Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - MBB 321 D100

Intermediary Metabolism (3)

Class Number: 4680

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Oct 11, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 12 – Oct 22, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 23 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2025
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231, with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The enzymes and intermediates of major catabolic and anabolic pathways. Their regulation and integration in health and disease states.

COURSE DETAILS:

Lecture Topics:

  1. Review of bioenergetics, reaction mechanisms
  2. Catalysis, enzyme kinetics
  3. Carbohydrates: structure, glycogen metabolism
  4. Carbohydrates: glycolysis, citric acid cycle
  5. Carbohydrates: gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway
  6. Electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation
  7. Mitochondrial transport systems, lipid structure
  8. Lipids: beta oxidation, fatty acid biosynthesis
  9. Lipids: phospholipid biosynthesis, steroid metabolism
  10. Lipids: eicosanoid metabolism, amino acid metabolism
  11. Amino acids: urea cycle, nitrogen cycle
  12. Nucleotide biosynthesis and catabolism
  13. Metabolic regulation

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 1 25%
  • Midterm Exam 2 25%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • Problem Set 15%

NOTES:

*Cumulative exams are held on the same day during the scheduled Final Exam timeslot

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Nelson and Cox, Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 8th edition, 2021. W.H. Freeman & Company.
ISBN: 9781319230906

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.