Why take courses in this discipline?
The discovery that all living things carry out remarkably similar chemical reactions that are essential to their survival was as important for our understanding of biological life as it was surprising. We now fully appreciate the power of this unity — that all living things obey the same chemical laws — in that it enables scientists to apply the fundamental principles of chemistry to the study of biological organisms.
Accordingly, the field biological chemistry is naturally interdisciplinary and students in the major take core courses in both biology and chemistry. These courses emphasize the interrelationships of topics between disciplines while exploring the structure, function, and regulation of the biological molecules that mediate chemical processes in the cell. Further, the inquiry-driven nature of the biological chemistry curriculum provides students the opportunity to apply fundamental theory in research-like activities, thus forming a deeper understanding of the ways biochemical knowledge is formed and applied. Students are encouraged to take part in off-campus study and independent research, which, when combined with the standard curriculum, can help prepare them for advanced study or careers in research, education, environmental science, medicine, health sciences, or other fields.
How does this discipline contribute to the liberal arts?
Biological chemistry investigates cell-based life primarily at the molecular level, relying on knowledge from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics in order to form a more complete understanding of how cells operate. Courses in the biological chemistry major quite directly involve quantitative reasoning and the study of natural sciences. Further, the inquiry-driven approach to the study of biological chemistry engages students in critical analysis of the scientific literature and collaborative investigation. Students also learn to effectively communicate their understanding of biological systems in written, oral, and visual formats.
What kinds of questions are asked in this discipline?
Biological chemistry addresses questions about how biological molecules function in cells and organisms. Often this involves the purification of biological molecules in order to interrogate their chemical and structural features. Ultimately, the discipline seeks to understand the mechanisms that allow biological molecules to carry out, in the context of the cell, the chemically-based processes that explain life.
How does a student get started?
The biology, chemistry, and biological chemistry majors are designed so that a student does not need to choose among them until registration for the fourth semester. Students deciding among biology, chemistry, and biological chemistry majors should take BIO 150 and CHM 129 (General Chemistry) during their first year — one course in the fall and one in the spring in either order.
The biological chemistry curriculum is rather “front-loaded.” Students considering a biological chemistry major must take BIO 150 (Introduction to Biological Inquiry) and CHM 129 (General Chemistry) during their first year, in either order. Students should also take MAT 131 (or 123 & 124) Calculus I in their first year. [Note: Students with chemistry AP/IB credit must take CHM 210 (Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry) as a prerequisite to CHM 221 instead of CHM 129. Further, CHM 210 is strongly encouraged but not required for the major.]
In their third semester, students should take BIO 251 (Molecules, Cells, and Organisms) and CHM 221 (Organic Chemistry I). At this point, students are equally prepared for the biology, chemistry, and biological chemistry majors. In their fourth semester, students planning a major in biological chemistry should take CHM 222 (Organic Chemistry II) and should ideally complete MAT 133 (Calculus II) by the end of their second year. Biological chemistry majors can take BCM 262 (Introduction to Biological Chemistry) in their fourth or fifth semester, depending on other interests such as pursuing off-campus study or research. In the third and fourth years, students complete PHY 131, PHY 132, CHM 363, and one advanced elective from the approved list.
AP/IB Credit
A score of 4 or 5 on the AP biology exam or IB-5 in biology is counted as four credits in the science division but does not count for major credit. All students intending to major in biological chemistry must take our BIO-150 course; even those with AP/IB credit. Students with chemistry AP/IB credit must take CHM 210 (Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry) as a prerequisite to CHM 221 instead of CHM 129.
Courses in Biological Chemistry
All courses in Biological Chemistry
BCM 262: Introduction to Biological Chemistry integrates information from both biology and chemistry to explore the major biological molecules. The course emphasizes the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, as well as the experimental approaches used to study these molecules.
Advanced Elective Courses
- Plant Physiology (BIO 334)
- Advanced Genetics (BIO 345)
- Microbiology (BIO 365)
- Advanced Cell Biology (BIO 370)
- Principles of Pharmacology (BIO 375)
- Molecular Biology (BIO 380)
- Bioorganic Chemistry (CHM 330)
- Biophysical Chemistry (CHM 332)
- Instrumental Analysis (CHM 358)
Recent Special Topics
- Enzyme Engineering
- Proteomics
| Year | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| First |
CHM 129 (or CHM 210*) or BIO 150 MAT 131 (or MAT 123) |
BIO 150 or CHM 129 (or CHM 210*) MAT 133 (or MAT 124, if MAT 123 in fall) |
| Second | BIO 251, CHM 221, (MAT 133) | CHM 222, BCM 262** |
| Third | Off-campus study** | PHY 131 |
| Fourth |
PHY 132 BIO 3XX or CHM 3XX |
CHM 363***
|
*Students with Chemistry AP/IB credit must take CHM 210 as a prerequisite to CHM 221. CHM 210 is strongly encouraged but not required for the major.
** BCM262 can also be taken in the fall of the third year.
*** CHM 363 is offered both semesters, and concurrent registration with PHY 132 is permitted on a space available basis. If CHM 363 is over-enrolled in a particular semester, priority is given to students who have completed PHY 132. Students who want to take this course in a particular semester should complete the physics sequence as early as possible.
Off-Campus Study
No courses taken off campus count toward the major, and so students should select programs based on general interest. However, if necessary, students can potentially take a physics course off campus in order to complete that prerequisite for CHM363. Students intending to do so should check with the Physics department to ensure that the course is a satisfactory replacement and also notify the Biological Chemistry chairperson.
Department Events and Opportunities
Employment opportunities within the department are handled via the chemistry department. Seminars relating to biological chemistry topics are frequently featured in the regular biology and chemistry seminar series. Honors and awards are available to students in the major.