Professors Ledlie (Chemistry) and Wenzel (Chemistry); Associate Professors Pelliccia (Biology), Kinsman (Biology), Lawson (Chemistry), Chair, Abrahamsen (Biology), Baker (Biology), and Cote (Chemistry); Assistant Professors Kleckner (Biology)(on leave, fall semester), Austin (Chemistry), and Schlax (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 107A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B, and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B, 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, students should consult a member of the program.

Required Courses

Chemistry 107A. Atomic and Molecular Structure or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B. Chemical Structure and Its Importance in the Environment.
Chemistry 108A. Chemical Reactivity or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B. Chemical Reactivity in Environmental Systems.

One of the following:

Biology 131. Genetics and Biotechnology.
Biology 231. Genetics.
Biology 101s or 201. Biological Principles.
Biology s42. Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Chemistry 203. Thermodynamics and Kinetics.
Chemistry 217-218. Organic Chemistry I and II.
Chemistry 321-322. Biological Chemistry I and II.
(Note: a 200-level physical biochemistry course, under development, will be offered in winter semester 1999.)

One of the following:

Biology 316. Plant and Animal Development.
Biology 331. Molecular Biology.

A one- or two-semester thesis is also required, with the thesis advisor being a faculty member in either chemistry or biology.

Elective Courses

(Choose at least two, one of which must come from biology. It is strongly recommended that students considering graduate programs in biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines select a chemistry elective.)

Biology/Neuroscience 308. Neurobiology.
Biology 314. Virology.
Biology 315. Bacteriology.
Biology 316. Plant and Animal Development (cannot serve as both an elective and a required course).
Biology 331. Molecular Biology (cannot serve as both an elective and a required course).
Biology 337. Animal Physiology.
Biology 338. Drug Actions on the Nervous System.
Biology 351. Immunology.
Biology 352. Membrane and Receptor Biology.
Biology 380. Plant Physiology.

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.

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