Biochemistry

BCH 317/ BIO 317 Seminar: Experimental Design in Bio-Molecular Engineering (3 Credits)

Offered as BIO 317 and BCH 317. In recent years, new methods have been developed for interfacing with biological systems at the nanoscale, enabling a range of new experimental approaches. Many of these techniques make use of repurposed or reengineered biological building blocks. This class employs the Design Thinking approach to investigate a complex biological molecular machine and co-create a detailed written experimental plan for answering previously inaccessible questions about the machine’s molecular mechanisms. This course requires innovative, interdisciplinary thinking to approach authentic research questions. Note that this is not a lab class, but focuses on the intellectual work required before experimentation begins. Prerequisite: BCH 252. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

Spring, Variable

BIO 132 Molecules, Cells, and Systems (4 Credits)

Students in this course investigate the structure, function and physiology of cells; the properties of biological molecules; information transfer from the level of DNA to cell-cell communication; and cellular energy generation and transfer. The development of multicellular organisms and the physiology of selected organ systems is also explored. In addition to attending lectures, each student participates in discussion sections that focus on data analysis and interpretation while integrating mechanisms across scales. Concurrent registration in BIO 133 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 78. {N}

Fall, Spring

BIO 133 Research in Molecules, Cells, and Systems (1 Credit)

This laboratory course introduces students to biological discovery and the biological research process. Students gain hands-on experience with the use of modern biological research methods by participating in ongoing research with a variety of organisms. This includes scientific discovery, hypothesis development, data collection and analysis, as well as presentation of discoveries and results. Research projects vary with each Instructor. Concurrent registration in BIO 132 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Fall, Spring

BIO 200 Animal Physiology (4 Credits)

In this course students learn how animal bodies function from the molecular to the organismal level and how the physiology of animals, including humans, has been shaped by evolution to enable survival in a wide range of environments. Course content is organized by body system (cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, etc.). Assignments provide opportunities for students to practice applying their knowledge of physiology to real-life situations, predicting the outcomes of experiments, and interpreting and writing about the primary literature. Concurrent registration in BIO 201 is recommended but not required. Prerequisites: BIO 132/ BIO 133 and CHM 111 or CHM 118. Enrollment limited to 30. {N}

Fall, Variable

BIO 201 Animal Physiology Laboratory (1 Credit)

This course provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct experiments in human and animal physiology. Emphasis is on developing hypotheses, designing experiments, graphing data, interpreting results, and communicating in the scientific style. Prerequisite: BIO 200, may be taken concurrently. Enrollment limited to 18. {N}

Fall, Variable

BIO 202 Cell Biology (4 Credits)

The structure and function of eukaryotic cells. This course examines contemporary topics in cellular biology: cellular structures, organelle function, membrane and endomembrane systems, cellular regulation, signaling mechanisms, motility, bioelectricity, communication and cellular energetics. This course is a prerequisite for BCH 252. Prerequisites: BIO 132/BIO 133 and CHM 222. BIO 203 is recommended but not required. Discussion sections limited to 15. {N}

Fall

BIO 203 Cell Biology Laboratory (1 Credit)

Inquiry-based laboratory using techniques such as spectrophotometry, enzyme kinetics, bright field and fluorescence light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The emphasis is on student-designed projects. This course is a prerequisite for BCH 253. Corequisite: BIO 202. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Fall

BIO 204 Microbiology (3 Credits)

This course examines bacterial morphology, growth, biochemistry, genetics and methods of controlling bacterial activities. Emphasis is on bacterial physiology and the role of the prokaryotes in their natural habitats. The course also covers viral life cycles and diseases caused by viruses. Prerequisites: BIO 132 and CHM 111 or equivalent advanced placement courses. Corequisite: BIO 205. {N}

Spring

BIO 205 Microbiology Laboratory (2 Credits)

Experiments in this course explore the morphology, physiology, biochemistry and genetics of bacteria using a variety of bacterial genera. Methods of aseptic technique, isolation, identification and growth of bacteria are learned. An individual project is completed at the end of the term. Corequisite: BIO 204. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Spring

BIO 206 Plant Physiology (4 Credits)

How do plants work? This course explores key processes in plant physiology and how these processes interact with the (changing) environment. Key concepts include photosynthesis/carbon sequestration, water and nutrient uptake and transport, growth and carbon allocation, and plant-soil interactions. The course encourages students to think about these processes in an environmental justice context e.g. food justice, urban tree resilience and natural climate solutions. Corequisite: BIO 207. Prerequisites: A course in ecology, organismal biology or environmental science. {N}

Spring, Variable

BIO 230 Genomes and Genetic Analysis (4 Credits)

An exploration of genomes and genes that highlights the connections between molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and evolution. Students analyze the principal experimental findings that serve as the basis for the current understanding of topics in genetics (such as DNA, RNA and protein structure and function, gene organization and networks, gene expression and regulation, and the origins and evolution of molecular mechanisms). Students examine the computational tools and rapidly expanding databases that have advanced contemporary biology. Concurrent registration in BIO 231 recommended. Prerequisites: BIO 130 or BIO 132 or equivalent. {N}

Spring

BIO 231 Genomes and Genetic Analysis Laboratory (1 Credit)

A laboratory designed to give students an introduction to genomics and the molecular biology of genetics. Students gain experience with a variety of classical and modern techniques used in human genetic analysis and several experiments using students' DNA are performed throughout the semester. Laboratory and computer-based projects include PCR, restriction analysis and DNA sequencing as well as contemporary bioinformatics and genome database analyses. Corequisite: BIO 230. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Spring

BIO 306 Immunology (4 Credits)

An introduction to the immune system covering the molecular, cellular and genetic bases of immunity to infectious agents. Discussions include immunodeficiencies, transplantation, allergies, immunopathology and immunotherapies. Concurrent registration in BIO 307 recommended. Prerequisite: BIO 202, BIO 204 or BIO 230. {N}

Spring

BIO 307 Immunology Laboratory (1 Credit)

The use of immunological techniques in clinical diagnosis and as research tools. Experimental exercises include immune cell population analysis, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, ELISA and agglutination reactions. An independent project is completed at the end of the term. Corequisite: BIO 306. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Spring

BIO 308/ NSC 308 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (4 Credits)

Offered as BIO 308 and NSC 308. Formerly BIO 310. Molecular level structure-function relationships in the nervous system. Topics include development of neurons and glia, neuron-specific gene expression, molecular biology of neurological disorders and the mechanisms of nervous system plasticity and repair. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and NSC 210 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 20. {N}

Fall, Spring, Variable

BIO 322sb Seminar: Topics in Cell Biology- Synthetic Biology and Bionanotechnology (3 Credits)

An investigation of the emerging fields of synthetic biology and bionanotechnology drawn from semi-popular and primary research literature. In this seminar, we focus on the central question of what can be achieved by approaching biology from an engineering mindset. Specifically, what can be learned by treating biological components (proteins and nucleic acids) and systems (signaling and metabolic networks) as interchangeable machine-like parts? We study examples of this intellectual and experimental approach and how its application has enhanced our understanding of cell biology. Harnessing biological systems for the production of pharmaceuticals and hydrocarbon fuel sources is also considered. Finally, we explore the prospect of affecting and interacting with cells using engineered nanoscale devices made from biological building blocks and the potential application of these techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Prerequisite: BIO 202 or 230. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {N}

Fall, Spring, Variable

BIO 332 Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes and Their Pathogens (4 Credits)

Advanced molecular biology of eukaryotes and their viruses (including coronavirus, Ebola and HIV). Discussions include genomics, bioinformatics, eukaryotic gene organization, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, retroviruses, transposable elements, gene rearrangement, methods for studying human genes and genetic diseases, CRISPR, molecular biology of infectious diseases, genome projects and whole genome analysis. Reading assignments are from the primary literature. Each student presents an in-class presentation and writes a paper on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor. Concurrent registration in BIO 333 recommended. Prerequisite: BIO 230 or BIO 232. Enrollment limited to 20. {N}

Spring, Variable

BIO 333 Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes and Their Pathogens Laboratory (1 Credit)

A laboratory course designed to complement the lecture material in BIO 332. Advanced techniques used to study the molecular biology of eukaryotes are learned in the context of a semester-long project. These methods include techniques for studying genomics and gene expression including: CRISPR, RNA interference, DNA sequence analysis, RT-PCR, genomics, bioinformatics and others. Corequisite: BIO 332. Prerequisite: BIO 231. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Spring, Variable

CHM 111 Chemistry I: General Chemistry (4 Credits)

The first semester of our core chemistry curriculum introduces the language(s) of chemistry and explores atoms, molecules and their reactions. Discussions include electronic structures of atoms, structure shape and properties of molecules; reactions and stoichiometry. Enrollment limited to 16 per lab section. Multiple sections are offered at different times, as detailed in the Schedule of Classes. At the time of registration students must register for both a lecture and a lab section that fit their course schedule. Corequisite: CHM 111L. Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken CHM 118. {N}

Fall

CHM 111L Chemistry I Lab: General Chemistry Lab (1 Credit)

Lab Section. The first semester of our core chemistry curriculum introduces the language(s) of chemistry and explores atoms, molecules and their reactions. Topics covered include electronic structures of atoms, structure shape and properties of molecules; reactions and stoichiometry. Multiple sections are offered at different times, as detailed in the Schedule of Classes. At the time of registration students must register for both a lecture and a lab section that fit their course schedule. Corequisite: CHM 111. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Fall

CHM 118 Advanced General Chemistry (4 Credits)

This course is for students with a very strong background in chemistry. The elementary theories of stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding, structure, energetics and reactions are quickly reviewed. The major portions of the course involve a detailed analysis of atomic theory and bonding from an orbital concept, an examination of the concepts behind thermodynamic arguments in chemical systems, and an investigation of chemical reactions and kinetics. The laboratory deals with synthesis, physical properties and kinetics. The course prepares students for CHM 222 and CHM 223, and replaces both CHM 111 and CHM 224. Corequisite: CHM 118L. Restrictions: Not open to students who have passed either CHM 111 or CHM 224. Enrollment limited to 48. {N}

Fall

CHM 118L Advanced General Chemistry Laboratory (1 Credit)

Lab course for CHM 118.  This course is for students with a very strong background in chemistry and provides a foundation in basic lab technique, particularly for quantitative analytical measurements. It begins with an introduction to light as a tool for investigating aspects of chemical systems such as acid/base behavior and metal-ligand chemistry. The second half of the lab consists of a project module where students develop greater independence in their chemistry skills while investigating the behavior of one particular chemical system in depth. Each student also learns to keep a laboratory notebook, prepare scientific reports and presentations, and work safely in a chemical environment. Corequisite: CHM 118. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Fall

CHM 222 Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry (4 Credits)

An introduction to the theory and practice of organic chemistry. The course focuses on structure, nomenclature, physical and chemical properties of organic compounds and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for structural analysis. Reactions of carbonyl compounds and alkenes are studied in depth. Prerequisite: CHM 111/111L, CHM 114/114L or CHM 118/118L. Corequisite: CHM 222L. Multiple sections are offered at different times. At the time of registration, students must register for both a lecture (CHM 222) and a lab (CHM 222L) section that fit their course schedule. Enrollment limited to 55. {N}

Spring

CHM 222L Chemistry II Lab: Organic Chemistry Lab (1 Credit)

Lab section for Organic Chemistry. An introduction to the theory and practice of organic chemistry. The course focuses on structure, nomenclature, physical and chemical properties of organic compounds and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for structural analysis. Reactions of carbonyl compounds and alkenes are studied in depth. Corequisite: CHM 222. Prerequisite: CHM 111/111L, CHM 114/114L or CHM 118/118L. Enrollment limited to 16. Multiple sections are offered at different times. At the time of registration, students must register for both a lecture (CHM 222) and a lab (CHM 222L) section that fit their course schedule. {N}

Spring

CHM 223 Chemistry III: Organic Chemistry (4 Credits)

Material builds on introductory organic chemistry topics covered in CHM 222 and focuses more heavily on retrosynthetic analysis and multistep synthetic planning. Specific topics include reactions of alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers; aromaticity and reactions of benzene; and cycloaddition reactions including the Diels-Alder reaction. Prerequisite: CHM 222/222L. Corequisite: CHM 223L. Enrollment limited to 48. {N}

Fall

CHM 223L Chemistry III Lab: Organic Chemistry Lab (1 Credit)

Lab section. Material builds on introductory organic chemistry topics covered in CHM 222 and focuses more heavily on retrosynthetic analysis and multistep synthetic planning. Specific topics include reactions of alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers; aromaticity and reactions of benzene; and cycloaddition reactions including the Diels-Alder reaction. Corequisite: CHM 223. Prerequisite: CHM 222/ CHM 222L, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Fall

CHM 224 Chemistry IV: Introduction to Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (4 Credits)

This final course in the chemistry core sequence provides a foundation in the principles of physical and inorganic chemistry that are central to the study of all chemical phenomena. Discussions include quantitative treatment of thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 224L. Prerequisites: CHM 111 and CHM 111L or equivalent. MTH 111 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 80. {N}

Spring

CHM 224L Chemistry IV Lab: Introduction to Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (1 Credit)

Lab section. This final course in the chemistry core sequence provides a foundation in the principles of physical and inorganic chemistry that are central to the study of all chemical phenomena. Discussions include quantitative treatment of thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 224. Prerequisites: CHM 111/111L or equivalent. MTH 111 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}

Spring

CHM 328 Bioorganic Chemistry (4 Credits)

Applications of chemical tools and synthetic molecules to the study of biological systems. Emphasis is on emerging strategies to study living systems at the molecular level, primary scientific literature and critical review of manuscripts. Discussions include biorthogonal chemistry, synthetic small-molecule probes to interrogate biological systems, protein engineering, proteomics, advances in DNA sequencing, genomics, directed evolution and natural product biosynthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 18. {N}

Spring, Alternate Years

CHM 332 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (4 Credits)

Thermodynamics and kinetics: will the contents of this flask react, and if so, how fast? Explores the properties that govern the chemical and physical behavior of macroscopic collections of atoms and molecules (gases, liquids, solids and mixtures thereof). Corequisite: CHM 332L. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; and MTH 112. Enrollment limited to 24. {N}

Spring

CHM 332L Laboratory-Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (1 Credit)

Laboratory. Thermodynamics and kinetics: will the contents of this flask react, and if so, how fast? Explores the properties that govern the chemical and physical behavior of macroscopic collections of atoms and molecules (gases, liquids, solids and mixtures thereof). Corequisite: CHM 332. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; and MTH 112. Enrollment limited to 12. {N}

Spring

CHM 369 Bioinorganic Chemistry (4 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Students learn about the role of metals in biology as well as about the use of inorganic compounds as probes and drugs in biological systems. Prerequisites: CHM 223 and either CHM 118 or CHM 224.

Fall, Variable