The Biochemistry major rests on a rigorous curriculum that integrates chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics. In the first two years, students will engage with fundamental courses in inorganic and organic chemistry, alongside an introduction to cellular biology. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the complex biochemical reactions that sustain life.
Students will also select a second biology course, choosing between anatomy and physiology—particularly valuable for those pursuing pre-health professions—or genetics, providing a broad perspective on biological systems. As you progress, our specialized biochemistry courses will bridge the concepts of chemistry and biology, deepening your understanding of the biochemical processes that underpin living organisms.
Chm 205: Quantitative Analysis
Theory and practice of volumetric and gravimetric analysis. Laboratory practice in the identification of unknowns. Methods of calculation used in analysis are emphasized. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.
Chm 205L: Quantitative Analysis Lab
Generally taken with Chm 205 – Quantitative Analysis.
Chm 301: Organic Chemistry I
Fundamentals of modern organic chemistry with emphasis on bonding, mechanism, stereo-chemistry, analysis, and synthesis of organic compounds. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.
Chm 301L: Organic Chemistry I Lab
Generally taken with Chm 301 – Organic Chemistry I.
Chm 302: Organic Chemistry II
Continuation of modern organic chemistry with emphasis on bonding, mechanism, stereo-chemistry, analysis, and synthesis of organic compounds. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.
Chm 302L: Organic Chemistry II Lab
Generally taken with Chm 302 – Organic Chemistry II.
Chm 409: Biochemistry I
Chemistry of proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and other biomolecules. Emphasis on structure and function of biochemical processes. Three lectures and one lab period per week.
Chm 409L: Biochemistry I Lab
Generally taken with Chm 409 – Biochemistry.
Chm 410: Biochemistry II
other biochemical processes. Three lectures weekly.
Chm 410L: Biochemistry II Lab
Generally taken with Chm 410 – Biochemistry II.
Bio 115: Molecular and Cellular Biology
An introduction to the study of life at the molecular and cellular level, this course covers basic cell structure and function, biochemistry for the life sciences, basic molecular biology, and introductory genetics, including information flow from DNA to protein; and cellular utilization of energy, including cell respiration and photosynthesis.
Bio 115L: Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab
Generally taken with Bio 115 – Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Bio 201: Human Anatomy and Physiology
An integrated study of human anatomy and physiology for biology and pre-professional allied health majors, using a body systems approach that emphasizes interrelationships between form and function at gross and microscopic levels of organization. Course content includes basic anatomical and directional terminology; fundamental concepts and principles of cell biology; and study of major body systems, including skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems.
Bio 201L: Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab
Generally taken with Bio 201 – Human Anatomy and Physiology. Includes fundamental concepts and principles of anatomy and physiology from investigation of cell, tissue, and organ levels of several body systems, with special emphasis on skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. A large portion of the semester will focus on cat anatomy.
Bio 300: Genetics
General principles and problems of heredity surveying transmission genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics.
Bio 300L: Genetics Lab
Generally taken with Bio 300 – Genetics.
Chm 405: Directed Research
Directed laboratory/library projects for senior chemistry majors and minors of demonstrated superior ability.
Chm 499: Chemistry Seminar
This course is an introduction to chemical literature and chemistry information systems.
Mth 211: Calculus I
In-depth coverage of calculus appropriate for study in mathematics, science, engineering, or other quantitative disciplines. Covers functions, limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, and foundations of integral calculus.
Mth 212: Calculus II
In-depth coverage of calculus appropriate for study in mathematics, science, engineering, or other quantitative disciplines. Covers integration techniques, applications of integration, sequences and series, and polar coordinates.
PhS 201: General Physics I
A general course covering mechanics and heat.
PhS 201L: General Physics I Lab
Generally taken with PhS 201.
PhS 202: General Physics II
A continuation of PhS 201 covering electricity, magnetism, light, sound, and selected topics from atomic physics.
PhS 202L: General Physics II Lab
Generally taken with PhS 202.
