Biochemistry
(Spring 2025)
CHEM 0313 (MWF 9:20-10:10)

This document can be found at
https://westfield.ma.edu/cmasi


Prof. Christopher Masi
cmasi@westfield.ma.edu

Wilson 307B
x-5371

Course Description: Fundamental principles of biochemistry will be explored. Topics to be discussed will include an introduction to biomolecules like amino acids, nucleic acids, lipids; proteins 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.

Lectures for this class will be simultaneously transmitted via video conferencing software (only the presenter's screen will be shared. Video from the classroom will not be shared). Students should check their university email for the URL.

I reserve the right to unilaterally change this syllabus. Any change to this syllabus will be announced in class, and the changes, including the date the change was announced, will be added to this document.

Grading and Assignments: There will be three tests, three written assignments (reworked tests - these assignments are separate from the test), three mini-projects, and a final. All of the graded assignments are to be done individually.

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

The tests will account for

35%

The final will account for

25%

The three short written assignments will account for

20%

The three re-worked tests will account for

20%
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: Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Jakubowski and Flatt LibreTexts Biology.https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Biochemistry/Fundamentals_of_Biochemistry_(Jakubowski_and_Flatt)

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

Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, 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.

The academic integrity policy (https://catalog.westfield.ma.edu/content.php?catoid=43&navoid=2014#integrity) includes additional potential consequences including suspension or dismissal from the university.