Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - MBB 323 D100

Introduction to Physical Biochemistry (3)

Class Number: 4353

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2023
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 152 (or 155), PHYS 121 (or 102, or 126, or 141), CHEM 122 (or 102), MBB 222 with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to physical biochemistry including thermodynamics, spectroscopic principles and applications, and molecular transport and interactions. The physical properties and structure determination of biomolecules will be emphasized.

COURSE DETAILS:

Students will be introduced to three major topics forming the basis of Physical Biochemistry: thermodynamics, spectroscopy and kinetics.

Weeks 1 – 5:     Thermodynamic principles and applications
Weeks 6 – 10:   Introduction to spectroscopy - from energy levels to biomolecular structure
Weeks 11 – 13: Kinetics – reaction rates and mechanisms  

Class structure: 3 lectures, 1 tutorial, 0 lab hours/week

Grading

  • Problem sets 25%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Final 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Raymond Chang, Physical Chemistry for the Biosciences. 2005. University Science Books.
ISBN: 1-891389-33-5

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester 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.