Exercise Biochemistry and the Limits of Human Endurance In this course we will investigate the biochemical, biological, genetic, and psychological factors associated with athletic performance.  We will discuss the origins of exercise physiology in the early 1900’s, introducing topics such as metabolic fuels and their utilization, oxygen and water, and physiological adaptations to training.  Special attention will be paid to muscle (power), pulmonary organization and function (VO2 max),  and how psychology and the brain (the master regulator) contribute to achieve maximum performance.  We will also read and discuss recent papers from popular and primary literature.   Films and guest lectures by experts and accomplished endurance athletes will provide a personal perspective.  Laboratory and training room sessions will put themes into practice. We will also consider controversies such as performance enhancing drugs and sex determination.

Biochemistry of Metabolism A living organism requires thousands of coordinated individual chemical reactions for life.  In this course we will survey the major integrated metabolic pathways of living cells and whole organisms, with particular attention to enzyme mechanisms, as well as the regulation, and integration of metabolism from the molecular to the whole organism level. The synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides are investigated, along with the mechanisms of energy flow and cell-to-cell communication.   While common metabolic processes are emphasized, unique aspects of metabolism that permit cells to function in unusual niches will also be considered.  Mechanistic and regulatory aspects of metabolic processes will be reinforced through an investigation of inborn errors and organic defects that lead to disease.

Biochemistry of Macromolecules This course is an introduction to biochemistry that focuses on the chemical and physical properties of amino acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Specific topics include the structure and function of proteins, enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, how carbohydrates and lipids contribute to vital cellular and organismal functions, and informational biochemistry (DNA, RNA, and specific enzymes and processes leading to the production of regulatory RNA and proteins). Specific topics from the primary literature will be explored to illustrate how particular techniques and experimental approaches are used to gain a new understanding of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Exercise Biochemistry and the Limits of Human Endurance In this course we will investigate the biochemical, biological, genetic, and psychological factors associated with athletic performance.  We will begin by discussing the origins of exercise physiology in the early 1900’s, introducing topics such as metabolic fuels and their utilization, oxygen and water, metabolism, and physiological adaptations to training.  Special attention will be paid to muscle (power) and pulmonary organization and function (VO2 max),  and how psychology and the brain (the master regulator) contribute to achieve maximum performance.  We will bring these topics to the present by reading and discussing papers from the popular and primary literature.   Films and guest lectures by experts will provide a personal perspective.  The seminar will conclude by considering controversies such as performance enhancing drugs and sex determination.

Seminar in Chemical Research This seminar provides students with experiences to support the preparation of a senior thesis. As the course involves participation in a mentored laboratory project and the intent to complete a senior thesis, students must make arrangements to work with a faculty advisor prior to gaining approval for course registration. The classroom portion of this seminar focuses on reading the scientific literature, giving effective oral presentations, and writing the thesis introduction. Particular emphasis will be given to computer and technology issues related to oral and written presentations. Participation will normally be followed by registration for CHEM 0500 or CHEM 0700 (winter term and spring).

Bob Cluss

Reviews and ratings for Bob Cluss at Middlebury College.Bob Cluss teaches Limits of Human Endurance, Biochemistry Of Metabolism, Biochemistry of Macromolecules and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Bob Cluss good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course was hard and covered a lot of content but super interesting and Bob worked to make sure students understood the content. Bob was available for office hours and committed for helping students understand the content.

I had Professor Cluss for both Biochem of Macro and Biochem of Metabolism. I think overall he is a wonderful person and truly cares about his students. That being said, he has extremely high standards. He expects a lot from his students thus his exams are HARD. You will be faced with problems you have never seen before that require you to apply the skills you have obtained from studying and doing the homework assignments. If you meet with him often and talk to him, he will get to know you and appreciate you in his class. An A is definitely attainable, you just need to put the work in. 

If you are willing to put the work in, and meet with Professor Cluss, an A is very attainable in this class. While there is a lot of material in this class, the assignments don't ever pile up in an unmanageable way.