requesting services from the Disability Services Coordinator.