Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (B.S.)

.Students will be introduced to biology by actively engaging in research on a variety of biological topics. This inquiry-based and student-centered approach will expose to students to the methods of scientific inquiry and asociated content in an engaging and meaningful way. Specific topics will vary across years and among offered sections but can include such diverse areas as: antipredator behavior, plant viral gene expression, belly button biology, and bacteriophage genomics. Using the research topic as a guide, students will also explore traditional introductory biology content areas.
(Normally offered each semester.)

This course emphasizes molecular mechanisms associated with intracellular structures, metabolism, genetic information transfer, heredity, and evolution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Three lectures per week with one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered each semester.)
 

An introduction to the interaction of life with the environment at the molecular, organismal through ecosystem levels, hightlighting the major factors influencing evolutionary change. Topics include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, symbosis and populations dynamics especially in light of human interference, and ecosystem structure and function. Where possible, principles of evolution and ecology will be integrated.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week, including field, laboratory and greenhouse work.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered each semester.)
 

A study of the systems, mechanisms, and methods of molecular genetics with a particular emphasis on the analysis of the genetic material--mutagensis, replication, regulation, transcription, and translation--and its protein products and their biological function. Recombinant DNA/genetic engineering and other modern technologies will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .

A laboratory course that focuses on modern methods and instrumentation used in molecular genetics- based research. Students will gain experience through extensive research projects involving recombinant DNA technology, gene expression, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics/genomics.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I .
Corequisite(s): BIO 3800 Molecular Genetics.

A study of fundamental principles of chemistry including structures of atoms and molecules, periodicity, stoichiometry, reactions, solutions, gases, and thermochemistry.
Three classes per week.

Laboratory supporting Chemical Principles I.
One three-hour lab per week.
Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I

A survey of the structure and reactions of carbon-containing molecules, with emphasis on compounds of biological interest.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory with a grade of "C" or better.

A laboratory supporting CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
One 3-hour lab per week.
One 1-hour pre-lab lecture per week.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .

A continuation of CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I . A study of reactions of importance in the synthesis and biosynthesis of carbon compounds, including reaction mechanisms and spectroscopic methods for the determination of structures.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 2100L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory with grades of "C-" or better.

A laboratory supporting CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms.
One 3- to 4-hour lab per week.
One 1-hour pre-lab lecture per week.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms.

A continuation of Chemical Principles I.  Topics include reaction kinetics, aqueous equilibria, thermodynamics (Entropy and Gibbs Free Energy), electrochemistry, colligative properties, nuclear and coordination chemistry, and the solid state.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory with grades of "C-" or better.

A laboratory supporting CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II

A comprehensive introduction to the field of biochemistry that will stress the role of molecular structure and reactivity in determining biological function. The course will emphasize biochemical problem solving by the application of basic chemical principles.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I with a grade of "C" or better. A basic biology background is strongly recommended.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introduction to biochemical methods used to isolate and characterize biomolecules from natural sources. A variety of analytical and physical methods, including UV/visible and NMR spectroscopies, will be used to determine structural features and to measure functional properties of the isolated biomolecules.
One three-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 3410 Biochemistry or BIO 3410 Biochemistry.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introduction to physical chemistry consisting of fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics, chemical and physical equilibrium, and chemical kinetics presented using a calculus-based mathematical treatment.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms, CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and MATH 1600 Calculus I.

Laboratory exercises in the measurement of physical and chemical properties of chemical systems. This course is designed to accompany CHEM 3510 Physical Chemistry I, Thermodynamics and Kinetics.
One three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms, CHEM 2110L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and CHEM 1120L Chemical Principles II Laboratory.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 3510 Physical Chemistry I, Thermodynamics and Kinetics.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

The course will cover the principles and applications of chemical equilibrium and chemical analysis, data acquisition and analysis, as well as the theory and practice of instrumental methods of chemical analysis.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and CHEM 1120L Chemical Principles II Laboratory with grades of "C-" or better.

An advanced study of slected areas of biochemistry that will include enzyme kinetics, enzyme reaction mechanisms, DNA-protein interactions, rational drug design, metal ions in biology, and other topics. In addition, the use of advanced chemical and biochemical principles in biotechnology will be explored.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 3410 Biochemistry.

Reading, study, and discussion of one or more major topics in chemistry with significant implications for the broader society. Students will search the chemical literature, and will make both oral and written presentations.
One lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): Upper-division standing and a major declared in the natural sciences divison or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

The principles of classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in the natural sciences. Algebra and trigonometry will be used in descriptions and problems.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Corequisite(s): MATH 1100 College Algebra, and MATH 1470 Trigonometry or Math ACT of 27 or higher, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introduction to classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in the natural sciences. Elements of calculus will be used in descriptions and problems.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Corequisite(s): MATH 1500 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A continuation of PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and elecronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1100 College Algebra and MATH 1470 Trigonometry. Math ACT of 27 or higher, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A continuation of PHYS 2000 General Physics I with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1500 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
 

An introduction to calculus of a single variable. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, and beginning integration with applications. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 27 or a grade of "C" or better in MATH 1470 Trigonometry or MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Individual laboratory or field research projects for qualified biology majors to meet senior comprehensive requirement. A research report in scientific format and a formal presentation of the research is required.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of the department chair.

Individual laboratory project in chemistry of biochemistry. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

A continuation of MATH 1600 Calculus I. Topics studied include integration techniques and applications, differential equations, numerical approximations, sequences and series, and vectors. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1600 Calculus I.
(Normally offered each semester.)