Zarqa University Instructor:

Faculty: Pharmacy Lecture’s time:

Department: Clinical pharmacy Semester:
Course title: Biochemistry for Pharmacy 1 Office Hours:

Course description:
This course is designed to give basics on biochemistry and cover the chemical and physical properties of
some macromolecules that include carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Bioenergetics and oxidative
phosphorylations will be covered with special focus on dietary nutrients metabolism. This course will
also cover the unique physical and chemical properties of water, the use of water as a universal solvent
in biological systems and the buffer properties of water. In addition, the correlation between the
structural components of the biological membranes, enzymes, globular and fibrous proteins and their
function is discussed.

Aims of the course:

This course is the first course in a two-semester sequence in biochemistry. The students are expected to
have a basic understanding of:
1. Chemical structure and chemical properties of macro- and biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates
and lipids).
2. The essential functions of biomolecules in a human biological system.
3. The correlation between the structure and the function of those biomolecules.
4. Some pathology conditions associated with abnormalities in the structure or function of some
macromolecules.

Intended Learning Outcomes: (ILOs)

A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Concepts and Theories:
Classify biomolecules as belonging to the lipid, carbohydrate, nucleic acid or protein class.
Know the general structures of biomolecules and representative examples for each class.
A2. Contemporary Trends, Problems and Research:
Know the structure of water and correlate it to its properties in biological systems.
A3. Professional Responsibility:
Differentiate between different classes of biomolecules and their absorption to be able to study
their metabolism in the second part of this course.
Classify the different types of inhibitors and enzymes.

B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Problem solving skills:
Be able to calculate the pH of the biological media, and the concentration of the protons.
B2. Application of Methods and Tools:
Be able to draw the polypeptide from its basic structure of the amino acids, know its PI in
specific pH, and predict the net charge of the polypeptide.

C. Critical-Thinking Skills
C1. Analytic skills: Assess
Predict the charge of a polypeptide in certain biological pH and correlate it to its buffer properties.

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 C2. Strategic Thinking:
Predict the direction of a reaction according to the given bioenergetics data.
Understanding the different biological functions by understanding biochemical reactions,
and the interaction between different biomolecules in the body.

C3. Creative thinking and innovation:

Correlate the structure of other biomolecules to their chemical and physical properties, and
how it influences the biological function.
Development of problem solving and critical thinking skills by developing the ability of
connecting the data given about small building blocks to apply it on understanding the function
of macromolecules and some diseases.

D. General and Transferable Skills (other skills relevant to employability and personal development)
D1. Communication:
1. The ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
2. Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently,
time management and organization skills)
3. Using the internet and other electronic sources critically, as sources of information and means of
communication
D2. Teamwork and Leadership:
Developing an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work in teams

Course structures:
Credit Teaching Assessment
Week ILOs Topics
Hours Procedure methods
1. 1 A1 Introduction: What is Biochemistry? Lecture with Homework
power point and quiz
Cellular and Chemical Foundations of
Biochemistry
2.+ 3. 4 A2, B1, Water and pH: Lecturing, Homework
C3, D1 short movie, and quiz
Physical and Biochemical properties of water problem
and its function in Buffers solving
4. 1 A1, A3, C3 Carbohydrates: Lecturing,
Chemistry, Digestion and Absorption discussion
5. 2 A1, A3, C3 Glycoproteins and Glycosaminoglycans: Lecturing, 1st exam
Chemistry, Structure, Function and short movie, (20 points)
Metabolism discussion
6. 1 A1, A3, C3 Lipids: Lecturing,
Chemistry, digestion and absorption discussion
6. 1 C3, D1 Biological Membranes: Lecturing,
Structure, Function and Transport of short movie,
materials through it discussion
7. 3 A1, C3 Amino acids: Lecturing, Homework
Chemical and Structural Properties problem and quiz
solving

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 8. 1 B2, C1, D2 Proteins: Lecturing,
Structure and Function problem
solving
9.+10. 4 A1, C3 Globular Proteins: Lecturing, Homework
Structure, Function with Special Focus short movie,
on Myoglobin, and Hemoglobin discussion
11. 1 A1, C3, D2 Fibrous Proteins Lecturing, Homework
Structure, Function with Special Focus discussion 2nd exam
on Elastin (20 points)

12.+13. 4 A3, C2, D1 Enzymes: Lecturing, Quiz

Classification, Structure, and Function discussion
Types of inhibitors, Allosteric Effectors,
and Coenzymes
14. 2 B1, C2, C3 Bioenergetics and oxidative Lecturing,
Phosphorylation: short movie,
Determine the Direction of a Reaction discussion
Coupling the Electron Transport Chain
with Oxidative Phosphorylation
15. Revision
16. Final Exam Week Final Exam
(50 points)

References:
A. Main Textbook:
Lippincott’s Illustrated reviews: Biochemistry, 6th edition, Harvey R.A., Ferrier, D.R., 2011.
B. Supplementary Textbook(s):
C. Lehninger’s principles of Biochemistry, 4th edition, edited by Nelson D.L. and Cox M.M., 2001.
D. Biochemistry, 6th edition, Campbell, M.A., Farrell, S.O., 2009.
E. Assessment Methods:
Methods Grade Date
First Exam 20% 5th week
Second Exam 20% 10th week
Assignments (reports, problems, quizzes, participation, & 10% As required
homeworks)
Final Exam (cumulative, covering the entire course content) 50% 16th week

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