Biochemistry Course Descriptions

BIO 151 General Biology I

A course for the biology major and a prerequisite for all subsequent courses for the major. This course is also required for certain other majors. The course addresses the chemical and physiological aspects common to organisms, such as cell structure, metabolism, and biosynthesis of molecules. Basic principles of molecular biology will be introduced. Students may enroll in this course only if it is a specific requirement for their major. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

BIO 152 General Biology II

A continuation of the study begun in BIO 151. Topics focus on animal systems and address the diverse organ complexity and physiological functions. The course also extends the introduction of the rapidly evolving knowledge of molecular biology, gene structure, and regulation of expression. Prokaryotes and the kingdoms will be introduced. Kingdom animalia will be discussed in greater depth. Students will also be introduced to ecology. Students may enroll in this course only if it is a specific requirement for their major. Prerequisite: BIO 151 or equivalent. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

BIO 260 Microbiology

An analysis of the general principles of microbiology. The course includes the study of microbial growth and the relation of bacteria and viruses to infection, disease, and immunity. The role of pathogenic microbes and parasitic agents in the cause of disease is studied along with the role of various combative chemicals. Prerequisite: BIO 152 or BIO 162. (3)

BIO 262 Genetics for Majors

This course for majors is a study of the basic principles of inheritance from the classical studies of Mendel to current developments in molecular genetics. Students study the applications of genetic technologies to microorganisms, plants, and animals. The potential benefits of engineering and related ethical issues are discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 260 or BIO 151 and MA 181 or MA 172. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

BIO 300 Writing for Science

A discipline-specific approach to writing for biology majors, this course will acquaint the student with the range of writing styles in science. Students will apply their knowledge in the sciences to both the critique and writing of research abstracts, literature summaries, and pieces to be read by the non-scientific audience. Prerequisite: EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, WI. (3)

BIO 368 Advanced Research Methods

This is a laboratory-intensive course that will provide the student with a working knowledge of current laboratory techniques common to many scientific disciplines, including cell biology, immunology, and virology. Students will learn to use standard and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The course also will explore the application of each technique to different scientific questions. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 363. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

BIO 400 Internship

Senior students may register for an internship with a cooperating employer in the Washington metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by a supervising professor and a representative of the employing firm. Prerequisite: senior status. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

BIO 423 Pathways in STEM – 4th Year Seminar

Provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a topic of current interest selected annually. Discussion and research of the literature is encouraged as a means for examining both scientific aspects of the topic and the relationship of science to societal, legislative, and economic issues. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of instructor. (3)

BIO 442 Nucleic Acids and Metabolism

A continuation of the study that began in BIO 441 that further examines nucleic acid function, including topics such as nucleotide biosynthesis, gene expression and regulation, DNA replication and repair, and RNA transcription and processing. In addition, an in-depth study of the regulation and integration of metabolic pathways will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO 441. (3)

BIO 449 Advanced Molecular Biology

The majority of this class is spent in the laboratory since it emphasizes hands-on exploration of the techniques currently employed in research, forensic, and diagnostic laboratories. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (4)

CHM 151 Principles of Chemistry I

This course is part of the chemistry sequence for biology majors. The course covers inorganic nomenclature, oxidation-reduction reactions, elementary thermodynamics, atomic and molecular structure, Lewis dot structures, the shapes of molecules, and ideal gases. The laboratory also covers introductory visible spectroscopy. Prerequisite: placement into MA 171 or higher. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

CHM 152 Principles of Chemistry II

This course is part of the chemistry sequence for biology majors. The course covers intermolecular interactions, structure of crystals, properties of solution, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, precipitation equilibrium, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 151. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I

This course is part of the chemistry sequence for biology majors. It covers the nomenclature, structure, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. The course is mainly devoted to aliphatic and cycloaliphatic compounds and covers infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The laboratory emphasizes the techniques of distillations, recrystallization, extraction, and spectroscopic identification. Prerequisite: CHM 152. (3)

CHM 441 Physical Biochemistry

This course explores how the fundamental laws of thermodynamics determine both the formation of complex biological molecules and their three-dimensional structure. In addition, students will investigate rates of reactions, including enzymatic reactions and protein and nucleotide folding reactions. Students will also learn how molecular models and spectroscopy are combined to determine the structure of molecules. Prerequisites: CHM 222 and MA 181 or MA 172, or permission of the instructor. (3)

MA 218 Probability and Statistics

Introduction to probability theory and statistical inference with a focus on applications in life sciences. Includes probability laws, probability distributions, sampling methods, experimental design, descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, types of error, correlation and regression, and analysis of variance. Computer software for statistical computing is used to apply the concepts covered to realistic data sets from the biological and/or social sciences. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisite: complete university’s directed self-placement process. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: MT. (3)