Course Description: Fundamental principles of biochemistry will be explored. Topics to be discussed will include amino acid and protein structure, enzyme kinetics, and carbohydrate metabolism. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms through which the chemical transformations occur and the role of enzymes in those transformations.

Grading and Assignments: There will be four tests, three short written assignments, three homework assignments (re-worked tests), and a final. All of the graded assignments are to be done individually.

• Readings and problems from the text are listed on the class web site. These assignments will serve as a starting point for the following class.
• Assignments that are to be submitted for grading will be announced in class and are usually due at the beginning of the next class. Late assignments, assignments turned in at the end of the class for example, will not be accepted.
• Exams will be announced at least one week in advance of the exam.
• The final for this class is Wed, May 6 from 8:00 to 10:00. You must attend the final during this period.

The letter grade (with +'s and -'s) will be based on an average score. The average score will be calculated as follows:

Averages greater than or equal to 90 will earn an "A".
Averages greater than or equal to 80 will earn a "B".
Averages greater than or equal to 70 will earn a "C".
Averages greater than or equal to 60 will earn a "D".
Averages < 60 will not earn a passing grade.

The scale may be altered if appropriate.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend class and arrive on time. There are no make up exams. Absence from an exam will result in a 0 for that exam. Missing two or more exams will result in a failing grade. Extenuating circumstances will be handled on a case by case basis.

Text: Biochemistry, 6th edition, Campbell and Farrell. (2009) Thomson Brooks/Cole. ISBN-10: 0-495-39041-0

Additional Resources:
http://www.westfield.ma.edu/cmasi/

Office hours: Monday 2:30-3:30, Wednesday 11:15-12:15, and Friday 11:15-12:15. Available by appointment too.

Academic Honesty: Students are encouraged to work together while learning, but grades are based on individual achievement. Thus, any work that a student submits for a grade must be that student's work. Academic honesty is important, and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If an instance of academic dishonesty is uncovered, the student(s) in question may receive a 0 for the assignment or fail the class altogether.

Students may not work together on graded assignments. For example, students are encouraged to get together to talk about the readings, work out problems, or talk about the problems reviewed during class, but students are not allowed to work together on the assignments that are to be submitted for a grade.