for segue forms (.pdf) click below

Objectives

• Demonstrate some of the basic aspects of biochemistry particularly as they relate to studies of traditional societies.

• Illustrate broad applications of biochemistry

• Develop avenues for students to continue to learn about biochemistry that lead directly out of the segue experience.

Learning Structure

• Class-room/Laboratory discussion groups (students will have already watched assigned video presentations)

  • In class students will conduct an experiment to determine how caffeine and chocolate may affect their heart rate.  Class discussion will highlight the physiological basis of caffeine and chocolate ingestion.
    　

• Community observations

  • Prior to class students will obtain one source of caffeine or chocolate to use in the experiment.  While searching, students can observe the many different uses of caffeine and chocolate within their community.
    　

• Web-based delivery of information to students:

  • Provide a brief overview of some of the most interesting areas of biochemistry.

  • Direct students to practitioners of biochemistry within the University and in the community at-large.

  • Show students specific courses or other educational opportunities that can be used to further explore interests in biochemistry.

Learning Outcomes

(1 = Most Desired Outcome, 3 = A Desirable Outcome, 5 = Least Desired Outcome)

1. Students seek more information about studies in biochemistry, register to take a course in biochemistry, and become a degree seeking major in biochemistry.

2. Students seek more information about studies in biochemistry and register to take a course in biochemistry as part of an effort to broaden their education.

3. Students develop a sufficient (but minimal) understanding of biochemistry to be able to make decisions about their own career (and inclusion or not of this science). These students are probably better citizens/voters.

4. Students do not learn anything about biochemistry.

5. Students develop a negative perspective about biochemistry because of the information received through this project.

Ethnobotany Segue Experience

• Two ethnobotany activities are conducted together bridging this segue with a segue to biotechnology.

• During class students will conduct an experiment to determine if caffeine and chocolate affects their heart rate.  Any effect on heart rate by caffeine or chocolate won't be detectable for about 10 to 25 minutes, therefore this experiment should be planned accordingly.

• As a follow up to the activity, students will be asked to pick any culture, determine how that culture views caffeine and/or chocolate consumption, and theorize how that viewpoint developed.

Other Science Components

• Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and transformations in living organisms. It deals with the structure and function of cellular components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Chemical biology aims to answer many questions arising from biochemistry by using tools developed within synthetic chemistry.
  　

• Theories about traditional understandings of biochemistry in fermentation processes and dieting

• History of biochemical applications from early civilization to modern-day society

• Biochemistry research and development in agriculture

• Techniques and technology commonly used by biochemists

• Applications of biochemistry in medicine, genetics, and nutrition

Other Science Practitioners

• Students interested in learning more about biochemistry may want to contact Dr. Harry Ako, hako@hawaii.edu, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Agricultural Science rm.  218, (808) 956-2012.
  　
• Other practitioners of biochemistry may include:
  • Healthcare practitioners
  • Farmers
  • Alcoholic beverage makers

Other Science Courses

• The study of biochemistry requires a solid foundation in biology and chemistry.  Therefore, students interested in studying biochemistry will need to take Biology 171 Introductory Biology and Chemistry 161 General Chemistry.  Alternatively, students may want to consider the slightly more rigorous Chemistry 171 Principles of Chemistry.
  　

• A survey level biochemistry course is Biochemistry 241 Fundamentals of Biochemistry.

Resources

• Students considering to major in any of the biological sciences should contact the University of Hawaii biology department advisor Joseph Menor, bioadvis@hawaii.edu, Dean Hall rm. 2, (808) 956-8303.
  　

• Students interested in biology may want to consider joining the biology club: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~bioclub/index.html
  　

• For career information, students may want to view the occupational outlook for potential careers in biochemistry at the U.S. Department of Labor:
  　

  • Agriculture and Food Scientists

  • Biological Scientists

  • Chemists and Materials Scientists

  • Engineering and Natural Science Managers

  • Environmental Scientists and Hydrologists

  • Medical Scientists

  • Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing

  • Scientific Research and Development Services

  • Science Technicians