CHEM342 Introduction to Biochemistry

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CHEM-342Introduction to Biochemistry

• Spring Semester
• First Class
• Prof. Hal White

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once you have learned to ask questions
relevant and appropriate and substantial questions
you have learned how to learn and no one can
keep you from learning whatever you want or need
to know.
Neil Postman Charles Weingartner in Teaching
as a Subversive Activity, 1969
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Teaching as a Subversive Activity

• A major goal of higher education is to enable
  students to think independently.
• Independent thinkers seek understanding.
• Independent thinkers challenge superficial
  answers.
• Independent thinkers develop strong convictions.
• Independent thinkers question authority.
• Independent thinkers become leaders.
• If you dont change as a result of taking this
  course, I am wasting my time.

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Characteristics Needed For Success
Oral
Written
Visual
Communication Skills
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Characteristics Needed For Success
Education and Training
Problem- Solving Ability
Acquired Skills
Accumulated Knowledge
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Characteristics Needed For Success
From http//www.qvresearch.com/self_assessments/a
m_i_a_team_player.htm
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Characteristics Needed For Success
Ability to address specific problems in complex,
real-world settings
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Introduction to BiochemistryInstructional Goals
For Students

• Become intellectually independent learners
• Recognize and confront areas of personal
  ignorance
• Review and apply chemical, biological, physical,
  and mathematical principles in a biochemical
  context
• Improve problem-solving skills
• Create, understand, and value abstract
  biochemical models
• See biochemistry in relevant historical and
  societal contexts

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Introduction to BiochemistryInstructional Goals
For Students, Cont.

• Discover and use the resources of the library and
  the Internet
• Gain confidence in reading and understanding
  scientific articles
• Experience the powers (and pitfalls) of
  collaborative work
• Appreciate importance of clear oral and written
  communication
• Learn to organize logical arguments based on
  evidence

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Introduction to BiochemistrySpecial Goal and
Challenge
For this class, as a group, to become
sufficiently skilled learners to score
significantly above the class average in CHEM-641
next fall. In order for this to happen, you
will need to work individually and together so
that everyone learns. Everyone here has
unique and special abilities, background, and
personality to contribute to the effort.
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Problem-Based Learning The Process
Resolution of Problem (How did we do?)
Presentation of Problem
Next stage of the problem
Organize ideas and prior knowledge (What do we
know?)
Integrate new Information Refine questions
Pose questions (What do we need to know?)
Reconvene, report on research
Assign responsibility for questions discuss
resources
Research questions summarize analyze findings
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Problem-Based Learning Cycle
Overview/Assessment
Problem, Project, or Assignment
Mini-lecture(only if needed!)
Group Discussion
Whole Class Discussion
Research
Preparation of Group Product