Courses

BIOC 201. Principles of Nutrition 1.0 course credit

A biochemical and physiological look as aspects of nutrition. Students will examine the biochemical molecules and processes involved in nutrition. Current research and controversies within nutrition will be considered. For students who have an interest in science or health careers. Prerequisite course: CHEM 140 (preferred) or BIOL 150. Offered in alternate years.

BIOC 207. Introduction to Health Careers 0.25 course credit

Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of health careers through readings and with guest speakers who visit the class. The objective of this class is to make students better informed about career choices in the health professions and allow them to reflect on their choice of career. Additionally, the students will learn about the expectations required to be a successful applicant to a professional school. Students will be expected to write a substantial paper at the end of the class that will allow proper placement in a two-week health careers externship during the Scots Term. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and the permission of health careers advisor.

BIOC 217. Health Careers Externship 0.25 course credit

In cooperation with health professionals, these experiences involve observation of the health care professional’s daily routines. At the end of the course, students are expected to reflect on what they have learned from this shadowing experience. Prerequisites: Completion of Introduction to Health Careers course and at least sophomore standing.

BIOC 300. Bioinformatics 1.0 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 310. Survey of Biochemistry 1.0 course credit

An introduction to the fundamental principles of Biochemistry and the application of chemical principles to biological problems. Topics include the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, as well as the major catabolic and biosynthetic pathways. Prerequisites: CHEM 220 and CHEM 230. Not offered in 2021-2022.

BIOC 330. Biochemistry 1.0 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 1.0 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 200. Cell Biology 1.0 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 1.0 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 204. Human Anatomy and Physiology 1.0 course credit

A systematic analysis of the structure and function of the human body. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in BIOL 150 or permission by the instructor.

BIOL 302. Microbiology 1.0 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.

BIOL 354. Molecular Biology 1.0 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. One three hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C− or better in BIOL 200 or permission of the instructor.

CHEM 140G. General Chemistry I 1.0 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 1.0 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 1.0 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 1.0 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 1.0 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 1.0 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 1.0 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. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHEM 220, and CHEM 230. Co-requisite: CHEM 325.

CHEM 350. Science Seminar 0.25 course credit

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.