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 bio- chemistry. The purpose of this survey was to deter- mine 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

M. D. Appleton' and W. Haab

University of Scranton Scranton, Pennsylvania

Chairman, ACS Examinations Sub-committee on Bio- chemistry.

The Content of Introductory

Biochemistry Courses-a Survey

Topics

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 labora- tory. 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 em- phasis on the chemistry and metaholism of proteins.

The authors acknowledge the services of the Com- puter 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~ics in Biochemistr~ Medical Pharmacy Dental Weighted

Colleges Univer. schools schools schools averapes

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 1.9 1.7 Hormones 3.0 2 .7 Biocolloids 1 . 1 0 . 9 Physical chemistry 5 .2 4.5 Mineral metabolism 1 . 3 1 .9 Other, special 1 .2 3.8 . ~

aIneludes biological oxidation.

Volume 43, Number 2, February 1966 / 97