Inquisitive and curious students who are ready to find answers by practicing science find their home in the biochemistry program. Our students gain a solid foundation in analytical, organic and physical chemistry, and we help students examine the central roles that chemistry plays in biology and the global environment.
Our students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in fields where women are still underrepresented, and they gain the opportunity to explore options such as graduate school, medical school or employment in the industrial and non-profit sectors.
CHEM 241CHEM 341 Physical ChemistryExamines the principles of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and atomic structure, with an emphasis on applications to biological systems. Formerly CHE 377 Physical Chemistry I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 112, MATH 225, and PHYS 111 (may be taken concurrently); MATH 325 is recommended.CHEM 431 Molecular Biochemistry IExplores the molecular basis of biological processes, with special emphasis on the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids and the interplay between these important classes of macromolecules. Topics are introduced using the current scientific literature in areas such as HIV and cancer. There is a lab fee for this course. Formerly CHE 411 Molecular Biochemistry I.
4 credits
Prerequisite: CHEM 222CHEM 432 Molecular Biochemistry IIContinues the study of biochemistry, including reaction mechanisms, metabolic pathways and energetics. The course concludes with an examination of related topics of current interest. Formerly CHE 412 Molecular Biochemistry II.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 431 or permission of instructorCHEM 435 Methods of BiochemistryIntroduces the theory and application of some of the methods and techniques of modern biochemistry, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrophoresis. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 413 Methods of Biochemistry (formerly 2 credits).
1 credit
Prerequisites: CHEM 431 or permission of instructor
Our students are encouraged to participate in internships; recent placements include programs at John Hopkins University, Brown University, N.I.H., N.S.F. and the Smithsonian.