Biological Chemistry

Professors Boyles (Chemistry) and Wenzel (Chemistry)(on leave, fall semester); Associate Professors Pelliccia (Biology)(on leave, 1997-1998), Kinsman (Biology), Malloy (Biology), Lawson (Chemistry), Chair, Abrahamsen (Biology), and Baker (Biology)(on leave, winter semester and Short Term); Assistant Professors Kleckner (Biology) and Austin (Chemistry)

Biological chemistry encompasses the study of the form and function of the proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids found in living organisms. Traditionally, biological chemistry has been an interdisciplinary field, drawing on techniques and expertise from physics, medicine, biology, and chemistry. The required courses for the major give a student a solid foundation in basic science, while the array of elective courses allows wide latitude in pursuing an area of individual interest. The thesis provides a final integrating experience.

The program maintains affiliations with certain research labs at which students may conduct a semester of research for credit. Such credits may be used to fulfill one of the elective requirements or a portion of the thesis requirement; however, such a possibility must be arranged by the student prior to beginning the research program.

Major requirements: The major requires fifteen courses for a B.A. in biological chemistry, sixteen for a B.S.

Required thesis: A one- or two-semester thesis in either department is required. Laboratory theses are preferred, but library theses may substitute. Students may choose thesis advisors from faculty not formally part of the Committee on Biological Chemistry, but thesis topics must be approved by the Committee.

Seminar requirement: To be determined by the department within which the thesis work is conducted.

Comprehensive examination: None required although students are encouraged to take the GRE examination in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology.

B.S. requirements: In addition to Chemistry 107-108, two semesters of calculus (Math 105-106) and two semesters of physics (Physics 107-108) are required. Since three of these courses are required for Chemistry 203, only Physics 108 is an additional requirement.

For further information, see Professors Abrahamsen, Austin, Boyles, Kinsman, Kleckner, and Lawson.

Required Courses.
*Chemistry 107. Atomic and Molecular Structure.
*Chemistry 108. Chemical Reactivity.
ÝChemistry 203. Thermodynamics and Kinetics.
Chemistry 217-218. Organic Chemistry I and II.
Chemistry 321-322. Biological Chemistry I and II.

Biology 101s. Biological Principles.
Biology s42. Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Elective courses.
(Choose three, including at least one from biology and one from chemistry).

Chemistry 206. Quantum Chemistry and Statistical Mechanics.
Chemistry 212. Separation Science.
Chemistry 215. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry.
Chemistry 223. Analytical Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry.
Chemistry 315. Bioinorganic Chemistry.
Chemistry 325. Organic Synthesis.
Chemistry 326. Advanced Organic Chemistry.

Biology 315. Bacteriology.
Biology 316. Molecular Aspects of Development.
Biology 131 (Biology 231). Genetics.
Biology 244. Biostatistics.
Biology 308. Neurobiology.
Biology 314. Virology.
Biology 331. Molecular Biology.
Biology 337. Animal Physiology.
Biology 338. Drug Actions on the Nervous System.
Biology 351. Immunology.
Biology 352. Membrane and Receptor Biology.

© 1997 Bates College. All Rights Reserved. Last modified:10/21/97 by jPc