CHEM 4461 Biochemistry I

This course is the first of a two-semester introductory-level sequence in biochemistry. Topics in the first semester focus primarily on the structure, function and biosynthesis of the major biomolecules. Additionally, this course provides an introduction into thermodynamics, kinetics and mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Topics in the second semester will concentrate on metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids; biochemical transformations of these nutrient molecules leading to fuel production will be discussed along with regulatory mechanisms of various metabolic processes.

Course overview

Department
Chemistry
School
MCAS
Credits
0
Level
Both
Offered
Every Fall

Catalog details

Prerequisites
CHEM2232 or CHEM2012 or CHEM2241

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • 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)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

3.67 / 5

Based on 805 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Huiqing Zhou
    Fall 2026, Fall 2024, Fall 2023 · Official rating 4.06/5
  • Jia Niu
    Fall 2026, Fall 2024, Fall 2022 · Official rating 2.90/5
  • Arianna Osgood
    Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.17/5
  • Eranthie Weerapana
    Fall 2025, Fall 2022, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.10/5
  • Konara Pamunuwa
    Fall 2025 · Official rating 3.90/5
  • Madison Rubino
    Fall 2022 · Official rating 4.05/5
  • Xueyi Liu
    Fall 2022 · Official rating 3.19/5
  • Yu Deng
    Fall 2021 · Official rating 2.42/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Jia Niu · Merkert Chemistry Center 127 TuTh 09:00AM-10:15AM · Offered
  • Section 02
    Fall 2026 · Instructor not listed · Merkert Chemistry Center 130 W 06:00PM-06:50PM · Offered
  • Section 03
    Fall 2026 · Instructor not listed · Merkert Chemistry Center 130 W 07:00PM-07:50PM · Offered
  • Section 04
    Fall 2026 · Huiqing Zhou · Higgins Hall 300 TuTh 01:30PM-02:45PM · Offered
  • Section 05
    Fall 2026 · Instructor not listed · Lyons Hall 202 Tu 06:00PM-06:50PM · Offered
  • Section 06
    Fall 2026 · Instructor not listed · Lyons Hall 202 Tu 07:00PM-07:50PM · Offered