Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Interdisciplinary Major (75-77 Credits)

I. Required Courses (62 credits)

• CHEM 6 or 6A/Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II (4)
• CHEM 25, 26/Organic Chemistry I, II (4, 4)
• CHEM 117/Biochemistry I (4)
• CHEM 119/Biochemistry II (4) OR CHEM 121/Chemical Biology (4)
• BIOL 7/Ecology and Evolution (4)
• BIOL 9/Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes (4)
• BIOL 22/Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)
• BIOL 156/Molecular Genetics (4)
• MATH 7, 8/Calculus and Analytical Geometry I, II (4, 4)
• PHYS 11, 12/University Physics I, II with laboratory (4, 4) or PHYS 1, 2/Introductory Physics I, II with laboratory (4, 4)
• BCHM 120/Research in Biochemistry (4)
• BCHM 199/Capstone Seminar (2)

II.  Electives

Four electives from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics and Computer Science not included in the “Core Curriculum” given above.  These courses cannot be introductory level courses, and at least two must be upper-level courses.  At least two of these courses must include a laboratory component.  A second semester of BCHM 120 may count for one of these elective classes.  Additionally, CHEM 121 may count as an elective, but only if CHEM 119 is used to fulfill the Core Curriculum.

Requirements for the ACS Chemistry Major with an Emphasis in Biochemistry (68 Credits)

I. Required Courses (60 credits)

• CHEM 6 or 6A/Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II (4)
• CHEM 25, 26/Organic Chemistry I, II (4, 4)
• CHEM 27/Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)
• CHEM 103/Physical Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 105/Physical Chemistry II (4)
• CHEM 106/Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 107/Advanced Analytical Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 117/Biochemistry I (4)
• CHEM 119/Biochemistry II (4) OR CHEM 121/Chemical Biology (4)
• CHEM 120/Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (1)
• CHEM 129/Research in Chemistry (4)
• MATH 7, 8/Calculus and Analytical Geometry I, II (4, 4) or PHYS 11, 12/University Physics I, II (4, 4)

II. Four (4) credits chosen from

• BIOL 7/Ecology and Evolution (4)
• BIOL 9/Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes (4)
• BIOL 22/Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (36-40 Credits)

I. Required Courses (36 credits)

• CHEM 6 or 6A/Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II (4)
• CHEM 25, 26/Organic Chemistry I, II (4, 4)
• CHEM 117/Biochemistry I (4)
• CHEM 119/Biochemistry II (4) OR CHEM 121/Chemical Biology (4)
• BIOL 7/Ecology and Evolution (4)
• BIOL 9/Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes (4)
• BIOL 22/Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)

II. Biology and Neuroscience majors who choose the Biochemistry minor must complete BIOL 156/ Molecular Genetics.

Faculty

Faculty

• Directors: Adam Cassano, Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Steve Dunaway, Assistant Professor of Biology
• Primary Faculty:  Jane Lui, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
• RISE Fellows: Arnold Demain, Ronald Doll, Vince Gullo, Barbara Petrack, Ken Thomas
• Affiliated Faculty:  Roger Knowles, Joanna Miller, Alan Rosan, Afeworki Mascio

Courses

Courses Offered

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BCHM 395 - Formerly 120 - Research in Biochemistry (4)

An opportunity for upper-level students to participate in an independent research project with an interdisciplinary focus. A weekly research seminar meeting is required, where students present work in progress. A minimum of six hours laboratory per week, library work, and a final research paper are required, under the supervision of a biology, chemistry, or RISE faculty mentor. May be repeated once for credit.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: CHEM 360L - Formerly 117 - or BIOL 368 - Formerly 156 - . Students wishing to do research with a member of the Chemistry Faculty must take CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - as a Prerequisite. Offered every semester.
Fulfills: WM

BCHM 371 - Formerly 198 - Molecular Biology and Human Disease (4)

This research course will focus on addressing questions at the frontiers of science with the potential to combat infectious diseases and genomic instability disorders. Although several different questions will be tackled, all the research done in this course will stem from the use of fundamental and powerful techniques that underlie all of molecular biology. With an emphasis on experimental approaches that are cross-disciplinary, students will learn to develop testable hypotheses, design and execute experiments, and work collaboratively to solve problems involving on-going research projects. Students will present their findings through oral presentation throughout the semester.

BCHM 400 - Formerly 199 - Capstone Seminar (2)

Open only to senior biochemistry majors, and required for graduation. This course examines the current state of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology through reading and discussion of primary research articles and accounts of advances in the popular media. Students must write a mock grant proposal and participate in a funding meeting for the proposals. Additionally, students must pass a comprehensive oral examination administered by the biochemistry directors and advisory committee members.
[CAP] Capstone

CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - Principles of Chemistry II (4)

A continuation of CHEM 6/6A covering the structure of solids, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, and the principles of descriptive inorganic chemistry, including the transition metals.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 6/6A Corequisite: CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - L�CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - AL Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

See appropriate departments for the following courses

BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - Ecology and Evolution (4)

An exploration of evolutionary and ecological processes and consequences, with close examination of population dynamics, population genetics, principles of heredity, the evolution of adaptations, community interactions, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Laboratory includes field-based investigations of upland and wetland ecosystems, as well as simulations and laboratory experiments.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, WM

BIOL 160 - Formerly 9 - Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes (4)

A survey of the animals, plants, fungi, protista, and bacteria of Planet Earth, with comparative analysis of adaptations for survival, reproduction, development, and metabolism. Laboratory emphasizes experimental methods of science as well as morphology and physiology of the major phyla.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Corequisite: Must register for Biol 9L. Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: WM, BNS

BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)

An introduction to composition, structure, and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, using themes of energy and reproduction. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, and translation, mutations, gene regulation, membrane function, cellular communication, motility, absorption, and secretion. Laboratory includes current research techniques such as cell culture nucleic acid characterization, cloning, and restriction mapping.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL7 or BIOL9 and CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - . Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: WM

BIOL 356 - Formerly 120 - Cell and Molecular Neurobiology (4)

The structure and function of neurons, the basic building blocks of the nervous system, are investigated. The course builds to an understanding of how neuronal cell function determines higher brain processes, such as sensation and memory. The laboratory employs living neurons' growth in culture to explore topics such as growth of neurites, cell signaling pathways, and neural degeneration.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - Offered annually. Same as: NEUR 356 - Formerly NEURO 120 -

BIOL 346 - Formerly 121 - Systems Neurobiology (4)

The neurons of the nervous system are organized into systems that can be defined on the basis of function, anatomy or neurochemistry. This course explores the development of these systems, coordination of the activity within each system, and clinical disorders arising from malfunctions. The laboratory uses current neuroanatomical, pharmacological and neurochemical techniques to explore structure and function.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 160 - Formerly 9 - , BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - and CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - . Corequisite: BIOL 346 - Formerly 121 - L Offered annually. Same as: NEUR 346 - Formerly NEURO 121 -

BIOL 358 - Formerly 127 - Diseases of the Brain (4)

An in-depth study of neurologic diseases. Case studies of affected patients are used to undestand the relationship between the physical changes and the behavioral impairments in these diseases. Biological mechanisms to explain the pathological and clinical manifestations of the diseases are investigated. Genetic and environmental risk factors are studied to explore etiology. Current therapies and ongoing scientific research into novel treatments are evaluated.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - Same as: NEUR 358 - Formerly NEURO 127 -
Fulfills: WI

BIOL 344 - Formerly 134 - Endocrinology (4)

A study of the structure and function of mammalian hormone systems. After a general discussion of the major classes of hormones, an in-depth exploration of individual endocrine systems involved in regulating sexual development, body fluid balance, the stress response, and other physiological processes. Topics will include the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating hormone action, the central and peripheral control of endocrine systems, and clinical correlates of endocrine dysfunction.
Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - , BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - , CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - . Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: WI

BIOL 364 - Formerly 138 - Advanced Cellular Biology (3)

Advanced study of cell components and functions. Topics include the role of eukaryotic chromosome structure in gene function, control of macromolecule movement between cell compartments, intracellular vesicle. trafficking, intracellular communication pathways and networks, how the cytoskeleton produces the forces that change cell shape and organization, and the mechanisms by which cells interact in a multicellular organism. Regular oral presentations and a review paper.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - and CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - , or permission of instructor. Corequisite: if offered during the same semester. Offering to be determined.

BIOL 366 - Formerly 142 - Developmental Biology (4)

Examination of the principles of development and mechanisms involved in the growth , shaping, and differentiation of organisms. Topics include gene regulation in multicellular organisms, cytoplasmic determination, interactions with extracellular matrix, organ morphogenesis, and mechanisms regulating the pattern of biological structures. In the laboratory, traditional and modern biological techniques and procedures are applied to the study of development.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours lab. Prerequisite: BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - and CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - Offering to be determined.

BIOL 362 - Formerly 152 - Virology (4)

A survey of animal viruses with emphasis on human pathogens and mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. Course content includes topics such as the physical and chemical properties of viruses, viral cultivation, assay and analysis, and multiplication of both DNA and RNA viruses within the animal cell.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: BIOL 22,26 and CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - . Offering to be determined.

BIOL 348 - Formerly 154 - Immunology (4)

An introduction to the principles of immunology. Stresses the nature of antigens, antibodies, and antigen-antibody interactions; humoral and cellular immune responses governing antibody production, hypersensitivities, transplantation, tolerance, autoimmunity, and neoplasia. Includes discussions on immunogenetics, immunoregulation, and the concept of immune networks.
Meets: Three 65-min classes. Prerequisite: BIOL 250 - Formerly 22 - and CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - . Offered spring semester.

BIOL 358L - Formerly 155 - Laboratory in Immunology (1)

Laboratory option serving BIOL 348 - Formerly 154 - . Experimental work in fundamentals of immunology; involves use of live animals. Exercises include immunization and bleeding techniques, gel diffusion tests, immunoelectrophoresis, immunofluorescence, Jerne plaque assay, ELISA and skin transplantation in rodents. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Co/prerequisite: BIOL 348 - Formerly 154 - . Meets: Three hours laboratory Offered spring semester.

BIOL 368 - Formerly 156 - Molecular Genetics (4)

A course concerned with the structure, synthesis, and function of nucleic acids, proteins, and other cell components, using primary literature as well as current texts. Includes prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics and mechanisms for rearrangement and exchange of genetic material (mutations, conjugation, transformation, transduction, transposition, and gene-splicing). Experimental work, advanced laboratory techniques, and independent projects. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 7,9,22 and CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - (co-or pre-requisite), or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester.

CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - Principles of Chemistry I (4)

An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry as a quantitative science, including inorganic reactions, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, thermochemistry, atomic theory, and nuclear chemistry. Appropriate for those with little or no background in chemistry.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

CHEM 151 - Formerly 6A - Principles of Chemistry I, Advanced Section (4)

A special section of CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - for students who have the ability and necessary background to work at an advanced level. Covers topics in CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - as necessary but in more depth and adds some enrichment topics. All students, regardless of background and without testing at Drew, enter CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - . Placement in CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - A is determined on basis of placement test and in consultation with instructor of course.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Signature of instructor required for registration. Corequisite: CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - AL�CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - L Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - Organic Chemistry I (4)

A systematic survey of structure, nomenclature, and reactions of common functional groups and carbon compounds. Topics include stereochemistry, chirality, stereoisomerism, nucleophilic substitution and elimination, insertions, radical processes, oxidation-reduction and acid-base equilibria. Includes spectroscopic analysis. Discusses applications to systems of biological significance.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - or permission of instructor Offered fall semester.

CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - Organic Chemistry II (4)

A continuing systematic study of organic reactions organized on the basis of reaction mechanisms. Topics include aromaticity, carbonyls, carboxyls, amines, orbital symmetry controlled processes, and organic synthesis. Includes spectroscopic analysis. Discusses classes of compounds of biological significance.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - Offered spring semester.

CHEM 340 - Formerly 27 - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)

A systematic study of modern inorganic chemistry beginning with the chemistry of the main group elements. Topics include periodic trends and chemical relationships and unusual bonding interactions. Focuses on the chemistry of the transition elements, including stereochemistry and isomerism, bonding (crystal and ligand field theory), magnetic and spectroscopic properties, metal-metal bonds, metal clusters, organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - Offered fall semester.

CHEM 330 - Formerly 103 - Physical Chemistry I (4)

A study of the basic principles of quantum mechanics, atomic spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, and structure. Topics include quantum mechanics of translation, vibration, and rotation, application of quantum mechanics to atomic spectra and atomic structure, molecular orbital theory of diatomics and conjugated polyatomics, electronic spectroscopy of diatomics and conjugate systems, vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and elementary nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Laboratory experiments emphasize the use of the above mentioned spectroscopies in the determination of molecular structure.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - and MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - and PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - Offered fall semester.

CHEM 331 - Formerly 105 - Physical Chemistry II (4)

A study of the principles of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Topics include the first and second laws of thermodynamics describing the state functions-internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, physical and chemical equilibria, statistical thermodynamics, rate laws and their determination, theories of reaction rates, reaction mechanism and catalysis. Laboratory experiments seek to determine the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of systems using spectroscopic techniques as far as possible.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 330 - Formerly 103 - Corequisite or Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - , MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - , and PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - . Offered spring semester.

CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (4)

A study of the principles of quantitative analytical chemistry, including error analysis and statistics, multiple equilibrium, electrochemistry, and introduction to spectroscopic methods, and an advanced study of acids and bases in aqueous solutions. Laboratory includes titrimetry, spectrophotometry, and electroanalytical methods.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - and PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - Offered fall semester.

CHEM 321 - Formerly 107 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry (4)

A study of the principles of instrumental analysis, including signal/noise ratios, and the fundamentals of spectroscopy and chromatography. The components of a wide variety of instruments are examined in detail. Laboratory provides hands-on experience with modern analytical instrumentation, including gas and liquid chromatography, absorption and fluorescence, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, Fourier Transform infrared and Fourier Transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

CHEM 351 - Formerly 116 - Advanced Organic Chemistry (4)

An advanced treatment of organic chemical reactions and processes pertaining to the design, syntheses, and analysis of various types of compounds, including biologically important medicinal and pharmaceutical agents, industrial and specialty chemicals and molecules of theoretical significance. The laboratory segment involves multistep organic synthesis, qualitative instrumental and advanced spectroscopic analysis.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

CHEM 360L - Formerly 117 - Biochemistry I (4)

A study of the fundamental principles of protein biochemistry with an introduction to metabolism. Topics include chemistry of amino acids, relationship between protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, regulation of enzymatic activity. The laboratory focuses on the application of biochemical principles to the solving of biological problems in living systems. Laboratory experimental methods include protein and nucleic acid characterization, purification of enzymes, enzyme kinetic measurements, and forensic biochemistry.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Recommended: BIOL 22. Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - Corequisite: Offered fall semester.

CHEM 361 - Formerly 119 - Biochemistry II (4)

A thorough study of the chemistry, regulation, and integration of our human metabolic pathways. Topics involving human metabolism include bioenergetics, the biosynthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and a study of various metabolic diseases (i.e. diabetes). Additional topics include chemistry of nucleic acids, gene expression, signal transduction pathways, and photosynthesis.
Meets: Four hours class Prerequisite: CHEM 360L - Formerly 117 - Offered spring semester.

CHEM 342 - Formerly 120 - Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (1)

A study of advanced inorganic synthesis and characterization techniques, including magnetic susceptibility, non-aqueous solvents, the preparation and resolution of chiral coordination complexes, synthesis of organotransition metal compounds, and inorganic polymers.
Meets: Three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 340 - Formerly 27 - , 106 Offered spring semester.

CHEM 362 - Formerly 121 - Chemical Biology (4)

This upper-level course, open to all chemistry and biochemistry majors, as well as other students with a strong background in chemistry and molecular biology, will address the following questions: (1) What is chemical biology and (2) What can chemical biology do to advance science and human health? In this course, students will consider varying definitions of "chemical biology" and explore examples of each of these views. Topics may include small molecule screens to decipher biological networks, genetic control with small molecules, directed evolution, self-replication, and approaches towards next-generation antimicrobials.
Enrollment priority: Senior and Junior Majors and Minors in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 360L - Formerly 117 - .

CHEM 395 - Formerly 129 - Research in Chemistry (4)

An opportunity for upper-level students to receive credit for independent and/or original work, which may lead to candidacy for honors. A one-hour weekly research seminar meeting plus a minimum of six hours laboratory per week working under the supervision of either chemistry or RISE faculty. Independent library work is also expected. Research seminar includes discussion of research results, online chemical database searching and current topics in chemistry. Attendance at department colloquia is also required. Credit for research is awarded on satisfactory completion of a research paper. Registration is accepted only after a student has selected a project following consultation with at least two possible research advisers. May be taken for a second semester but total credits may not exceed eight credits.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - Offered every semester.
Fulfills: WM

MATH 150 - Formerly 7 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4)

Functions, limits, continuity, and differentiation and its applications; introduction to integration including definite and indefinite integrals and the fundamental theorem of calculus; analysis of graphical and numerical information.
No student may receive credit for both AP calculus AB or BC and MATH 7. Meets: 195 minutes weekly, with an additional weekly 50-minute recitation Prerequisite: Three years of high school mathematics including trigonometry. Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: Q

MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4)

Integration, including techniques of integration, improper integrals, and applications; polar coordinates, parametric equations, Taylor polynomials, sequences and series.
No student may receive 8 credits for AP calculus BC and MATH 8. Meets: 195 minutes weekly Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH 150 - Formerly 7 - Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: Q

PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - University Physics I (4)

PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - is the normal introductory physics courses recommended for all science majors; also recommended for other students interested in physics. Because many students take calculus and PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - in the same semester, calculus is introduced gradually and discussed as needed. Offers topics in mechanics: motion, Newton's laws, energy, conservation laws, collisions, gravitation, oscillations, and waves. Thermodynamics.
Meets: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, three hours laboratory Corequisite: L. Corequisite or Prerequisite: Calculus (MATH 7, or equivalent) Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - University Physics II (4)

PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - is the normal introductory physics courses recommended for all science majors; also recommended for other students interested in physics. Includes electricity, magnetism, and electrical circuits. Light and optics: lenses, mirrors, diffraction and interference of light.
Meets: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - or equivalent. MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - or equivalent. Corequisite: L Corequisite or Prerequisite: Prerequisite or corequisite; MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - , or equivalent. Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q