M. D. Appleton' and W. Haab University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
The Content of Introductory Biochemistry Courses-a Survey
This report summarizes information obtained from 297 colleges and universities, including 61 medical schools, 21 pharmacy schools, and 17 dental schools, about the content of the first course in biochemistry. The purpose of this survey was to determine the need for a revision of the ACS biochemistry tests and to furnish information pertinent to the design of a new test. Total enrollment in introductory biochemistry courses at the 297 institutions in 1964-65 was 15,394 students. In most institutions the course was given at the senior level. The professional goals of students enrolled varied considerably, but approximately 40% were potential physicians. Medical and premedical Chairman, ACS Examinations Sub-committee on Biochemistry.
students are distributed among 81% of all institutions, whereas both chemistry and biochemistry majors are distributed among 52% of all institutions. The number of lecture hours included in the course was highest for the universities, while the medical schools required the greatest number of hours in laboratory. Only a small percentage of colleges do not require any prerequisites beyond general chemistry. Almost all institutions list organic chemistry as a prerequisite. The average percentage of time devoted to various topics is summarized in the table. Averages weighted in terms of numbers of students indicate heaviest emphasis on the chemistry and metaholism of proteins. The authors acknowledge the services of the Computer Center of the University of Scranton for the compilation of the data. More detailed information on this survey may be obtained from the authors.
Percent of Total Course Time Devoted to To~icsin Biochemistr~ Topics Carhahydrrtte chemistry Intermedizte metabolism Liuid chemistry hermediate metaholism Protein chemistry Intermediate meta.holim Nueleie acid chemistry Intermediate meta6olism Nutrition and foods Vitamlns Enzymes Antimetabolites Energy metabolism' Digestion and absorption Blood Urine Hormones Biocolloids Physical chemistry Mineral metabolism Other,. special ~
Colleges
Univer.
1.9
1.7 2.7
3.0 1.1 5.2 1.3 1.2
Medical schools
Pharmacy schools
Dental schools
Weighted averapes
0.9 4.5 1.9
3.8
aIneludes biological oxidation.
Volume 43, Number 2, February 1966 / 97
