Spring 2026 - MBB 321 D100
Intermediary Metabolism (3)
Class Number: 5096
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Ingrid Northwood
inorthwo@sfu.ca
-
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:
- Review of bioenergetics, reaction mechanisms
- Catalysis, enzyme kinetics
- Carbohydrates: structure, glycogen metabolism
- Carbohydrates: glycolysis, citric acid cycle
- Carbohydrates: gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway
- Electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation
- Mitochondrial transport systems, lipid structure
- Lipids: beta oxidation, fatty acid biosynthesis
- Lipids: phospholipid biosynthesis, steroid metabolism
- Lipids: eicosanoid metabolism, amino acid metabolism
- Amino acids: urea cycle, nitrogen cycle
- Nucleotide biosynthesis and catabolism
- Metabolic regulation
Grading
- Exam 1 on Jan 23 20%
- Exam 2 on Feb 13 25%
- Exam 3 on March 13 25%
- Exam 4 held during final exams 25%
- Canvas Quizzes 5%
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.