Chemistry and Biochemistry Program (B.S.)

Faculty

Dr. Shizuka Hsieh, Associate Professor of Chemistry (program chair)
Dr. Patrice Moss, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

Description

The Chemistry/Biochemistry Program gives students a solid foundation in analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, and emphasizes the central roles that chemistry plays in biology and the global environment. The biochemistry major provides additional insight into the relationship of chemistry to living organisms. Throughout the programs in chemistry and biochemistry, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in fields in which 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.

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences may elect to pursue a B.S. degree in chemistry or biochemistry or a minor in either field.

Prospective science majors should be aware that most upper-level science courses are offered every other year, and it may not be possible to complete the requirements for the major in one academic year, regardless of the number of credits transferred in. It is suggested that any student transferring in with more than 64 credits who plans to major in chemistry or biochemistry meet with a chemistry faculty member before registering for any courses in order to plan an appropriate program and to determine how long it will take her to complete the degree requirements.

[/catalog-courses]All students should note that MATH 123 is a pre-requisite for (or can be taken concurrently with) CHEM 111, the Fundamentals of Chemistry course.

Students who elect to major in biochemistry may not minor in either biology or chemistry.

Major Requirements

Chemistry

ALL of the following chemistry courses:

CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIntroduces some of the general principles of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry and chemical reactions; the structure and properties of atoms, ions, and molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; oxidation/reduction and acid/base chemistry. It includes an introduction to equilibrium and kinetics. This course emphasizes active student involvement; many concepts are introduced via direct experimentation. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry I.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 108.
CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIContinues the study of basic chemical principles, focusing on thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Transition metal complexes give an introduction to inorganic chemistry. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry II.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 (may be taken concurrently), CHEM 111 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the program.
General Education Knowledge and Inquiry
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry IProvides students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry through an exploration of the properties and reactions of carbon compounds, including structure and bonding, polarization, isomerism, stereochemistry, equilibrium, reaction types, and synthesis. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 223). Formerly CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 or CHEM 112.
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry IIApplies the concepts learned in Organic Chemistry I to new classes of compounds. The course includes a further investigation of substitution and elimination reactions, and the utility of infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance in determining organic structure is emphasized. Students learn about reactions and mechanisms pertaining to alkyl halides, aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, and a variety of carbonyl compounds. A working knowledge of the reactions covered in both semesters of will enable students to develop multistep syntheses leading from starting material to product. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 224). Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry II.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 221 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the program
CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory IProvides the laboratory component of CHEM 221. This laboratory experience illustrates modern techniques of purification, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds and the application to structural and synthetic problems. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry Lab I(formerly 2 credits).
1 credit
Prerequisites: Concurrent registration with CHEM 221 or permission of the program.
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory IIProvides the laboratory component of CHEM 222. This laboratory experience illustrates modern techniques of purification, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds and the application to structural and synthetic problems. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 234 Organic Chemistry Lab II (formerly 2 credits).
1 credit
Prerequisites: Concurrent registration with CHEM 222 or permission of the program.
CHEM 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 350 Forensic Instrumental AnalysisIntroduces the principles, theory and applications of instrumental methods of chemical analysis including spectroscopy (UV-VIS, IR, fluorescence, NMR, MS), electrochemistry and chromatography. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 351). Formerly CHEM 350 Instrumental Analysis.
3 credits
Prerequisite: CHEM 112.
CHEM 351 Forensic Instrumental Analysis LabIntroduces the experimental applications of instrumental methods of chemical analysis including spectroscopy (UV-VIS, IR, fluorescence, NMR, MS), electrochemistry, and chromatography (HPLC and GC). Formerly CHEM 351 Instrumental Analysis Lab.
1 credit
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration with CHEM 350 or permission of the program.

ALL of the following mathematics and physics courses:

MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry IExamines the following topics: functions, limits, continuity, differentiation and applications, and basic integration. Formerly MAT 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 123 or placement test proficiency
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area IV: Exploration Cluster
MATH 225 Calculus and Analytic Geometry IIExamines the following topics: applications of the definite integral, integration of algebraic and transcendental functions, infinite series, and topics in analytic geometry. Formerly MAT 126 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II.
4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH 125
PHYS 111 General Physics ICovers mechanics in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include Newton's laws, work and energy, rotational dynamics, conservation of energy, and momentum. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly PHY 115 General Physics I.
4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH 125
General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area IV, Laboratory Science Cluster
PHYS 112 General Physics IICovers electricity, magnetism, and electro-magnetic propagation in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include electric fields, Maxwell's equations, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, and light. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly PHY 116 General Physics II.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 and PHYS 111

TWO electives from the following, totaling at least 7 credits and including at least one laboratory:

BIOL 220 Introductory Forensic ScienceThis course consists of 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week. This course would serve as an elective for biology, chemistry, and criminal justice majors.

Through reading, writing, discussions, and case-studies, students will explore scientific principles of Forensic Science and methods of investigation . Students will be introduced to the many specialties within forensic science and methods for collecting and recording evidence at a crime scenes. Scientific principles based in chemistry and biology will be incorporated into discussions of techniques used for analyzing crime scene evidence. Students will be introduced to technologies for analyzing crime scene evidence such as separating and identifying compounds, microscopy, fingerprinting, document analysis, pathology, anthropology, odontology, entomology, serology, DNA analysis, toxicology, and soil and fiber analysis. Students will also explore ethical and legal considerations in forensic science. The laboratory component of the course will give students hands –on-experience using scientific technologies to analyze data and solve problems.
4 credits
Prerequisites: Introductory Chemistry or Biology course such as BIOL 111, CHEM 111, BIOL 101 or an equivalent introductory science course with permission by instructor.
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 222
CHEM 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 instructor

ONE Senior Seminar:

NSCM 499 Divisional SeminarExamines selected topics in the natural sciences. Requires written and oral presentations based on reading and analysis of the current scientific literature.
3 credits
General Education Requirements: Applications (Leadership)

Other recommended courses:

CMSC 111 Introduction to ProgrammingServes as an entry-level programming course recommended for all students. Objects, arrays, program flow (if-then-else, while, do-while, for, switch), simple graphical user interfaces and applets, problem solving techniques, and elementary algorithms are covered. Effective design, implementation, debugging, and documentation of object-oriented programs are emphasized. Formerly MAT 141 Introduction to Programming.
MATH 301 Linear AlgebraDevelops methods of solutions of systems of linear equations, the theory of matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, and eigenvalues. Formerly MAT 247 Linear Algebra.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 225 (may be taken concurrently)
MATH 325 Multi-Variable CalculusExamines the calculus of functions of several variables. Topics include partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and the calculus of vector fields, including Green's Theorem.
Formerly MAT 227 Multi-Variable Calculus.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 225 with a grade of "C" or better
CHEM 491 InternshipProvides practical experience in an area related to chemistry (such as in a museum, government laboratory, etc.). Formerly CHE 481 Internship.
Credits arranged
Prerequisites: Permission of program
CHEM 497 Directed ResearchOffers the student the opportunity to develop research skills while conducting a research project carried out under the supervision of a faculty member, or at one of the research institutions in the area with permission of the Program Chair. Formerly CHE 491 Directed Research.
Credits arranged
Prerequisites: Permission of Program Chair

Students planning to attend graduate school in chemistry should also take a second semester of Physical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry I Laboratory, and course in Inorganic or Materials Chemistry.

Biochemistry

ALL of the following biology courses:

BIOL 112 General Biology IIPresents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the second of a two-semester sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 152 General Biology II.
4 credits
Prerequisite: "C" or higher in BIOL 111
FLC Area IV
General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry
BIOL 241 Introductory GeneticsInvestigates the principles of heredity, including Mendelian genetics, population genetics, and the genetics of microorganisms. The course consists of two hours of lecture, one hour discussion of journal readings, and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 222 Introductory Genetics.
4 credits
Prerequisite: "C" or higher in BIOL 112
BIOL 341 Cell and Molecular BiologyFocuses on the eukaryotic cell at the cell and molecular levels with emphasis on the principles by which cells function in isolation and in multi-cellular communities. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 325 Cell and Molecular Biology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: "C" or higher in BIOL 241 or permission of instructor
BIOL 441 General MicrobiologyIntroduces the biology of microorganisms and their importance to humans, with special emphasis on bacteria and viruses. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 449 General Microbiology.
4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 221, CHEM 222, and a 300-level biology course or permission of instructor

ALL of the following chemistry courses:

CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIntroduces some of the general principles of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry and chemical reactions; the structure and properties of atoms, ions, and molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; oxidation/reduction and acid/base chemistry. It includes an introduction to equilibrium and kinetics. This course emphasizes active student involvement; many concepts are introduced via direct experimentation. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry I.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 108.
CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIContinues the study of basic chemical principles, focusing on thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Transition metal complexes give an introduction to inorganic chemistry. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry II.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 (may be taken concurrently), CHEM 111 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the program.
General Education Knowledge and Inquiry
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry IProvides students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry through an exploration of the properties and reactions of carbon compounds, including structure and bonding, polarization, isomerism, stereochemistry, equilibrium, reaction types, and synthesis. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 223). Formerly CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 or CHEM 112.
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry IIApplies the concepts learned in Organic Chemistry I to new classes of compounds. The course includes a further investigation of substitution and elimination reactions, and the utility of infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance in determining organic structure is emphasized. Students learn about reactions and mechanisms pertaining to alkyl halides, aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, and a variety of carbonyl compounds. A working knowledge of the reactions covered in both semesters of will enable students to develop multistep syntheses leading from starting material to product. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 224). Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry II.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 221 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the program
CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory IProvides the laboratory component of CHEM 221. This laboratory experience illustrates modern techniques of purification, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds and the application to structural and synthetic problems. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry Lab I(formerly 2 credits).
1 credit
Prerequisites: Concurrent registration with CHEM 221 or permission of the program.
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory IIProvides the laboratory component of CHEM 222. This laboratory experience illustrates modern techniques of purification, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds and the application to structural and synthetic problems. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 234 Organic Chemistry Lab II (formerly 2 credits).
1 credit
Prerequisites: Concurrent registration with CHEM 222 or permission of the program.
CHEM 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 222
CHEM 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 instructor

ALL of the following mathematics and physics courses:

MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry IExamines the following topics: functions, limits, continuity, differentiation and applications, and basic integration. Formerly MAT 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 123 or placement test proficiency
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area IV: Exploration Cluster
MATH 225 Calculus and Analytic Geometry IIExamines the following topics: applications of the definite integral, integration of algebraic and transcendental functions, infinite series, and topics in analytic geometry. Formerly MAT 126 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II.
4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH 125
PHYS 111 General Physics ICovers mechanics in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include Newton's laws, work and energy, rotational dynamics, conservation of energy, and momentum. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly PHY 115 General Physics I.
4 credits
Prerequisite: MATH 125
General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area IV, Laboratory Science Cluster
PHYS 112 General Physics IICovers electricity, magnetism, and electro-magnetic propagation in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include electric fields, Maxwell's equations, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, and light. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly PHY 116 General Physics II.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 and PHYS 111

ONE Senior Seminar:

NSCM 499 Divisional SeminarExamines selected topics in the natural sciences. Requires written and oral presentations based on reading and analysis of the current scientific literature.
3 credits
General Education Requirements: Applications (Leadership)

Other recommended courses:

MATH 301 Linear AlgebraDevelops methods of solutions of systems of linear equations, the theory of matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, and eigenvalues. Formerly MAT 247 Linear Algebra.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 225 (may be taken concurrently)
MATH 325 Multi-Variable CalculusExamines the calculus of functions of several variables. Topics include partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and the calculus of vector fields, including Green's Theorem.
Formerly MAT 227 Multi-Variable Calculus.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 225 with a grade of "C" or better
CHEM 491 InternshipProvides practical experience in an area related to chemistry (such as in a museum, government laboratory, etc.). Formerly CHE 481 Internship.
Credits arranged
Prerequisites: Permission of program
CHEM 497 Directed ResearchOffers the student the opportunity to develop research skills while conducting a research project carried out under the supervision of a faculty member, or at one of the research institutions in the area with permission of the Program Chair. Formerly CHE 491 Directed Research.
Credits arranged
Prerequisites: Permission of Program Chair

Minor Requirements

Chemistry

ALL of the following courses:

CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIntroduces some of the general principles of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry and chemical reactions; the structure and properties of atoms, ions, and molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; oxidation/reduction and acid/base chemistry. It includes an introduction to equilibrium and kinetics. This course emphasizes active student involvement; many concepts are introduced via direct experimentation. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry I.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 108.
CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIContinues the study of basic chemical principles, focusing on thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Transition metal complexes give an introduction to inorganic chemistry. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry II.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 (may be taken concurrently), CHEM 111 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the program.
General Education Knowledge and Inquiry
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry IProvides students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry through an exploration of the properties and reactions of carbon compounds, including structure and bonding, polarization, isomerism, stereochemistry, equilibrium, reaction types, and synthesis. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 223). Formerly CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 or CHEM 112.
CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory IProvides the laboratory component of CHEM 221. This laboratory experience illustrates modern techniques of purification, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds and the application to structural and synthetic problems. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry Lab I(formerly 2 credits).
1 credit
Prerequisites: Concurrent registration with CHEM 221 or permission of the program.

EIGHT additional credits in chemistry above the 100-level

Biochemistry

ALL of the following courses:

CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIntroduces some of the general principles of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry and chemical reactions; the structure and properties of atoms, ions, and molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; oxidation/reduction and acid/base chemistry. It includes an introduction to equilibrium and kinetics. This course emphasizes active student involvement; many concepts are introduced via direct experimentation. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry I.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 108.
CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIContinues the study of basic chemical principles, focusing on thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Transition metal complexes give an introduction to inorganic chemistry. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry II.
4 credits
Prerequisites: MATH 125 (may be taken concurrently), CHEM 111 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the program.
General Education Knowledge and Inquiry
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry IProvides students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry through an exploration of the properties and reactions of carbon compounds, including structure and bonding, polarization, isomerism, stereochemistry, equilibrium, reaction types, and synthesis. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 223). Formerly CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 or CHEM 112.
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 222
CHEM 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 instructor

Program Policies

Advanced Placement: A grade of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 111.

CLEP Policy: A satisfactory score on the CLEP exam in general chemistry will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 111.

Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major or permission of the program chair.

Pass/No Pass: The pass/no pass option is not acceptable for courses taken to fulfill major or minor requirements.

Senior Assessment The senior assessment in chemistry or biochemistry consists of a written report and oral presentation.

TELL Policy: Because of the importance of the laboratory experience, TELL credits may not be applied toward the chemistry major.

Transfer Credits: All chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to complete successfully a minimum of 15 credits in chemistry at Trinity College. With the approval of the program chair, courses in biology or other relevant areas of study offered at Trinity may be used to satisfy the 15 credit requirement. All chemistry/biochemistry majors must take NSCM 499 Divisional Seminar at Trinity (NSCM 499 may count toward the 15 credit hours taken at Trinity).

Course Descriptions