erikpaul
04-16-2009, 11:32 PM
The Class
Biochemistry at KCOM is divided into two quarters, with a separate course for nutrition. First quarter biochemistry is a very challenging course for some, while others just seem to “get it”. Class notes are sufficient to succeed in the class, with few people actually reading the textbook. Old exams are very useful, since it helps students see where their deficiencies lie as well as help the students see how questions are asked.
The most difficult part to medical school is figuring out how the professors will ask questions on exams. That is where old tests come in. Make certain that you do all old exams for this course.
Biochemistry I contains subjects such as molecular biology and the metabolism pathways. Biochemistry II is more associated with the biochemistry of diseases. Students often say that biochemistry II is more enjoyable and easier than Biochemistry I.
The Professors
Dr. Cenedella
Some would argue that Dr. Cenedella is one of the best things to happen to KCOM. He is a world famous biochemist specializing in lens lipids. He has also written a chapter in a pharmacology textbook. He is an excellent lecturer and his lipid lectures are phenomenal. He provides a list of “objectives” at the beginning of each lecture (more like a list of factoids). This list is VERY high yield and you should spend the last hour or so before the exam cramming the information, as it will get you a number of questions right (not nearly enough to pass, but, plenty to help your score).
Dr. Fleschner
Dr. Fleschner is the resident Mac user of the faculty. He teaches most of the metabolism lectures, and does an excellent job. His notes are straightforward and are very well produced.
Dr. Cox
Dr. Cox is an extraordinarily kind professor (his wife is Betty Cox, who works in the micro lab and is a friend to all). He teaches most of the molecular biology. His test questions seem to be some of the more detailed ones, and the second biochemistry exam of Biochem I is mostly comprised of his questions. It is a very challenging exam. Some guiding principles for his questions are these:
1. If there is a drawing or chart with handwritten content on it, it is probably important to know (since he took the time to write on the drawing)
2. If there is a drug mentioned in his packet, you should know it (as well as the suffix)
3. He asks details, so step it up for this exam.
Trish Sexton, M.S.
Trish is married to Dr. Sexton of the physiology department, and she is a favorite of many students. She organized the CASA program at KCOM. She is very open to questions and readily gives her help. After two years at KCOM, you will find her to be one of your friends and an amazing asset to the student body. The difficulty of her questions are on par with the other professors in the department. She teaches a couple of lectures during Biochemistry 2, but the majority of her teaching is in the nutrition course taught during the summer quarter.
Useful Websites
metabolism pathways (http://www.biocarta.com/genes/Metabolism.asp)
Interactive Biochemistry animations (http://www.wiley.com/legacy/college/boyer/0470003790/animations/animations.htm)
Biochemistry at KCOM is divided into two quarters, with a separate course for nutrition. First quarter biochemistry is a very challenging course for some, while others just seem to “get it”. Class notes are sufficient to succeed in the class, with few people actually reading the textbook. Old exams are very useful, since it helps students see where their deficiencies lie as well as help the students see how questions are asked.
The most difficult part to medical school is figuring out how the professors will ask questions on exams. That is where old tests come in. Make certain that you do all old exams for this course.
Biochemistry I contains subjects such as molecular biology and the metabolism pathways. Biochemistry II is more associated with the biochemistry of diseases. Students often say that biochemistry II is more enjoyable and easier than Biochemistry I.
The Professors
Dr. Cenedella
Some would argue that Dr. Cenedella is one of the best things to happen to KCOM. He is a world famous biochemist specializing in lens lipids. He has also written a chapter in a pharmacology textbook. He is an excellent lecturer and his lipid lectures are phenomenal. He provides a list of “objectives” at the beginning of each lecture (more like a list of factoids). This list is VERY high yield and you should spend the last hour or so before the exam cramming the information, as it will get you a number of questions right (not nearly enough to pass, but, plenty to help your score).
Dr. Fleschner
Dr. Fleschner is the resident Mac user of the faculty. He teaches most of the metabolism lectures, and does an excellent job. His notes are straightforward and are very well produced.
Dr. Cox
Dr. Cox is an extraordinarily kind professor (his wife is Betty Cox, who works in the micro lab and is a friend to all). He teaches most of the molecular biology. His test questions seem to be some of the more detailed ones, and the second biochemistry exam of Biochem I is mostly comprised of his questions. It is a very challenging exam. Some guiding principles for his questions are these:
1. If there is a drawing or chart with handwritten content on it, it is probably important to know (since he took the time to write on the drawing)
2. If there is a drug mentioned in his packet, you should know it (as well as the suffix)
3. He asks details, so step it up for this exam.
Trish Sexton, M.S.
Trish is married to Dr. Sexton of the physiology department, and she is a favorite of many students. She organized the CASA program at KCOM. She is very open to questions and readily gives her help. After two years at KCOM, you will find her to be one of your friends and an amazing asset to the student body. The difficulty of her questions are on par with the other professors in the department. She teaches a couple of lectures during Biochemistry 2, but the majority of her teaching is in the nutrition course taught during the summer quarter.
Useful Websites
metabolism pathways (http://www.biocarta.com/genes/Metabolism.asp)
Interactive Biochemistry animations (http://www.wiley.com/legacy/college/boyer/0470003790/animations/animations.htm)