Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB)

The Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology is a program administered jointly by the Biology and Chemistry Departments. The degree provides a background for those interested in professional work in biochemistry and is an alternative for those pursuing acceptance into a health professions school.

Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology

Required courses:

Gene structure, function and regulation at the molecular level in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Recombinant DNA techniques (genetic engineering) and gene sequencing are covered in detail.
The study of the chemistry of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Topics covered include amino acid chemistry, protein structure, molecular weight determination, ligand binding, enzyme kinetics, enzyme and coenzyme mechanisms, membrane systems, membrane transport, intermediary metabolism, metabolic control, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation.
The study of the chemistry of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Topics covered include amino acid chemistry, protein structure, molecular weight determination, ligand binding, enzyme kinetics, enzyme and coenzyme mechanisms, membrane systems, membrane transport, intermediary metabolism, metabolic control, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation.
Investigations of the properties of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.
Readings, discussions, and reports on special topics in biochemistry.
A rigorous study of basic biological principles, which is designed for science majors. Topics emphasized include cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, histology, and evolution.
This course, also rigorous and designed for science majors, covers concepts in physiology, botany, embryology, and ecology.
Laboratory exercises include enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate analysis, isolation and identification of plant pigments, microscopy, and histological techniques. Must be taken concurrently with Biology 111. 1 credit.
Laboratory exercises include shark anatomy, invertebrate dissections, animal development, plant development in angiosperms, Stomate response to environmental changes, animal taxonomy, and an ecological field study. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 112. 1 credit.
A study of the principles, mechanisms and concepts of classical and molecular genetics. The laboratory stresses key concepts of genetics utilizing both classical and molecular approaches. Laboratory exercises include analysis of nucleic acids, genetic crosses, and studies of bacteria, bacteriophages and plasmids.
An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry of permission. 3 credits.
A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, oxidation- reduction chemistry, thermodynamics, electro- chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission. 3 credits.
An introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic synthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 112. 3 credits.
A continuation of the first semester. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic systhesis. Prerequisite: CHM 112. 3 credits.
An introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite or corequisite:CHM 114 and CHM 213. 1 credit.
A continuation from CHM 215. Introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHM 214. 1 credit.
A calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and applications. Prerequisite: placement testing or MAS 102. MAS 161 is a prerequisite for MAS 162. 3 credits per semester.
† indicates a required course

One of the following physics sequences:

An introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. 4 credits.
A continuation of PHY 103. Fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. 4 credits.

or

An introductory course in classical physics, designed for students who desire a rigorous mathematical approach to college physics. Calculus is used throughout. The first semester is devoted to mechanics and heat with laboratory work in each area. Prerequisite: MAS 111 or 161. 4 credits.
Second semester of Principles of Physics. An introductory course in classical physics, designed for students who desire a rigorous mathematical approach to college physics. Calculus is used throughout. The second semester is devoted to electricity, magnetism and optics with laboratory work in each area. Prerequisite or corequisite: MAS 111 or 161. 4 credits.

Total: 51 credits

Nine credits from the following:

An organismal and molecular approach to the study of animal development using typical invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. The laboratory includes the study of slides as well as experiments on fertilization, regeneration and metamorphosis.
A study of cell ultrastructure and the microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, cell motility and excitability, and vertebrate tissue similarities and specialization in relation to function. Laboratory includes the preparation and staining of sections using selected histochemical and histological procedures as well as a variety of microscopic techniques.
A study of the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of representative microorganisms. The laboratory emphasizes basic bacteriological techniques and procedures.
A study of the functioning of plants, with emphasis on vascular plants.
A study of the principles of vertebrate body function, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which cells and organs perform their functions and the interactions of the various organs in maintaining total body function.
An introduction to the anatomical, physiological and biochemical factors underlying the immune response. The course begins with a discussion of non-specific immunity, cellular immunity and antibody-mediated immune responses. The course then moves into a study of contemporary immunological topics which are discussed with respect to major research papers in each area. Topics include autoimmunity, histocompatibility, immunogenetics and acquired immune deficiencies.
An introduction to the use of techniques for scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies. Through laboratory experience the students will learn the proper use, application and limitations of the appropriate instruments.
Topics for this course include statistical methods; activity and activity coefficients; chemical equilibria involving complex systems; volumetric analyses including acid/base, precipitation, redox, and compleximetric tritrations; principles of electrochemistry, potentiometry, alectrogravimetry, coulometry, and voltametry.
Basic types of chemical instrumentation and their applications in analytical chemistry are examined. These include gas and liquid chromatography; infrared, UV-VIS, fluorescence, atomic absorption, and plasma emission spectrophotometry; nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry; and radiochemical methods. Prerequisite: CHM 112 and MAS 161. 3 credits.
Volumetric, spectrophotometric, and electrochemical methods are applied to the analysis of unknowns.
Chemical instrumentation is utilized in analytical method development and analysis.
The study of thermodynamic laws and functions, including phase and reaction equilibria. Systems under study include ideal and real gases, ideal and non-ideal solutions, and multi-component phase transitions. Also included are electrochemistry, kinetic and transport processes, and surfaces. Prereqisite: CHM 112, MAS 162, and PHY 104 or 112. 3 credits.
Total: 60 to 63 credits