Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of living organisms at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of vital processes. This major is appropriate for students who are interested in attending graduate school in Biochemistry or related areas. It also satisfies many of the requirements of pre-medical and other pre-professional schools.
Major requirements
BIO 115SN - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
An introduction to molecular and cellular biology, with an examination of
the processes common to living organisms and an introduction to the
diversity of life, emphasizing unicellular organisms. This introduction will
provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell
structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle,
meiosis, genetics, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and Christian
perspectives on evolutionary biology. (4 credits) (NWCore option under
Science and the Natural World) Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week.
BIO 116 - General Biology: Ecology and Organismal Biology
General Biology II is an introduction to organismal biology emphasizing the diversity of life forms. Representative organisms from the plant and animal kingdoms will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to basic ecological concepts and Christian perspectives on stewardship. (4 credits)
BIO 310WI - Cell Biology
A study of the structure and function of cells and of their subcellular
organelles. Structural detail will be described to the level of
macromolecular assemblages. Wherever possible, function will be described in
terms of the molecular mechanisms that underlie biological processes.
Note: Includes 3 lectures and 3 hours of lab per week.
Prerequisites: BIO115SN, 116, and CHE101, 102, or CHE111, 112. (4 credits;
alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive) A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 326x - Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism
A fundamental course surveying biomolecules, catabolism, bioenergetics and biosynthesis. Prerequisites: CHE321 and 322. (4 credits)
BIO 327WI - Biochemistry: Molecular Genetics
(4 credits)(Writing intensive) This course focuses on the structure and
function of nucleic acids and examines the biochemical techniques involved
in gaining knowledge regarding replication, transcription and translation of
genetic information, and control of gene expression.
Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week.
Prerequisites: BIO115, CHE321 and 322.
CHE 111 - General Chemistry
An introductory course in chemistry that emphasizes physical and inorganic concepts, problems and calculations. Topics include chemical reactions, stoichiometry, properties of gases, thermochemistry, theories of atomic structure, and chemical bonding. The general chemistry sequence (Chemistry 111 and Chemistry 112) is recommended for students with good math / science preparations who intend to proceed to advanced courses in chemistry, the biological sciences or engineering. Prerequisites: high school chemistry and ACT math
score of at least 24 (SAT 570 or above). (4 credits)
CHE 112 - General Chemistry
A continuation of Chemistry 111. Topics covered include kinetics, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry and nuclear chemistry.Prerequisite: CHE111 or consent of the instructor.(4 credits)
CHE 315 - Instrumental Analysis
A study of the theory and operation of common laboratory instruments. Topics include: infrared, visible and ultraviolet spectroscopy; atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; gas and liquid chromatography; electrochemical methods.Prerequisite: CHE211.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CHE 321 - Organic Chemistry
The study of carbon compounds and their functional groups, including nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, structures, mechanisms and spectroscopic analysis.Prerequisites: CHE102 or 112 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)
CHE 322 - Organic Chemistry
A continuation of the study of carbon compounds and their functional groups, including nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, structures, mechanisms and spectroscopic analysis.Prerequisite: CHE321.(4 credits)
CHE 433WIx - Introductory Physical Chemistry
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)(Writing intensive) An
introductory course in chemical thermodynamics, quantum chemistry and
chemical kinetics. Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory
period per week.
Prerequisites: MAT112QR and MAT211; and CHE112 or PHY212.
Cross-referenced in physics.
Cognate Requirements
MAT 112QR - Calculus I
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is a
study of functions, limits, derivatives and integrals with a strong
emphasis on both theory and applications.
Note: Meets four times per week.
Prerequisites: C- or higher in MAT109, or an ACT math score of at least
24 (SAT 570 or above), or permission of mathematics department chair.
MAT 211 - Calculus II
A study of transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integration, sequences, series, polar coordinates and conic sections.Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT112 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)
Choose one sequence:
PHY 111SN - General Physics I
Though all students are welcome in this IGE physics course, this is
the first in a two course algebra-based sequence designed particularly for
life science majors and others intending to apply to medical or graduate
school. The course includes the following topics: kinematics, Newtonian
mechanics, energy, momentum, gravity, thermodynamics, and oscillations.
Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT 109QR, ACT math score of 24 or better (SAT
570 or above), or consent of the department chair. (4 credits) (NWCore
option under Science and the Natural World)
Note: There is a
laboratory component to this course.
PHY 112 - General Physics II
A continuation of General Physics I. Topics will include simple harmonic oscillation, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, electromagnetism and modern physics.Prerequisite: successful completion of PHY111 with a grade of C- or better, or consent of department chair.(4 credits)
or
PHY 211SN - Classical Physics I
(4 credits)(NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) Though all
students are welcome in this calculus-based, IGE physics course, this is the
first of a two course sequence designed for math, science, and engineering
majors and others who have taken or are taking calculus and intend to apply
to medical or graduate school. This course includes the following topics:
kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, gravity, oscillations,
and thermodynamics.
Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT 112, or consent of the department chair.
PHY 212 - Classical Physics II
A continuation of Classical Physics I. Topics will include simple harmonic oscillation, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and electromagnetism.Prerequisite: successful completion of PHY211 with a grade of C- or better.(4 credits)
Total credits required: 60
Research experience:
All biochemistry majors are required to complete an independent research project, pre-approved by the biochemistry advisory committee. Submission of a form requesting approval must be submitted to the department chair at least 45 days prior to the initiation of the experience. Experiences will not be approved retroactively.
