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 laboratories 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 fourteen or fifteen courses, including a one- or two-semester thesis, mentored in either the biology or chemistry department. Students may choose thesis advisors from faculty not formally part of the biological chemistry program, but thesis topics must be approved by the program committee.

Seminar Requirement. Each major is required to present at least one seminar during the senior year and attend at least four seminars presented by visiting scholars in either the biology or chemistry department.

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 (Mathematics 105–106) and two semesters of physics (Physics 107–108) are required. Since three of these courses are required for Chemistry 203 and 220, only Physics 108 is an additional requirement.

Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the major.

For further information, students should consult a member of the program.

Required Courses
All of the following:

Any 100-level biology course (recommended: Biology 131. Human Genetics and Biotechnology [formerly Biology 231]).
Biology 201. Biological Principles [formerly Biology 101s].
Biology s42. Cellular and Molecular Biology.

One of the following:

Biology 316. Molecular Aspects of Development.
Biology 331. Molecular Biology.

One of the following:

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

One of the following:

Chemistry 108A. Chemical Reactivity.
Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B. Chemical Reactivity in Environmental Systems.

One of the following:

Chemistry 203. Statistical Thermodynamics.
Chemistry 220. Biophysical Chemistry.

All of the following:

Chemistry 217. Organic Chemistry I.
Chemistry 218. Organic Chemistry II.
Chemistry 321. Biological Chemistry I.
Chemistry 322. Biological Chemistry II.

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. Molecular Aspects of Development (cannot serve as both an elective and a required course).
Biology 320. Pharmacology.
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.
Chemistry 212. Separation Science.
Chemistry 215. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry.
Chemistry 223. Analytical Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry.
Chemistry 313. Spectroscopic Determination of Molecular Structure.
Chemistry 325. Organic Synthesis.
Chemistry 326. Advanced Organic Chemistry.

Courses
457, 458. Senior Thesis. A laboratory or library research study in an area of interest under the supervision of a member of the biology or chemistry department. Senior majors deliver presentations on their research. Students register for Biological Chemistry 457 in the fall semester and Biological Chemistry 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both Biological Chemistry 457 and 458. Written permission of the instructor is required. Staff.