Biological Chemistry

Biological Chemistry is an introduction to the nature of the atomic structure, qualitative chemical reactions, and how they originate in our environment and other living organisms. This course provides foundational knowledge of chemical symbols and the periodic table of elements. Topics covered include nomenclature, isomerism, main functional groups, properties, and characteristics of organic compounds including an introduction to the physical, structural, and biological properties of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Students are taught and evaluated on biological structures and chemical compounds.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the forces that hold atoms and molecules together
• Write formulas and structures for inorganic and organic compounds
• Identify functional groups and associated compounds
• Explain the levels of protein structure and the biological roles of protein
• Describe the chromosome structure, numbers, and inheritance patterns

Biological Chemistry is the foundation of nutritional sciences as it explains the symbiotic connection between micro and macronutrients and how they ultimately affect each person’s individual needs for optimal health.