Macromolecules of biological importance. A survey of the physical and chemical properties of proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Methods of preparation, chemical synthesis, degradation, and characterization of biomolecules.

Prerequisites: Open only by consent of the chemistry graduate advisor.

3

Units

Letter

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

None

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
Yang Hai
2.8
11 reviews
Fall 2025 . Hai Y
BUCHN1920
M W F
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
CHEM 242A Reich N O Fall 2019 Total: 1
CHEM 242A Reich N O Fall 2018 Total: 1
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11
2.8
142A . 4 Months Ago

This class was an absolute joke. Don't get fooled by his grading system, the homework seemed easy, but no partial credit (averages ~ 50/100). Studying for the exams were a nightmare because there's so much material, and he never emphasized anything. The exams were insanely difficult, NO amount of studying could have prepared me for them. avoid!

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142A . 5 Months Ago

The exams were so hard and non related to the lecture materials. Slides contain minimal amount of word explanation. Teaching us like graduate students. Always write random things on board which make the whole class note so messy and disorganized. The worst professor at ucsb and avoid this person for your own good. Recommend MCDB 108 series!

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142A . 6 Months Ago

He's a very smart professor and it shows during lectures. I really liked the content of this class. But the exams were grueling- He teaches so many topics but only covers a select few on the exams, making it hard to prep for. The TA was very nice tho. I would really recommend taking MCDB 108/110 since those classes are more clear and fair.

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142A . 6 Months Ago

His grading policy may seem fair according to the syllabus but then each homework assignment and his exams are graded on what seems like a completely arbitrary rubric. We never even found out what our final exam scores were and then they posted our grades after the due date for GOLD. doesn't really seem like he cares that much about students

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142A . 6 Months Ago

He made his class incredibly difficult. Homework assignments were vague and unclear and his exams were taken home and open note but he designed them to be extremely difficult so it doesn't really matter what resources you use. His slides don't really contain much info so you really have to write down what he says.

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142A . 6 Months Ago

The material is interesting, but the class is unnecessarily difficult due to poor structure. Exam topics are briefly covered in lectures, making it hard to study. Grading policies are unclear early on and very harsh, with little to no partial credit. There may be a curve at the end but overall the course feels stressful and disorganized.

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