The mechanism and dynamics of living matter. Laboratory work consists of experimental exercises in the field of general and animal physiology.  Two lecture hours, one four hour lab period, museum and zoo studies, collatoral reading and reports.  4 credits

A molecular approach to classical genetics, with the implications of current events in DNA research on human problems. The Laboratory, which integrates exercises with Drosophila. bacteria, and computer simulations, requires weekly reports. Two lecture hours, one four hour lab period.  4 credits

An introduction to the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell and its organelles, stressing the underlying similarities among cell types. The laboratory includes microscopy, cell fractionation, chromatography, electrophoresis, DNA restriction analysis and computer research to study the interdependence of cellular structure and function. Two lecture hours, one four hour lab period.  4 credits

An in-depth study of modern biochemistry including the conformation and dynamics of biomolecules, the design and regulation of metabolic pathways, and the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information. Specifically, BCH 153 deals with the chemistry of amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and lipids, the structure and function of proteins, enzymes, and coenzymes and the introduction of metabolic carbohydrates. BCH 154 continues the metabolism of carbohydrates through the Citric Acid Cycle, the Electron Transport Chain , and Oxidative Phosphorilation. Also covered are glucogenesis, glycogen synthesis, and degradation, photosynthesis, and the metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides. Biological information flow is also covered through the chemical analysis of transcription, translation, and recombinant DNA technology. The Laboratory emphasizes biochemical instrumentation. Two lecture hours, one four hour lab period.  4 credits per semester.

Advanced molecular genetics, emphasizing the study of gene structure and regulation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Detailed biochemistry of DNA structure and replication, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis, and the mechanisms which regulate gene expression. The laboratory emphasizes the techniques and applications of recombinant DNA methodology, including the fundamental of molecular cloning using plasmic and bacteriophage vectors. The laboratory stresses preparative and analytical nucleic acid biochemistry. Two lecture hours, two two hour lab period.  4 credits per semester.

Laboratory and library research on special problems, written report required.  Pass/Fail inly, Three credits per semester.

Laboratory and library research on special problems, written report required.  Overall GPA of 3.00 with a GPA in the major of 3.25 is required.  Pass/Fail inly, Three credits per semester.

Offered every Spring

This course is designed to introduce biochemistry students to the diverse role played by inorganic elements in biology and biochemical processes. It will relate the simple bonding theory and geometry of coordination complexes to complex systems such as metal-proteins and metal enzymes. The application of metal ions in medical diagnosis and therapeutics will also be covered.

This course discusses the morphology, biochemical composition, metabolism, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system will be discussed. It begins with the general principles of synaptic transmission and deals in depth with biosynthesis of  neurotransmitters, storage, release, inactivation in the synapse, receptor types and how they mediate their signals in the post-synaptic cells. There will also be discussions on aging and development in the nervous system, drug addictions and the role of dietary nutrients on nervous system function. Three credits. 

Physical techniques for study of macromolecules and biopolymers with the emphasis of both theories and applications will be discussed in this course. The first half of the course will deal with the theory and techniques used in the separation and identification of biomolecules. The second half of the course will consider underlying principles of spectroscopy and its application to biochemical analysis, as well as the theory behind ligand binding and the uses of radioactive labels. Three Credits

A modern course in general chemistry, stressing the fundamental principles of atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, states of matter, chemical equilibrium, rates of reaction, nuclear chemistry, coordination compounds, and an outline of thermodynamics and electrochemistry. The second semester also emphasizes descriptive inorganic chemistry and qualitative analysis. The laboratory experiments coordinate with and reinforce the lecture materials and also introduce the student to the role of the computer in modern science through the use of the Labworks^® integrated data acquisition system in roughly half of the experiments. The remaining experiments teach traditional wet chemistry techniques such as titration, inorganic synthesis, and separation techniques. Two lecture hours, one recitation period and a three hour laboratory period.  Four credits per semester

Quantitative Analysis will train students to determine concentrations or amounts through laboratory investigations. Quantitative Analysis is a combined lecture-laboratory course. Lectures will provide a theoretical infrastructure that will serve as a foundation for understanding laboratory techniques and thereby prepare the student to execute the analyses in a knowledgeable and effective manner. The course will consider statistics, analytical methods in which the quantity of analyte can be determined by reaction with a known quantity of reagent and methods of analysis depending on the interaction of the analyte with light or electricity. These techniques will include UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Fluorescence, and Potentiometry. The final lectures in Quantitative Analysis will introduce chromatography, by which several analytes occurring simultaneously in a sample can be separated and quantified sequentially. Two lecture hours, one recitation period and a three hour laboratory period.  Four credits.

The chemistry of common classes of organic compounds. Laboratory study includes some preparative work and qualitative organic analysis on a semi-micro scale. Concepts of bonding, resonance, molecular orbital theory, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms, and aromaticity are covered. Laboratory, work includes techniques of separation, synthesis and testing through wet chemical and instrumental methods. Two lecture hours, one recitation period and a three hour laboratory period.  Four credits per semester

An introduction to theoretical organic chemistry, with emphasis on mechamistic concepts, molecular orbital and valence bond approaches to chemical bonding and the chemical literature.  The laboratory empasizes preparative work on a macroscale, including hydrogenations, stirred reactions, vacuum distillation, spectroscopy and chromatography. Two lecture hours, one recitation period and a three hour laboratory period.  Four credits.

A study of the physics involved in the chemical ineractions of matter.  Specifically, CHE 135 investigates thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics and electrochemictry.  CHE 136 studys physical changes of state, statistical thermodynamics, elementary quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and the solid state.  Both courses emphasize the applicationof htese principles to biological systems. Two lecture hours, one recitation period and a three hour laboratory period.  Four credits per semester.

Laboratory and library research on special problems, written report required.  Pass/Fail inly, Three credits per semester.

Laboratory and library research on special problems, written report required.  Overall GPA of 3.00 with a GPA in the major of 3.25 is required.  Pass/Fail inly, Three credits per semester.

Selected topics include: theories of chemical bonding as it relates to chemical structure and reactivity; acid-base theories and important practical applications; kinetics and mechanisms of inorganic reactions; the solid state; coordination chemistry; catalysis; and bioinorganic chemistry. Two lecture hours and four laboratory hours. Four credits. 

A hands-on approach to instrumental analysis and its application to research. The student will use several analytical techniques, including: voltammetry and polarography; high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); gas chromatography (GC); uv- visible and infrared spectrophotometry; atomic absorption spectroscopy; and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Students are also encouraged to use the computer for data analysis and presentation. One-hour lecture and six-hour laboratory. Four credits. 

This course discusses the morphology, biochemical composition, metabolism, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system will be discussed. It begins with the general principles of synaptic transmission and deals in depth with biosynthesis of  neurotransmitters, storage, release, inactivation in the synapse, receptor types and how they mediate their signals in the post-synaptic cells. There will also be discussions on aging and development in the nervous system, drug addictions and the role of dietary nutrients on nervous system function. Three credits. 

Subjects of unusual current interest are presented in this one-semester course. Three hours of lecture including selected demonstrations. Course may be repeated. Three credits. 

This course is a survey of chemistry of the environment.  Topics include the role of energy in modern societies, ranging from fossil fuels and nuclear power to alternative and renewable energy sources (solar, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, geothermal); chemistry of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the biosphere.  There will be discussions of toxicology as it relates to environmental pollutants.  Three credits.

A study of modern 1D, 2D, and nD NMR techniques in routine analysis, diffusion studies, chemical structure elucidation in biological systems, and their medical applications.  The laboratory component includes experiments involving 1D and 2D NMR techniques to identify unknown compounds by assigning 1H and 13C NMR spectra.  Three lecture hours, three hour lab.  Four credits.

This course is an investigation into the use of modern mainframe and microcomputers to solve problems in data processing, molecular energetics and molecular structure. The course progresses gradually, beginning with simple computational problems such as numerical integration, computer handling of matrices and determinants and curve-fitting through multivariate analysis. The second half of the course is directed to various molecular orbital theories and includes self-consistent field and ab initio calculations. Hands-on work with the computers will enable the student to carry out computations in all topic areas. Facility in FORTRAN or BASIC will be helpful but is not required. Enough language to handle I/O files will be taught during the course. Three credits.