This course starts in the beginning of the semester, but is only an eight week course.  Most students continue the second eight weeks of the semester with Biol 282.

In Biol 281, you will be introduced to the macromolecules and chemical reactions of Life.  We’ll start the first few weeks of class discussing amino acids, proteins, protein structure/function and finally enzyme kinetics.  With these tools, we will explore the enzyme-mediated chemical reactions of the metabolism of carbohydrates (glycolysis), lipids (beta oxidation), and to a lesser extent, proteins themselves (the synthesis of proteins, translation, is a focus of Biol 282).  Classes will consist of traditional power-point lectures and in-class problem solving.  Weekly homework assignments will help you actively grasp the material and a small midterm paper will allow you to practice reading primary and secondary  literature.