Info
Apply
Visit

Biochemistry

Requirements & Courses

  • Major Requirements

    Sixty credits, which must include:

    1. Core (36 credits):BIO-121; CHM-115, 223, 224, 230; MTH-121; BCM-321, 422 and 430.
    2. Electives (24 credits - no more than 12 credits from the same department): BIO-204, 221, 290, 308, 319, 320, 325, 330, 333; BCM courses at the 200-level or above; CHM course(s) at the 300-level; CHM411; IPH340, IPH401; MTH118, 122, 211; PHY112 (or 121), PHY113 (or 122).
    3. Successful completion of the departmental Senior Comprehensive Examination.
  • Program Considerations

    • Students that are interested in graduate programs in Biochemistry are strongly advised to take BIO-204, MTH-122, PHY-121, PHY-122, followed by CHM-331 and/or CHM-332. Students that are not sure should start this math and physics sequence in their second year to retain this possibility.

    • Completion of an independent research project culminating in a senior thesis is encouraged, especially for students interested in graduate programs.

    • In accordance with college policy, a student may only double count up to eight credits of one major or minor in a different major or minor. Therefore, students who declare a Biochemistry major may not elect a second major or minor in Chemistry.

Courses

  • BCM
    180
    .
    Topics in Biochemistry
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Topics vary. Previous offerings have included “Genes and Society” (4 cr) for non-science majors, and the lab-only “Introduction to Molecular Genetics” (1 cr) for science majors seeking a peer-mentored experience. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • BCM
    180M
    .
    Topics in Biochemistry
    1 credit
    Topics vary. Previous offerings have included “Genes and Society” (4 cr) for non-science majors, and the lab-only “Introduction to Molecular Genetics” (1 cr) for science majors seeking a peer-mentored experience. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • BCM
    201
    .
    Biotechnology Journal Club
    2 credits
    Gain familiarity with, and be conversant in current literature and developments in the biotechnology sector. Primary research literature articles of various thematic topics are discussed and presented in a student-directed format. Graduating seniors must enroll in BTC-401 and will receive advanced assignments consistent with a capstone experience.
  • BCM
    319
    .
    Toxicology
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: BIO-121 and CHM-230
    An introduction to Toxicology. Topics include general principles, toxicodynamics and kinetics, metabolism and biochemical mechanisms, system and organismal responses, testing guidelines, analytical methods, and case studies (clinical and environmental). Laboratory. Course fee.
  • BCM
    321
    .
    Biochemistry
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: BIO-121, CHM-223, CHM-224 (CHM-224 may be taken concurrently), and Junior Standing
    Overview of the major topics of biochemistry including the chemistry, structure, function, biological activity and molecular mechanisms of the major biological macromolecules. Introduction to bioenergetics and central metabolic pathways. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • BCM
    401
    .
    Biotechnology Journal Club
    2 credits
    Gain familiarity with, and be conversant in current literature and developments in the biotechnology sector. Primary research literature articles of various thematic topics are discussed and presented in a student-directed format. Graduating seniors must enroll in BTC-401 and will receive advanced assignments consistent with a capstone experience.
  • BCM
    422
    .
    Advanced Biochemistry
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: BCM-321, CHM-230 (CHM-230 may be taken concurrently)
    Further study of intermediary metabolism through the use of historical and current research articles. Introduction to biophysical methods. Emphasis on experimental design, data analysis and integration of biochemical information. Laboratory. Course fee. (Offered Winter, Odd numbered years)
  • BCM
    430
    .
    Molecular Genetics
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: BCM-321 or BCM-401
    Study of the transmission of information at the molecular level and the techniques used in gene analysis. Topics include gene structure and function, gene expression, genetic mobility, genomics, transgenics and recombinant DNA methodology. Laboratory. Course fee. (Offered Winter, Even numbered years)
  • BCM
    499
    .
    Biochemistry Independent Study
    1 credit
    Independent research in biochemistry resulting in a written report. Course fee.
  • BCM
    500
    .
    Senior Thesis
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Independent laboratory research of an original problem resulting in a thesis and public presentation. Required for departmental honors. Course fee.
  • BIO
    121
    .
    Foundations of Biology
    4 credits
    Foundational concepts of biology are introduced through a combination of activities, case studies, presentations and discussions, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Students explore the essentials of metabolism, basic cell membrane and organelle structure and function, biosynthesis, DNA replication, cell division, reproduction, and Mendelian genetics within broader biological contexts such as human ecology and health, environmental issues, and evolution. The laboratory component provides students with practical experiences that develop laboratory skills and that employ the scientific method and basic data analyses. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • BIO
    204
    .
    Genetics
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: BIO-121 and Sophomore Standing
    The mechanics of inheritance at the molecular and cellular levels and the relationship of this phenomenon to gene action, organismal development, population changes and evolution. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • BIO
    308
    .
    Microbiology
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing or Permission
    Survey of the bacteria, viruses and other protists emphasizing their structure, physiology, systematics, ecology and genetics. Focuses on microbes important to humans including disease and the immune response. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • CHM
    115
    .
    Chemical Analysis
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: MTH-110 or Placement
    Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry in a context of chemical analysis. Intended for students in the sciences. Includes the periodic table, elements, ionic and covalent compounds, stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, spectroscopy, gases, pH and acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions. DR and academic credit will only be awarded to one of CHM-103 or CHM-115. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • CHM
    223
    .
    Organic Chemistry I
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: CHM-115
    Study of the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, emphasizing the various functional groups and their transformations, reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry, and the development of synthetic schemes. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • CHM
    224
    .
    Organic Chemistry II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: CHM-115, 223
    Study of the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, emphasizing the various functional groups and their transformations, reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry, and the development of synthetic schemes. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • CHM
    230
    .
    Inorganic Chemistry
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: CHM-224 or Permission
    Study of the chemistry of the metals and non-metals emphasizing periodic behavior, elementary thermodynamics, ionic and covalent structures, oxidation and reduction reactions, acid-base chemistry, equilibria, transition metal complexes and reaction kinetics. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • CHM
    331
    .
    Chemical Thermodynamics
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: CHM-230, MTH-122 and PHY-113 or 122
    The laws of thermodynamics are applied to chemical mixtures and reactions, and the principles of statistical mechanics are used to derive these laws from the behavior of single molecules. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • CHM
    332
    .
    Quantum Chemistry
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: CHM-230, MTH-122 and PHY-113 or 122
    The principles of quantum mechanics are used to describe the structure of atoms and molecules and their spectroscopic properties. The kinetics of chemical reactions are studied and rate laws are derived. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • MTH
    121
    .
    Calculus I
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: MTH-112 or Pre-Calculus in High School
    Introduction to the calculus of one variable. Includes limits and continuity, the derivative and applications, the integral and applications, infinite series and sequences. (Part I of II)
  • MTH
    122
    .
    Calculus II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: MTH-121
    Introduction to the calculus of one variable. Includes limits and continuity, the derivative and applications, the integral and applications, infinite series and sequences. (Part II of II)
  • PHY
    121
    .
    Introduction to Physics I
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: MTH-113 or MTH-121 previously or concurrently
    Calculus-based treatment of one and two-dimensional mechanics, vectors, force, work, energy, momentum, torque, and static equilibrium. Offered every Fall. Laboratory. Course fee.
  • PHY
    122
    .
    Introduction to Physics II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: PHY-121
    Continuation of PHY 121. Topics include oscillations and waves, sound, electricity and magnetism, optics, and basic thermodynamics. Offered every Winter. Laboratory. Course fee.