Course title
117331601
Fundamental Biological Chemistry

 HIROI Takashi

FUSE Hiroyuki
Course description
How did life come and how does it operate? There are many mysteries about life, and even with the advances in science and technology, we still do not understand many things. This is because organisms are constructed of various molecules, which interact with each other in complex ways. In this course, we will consider organisms at the molecular level based on chemistry. This course aims to broadly study the structure, mechanism, and function of living organisms.
Purpose of class
1. to learn the knowledge of biomolecules such as amino acids, lipids, nucleosides, and sugars that constitute living organisms.
2. to understand the basic structure and chemical characteristics of amino acids.
3. to understand the structure and function of proteins.
4. to understand the structure and characteristics of sugars.
5. to understand the organization of cells.
6. to understand the rules of heredity.
Goals and objectives
  1. Knowledge of the biomolecules that make up living organisms, such as amino acids, lipids, nucleosides, and sugars, and the ability to explain them.
  2. Knowledge of the basic structure and chemical characteristics of amino acids, and the ability to explain them.
  3. Knowledge of the multiple functions of proteins based on their structure, and the ability to explain them.
  4. Knowledge of monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, their chemical and oligomeric structures, and the ability to explain them.
  5. Knowledge of the functions and mechanisms of the organelles that make up a cell, and the ability to explain them.
  6. Knowledge of the rules of heredity and the mechanism of heredity, and the ability to explain them.
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

 Quiz Exam Total.
1. 7% 10% 17%
2. 6% 10% 16%
3. 7% 10% 17%
4. 6% 10% 16%
5. 7% 10% 17%
6. 7% 10% 17%
Total. 40% 60% -
Evaluation method and criteria
The total score is 100 points; 40 points for the quizzes given for each lecture, and 60 points for the examinations.
Students will be given 60% marks for understanding the elementary knowledge of biomolecules related to biochemistry as described in the textbook and on the board, 80% marks for being able to explain them in their own way (in figures and sentences), and 100% marks for being able to express their own opinions on various biological issues based on their knowledge in this class.
Language
Japanese
Class schedule

 Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Guidance: Goals and objectives of the class, how to proceed with the class, grading methods
Life and water, pH 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
2. Structure of biomolecules 1:
Carbohydrates, Lipids 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
3. Structure of biomolecules 2:
Amino Acids, Proteins 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
4. Structure of biomolecules 3:
Nucleic Acids, DNA 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
5. Mechanism of Protein Synthesis 1:
Structure, Replication, and Transcription of DNA 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
6. Mechanism of Protein Synthesis 2:
Genetic code, Translation 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
7. Mid-term exam and explanation Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
8. Enzymes and their kinetics Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
9. Structure and function of biological membranes Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
10. Transportation in cells, Neural transmission Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
11. Metabolic Pathways 1:
Glycolysis, TCA cycle, Electron transport chain 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
12. Metabolic Pathways 2:
Lipids, Proteins 		Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
13. Photosynthesis at the Molecular Level Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
14. Final exam and explanation Read the corresponding part of the reference materials. 180minutes
Total. - - 2520minutes
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in the class 担当教員の指示に従って下さい。
Textbooks and reference materials
Reference materials:
(Japanese) スタートアップ生化学　第２版　椎名隆・佐藤雅彦・角山雄一 著　化学同人
(Japanese) 現代生命科学　第３版　東京大学生命科学教科書編集委員会 著　羊土社
(Japanese) はじめての生化学　第２版　平澤栄次 著　化学同人
Prerequisites
It is desirable for students to have taken basic chemistry courses required or recommended by each department.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Office hours: Mon (10:50~12:30) and Thr (10:50~12:30). Please make an appointment by an email.
  • We also accept questions and consultations at the Support Room.
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
Active-learning course
More than one class is 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
  • 6.CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
  • 9.INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Last modified : Sun Aug 31 04:04:19 JST 2025