Chemistry and Biochemistry Major Requirements
2024 - 2025 Catalog
We have the following degrees:
- Biochemistry major leading to BS degree
- Chemistry major leading to BA degree
- Chemistry major leading to BS degree
Biochemistry major leading to BS degree
The major in biochemistry leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires completion of 54 credits as follows:
- BIOL 111 and 113; CHEM 110 or 109/115, 211, 241 or 240/245, 242 or 244/246, 243, 250, 260, 341, 342, 343, 344; MATH 101 and 102; PHYS 111
- Two additional courses totaling at least six credits chosen from the following. Only one 400-level course may count toward the major.
BIOL 201, 211S or 230, 220, 223, 225, 250, 285, 310, 350, 385, and when the topic is appropriate and approved by the chemistry department head, BIOL 423
CHEM 345, and when the topic is appropriate and approved by the chemistry department head, CHEM 298, 299, 399, 403, 423, 473, or 493
NEUR 395 or 423, when the topic is appropriate and approved by the chemistry department head - Completion of the Major Field Test in Chemistry.
- Required courses
- BIOL 111 - Fundamentals of Biology
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 110 and first year standing. Upper division students must request an eligibility override Corequisite BIOL 113 - Biology Laboratory An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism. Suitable for First-Years interested in pursuing a major in biology, neuroscience or environmental studies or the pre-health curriculum. This course, and its companion laboratory (BIOL 113), are prerequisites for all higher level biology courses.
- BIOL 113 - Biology Laboratory
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 1 Prerequisite CHEM 110 and first year standing. Upper division students must request an eligibility override Corequisite BIOL 111 - Fundamentals of Biology A laboratory course to accompany BIOL 111. Students are trained in basic techniques of biological research by demonstrations and investigatory exercises, including data analysis and scientific communication. Limited seating available for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. All students should contact the Biology department, for consent as soon as the class schedule is available and before registration begins.
- CHEM 110 - General Chemistry
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 This is a foundational course for those pursuing upper-level chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental vocabulary, concepts, and principles that appear throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum are introduced. Topics include basic chemistry calculations, quantum mechanics in chemistry, molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics. In addition, a range of spectroscopic methods including UV-Vis, Atomic Absorption, and XRF are employed in the laboratory. While no previous knowledge of chemistry is required, some background is advantageous. Laboratory course with fee.
OR
- CHEM 109 - General Chemistry
FDR SC Credits 3 Prerequisite Instructor consent A foundational course for those pursuing upper-level chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental vocabulary, concepts, and principles that appear throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum are introduced. Topics include basic chemistry calculations, quantum mechanics in chemistry, molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of Chem 110.
AND
- CHEM 115 - General Chemistry Laboratory
FDR SL (when combined with CHEM 109) Credits 1 Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 109 This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of CHEM 110. A range of spectroscopic methods including UV-Vis, Atomic Absorption, and XRF are employed in this laboratory. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 211 - Analytical Chemistry
Credits 4 Prerequisite instructor consent Emphasis on inorganic systems exhibiting aqueous solution equilibria. Topics covered include acid/base reactions, redox reactions, complexation, precipitation reactions, and solution equilibrium. Laboratory work emphasizes basic wet-chemical as well as more sophisticated instrumental techniques of chemical quantitative analysis with appropriate statistical methods of data handling. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 241 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 110 with a grade of C+ or greater Corequisite CHEM 241L - CHEM 241 LAB A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. Laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. Laboratory course with fee.
OR
- CHEM 240 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits 3 A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of CHEM 241.
AND
- CHEM 245 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 240 - Organic Chemistry I This laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of Chem 241. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 242 - Organic Chemistry II
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 241 Corequisite CHEM 242L - CHEM 242 LAB A continuation of CHEM 241. Laboratory course with fee.
OR
- CHEM 244 - Organic Chemistry II
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 241 A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of Chem 242.
AND
- CHEM 246 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 244 - Organic Chemistry II This laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of CHEM 242. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 243 - Spectroscopic Methods
Credits 2 Prerequisite CHEM 242 This course covers theory and interpretation of more complex proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including two-dimensional techniques, and qualitative mass spectrometry. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 250 - Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 260 or CHEM 261 A survey of main group and transition metal chemistry, as well as fundamentals of point group symmetry and of the major metalloproteins, metalloenzymes, and medicinal inorganic compounds. Main group chemistry is discussed from the perspective of the classic compounds from the alkali metals, the alkaline earths, the boron family, the carbon family, the pnicogens, the chalcogens, the halogens, and the noble gases. Transition metal chemistry will be examined from the standpoint of characteristic coordination geometries, kinetics and mechanism, electron transfer (inner and outer sphere), and catalysis.
- CHEM 260 - Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 110 and MATH 102 An introduction to the application of physical chemistry to biological systems. Topics Include enzyme kinetics, the thermodynamics of metabolic cycles, the conformational energetics of biomolecules, especially protein folding, and an introduction to quantum mechanics.
- CHEM 341 - Biochemistry I
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 242 A study of the structure, function, biosynthesis and breakdown of biomolecules, including amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Enzymes, biological membranes and membrane transport, signal transduction, and regulation of metabolism are studied in greater detail.
- CHEM 342 - Biochemistry II
Credits 3 Prerequisite BIOL 215 or CHEM 341 A continuation of CHEM 341 with an emphasis on the structure, function, and metabolism of nucleic acids. Topics covered in detail include gene expression and regulation, DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, and protein synthesis and degradation.
- CHEM 343 - Biochemistry I Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 341 - Biochemistry I Experiments demonstrate the techniques used to study proteins and lipids. Isolation and characterization of proteins and lipids using gel electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, chromatographic techniques including GC-MS, and the proper reporting and analysis of experimental data are included. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 344 - Biochemistry II Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 342 - Biochemistry II A laboratory course designed to demonstrate the fundamental techniques used to study nucleic acids. Methods to isolate and characterize DNA and RNA include PCR, gel electrophoresis, hybridization techniques, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Laboratory course with fee.
- MATH 101 - Calculus I
FDR FM Math and Computer Science Foundation Credits 3 An introduction to the calculus of functions of one variable, including a study of limits, derivatives, extrema, integrals, and the fundamental theorem. Sections meet either 3 or 4 days a week, with material in the latter presented at a more casual pace.
- MATH 102 - Calculus II
FDR FM Math and Computer Science Foundation Credits 3 Prerequisite MATH 101 with a grade of C or greater or MATH 102 placement A continuation of MATH 101, including techniques and applications of integration, transcendental functions, and infinite series.
- PHYS 111 - General Physics I
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 An introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, solids, fluids, and wave motion.
- Two additional courses totaling at least six credits chosen from the following.
- BIOL 201 - Statistics for Biology and Medicine
Credits 3 Prerequisite BIOL 111, 113, and either a Biology major, Neuroscience major, or Data Science minor This course examines the principles of statistics and experimental design for biological and medical research. The focus is on the practical and conceptual aspects of statistics, rather than mathematical derivations. Students completing this class will be able to read and understand research papers, to design realistic experiments, and to carry out their own statistical analyses using computer packages.
- BIOL 211S - Cell Biology at St. Andrews
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Lecture and lab work are intermingled in this course that introduces the structure and function of the cell and sub-cellular organelles. as well as prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The diversity and development of different cell types within multicellular organisms is also discussed. Taught at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland with final grade assigned by W&L biology faculty.
or
- BIOL 230 - Cell Biology
Credits 3 Prerequisite BIOL 111, BIOL 113, and at least sophomore class standing This course will focus on understanding the components of a cell, the internal organization of a cell, how they move, how they function, how they respond to cues from their external environment, and the limits of our current knowledge. Lecture topics will include the internal organization of a cell, structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins, membrane and cytoskeleton structure function, protein sorting, membrane transport, cell cycle and cell-cycle control, cell signaling and communication, and cell death.
- BIOL 220 - Genetics
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 3 Prerequisite BIOL 111, 113, and either sophomore or junior class standing A study of the three main branches of modern genetics: 1) Mendelian genetics, the study of the transmission of traits from one generation to the next; 2) molecular genetics, a study of the chemical structure of genes and how they operate at the molecular level; and 3) population genetics, the study of the variation of genes between and within populations. This course is a prerequisite to most 300-level courses in biology.
- BIOL 223 - Virology
Credits 3 Prerequisite BIOL 211 or BIOL 220 A study of those obligate intracellular parasites known as viruses, that infect both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including viral structure, mode of infection and replication, regulation of viral life cycle. Discussions include viral diseases in humans.
- BIOL 225 - Medicinal Plant Biology
Credits 4 Prerequisite BIOL 111 and BIOL 113 From Taxol to Vitamin C plants provide important medicinal products for humans. This course is an introduction to the study of plant form and function from the perspective of the utilization of plants by humans for medicinal purposes. Lectures cover plant cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, and interactions with the environment. The laboratory includes modern plant biology techniques ranging from molecular to organismal. Laboratory course.
- BIOL 250 - Vertebrate Endocrinology
Credits 3 Prerequisite BIOL 111, BIOL 113, and either a Biology major, Neuroscience major, Integrated Engineering - Biology track major, Biochemistry major, or Chemistry major This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of the endocrine system, including exploration of chemoregulatory mechanisms in vertebrates and examination of biochemical, cellular, and physiological aspects of hormone action. In-class exercises focus on developing written and verbal scientific communication skills, as well as in-depth analysis of primary literature.
- BIOL 310 - Microbiology
Credits 4 Prerequisite BIOL 220, and either a Biology major, Neuroscience major, Integrated Engineering - Biology track major, Biochemistry major, or Chemistry major A broadly based course in the study of microorganisms, specifically: prokaryotic cells, microbial diversity, and the effects of microbes in the world, in society and in the bodies of animals and plants. It concerns the central role of microbiology as a basic biological science that enhances our understanding of the biology of higher organisms. Laboratory course.
- BIOL 350 - Immunology
Credits 4 Prerequisite either BIOL 215, BIOL 220, or CHEM 341; and senior class standing A study of the structural and functional aspects of the immune system from the perspective of cellular and developmental biology; the biochemical and structural properties of antibodies and the possible origins of their diversity; and immunopathology.
- BIOL 385 - Molecular Mechanics of Life
Credits 4 Prerequisite BIOL 220 How do we study complex networks of interactions between molecules in cells? How do we discover what roles different molecular machines play in the development and behavior of cells and animals? How can we identify the ways in which medical illness is caused by the misregulation of biological complexes because of a pathogenic infection or genetic disease? Our approach to answering these questions reflects the same interdisciplinary strategy being used at the forefront of current biomedical research. We consider the ways in which traditional approaches in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology can be merged with new systems-level approaches such as genomics and proteomics, to allow us to probe the underlying molecular mechanics of life. In the classroom, we examine different molecular networks, while readings include selections from the primary literature. The laboratory is based on an investigation of a novel research question, designed and addressed by student participants. Laboratory course.
- BIOL 423 - Directed Individual Research
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines available from biology faculty. Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
- CHEM 345 - Advanced Biochemistry
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent A more advanced treatment of current topics in biochemistry. Specific topics vary by year but may include enzyme/ribozyme kinetics and mechanisms, signaling pathways, biomolecular transport, chromatin structure/ function, RNA processing pathways, and regulation of gene expression.
- CHEM 298 - Special Topics in Chemistry
Credits 3 Possible topics include RNA biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and atmospheric chemistry and the environment. Three-credit studies of special topics. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Prerequisite vary with topic.
- CHEM 299 - Spring-Term Special Topics in Chemistry
Credits 4 Possible topics include medicinal chemistry, materials chemistry, or atmospheric chemistry and the environment. Studies of special topics. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Prerequisites vary with topic and instructor.
- CHEM 399 - Advanced Topics in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Credits 3-4 Prerequisite CHEM 242 Studies of advanced topics. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
- CHEM 403 - Directed Individual Study
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor and meeting the special needs of advanced students, in accordance with departmental guidelines available from chemistry faculty. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
- CHEM 423 - Directed Individual Research
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Literature search, conferences, tri-weekly reports and laboratory work on a project supervised by the instructor and designed by the student and instructor. A final written report on the project is required. May be carried out during the summer.
- CHEM 473 - Senior Thesis
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Literature search, conferences, reports and laboratory. Maximum of six credits. Laboratory course.
- CHEM 493 - Honors Thesis
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Laboratory work resulting in a thesis exhibiting a significant understanding of an important problem. A student interested in Honors in Chemistry or Biochemistry should notify the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Head by the end of the sophomore year.
When the topic is appropriate and approved by the chemistry department head:
- NEUR 395 - Special Topics in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Credits 1-3 A seminar designed to provide an advanced student with a broader knowledge of the field of cellular and molecular neuroscience. Specific topics will vary and depend upon instructor availability. May be repeated for credit if the topics are different.
or
- NEUR 423 - Directed Individual Research
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a neuroscience faculty member by prior mutual agreement. Consult with individual faculty for a description of current research areas.
- Completion of the Major Field Test in Chemistry.
Only one 400-level course may count toward the major.
Chemistry major leading to BA degree
The major in chemistry leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of 48 credits as follows:
- CHEM 110 or 109/115, 211, 241 or 240/245, 242 or 244/246, 243, 250, 260 or 261, 341; MATH 101, 102; PHYS 111, 112
- Six additional credits chosen from biology, chemistry (numbered 200 or above), geology or physics (numbered 200 or above)
- Completion of the Major Field Test in Chemistry.
- Required courses
- CHEM 110 - General Chemistry
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 This is a foundational course for those pursuing upper-level chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental vocabulary, concepts, and principles that appear throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum are introduced. Topics include basic chemistry calculations, quantum mechanics in chemistry, molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics. In addition, a range of spectroscopic methods including UV-Vis, Atomic Absorption, and XRF are employed in the laboratory. While no previous knowledge of chemistry is required, some background is advantageous. Laboratory course with fee.
OR
- CHEM 109 - General Chemistry
FDR SC Credits 3 Prerequisite Instructor consent A foundational course for those pursuing upper-level chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental vocabulary, concepts, and principles that appear throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum are introduced. Topics include basic chemistry calculations, quantum mechanics in chemistry, molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of Chem 110.
AND
- CHEM 115 - General Chemistry Laboratory
FDR SL (when combined with CHEM 109) Credits 1 Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 109 This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of CHEM 110. A range of spectroscopic methods including UV-Vis, Atomic Absorption, and XRF are employed in this laboratory. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 211 - Analytical Chemistry
Credits 4 Prerequisite instructor consent Emphasis on inorganic systems exhibiting aqueous solution equilibria. Topics covered include acid/base reactions, redox reactions, complexation, precipitation reactions, and solution equilibrium. Laboratory work emphasizes basic wet-chemical as well as more sophisticated instrumental techniques of chemical quantitative analysis with appropriate statistical methods of data handling. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 241 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 110 with a grade of C+ or greater Corequisite CHEM 241L - CHEM 241 LAB A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. Laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. Laboratory course with fee.
OR
- CHEM 240 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits 3 A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of CHEM 241.
AND
- CHEM 245 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 240 - Organic Chemistry I This laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of Chem 241. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 242 - Organic Chemistry II
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 241 Corequisite CHEM 242L - CHEM 242 LAB A continuation of CHEM 241. Laboratory course with fee.
OR
- CHEM 244 - Organic Chemistry II
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 241 A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of Chem 242.
AND
- CHEM 246 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 244 - Organic Chemistry II This laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of CHEM 242. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 243 - Spectroscopic Methods
Credits 2 Prerequisite CHEM 242 This course covers theory and interpretation of more complex proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including two-dimensional techniques, and qualitative mass spectrometry. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 250 - Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 260 or CHEM 261 A survey of main group and transition metal chemistry, as well as fundamentals of point group symmetry and of the major metalloproteins, metalloenzymes, and medicinal inorganic compounds. Main group chemistry is discussed from the perspective of the classic compounds from the alkali metals, the alkaline earths, the boron family, the carbon family, the pnicogens, the chalcogens, the halogens, and the noble gases. Transition metal chemistry will be examined from the standpoint of characteristic coordination geometries, kinetics and mechanism, electron transfer (inner and outer sphere), and catalysis.
- CHEM 260 - Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 110 and MATH 102 An introduction to the application of physical chemistry to biological systems. Topics Include enzyme kinetics, the thermodynamics of metabolic cycles, the conformational energetics of biomolecules, especially protein folding, and an introduction to quantum mechanics.
or
- CHEM 261 - Physical Chemistry: Quantum & Computational Chemistry
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 110, MATH 102, and at least junior class standing An introduction to quantum mechanics as it applies to atomic and molecular systems. The emphasis is placed on spectroscopic methods and the modern picture of chemical bonding and molecular structure and computational methods.
- CHEM 341 - Biochemistry I
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 242 A study of the structure, function, biosynthesis and breakdown of biomolecules, including amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Enzymes, biological membranes and membrane transport, signal transduction, and regulation of metabolism are studied in greater detail.
- MATH 101 - Calculus I
FDR FM Math and Computer Science Foundation Credits 3 An introduction to the calculus of functions of one variable, including a study of limits, derivatives, extrema, integrals, and the fundamental theorem. Sections meet either 3 or 4 days a week, with material in the latter presented at a more casual pace.
- MATH 102 - Calculus II
FDR FM Math and Computer Science Foundation Credits 3 Prerequisite MATH 101 with a grade of C or greater or MATH 102 placement A continuation of MATH 101, including techniques and applications of integration, transcendental functions, and infinite series.
- PHYS 111 - General Physics I
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 An introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, solids, fluids, and wave motion.
- PHYS 112 - General Physics II
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 Prerequisite PHYS 111 A continuation of PHYS 111. Topics include thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and optics.
- Six additional credits chosen from biology, chemistry (numbered 200 or above), geology or physics (numbered 200 or above)
- Completion of the Major Field Test in Chemistry.
Chemistry major leading to BS degree
The major in chemistry leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires completion of at least 55 credits in the sciences and mathematics including the following:
- CHEM 110 or 109/115, 211, 241 or 240/245, 242 or 244/246, 243, 250, 260, 261, 341; MATH 101, 102, 221; PHYS 111, 112
- Two courses chosen from CHEM 342, 347, 350, 365, 399, 403, 473, 493; only one 400-level course may count toward the major
- Completion of the Major Field Test in Chemistry.
Students planning for graduate work in chemistry should consult a chemistry faculty member by the end of the first year regarding suggested additional math and chemistry courses. Students may earn the American Chemical Society certified degree by completing more laboratory work. Consult the department head for details.
- Required courses
- CHEM 110 - General Chemistry
OR
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 This is a foundational course for those pursuing upper-level chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental vocabulary, concepts, and principles that appear throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum are introduced. Topics include basic chemistry calculations, quantum mechanics in chemistry, molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics. In addition, a range of spectroscopic methods including UV-Vis, Atomic Absorption, and XRF are employed in the laboratory. While no previous knowledge of chemistry is required, some background is advantageous. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 109 - General Chemistry
FDR SC Credits 3 Prerequisite Instructor consent A foundational course for those pursuing upper-level chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental vocabulary, concepts, and principles that appear throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum are introduced. Topics include basic chemistry calculations, quantum mechanics in chemistry, molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of Chem 110.
AND
- CHEM 115 - General Chemistry Laboratory
FDR SL (when combined with CHEM 109) Credits 1 Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 109 This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of CHEM 110. A range of spectroscopic methods including UV-Vis, Atomic Absorption, and XRF are employed in this laboratory. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 211 - Analytical Chemistry
Credits 4 Prerequisite instructor consent Emphasis on inorganic systems exhibiting aqueous solution equilibria. Topics covered include acid/base reactions, redox reactions, complexation, precipitation reactions, and solution equilibrium. Laboratory work emphasizes basic wet-chemical as well as more sophisticated instrumental techniques of chemical quantitative analysis with appropriate statistical methods of data handling. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 241 - Organic Chemistry I
OR
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 110 with a grade of C+ or greater Corequisite CHEM 241L - CHEM 241 LAB A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. Laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 240 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits 3 A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of CHEM 241.
AND
- CHEM 245 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 240 - Organic Chemistry I This laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of Chem 241. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 242 - Organic Chemistry II
OR
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 241 Corequisite CHEM 242L - CHEM 242 LAB A continuation of CHEM 241. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 244 - Organic Chemistry II
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 241 A survey of the compounds of carbon including their structure, chemical and physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, identification, and synthesis. This course is equivalent to the lecture portion of Chem 242.
AND
- CHEM 246 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Credits 1 Corequisite CHEM 244 - Organic Chemistry II This laboratory focuses on the development of skills in preparing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds using spectroscopic methods. This course is equivalent to the laboratory portion of CHEM 242. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 243 - Spectroscopic Methods
Credits 2 Prerequisite CHEM 242 This course covers theory and interpretation of more complex proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including two-dimensional techniques, and qualitative mass spectrometry. Laboratory course with fee.
- CHEM 250 - Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 260 or CHEM 261 A survey of main group and transition metal chemistry, as well as fundamentals of point group symmetry and of the major metalloproteins, metalloenzymes, and medicinal inorganic compounds. Main group chemistry is discussed from the perspective of the classic compounds from the alkali metals, the alkaline earths, the boron family, the carbon family, the pnicogens, the chalcogens, the halogens, and the noble gases. Transition metal chemistry will be examined from the standpoint of characteristic coordination geometries, kinetics and mechanism, electron transfer (inner and outer sphere), and catalysis.
- CHEM 260 - Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems
Credits 4 Prerequisite CHEM 110 and MATH 102 An introduction to the application of physical chemistry to biological systems. Topics Include enzyme kinetics, the thermodynamics of metabolic cycles, the conformational energetics of biomolecules, especially protein folding, and an introduction to quantum mechanics.
- CHEM 261 - Physical Chemistry: Quantum & Computational Chemistry
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 110, MATH 102, and at least junior class standing An introduction to quantum mechanics as it applies to atomic and molecular systems. The emphasis is placed on spectroscopic methods and the modern picture of chemical bonding and molecular structure and computational methods.
- CHEM 341 - Biochemistry I
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 242 A study of the structure, function, biosynthesis and breakdown of biomolecules, including amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Enzymes, biological membranes and membrane transport, signal transduction, and regulation of metabolism are studied in greater detail.
- MATH 101 - Calculus I
FDR FM Math and Computer Science Foundation Credits 3 An introduction to the calculus of functions of one variable, including a study of limits, derivatives, extrema, integrals, and the fundamental theorem. Sections meet either 3 or 4 days a week, with material in the latter presented at a more casual pace.
- MATH 102 - Calculus II
FDR FM Math and Computer Science Foundation Credits 3 Prerequisite MATH 101 with a grade of C or greater or MATH 102 placement A continuation of MATH 101, including techniques and applications of integration, transcendental functions, and infinite series.
- MATH 221 - Multivariable Calculus
FDR SC Science, Math, CS Distribution Credits 3 Prerequisite MATH 102 with a grade of C or greater, MATH 222, or MATH 225 Motion in three dimensions, parametric curves, differential calculus of multivariable functions, multiple integrals, line integrals, and Green's Theorem.
- PHYS 111 - General Physics I
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 An introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, solids, fluids, and wave motion.
- PHYS 112 - General Physics II
FDR SL Lab Science Distribution Credits 4 Prerequisite PHYS 111 A continuation of PHYS 111. Topics include thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and optics.
- Two courses chosen from:
- CHEM 342 - Biochemistry II
Credits 3 Prerequisite BIOL 215 or CHEM 341 A continuation of CHEM 341 with an emphasis on the structure, function, and metabolism of nucleic acids. Topics covered in detail include gene expression and regulation, DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, and protein synthesis and degradation.
- CHEM 347 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent An introduction to the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Topics include control of stereochemistry, synthetic methodology, modern synthetic reactions, protecting groups, natural products synthesis, and combinatorial chemistry.
- CHEM 350 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Credits 3 Prerequisite CHEM 250 and CHEM 261 An introduction to group theory and its application to inorganic spectroscopy and an introduction to organometallic chemistry, organometallic catalytic processes, and solid state chemistry.
- CHEM 365 - Advanced Physical Chemistry
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent A more advanced treatment of the fundamental areas of physical chemistry, such as thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Specific topics vary with student interest.
- CHEM 399 - Advanced Topics in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Credits 3-4 Prerequisite CHEM 242 Studies of advanced topics. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
- CHEM 403 - Directed Individual Study
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Advanced work and reading in topics selected by the instructor and meeting the special needs of advanced students, in accordance with departmental guidelines available from chemistry faculty. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.
- CHEM 473 - Senior Thesis
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Literature search, conferences, reports and laboratory. Maximum of six credits. Laboratory course.
- CHEM 493 - Honors Thesis
Credits 3 Prerequisite instructor consent Laboratory work resulting in a thesis exhibiting a significant understanding of an important problem. A student interested in Honors in Chemistry or Biochemistry should notify the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Head by the end of the sophomore year.
only one 400-level course may count towards the major
- Completion of the Major Field Test in Chemistry