Course title
M01930002
Biochemistry

 RZEZNICKA IZABELA IRENA

SHIBLEE KUMKUM AHMED
Course description
This course introduces biochemistry as the molecular basis of life, focusing on how the structure and properties of biological molecules determine cellular function. In the first part, students study the structures, functions, and interactions of major biomolecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, with emphasis on structure–function relationships and enzyme catalysis.
In the second part, students learn fundamental metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, together with their regulation and physiological significance. Through this course, students gain an integrated understanding of how biomolecules and metabolic pathways maintain cellular homeostasis.
Purpose of class
Biochemistry is the chemistry of biological systems. It is a central science found at the junction of biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. By studying biochemistry, we can gather insights into the fundamental principles that govern the behavior and function of the complex biomolecules inside living cells. These insights help us make sense of the natural world we live in by revealing the driving forces behind the dynamic biological phenomena that we are ordinarily oblivious to. For instance, we can understand the fundamental chemical reactions that enable bacteria to thrive and spoil our leftover food, the complex metabolic pathways that enable our pet dogs to jump up and greet us as we enter the door, the intricate and difficult chemistry carried out by plants as they synthesize the nutrients of our future meals and refresh our air. Biochemistry provides insight into the molecular mechanisms at play that enable all these transformations, and countless more, and it often grants us the ability to intervene when our own bodily systems are impaired by disease. To understand biochemistry is to understand the wonderful chemistry that makes it possible for life to exist and flourish on our planet.
Goals and objectives

 Goals and objectives Course Outcomes
1. Students will be able to understand the concept of biochemistry and all of the chemical players of life.
A-1
2. Students will be able to explain basic principles of enzyme catalysis and biomolecular interactions
A-1
3. Students will be able to understand the central pathways of metabolism. Students can understand that all of biochemistry is made up of a surprisingly small number of chemical transformations, which are used again and again. Understanding these transformations will allow students to predict most metabolic interconversions.
A-1
4. Once students are familiar with the pathways, students will be able to understand regulation and integration under different environmental conditions.
A-1
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

 Class Activity Mid-term exam Final Exam Total.
1. 5% 20% 0% 25%
2. 5% 20% 0% 25%
3. 5% 0% 20% 25%
4. 5% 0% 20% 25%
Total. 20% 40% 40% -
Class schedule

 Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Introduction to Biochemistry read handouts and web resources 160分
2. Aminoacids read handouts and web resources 160分
Quiz #1
3. Protein structure and techniques read handouts and web resources 160分
Quiz #2
4. Enzymes and vitamins read handouts and web resources 160分
Quiz #3
5. Carbohydrates read handouts and web resources 160分
Quiz #4
6. Lipids and membranes read handouts and web resources 160分
Quiz #5
7. Mid-term test and discussion. review lectures 1-6 360分
8. Introduction to metabolism. Glycolysis read handouts and web resources 160分
assignment lectures 8-10
9. Gluconeogenesis and Glycogenolysis read handouts and web resources 160分
10. Citric Acid Cycle, Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation read handouts and web resources 160分
11. Lipid Metabolism read handouts and web resources 160分
12. Nitrogen and Amino Acid Metabolism read handouts and web resources 160分
13. Nucleotide Metabolism read handouts and web resources 160分
assignment lectures 11-13
14. Final Test and Discussion review lectures 8-13 370分
Total. - - 2650分
Goals and objectives (Other Courses)
A:Fundamental Mechanical Engineering B:Advanced Mechanical Engineering C:Environment and Materials Engineering D:Chemistry and Biotechnology E:Electrical Engineering and Robotics G:Advanced Electronic Engineering F:Information and Communications Engineering L:Computer Science and Engineering H:Urban Infrastructure and Environment
Language
English
Evaluation method and criteria
The Mid-term exam will contribute 40%of the grade.
The Final exam will contribute 40% of the grade.
Class activity including quizzes and assignments will contribute 20%.
To pass the student must earn a total score of 60% or more.
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in the class
Textbooks and reference materials
Principles of Biochemistry Pearson International Education by Horton Moran and Parry Rawn.
Web resources will be provided in the class.
Prerequisites
N/A
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Contact via e-mail, the e-mail addresses to
    Dr. Izabela Rzeznicka: izabela[at]shibaura-it.ac.jp (class1-7)
    Dr. Kumkum Ahmed: kumkum[at]shibaura-it.ac.jp (class 8-14)
  • By appointment
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
  • Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
Active-learning course
Most classes are interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
N/A N/A
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 3.GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Last modified : Tue Mar 03 16:08:09 JST 2026