KINNAIRD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
SPRING SEMESTER, 2025

Program: BS (Biochemistry)
CourseTitle: Introduction to Biochemistry
Course Code BCH 103
Duration: 20th January 2025 – 5thJune 2025
Semester: I
Credit Hours: 3
Course Instructor: Dr. Amna Younus
Introduction

Biochemistry is, in simplest terms, study of the chemistry of living things. It basically deals with the
chemical substances and processes that occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms and of the
changes they undergo during development and life. All chemical changes within the organism—either
the degradation of substances, generally to gain necessary energy, or the buildup of complex
molecules necessary for life processes—are collectively termed metabolism. These chemical changes
depend on the action of catalysts known as enzymes, and enzymes, in turn, depend for their existence
on the genetic apparatus of the cell. It is not surprising; therefore, that biochemistry enters into the
investigation of chemical changes in disease, drug action, and other aspects of medicine, as well as in
nutrition, genetics, and agriculture. It is far more than simply memorizing structures and pathways;
the fascination of the field is to see how and why biological molecules are built the way they are and
how this makes life possible– on many levels and with an amazing degree coordination and control.
So we can say that biochemistry influences every aspect of our world, sometimes in strange and
amazing ways.

Introduction to biochemistry course is offered as a general course for students belonging to different
fields of study and it deals with the general introduction to the science of Biochemistry and how life
has been made. It gives knowledge about cell structure (both plant and animal), its organelles, water
and its physiological roles, structure and functions of membranes, structure and function of all the
macromolecules making life possible, role of enzymes in conversion of one form of metabolite to
another form; factors affecting enzymes activities and enzymes classification etc. This course
introduces students about vitamins which are basically micronutrients, their classification, sources and
diseases related to their deficiencies, mechanism of photosynthesis, and plant hormones, their site of
secretion and their role in growth etc. Hence; this course will be helpful for the students to get basic
knowledge of Biochemistry.
Course Objective

The main purpose of this course is to provide students basic concept and theoretical principles of
biochemistry and to train them to understand biological processes and events by learning the logic of
chemistry.

The objectives of this course are to:

 Give knowledge about the field of biochemistry.

 Illustrate the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells along with classification of
prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
 Give knowledge about the cellular organelles, their functions and structure and function of all
macromolecules making the life.
 Introduce about metabolism and metabolic pathways.
 Give basic concepts about enzyme structure, classification, their role and factors affecting
their activity.
 Elaborate the role of plant hormones and mechanism of photosynthesis.

Learning Outcomes
The students completing this course will:

 Have a basic knowledge about the field of biochemistry.

 Understand the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
 Have a better understanding about structure and function of cell and its organelles.
 Have better concepts and understanding about structure and biological role of all the
macromolecules making the life possible, enzymes and radioisotopes.

b.
Books Recommended
a.

1. Tymoczko JL, Berg JM, Stryer L. Biochemistry: A Short Course. 3rd ed. Publisher:
Macmillan / W. H. Freeman 2015. Available at: https://b-ok.asia/book/2647784/176939
2. Voet D, Voet JG, Pratt CW. Fundamentals of Biochemistry. 5th ed. New York: John Wiley
and Sons; 2016. Available at: https://www.wiley.com/en-
us/Fundamentals+of+Biochemistry%3A+Life+at+the+Molecular+Level%2C+5th+Edition-
p-9781118918401
3. Voet D, Voet JG. Biochemistry. 4th ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons; 2011. Available at:
https://www.wiley.com/en-pk/Biochemistry%2C+4th+Edition-p-9780470570951
4. Ferrier D.R. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry 7th Edition 2017. Available at
:https://b-ok.asia/book/3632727/9fac0e
 5. Karp G. Cell and Molecular Biology Concepts and experiments. 7th edition publisher: John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. 2013.Available at:
http://gen.lib.rus.ec/book/index.php?md5=75EDDAD11F49890A115FC3A2D5ED1ACA
6. Karp G, Iwasa J, Marshall W. Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology. 8th edition Publisher:
Wiley E-Text, 2016 Available at:
http://library.lol/main/741A01E63138F27A6B61A07338176337

Lecture Schedule and Duration:

Lectures will be held as per the College time table.

Class timings

Lectures: Three sessions / week,

1 hours / session

Office Timings/ Availability

Tuesday: 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Teaching Methodology:

 Theoretical lectures by using white board, multimedia and overhead projector.

 Discussions and quizzes that take place at the end of class deal with the basic
concepts of running course topic.

 Tests are taken according to QEC schedule.

 Assignments of relevant topic to the subject and final project will also be given to
students during the semester.

Attendance:

Attendance will be routinely observed. If you leave early, you will be counted absent. Leave
will be counted as an absentee. If a student misses more than six lecture hours in the course,
she will not be allowed to give the final exams and will be withdrawn from the course (please
see Student Handbook).
Theory course content and weekly schedule

Week Topic Suggested Tests and

Reading Assignments
I  A general introduction to the Biochemistry a
science of Biochemistry and Short Course
20nd – 24th the world around us Chapter 1
Jan  Four major biomolecules and
their general function

II Biochemistry a
 Structure and functions of Short Course
27th Jan- cellular organelles.
31st Jan Voet & Voet

Chapter 1

III Water and its properties Biochemistry a

Protein Composition and structure Short Course
3rd-7th Feb  Overview of Amino acids Chapter #3
 Symbols for Amino acids
IV  Levels of proteins structure
and their physiological role. Biochemistry a
10th - Short Course Assignment
14thFeb Chapter #3

V  Basic concepts of Enzyme, Biochemistry a

classification Short Course
17th – 21st Test
Feb Chapter 7 & 8

VI  Factors affecting enzyme

activity
24th – 28th Role of inhibitors
Feb

VII  Any two diseases related to topics (Books,

rd
3 - studied Internet
7th surfing,
March Abstract,
journals etc.)
VIII  Nucleic Acid its structure and Biochemistry
function by Lippincott
10th-14th 
March

IX-X MIDTERM EXAMINATION

17th -28th
March

POST MID SCHEDULE

XI Eid ul Fitr Holidays
31st March
-2nd April

XI-XII  Structure and functions of Biochemistry a Projects Given

Carbohydrates Short Course
3rd -4th  Chapter 4
April -7th -
11th April
XIII-XIV Easter and Spring Break
14th -21st
April

XIV  Structure and functions of lipids Biochemistry a

Short Course
22nd – 25th Chapter 4
April

XV  Membrane: Biochemistry
 Structure, function and transport by Lippincott
28th April system
– 2nd May  Cell Membranes, Channels and
Pumps

XVI  Vitamins Biochemistry a test

Classification, Sources , Deficiency Short Course
5th -9th (A, D, C, E, K, B1, B2,B3,B5,B7 B6, Chapter 4
B9, B12) Biochemistry
May
by Lippincott

Lippincott
Illustrated
reviews
Chapter 28
XVII Photosynthesis Cell and Projects
molecular Received
12th - 16th Light and Dark Reactions biology by
May Gerald Karp

Plant hormones (Structure ,site of Chapter# 6

synthesis and mode of actions) (Books,
Internet
surfing,
Abstract,
journals etc.

XVIII PROJECTS PRESENTATION

19th - 23th
May
XIX-XX FINAL EXAMINATION

26th May -
5th June
ASSESSMENT:

All course elements including assignments, tests, examinations and presentations must be fulfilled to
pass the course.

Tests and Examinations

Short tests based upon knowledge, application and analytical abilities will be conducted at regular
intervals. Examination questions will vary from short, objective type to essay type answers.

Tests/ Quizzes will be conducted to check a student’s concepts and problem-solving abilities.

Assignments

Different assignments will be given during the course. These assignments are located at different
stages in the course, at the point where the students need to reflect on the information covered, and
show their understanding of it.

Final Project

Final project will be given in groups of 4-5 students. Each group will be assigned with different topics
involving the analytical and application based topics relevant to course field.

Format of assignment and project:

Hard copy of the assignment and project must be submitted on due dates. The assignment/ project
must contain:

 Title page
 Table of contents
 Introduction
 Major content of topic with headings
  References

All assignments and project should be type written times new roman; font 12 with 1.5 spacing. Title
Page font size should be 16.

College plagiarism policy should be followed (Soft copy of College plagiarism policy has already
shared with students).

Assignments and project must be submitted on the due date. Late submissions will be subjected to
marks deduction for each day of delay. In case of an untoward incident/ emergency or sickness, the
instructor must be informed and provide written evidence where applicable (physician’s note, accident
report, etc.).

(Details of assignment topics and any other requirements will be further discussed in class)

FINAL GRADES will be based on assignments, classroom participation, tests and examinations.

The assessment will be based on the quality and content of the report and the quality, brevity and
clarity of presentation of the project report.

Grade format
Pre-Mid Post-Mid Total
No. Weightage No. Weightage Weightage (%)
(%) (%)
Test 2 10 1 10 20
Assignment+Project 2 5 1+(1Project) 15 20
Mid Term 25 - 25
Final Term - 35 35
Practical -
Total 100

Please peruse attached Rubric

Assessment Rubric
Students would be assessed on their knowledge of the subject, concepts and application.
Note: Students to read other relevant books and search the authentic internet sources. Self study for
three hours is important.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Crtiteria for assessment of assignments and projects is given below:
 Presentation Rubric

PRESENTATION Exemplary (5) Proficient (4) Developing (3) Beginner (2)

CONTENT

Introduction (1) Introduced topic, Delivered a clear Started with a self Did not clearly introduce
established concept and introduction introduction or “My purpose of presentation.
explained the purpose topic is” before
of presentation in capturing attention.
creative, clear and
capturing manner.

Content Selection All information was Most information Information was Information was not relevant
(1) relevant and appropriate relevant; some valid but not related to the topic.
to the requirements. topics needed to the purpose.
elaboration or
should have been
concise

Organization and Contains a clear Central message is Central message is Does not contain central
visual aid (where purposeful identifiable but few not clearly and/or message.Typos throughout
needed) (1) organizational pattern sections were easily identifiable slides and materials.Material
(e.g., chronological, repetitive. Slides by audience; on slide either is identical to
problem-solution, contain appropriate sections may be in speaker’s speech or
analysis of parts, content but too need of further completely disconnected
etc.)Usage of handouts, much text or organization and from it.
slides, images and inappropriate clarity occasional
videos where necessary. material. typos All slides
include significant
amounts of text.
Conclusion (1) Ends with an accurate Ends with a Ends with a recap of Ends with only a recap of
conclusion relating to summary of main key points without key points or with no closing
the opening remarks points showing adding a closing statement.
some evaluation. statement.

Physical A clear sound with good Voice is clear, Voice is soft or Voice is soft and monotone.
appearance and eye contact and correct maintains eye lacks vocal Reads all or most of report
delivery (1) pronunciation/grammar. contact but drops in variation. Some eye with no eye contact
volume at times; contact, but not
still uses vocal maintained and at
variation to show least half the time
interest. reads from notes.
 Assignment Rubric

Criteria Excellent Good Needs Improvement Unsatisfactory

Content Information Information Purpose of Purpose of letter is
clearly states the clearly states the information is unclear, Main idea
purpose, purpose, some unclear, few is not supported
appropriate explanation or explanation or facts by explanation or
explanation or facts are used to used to support the facts; hard to
facts are used to support the main main idea; hard to follow and
support the main idea; somewhat understand and understand; tone is
idea; easy to hard to follow; tone is inappropriate for
understand and understand and generally appropriate intended audience
follow; tone is follow; tone is for intended audience
appropriate for generally
intended appropriate for
audience intended audience
Organization The paragraphs The paragraphs The paragraphs The paragraphs
and were well were well lacked organization; lacked
Mechanics organized. There organized but there was no clear organization; there
was a clear there was no clear introduction and was no clear
Introduction and introduction and conclusion. The introduction and
conclusion. The conclusion. The writing assignment conclusion. The
writing writing was legible. writing
assignment was assignment was Few grammatical or assignment was
legible legible. punctuation mistakes not very much
No grammatical Almost none legible.
or punctuation grammatical or Many grammatical
mistakes punctuation or punctuation
mistakes mistakes
Layout and Accurate use of Mostly use of Some noticeable Many noticeable
Formatting formatting style. formatting style. errors in use of errors in use of
Information is Information is formatting style, formatting style,
well presented in neatly presented presentation of presentation of
headings, in headings, information and information and
introduction, introduction, formatting of formatting of
body, body, conclusion. diagrams and diagrams and
conclusion. Diagrams and illustrations illustrations
Diagrams and illustrations are
illustrations are mostly formatted
well formatted
Originality Document shows Critical thought Some critical thought Lack of critical
and critical the evidence of and originality is is evident. It does not thought and
analysis deep critical and evident. Work show originality. originality.
original thought. shows new ideas Uses ideas of
Ideas were and insights previous work.
creative and
inventive
References As per the Some of the Most of the elements References are not
Vancouver style elements of of Vancouver style given
Vancouver style are missing
are missing
Plagiarism Less than or More than 18%
(N/A semester equal to 18%
1-3)