Students will obtain a solid foundation in the molecular
sciences at the intersection of chemistry and biology that will prepare them for
employment, professional school, or graduate school upon graduation. They will
also learn to use the scientific literature information and to communicate
scientific information effectively.
Required Core Courses for the Biochemistry Major
(16 course credits):
BIOL
200 Cell Biology (Completion of BIOL 150 is recommended prior to enrollment
in BIOL 200)
BIOL
202 Genetics
BIOL
354/355* Molecular Biology/Molecular Biology Laboratory (1.5 courses)
CHEM
140 General Chemistry
CHEM
220 Introductory Analytical Chemistry
CHEM
228 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM
230 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM
312
Physical Chemistry I
BIOC
330 Biochemistry
BIOC
390 Advanced Biochemistry
MATH
151 Calculus I
MATH
152 Calculus II
PHYS
130 Physics I
PHYS
132 Physics II
*Corequisite courses (must be taken concurrently)
CHEM 350 A total of 4 semesters. Two
semesters must be concurrent with enrollment in CHEM 430. This is required participation component of the degree; it does not count
for credit.
BIOC 430 Research (0.5 course) Students are required to participate for at least
two semesters; one semester must be in the senior year. May be taken for 0.25 or 0.5 course/semester.
One upper-level science or math course
Recommended Courses Include:
One upper-level
science or math course. A few courses that
may be used
to fulfill this requirement include:
BIOC 300 Bioinformatics
BIOL 302 Microbiology
CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 340/325*
Instrumental Analysis /Integrated Laboratory (1.5 courses)
*Co-requisite courses (must be taken
concurrently).
Students should consult with their advisor to determine the optional course(s)
that they will use to fulfill this requirement.
BIOC 300. Bioinformatics
1 course credit
This course introduces the fundamentals of computational
biology, including the emerging fields of genomics (the study of an organism’s
entire complement of DNA) and proteomics (the study of the entire set of
proteins expressed by a particular cell type). The course covers the basics of
searching large databases of genetic information and interpreting the results
that are obtained from such searches. The determination of DNA and protein
structure by computational methods will also be addressed. Prerequisite: BIOL
202. Offered occasionally.
BIOC 330. Biochemistry
1 course credit
Structure and function of biologically important
molecules and their role(s) in life processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic
mechanisms, nucleic acid conformation, and special topics will be analyzed.
Prior completion of BIOL 150 is highly recommended. The 4-hour laboratory
emphasizes spectrophotometry, enzyme purification and kinetics. Students will
also complete a project using a variety of molecular biology and biochemical
techniques. Prerequisite: A grade of
C- or better in CHEM 220 and 230
BIOC 390. Advanced Biochemistry 1 course credit
A study of advanced topics in biochemistry including
metabolism, information processing, biochemical aspects of disease, and current
biochemical findings. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in BIOC 330.
BIOC 420. Independent Study 0.25 or 0.5 course credit
A laboratory, library, or fieldwork topic of special
interest to the student pursued under the supervision of a faculty member. The
project may be performed off campus. A substantial written report, as described
in the course syllabus, is required in the final semester of research.
BIOC 430. Research 0.25 or 0.5 course credit
An original laboratory project chosen in consultation
with the science faculty. The project may be performed off campus. A substantial
written report, as described in the course syllabus, is required in the final
semester of research.
BIOL 150G. Investigating Biological
Concepts 1 course credit
An
investigative approach to learning fundamental concepts in biology from
molecules to cells to organisms. Concepts will include: the process of
scientific inquiry, basic biochemistry, basic cell function (cellular
respiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, genetics, cell division), and
fundamentals of animal and plant physiology. Labs will emphasize problem-based
or inquiry-based learning. Lectures will combine traditional format with
problem-posing and questioning.
BIOL 200. Cell Biology 1 course credit
Introductory
study of the structure and function of living cells and their components.
Laboratory will employ basic cell/molecular biology techniques and include the
preparation of reagents, DNA isolation, plasmid manipulation and DNA
transfection. Students will have the opportunity to apply current recombinant in
vitro DNA technology in preparation and expression of a transgene using a
prokaryotic system. Prerequisites: A grade of C− or better in BIOL 150 or 155 and CHEM 140 or permission of the
instructor
BIOL 202. Genetics
1 course credit
An
introduction to the principles of heredity in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes,
including the contemporary understanding of genes and gene mechanisms.
Laboratory exercises use animals, plants and microorganisms to elucidate genetic
principles. Prerequisites: A grade of C− or better in BIOL 150 or 155 or
permission of the instructor.
BIOL 302. Microbiology 1 course credit
A general study of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and
protists), emphasizing morphology, physiology, ecological relationships, and the
nature of disease and its control. Consideration is also given to viruses.
Laboratory sessions provide for experimental demonstration of basic concepts and
for familiarization with fundamental microbiological methods. Prerequisite: A
grade of C− or better in BIOL 200. Offered in alternate years.
BIOL 354. Molecular Biology
1 course credit
An in-depth look at DNA, RNA, and proteins. Emphasis is
placed on the structure and function of nucleic acids and on DNA-protein
interactions. The control of such processes as DNA replication, gene expression,
and protein translation in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems will be
addressed. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: A grade of C− or better in
BIOL 200 or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 355. Molecular Biology Laboratory
0.5 course credit
Molecular biology laboratory is the companion course to
BIOL 354 and will practice concepts taught in the lecture. Emphasis is on the
three principle molecules in molecular biology: DNA, RNA and proteins. Exercises
include: Northern and Southern blotting, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, and
electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite:A
grade of C− or better in BIOL 200 or permission of the instructor.
CHEM 140G. General Chemistry I
1 course credit
A general study of the properties, structure, and bonding
of elements and compounds. Chemical calculations and an introduction to chemical
thermodynamics are also included. This course also includes a three-hour
laboratory session each week.
CHEM 220. Introductory Analytical Chemistry 1 course credit
An introduction to data analysis, quantitative principles
of chemical equilibrium, and quantitative analysis. The course also includes a
4-hour laboratory session each week that emphasizes precision and accuracy in
the laboratory, scientific writing and data analysis. Prerequisite: A grade of
C- or better in CHEM 140.
CHEM 228 Organic
Chemistry I 1 course credit
A study of organic
chemistry including the structure and reactions of some biologically important
molecules. This course also includes a three-hour laboratory session each week.
A focus on how structure affects the properties of organic molecules. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 220 or in (CHEM 140 and
consent of instructor).
CHEM 230.
Organic Chemistry II 1 course credit
A study of the structure and reactivity of organic
molecules, including kinetics and reaction mechanisms. This course also includes
a three-hour laboratory session each week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better
in CHEM 228.
CHEM 312.
Physical Chemistry I 1 course credit
A study of classical chemical thermodynamics and
kinetics. Includes a four-hour laboratory each week which emphasizes modern
physical and biophysical chemistry methods. Prerequisites: CHEM 220, MATH 152
and PHYS 132.
CHEM 322.
Physical Chemistry II 1 course credit
A study of quantum mechanics and basic
theoretical/computation chemistry. Includes a four-hour laboratory each week
which emphasizes spectroscopy and computational approaches to chemical systems.
Prerequisites: CHEM 220, MATH 152 and PHYS 132.
CHEM 325. Integrated Laboratory 0.5 course credit
Laboratory projects employing techniques from all areas
of chemistry, but emphasizing synthesis and instrumental techniques. Scientific
writing and presentation methods are addressed. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or
better in CHEM 220, and CHEM 230. Co-requisite: CHEM 340.
CHEM 340.
Instrumental Analysis 1 course credit
A study of the principles and practice of modern
instrumental methods of analysis and of chemical instrumentation. Spectroscopic,
chromatographic and surface analysis techniques are emphasized. Prerequsite: C-
or better in CHEM 220, and CHEM 230. Co-requisite: CHEM 325.
CHEM 350. Science Seminar
An introduction to the literature of the physical and
biological sciences providing the student with the opportunity to prepare and
present oral reports. Required of juniors and seniors majoring in biochemistry;
students enrolled in BIOC 430 must also enroll in CHEM 350. A non-credit bearing
requirement for the biochemistry major.