First-year seminar introducing the discipline of biochemistry, the UW Biochemistry Department, faculty research projects, university resources, and career options for students with a biochemistry background.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=18 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.93 GPA, 97.5% A/AB (n=118 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.91 GPA, 95.5% A/AB (n=44 letter grades). Includes jointly taught sections.
Introduction to molecular life mechanisms and evolutionary diversity, exploring current topics like gene editing, genomics, and biotechnology to evaluate scientific claims.
Prof. Mario Pennella taught with a clear, concise style, though one student noted he could be monotone. Homework took about 30 minutes weekly, and exams covered lecture material.
Survey of Biochemistry explores chemical properties of biomolecules, metabolism, and DNA processes, linking them to disease, drug design, and gene therapy; it does not prepare students for advanced biochemistry or med/vet admission.
Introduction to Biochemistry covers the chemistry, nutrition, and metabolism of biological systems, emphasizing biomolecular structures, genetic information processes, and central metabolic pathways.
Mario Pennella served as course coordinator, teaching in a blended format with online lectures and daily problem sets. Students found his lectures dense and sometimes monotone, but praised his willingness to write on slides to aid comprehension. Exams were described as fair and based strictly on lecture content.