DEN102 Chemistry and Biochemistry I


DEN102 Chemistry and Biochemistry I

Syllabus   |  International University of Sarajevo  -  Last Update on Oct 10, 2026

Referencing Curricula

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Academic Year
2026 - 2027
Semester
Fall
Course Code
DEN102
Weekly Hours
3 Teaching + 1 Practice
ECTS
6
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Mode Delivery
Face-to-face
Prerequisite For
-
Teaching Mode Delivery Notes
-
Cycle
I Cycle
Prof. Jane Doe

Irma Mahmuljin

Course Lecturer

Position
Assistant Professor Dr.
Phone
033 957 -
Assistant(s)
-
Assistant E-mail

Course Objectives

This course introduces students to the principles of general and organic chemistry, providing the essential chemical background necessary for the study of biomolecules and basic biochemical processes. Students will learn the fundamentals of chemical bonding, reactions, functional groups, and biomolecular structures, with emphasis on amino acids, proteins, and enzyme catalysis.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1
Explain fundamental chemical principles (atomic structure, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, and thermochemistry) and apply them to describe matter and energy transformations in biological systems.
2
Classify and analyze organic functional groups and biomolecules (hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, amines, esters, amino acids, etc.) in relation to their structural features, reactivity, and biological significance.
3
Describe and compare protein structure and organization from primary to quaternary levels, including the principles of folding, stability, and methods of structural determination.
4
Interpret enzyme function and regulation by explaining enzyme classification, cofactors/coenzymes, catalytic mechanisms, and kinetics, supported by examples of biological processes.
5
Demonstrate laboratory skills and scientific reasoning by applying safe lab practices, measuring and analyzing pH, buffers, and other biochemical properties, and integrating experimental findings with theoretical knowledge.

Course Materials

Required Textbook

Principles of Biochemistry, Moran-Horton-Scrimgeour-Perry, 2012 Pearson, 5th edition; Voet&Voet: Biochemistry, 2011, 4th edition

Additional Literature
Scientific publications

Teaching Methods

Interactive Lectures
Case-Based Learning
Short Video Demonstrations or Animations
Peer Teaching
Integration with Laboratory Content

Weekly Topics

This weekly planning is subject to change with advance notice.
Week Topic Readings / References
1 Introduction: Chemistry in our lives, measurements, lab safety
2 📍 Matter and energy; atoms and elements; periodic table
3 Ionic and molecular compounds; chemical bonding
4 Chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry QUIZ 1
5 Acids, bases, pH, water and its properties, the importance of hydrogen bond, buffers
6 Introduction to Organic Chemistry; hydrocarbons and functional groups
7 Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes; isomerism and reactivity
8 MIDTERM EXAM
9 Carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides
10 Amino acids: structure, classification, and properties
11 Protein structure: levels of organization
12 Protein folding, stability, and structure determination QUIZ 2
13 Enzyme classification, cofactors, and coenzymes
14 Enzyme catalysis: kinetics and mechanisms
15 Review and final exam preparation

Course Schedule (All Sections)

SectionTypeDay 1Venue 1Day 2Venue 2
DEN102.1 Course Monday 12:00 - 14:50 A F1.11 - -

Office Hours & Room

DayTimeOfficeNotes
Thursday 14:00 - 15:30 A G.6

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Assessment Components

40%x1
Final Exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4  5

30%x1
Midterm exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3

20%x2
Quizes
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4  5

10%x1
Attendance and Participation
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4  5

IUS Grading System

Grading Scale IUS Grading System IUS Coeff. Letter (B&H) Numerical (B&H)
0 - 44 F 0 F 5
45 - 54 E 1
55 - 64 C 2 E 6
65 - 69 C+ 2.3 D 7
70 -74 B- 2.7
75 - 79 B 3 C 8
80 - 84 B+ 3.3
85 - 94 A- 3.7 B 9
95 - 100 A 4 A 10

Late Work Policy

Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.

ECTS Credit Calculation

📚 Student Workload

This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:

Lecture

42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)

Laboratory

28 hours ⏳ (14 week × 2 h)

Midterm exam

32 hours ⏳ (8 week × 4 h)

Final exam

40 hours ⏳ (10 week × 4 h)

Quiz

8 hours ⏳ (4 week × 2 h)

150 Total Workload Hours

6 ECTS Credits


Course Policies

Academic Integrity

All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.

Technology & AI Policy

Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.

Communication Policy

All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [DEN102] in the subject line.

Academic Quality Assurance Policy

Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.

More info

Learning Tips

Engage Actively

Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.

Read and Review Purposefully

Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.

Think Critically in Assignments

Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.

Ask Questions Early

Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.

Syllabus Last Updated on Oct 10, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo

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