Biochemistry Learning Goals and Assessment

1.  Understand how the chemical properties of molecules determine the ways in which they interact and react with each other.

2.  Understand different types of chemical reactions and how they are used by living organisms.

3.  Use a variety of models to understand and explain chemical and biochemical phenomena, being aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

4.  Apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to explain the molecular driving forces in chemical and biochemical reactions.

5.  Develop effective and safe chemical and biochemical laboratory skills that require use of the methods and instrumentation of modern biochemistry.

6.  To integrate content, skills, critical thinking and the published works of others to design feasible experiments and independent research projects employing the scientific method.

7.  To demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data, including critically analyzing experimental design and data interpretation in the primary literature.

8.  To develop scientific writing skills through the writing of papers using scientific conventions of format, succinctness, objectivity and accuracy.

9.  To develop oral communication skills within the context of scientific conventions of format, succinctness, objectivity and accuracy through the oral and poster presentations.