Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and compounds, such as cellular makeup, that bring about life in organisms. This course will look at how these formed biomolecules interact and produce many of life's necessary processes. Also it will look at the most commonly used techniques in biochemistry research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: recognize and describe the structure of the following basic biomolecules: nucleic acids, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates; diagram how these basic biomolecules are used as building blocks for more complex biomolecules; differentiate between reactions that create biomolecules; describe how these biomolecules are used in specific cellular pathways and processes; analyze how feedback from one pathway influences other pathways; explain how energy is utilized by a cell; indicate how biomolecules and pathways are regulated; describe how enzymes play a key role in catalysis; assess which biochemical technique should be used to study a given biochemical problem. (Biology 401; See also: Chemistry 109)

This course is a continuation of Organic Chemistry I. The student will focus on four most important classes of reactions: electrophilic substitution at aromatic rings, nucleophilic addition at carbonyl compounds, hydrolysis of carboxylic acids, and carbon-carbon bond formation using enolates. The enolate portion of this course will cover the reactivity of functional groups. The student will also look at synthetic strategies for making simple, small organic molecules, using the knowledge of organic chemistry accumulated thus far. This course also introduces biological molecules, including carbohydrates, peptides and proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, from a molecular perspective. The student will learn how chemical reactions, especially oxidation and reduction reactions, form the basis of all life. Note that in biology, the student would study the functionality of these structures by asking, 'How do they operate?' whereas in the field of organic chemistry, the student will ask: 'What are they made of?' The student will conclude this course with a unit on spectroscopy. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Identify the chemistry and basic mechanisms of the following functional groups: ethers, epoxides, thiols, sulfides, benzene, amines, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids and their derivatives; Plan the synthesis of unsymmetrical ethers, amines, and carboxylic acid derivatives (esters, amides, etc.); Predict the product(s) of an electrophilic addition reaction involving conjugated dienes; Use the Diels-Alder reaction on conjugated dienes to form new carbon-carbon bonds and chiral centers of a desired configuration (R or S); Determine whether a molecule is aromatic, non-aromatic, or anti-aromatic; Indicate the position in which an electrophile will be added on an aromatic ring, given the other substituents present; Identify the products and mechanisms of electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions; Demonstrate mastery of enolate chemistry and techniques for C-C bond formation; Plan the synthesis of simple molecules using the reactions learned throughout both the Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II courses; Describe the chemistry associated with biological molecules such as amino acids, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates; Identify different monosaccharides, disaccharides, aldoses, and ketoses, as well as reducing and non-reducing carbohydrates; Identify the twenty naturally occurring amino acids and describe the mechanisms associated with peptide cleavage and synthesis; Use spectroscopy (mass spectrometry, UV-Vis spectrometry, infrared spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance) to characterize an organic molecule. (Chemistry 104; See also: Biology 108)

In this course, you will journey through the web of physical, chemical, and biological reactions that collectively constitute photosynthesis. We will begin with light harvesting and follow photons to the sites of primary photochemistry: the photoreaction centers. A molecular-scale view will show in atomic detail how these protein complexes capture and energize electrons. Then we will follow the multiple pathways electrons take as they carry out their work. Consequent reactions, such as the synthesis of ATP and the reduction of CO2 during the synthesis of carbohydrates, will also be discussed in structural detail. Lastly, we will delve into the evolution of these systems and also discuss other photosynthetic strategies, such as light-driven proton pumps and anoxygenic photosynthesis. The course will include a visit to an electron microscope to allow students to directly observe proteins involved in photosynthesis. This course is one of many Advanced Undergraduate Seminars offered by the Biology Department at MIT. These seminars are tailored for students with an interest in using primary research literature to discuss and learn about current biological research in a highly interactive setting. Many instructors of the Advanced Undergraduate Seminars are postdoctoral scientists with a strong interest in teaching.

NBC's Lester Holt looks at the physically demanding pre-season ritual of NFL training camp. Douglas Casa, head of the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut, and athletic trainers from the Pittsburgh Steelers explain what NFL players must do to stay hydrated and replenish the essential nutrients needed to maintain good health during rigorous practices. "Science of NFL Football" is a 10-part video series funded by the National Science Foundation and produced in partnership with the National Football League.

There are three lessons in this group. The first two focus on the biological and developmental changes that take place during adolescence and addresses the nutritional, physical exercise, and mental exercise needs of adolescents during this period. During the third lesson, a health professional with a background in adolescent health needs leads the class in a group discussion. (Note: these lessons are intended to serve as an introduction to a more in-depth nutrition unit by helping students understand the biological processes that underlie their lifestyle choices, including nutrition.)