Biological Chemistry, B.A.

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Biological Chemistry

Member of the Division of Science

Chair(s):

Erick Leggans

Faculty:

Charvann Bailey
Ben DeRidder
Leslie Gregg-Jolly
Heriberto Hernandez
Shannon Hinsa
Mark Levandoski
Clark Lindgren
Elaine Marzluff
T. Andrew Mobley
Vida Praitis
Joshua Sandquist
Lee Sharpe
Stephen Sieck
James Swartz
Elizabeth Trimmer

Biological chemistry studies the chemical basis of biological processes. As such, it is an interdisciplinary combination of biology and chemistry requiring a distinct subset of material from both fields. The core courses of the major introduce students to methods of inquiry into biological chemistry and consider the structure and function of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, and how these molecules mediate chemical processes in the cell. These core courses are designed jointly by members of the biology and chemistry departments to emphasize the interrelationships of the topics being presented. Elective courses enable students to consider specific topics within the broad range of biological chemistry in greater depth.

All of the instrumentation in both the biology and chemistry departments is available for the courses and research projects of biological chemistry majors. Majors are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty in biology or chemistry.

Major Requirements: A minimum of 32 credits

Core requirements (28 credits):

BIO 150 - Introduction to Biological Inquiry 4 credits
CHM 129 - General Chemistry 4 credits
or
CHM 210 - Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
BIO 251 - Molecules, Cells, and Organisms 4 credits
CHM 221 - Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHM 222 - Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
BCM 262 - Introduction to Biological Chemistry 4 credits
CHM 363 - Physical Chemistry I 4 credits

Advanced electives from this list (4 credits):

BIO 334 - Plant Physiology 4 credits *
BIO 345 - Advanced Genetics 4 credits *
BIO 365 - Microbiology 4 credits * *
BCM 366 - Immunology 4 credits or the cross-listed BIO 366 *
BIO 370 - Advanced Cell Biology 4 credits *
BIO 375 - Principles of Pharmacology 4 credits *
BIO 380 - Molecular Biology 4 credits
BCM 395 - Special Topic: as approved by department 4 credits*
CHM 330 - Bioorganic Chemistry 4 credits *
CHM 332 - Biophysical Chemistry 4 credits *
CHM 358 - Instrumental Analysis 4 credits

Also required:

Note:

*Not offered every year.

Honors

To be considered for honors in biological chemistry, graduating seniors, in addition to meeting the College’s general requirements for honors, must complete an independent research project, publicly present the work, and demonstrate excellence in the work. The public presentation is satisfied automatically by all students who participate in the chemistry department summer research program. Other students are expected to satisfy this requirement by presenting in the biology or chemistry seminar programs, but other equivalently formal public presentation settings may be considered. Achieving Honors also requires that you contribute to the program in other ways, for example, by attending seminars, being a teaching assistant or mentor, serving on the SEPC (Student Educational Policy Committee), or participating in outreach activities. The faculty believes that graduating with honors in biological chemistry should not be regarded solely as the completion of set of requirements, but rather that honors signify demonstrated academic excellence and an unusually high commitment and dedication to the discipline.

Biological Chemistry Courses

Click here to list Biological Chemistry courses.