Biochemistry

BCH 325 Biochemistry 3 Credits

Outlines the chemistry and biological function of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, vitamins, and enzymes, and introduces enzyme kinetics and biological energetics. Degradative metabolic pathways of carbohydrates and lipids, and their controlled interrelationships are discussed in detail.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 122, CHE 214 with a minimum grade of D.

BCH 326 Biochem and Enzymology I Lab 1 Credits

The laboratory work illustrates techniques and methods essential to the biochemist. Methods for quantification of proteins, purification of enzymes and determination of their kinetic parameters, polarimetry, and structure proof of carbohydrates. The lab must be taken concurrently with BCH 325 by biochemistry and biology majors, but is optional for others.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 123, CHE 214.

BCH 400 Advanced Biochemistry. 3 Credits

Continuation of Biochemistry I. Includes molecular analysis of biological membrane structure and function and a molecular level analysis of information flow from DNA through RNA to proteins. Other topics include mechanisms of hormone action and an expansion on metabolic concepts.

Prerequisite(s): BCH 325.

BCH 410 Metabolism and Bioenergetics 3 Credits

An examination of principles of energetics and chemical transformations as they pertain to metabolism. Students will explore general issues of bioenergetics and will delve into biochemical pathways of catabolism and anabolism of biological molecules, including key nutrients, and xenobiotic compounds, including drugs and toxins. Attention will be placed on the enzymes and cofactors that mediate critical metabolic transformations, and students will use the scientific literature to investigate mechanisms of regulation and integration of metabolic pathways as well as consequences of aberrant enzyme function to human disease.

Prerequisite(s): BCH 325.

BCH 415 Signal Transduction 3 Credits

Cells in multicellular organisms are in constant communication with each other. One way that cells communicate is through the sharing of chemical signals through a process called “signal transduction.” In this course, we will study the basic biochemical principles of signal transduction to better understand life on a molecular level. Topics to be covered include a broad overview of signal transduction mechanisms, including basic receptor theory and the use of second messengers; investigations into specific signaling strategies, including signaling via receptor ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, and nuclear hormone receptors; and examinations of cellular mechanisms used to coordinate signaling spatially and temporally. Special focus will be placed on roles of signal transduction pathways in health and disease.

Prerequisite(s): BCH 325.

BCH 425 Medicinal Chemistry 3 Credits

A comprehensive description of the important principles of medicinal chemistry including principles of rational drug design with synthetic strategies, mechanisms of drug actions, structure-activity relationships, the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs. Specific classes of drugs to be discussed include: anticancer agents, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, drugs acting on the nervous system and antibiotics.

Prerequisite(s): BCH 325 or permission of instructor.

BCH 430 Advanced Lab Techniques in Biochemistry. 1 Credits

Methods of protein analysis, building on techniques and principles learned in BCH 326. Students will use bioinformatics and molecular biological techniques, including PCR, to harness and change protein sequence. They will implement modern protein purification techniques, develop enzyme essays, and perform equilibrium binding assays to investigate the relationships among protein sequence, structure, and function.

Prerequisite(s): BCH 326.

BCH 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1-4 Credits

Immerses the student in laboratory research. The student learns to organize material, use the literature, make precise measurement, and obtain reproducible data. If possible, the student will publish the results or present them at a scientific meeting.

BIO 115 Principles of Biology I 4 Credits

An introductory biology course focusing on major themes of biology: what is life?; Cells as fundamental structure and functional unit of life; information transmission, storage and retrieval; Diversity and unity of life explained by evolution. Three hours of lecture and one three- hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): BIO 115L.

BIO 115L Principles of Biology I Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): BIO 115.

BIO 116 Principles of Biology II 4 Credits

An introductory biology course focusing on major themes of biology: Energy and matter to carry out life's essential functions; Interdependent relationships characterize biological systems (homeostasis, growth & development); Behavior of living things; Ecology and the environment. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.

Corequisite(s): BIO 116L.

BIO 116L Principles of Biology II Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): BIO 116.

BIO 260 Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells 4 Credits

Lectures and labs focus on basic cell biology. Cell diversity and function, genetics and biotechnology are emphasized. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115/115L and BIO 116/116L or BIO 115, BIO 117, (BNS 118 or BNS 275).

Corequisite(s): BIO 260L.

BIO 260L Principle of Biology: Cells Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): BIO 260.

BIO 265 Genetics 4 Credits

A comprehensive course focusing on molecular, Mendelian, and population genetics. Topics covered will include molecular advances in the study of genetics, including genomics and bioinformatics; evolution and the effects of genetic mutations; the application of population genetics to forensic science; genetic problem solving, including genetic crosses and statistical analysis; and regulation of gene expression. The laboratory for this course will introduce students to commonly used genetic model organisms and basic molecular biology techniques. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 116 with a minimum grade of C and (BIO 117 with a minimum grade of C or BIO 260 with a minimum grade of C)

Corequisite(s): BIO 265L.

BIO 265L Genetics Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 116 with a minimum grade of C and (BIO 117 with a minimum grade of C or BIO 260 with a minimum grade of C)

Corequisite(s): BIO 265.

CHE 120 Principles of Chemistry 3 Credits

For students who have successfully completed one year of high school chemistry. This systematic study of the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry covers atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometric relationships, including solution and oxidation-reduction reactions, and molecular structure. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite(s): High school chemistry or CHE 100 is recommended before taking this course.

Corequisite(s): CHE 121.

CHE 121 Principles of Chemistry Lab 1 Credits

For students concurrently taking CHE 120. Experiments involve gravimetric, volumetric, and spectrophotometric quantitative analysis. One three-hour lab per week. Fall.

CHE 122 Intro to Chemical Systems 3 Credits

A continuation of CHE 120. For students majoring in the sciences but may be taken by others. Chemical systems in which the study of kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and radiochemistry are emphasized. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 120, MTH 105 or higher.

Corequisite(s): CHE 123.

CHE 123 Quantitative Methods Lab 1 Credits

Usually taken concurrently with CHE 122. Primarily for students majoring in the sciences. A number of quantitative classical and instrumental methods of analysis are used to determine thermodynamic properties and reaction mechanisms. One three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 121.

Corequisite(s): CHE 122.

CHE 211 Organic Chemistry I 4 Credits

The structure, chemical properties, and methods of preparation of the more important classes of carbon compounds are studied, with an emphasis on the relationship of structure, stereochemistry, and conformation to chemical reactivity. The preparation and reactivity of organic functional groups is introduced. The use of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry for elucidating structures of organic molecules is discussed. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 120, CHE 121.

Corequisite(s): CHE 211L.

CHE 211L Organic Chemistry I Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): CHE 211.

CHE 214 Organic Chemistry II 4 Credits

A continuation of Chemistry 211, emphasizing the mechanism of organic reactions, structural interpretations of properties, preparations, reactivity and identification of organic compounds. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 211 and CHE 211L.

CHE 214L Organic Chemistry II Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): CHE 214.

CHE 250 Quantitative Analysis and Statistics Methods 4 Credits

This course will provide a deeper exploration of topics in chemistry that are steeped in numerical analysis. These topics include advanced analysis of equilibrium systems, acid-base systems and electrochemical systems. Additional detail will be given to methods of chemical measurement, statistical methods of data analysis and determination of data validity and reliability. Both lecture and laboratory will show an emphasis on using computer-based tools to analyze experimental data. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 122 & CHE 123

Corequisite(s): CHE 250L.

CHE 250L Quantitative Analysis and Statistical Methods Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): CHE 250.

CHE 305 Physical Chemistry I 3 Credits

The mathematic and conceptual foundations of physical chemistry will be introduced with an over-arching theme of determination of energy allocation within atomic and molecular systems. Topics will include determination and measurement of energy states in atoms and molecules, simple quantum mechanical systems, distribution of energies and the connection to thermodynamic quantities, the three laws of thermodynamics, spontaneity, equilibrium and experimental kinetics.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 122, CHE 214, MTH 211, PHY 201.

MTH 210 Calculus I 4 Credits

Introduces analytic geometry, functions, limits, and derivatives; differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, curve sketching, maxima and minima, and higher derivatives.

Prerequisite(s): Math SAT 650 or higher or Math ACT score of 28 or higher or MTH 105 or MTH 106 with a grade of C or higher.

MTH 211 Calculus II 4 Credits

The definite integral, differentiation of transcendental functions, methods of integration and approximate integration, determination of area, volume, and surface area.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 210 with a grade of C or higher.

PHY 200 General Physics I 4 Credits

Introductory classical physics; Newtonian mechanics, including the conservation laws, wave motion, gravity, thermodynamics. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): MTH 210 or concurrent enrollment

Corequisite(s): PHY 200L.

PHY 200L General Physics I Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): PHY 200.

PHY 201 General Physics II 4 Credits

A continuation of the concepts developed in Physics 200. Electricity, electrical circuits, magnetism, Maxwell’s equations. Light and optics, including lenses, interference, and diffraction. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): PHY 200, MTH 211 or concurrent enrollment.

Corequisite(s): PHY 201L.

PHY 201L General Physics II Lab 0 Credits

This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.

Corequisite(s): PHY 201.