BIOL 4350 Biological Chemistry
This course is designed to introduce biology and biochemistry majors to the subject with an emphasis on understanding the biochemical principals that are crucial to biological function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The material includes: (1) the structure and chemistry of biomolecules, including amino acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids; (2) the key metabolic pathways and enzymology involved in the synthesis/degradation of carbohydrates; and (3) the cycling of energy through biological systems. Reference will be made to alterations in biochemical structures, processes, and pathways that relate to specific diseases. At least one 3000 level biology course (preferably more than one) is strongly encouraged.
Course overview
- Department
- Biology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall, Every Spring
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
- Biology B.A.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biochemistry B.S.: CHEM4473 Physical Chemistry for Biochemistry majors (3 credits) CHEM4461–4462 Biochemistry I and II; or BIOL4350 Biological Chemistry and BIOL4400 Molecular Biology (6 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: Chemistry corequisites (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 2.85 / 5 · Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.14 / 5 · Good
- Terms evaluated
- 7
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Eric Folker | 2.9 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 4.9 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 10+ hrs/week | 76 of 88 |
| Fall 2025 | Rebecca Dunn | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4–6 hrs/week | 32 of 39 |
| Spring 2025 | Michelle Meyer | 2.4 | 2.2 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.9 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 7–9 hrs/week | 122 of 138 |
| Spring 2025 | Rebecca Dunn | 2.4 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.9 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 7–9 hrs/week | 122 of 138 |
| Spring 2024 | Michelle Meyer | 2.9 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 7–9 hrs/week | 91 of 107 |
| Fall 2023 | Rebecca Dunn | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4–6 hrs/week | 34 of 40 |
| Spring 2023 | Michelle Meyer | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 10+ hrs/week | 60 of 79 |
| Spring 2022 | Michelle Meyer | 3.1 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 7–9 hrs/week | 59 of 85 |