Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Biology Focus)—BS Curriculum

Introduction to fields and career opportunities in the biological sciences.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biochem & Molec Biology-Bio Sc, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Human Biology, Biological Sciences, Computational Biology; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

A discussion of the principles of ecology and organismal biology, using the theme of physiological ecology and adaptations. This course will emphasize biodiversity, scientific method, experimental design, and written and oral presentation of results.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

Covers principles of ecology and organismal biology, using the theme of physiological ecology and adaptations. This course will emphasize biodiversity, scientific method, experimental design, and written and oral presentation of results.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): BL 1100

Discussion of the major principles by which life is organized. Topics include scientific methods, biological chemistry, cell structure and organization, multicellular organization, diversity of organisms, energetics and photosynthesis, cellular reproduction genetics, gene structure and expression, and recombinant DNA.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer

Topics include scientific methods, biological chemistry, cell structure and organization, multicellular organization, diversity of organisms, energetics and photosynthesis, cellular reproduction genetics, gene structure and expression, and recombinant DNA.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): BL 1200

A study of classical and molecular genetics. Topics include one- and two-locus genetics, recombination, gene structure, regulation and function, quantitative and population genetics, and genetic engineering. Covers both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BE 2400 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

A laboratory to complement BL2200. Covers applications of techniques used in genetics, including Mendelian analysis, tetrad analysis, karyotyping, DNA and protein electrophoresis, DNA and plasmid purification, transformation and restriction mapping, and PCR amplification of DNA.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200(C)

Introduction to Genomics. Genome organization, mapping and characterization from humans and related organisms. Topics include hierarchical arrangement of genes, genome mapping, molecular markers of physical genome maps, genome sequencing, comparative genomics, analysis of important human genes and their products, and ethical and legal aspects of genomics.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200 or FW 3320

This course discusses how biology, math, and computer science combine to form the basis of computational biology. Students will be exposed to the applications of bioinformatics in analysis of DNA and protein sequences and be introduced to common methods for processing this data.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

This course will provide an understanding of cell structure and function with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include macromolecules, membranes, organelles, cytoskeleton, division, differentiation, cell-cell interactions, intracellular trafficking, protein sorting, cell signaling, and motility.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Introduction to the general principles and techniques involved in the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Topics include cell structure and function, growth, metabolism, biodiversity, and interaction. Not open to students with credit in BL3310.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Structure, biochemical properties, and function of important biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Introduces enzyme biochemistry (structure, function, catalysis, kinetics, and inhibition).

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): (BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BE 2400) or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) and (CH 2410 or CH 2420)

Dynamic aspects of living systems. Broad exposure to cellular metabolic pathways, intermediary metabolism and its regulation and bioenergetics.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3020

Laboratory techniques basic to biochemistry and molecular biology with emphasis on protein isolation, characterization and kinetics.

• Credits: 2.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3020(C) or CH 4710(C) or BL 3025(C)

Molecular biology of gene structure, expression and regulation. Also topics covering various molecular techniques and applications of these techniques and biotechnology.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3020 or CH 4710 or BL 3025

Laboratory techniques in molecular biology, including methods of recombinant DNA technology for identification, cloning, and characterization of genes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200 and BL 4030(C)

Students will develop and improve their skill level in searching for scientific literature, incorporating that into scientific writing, evaluating and incorporating the work of others, and develop critique skills for review of scientific source material and basic statistical methods.

• Credits: 2.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biochem & Molec Biology-Bio Sc, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Human Biology, Biological Sciences, Computational Biology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

Laboratory to accompany CH1150.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

A continuation of CH 1150. Introduces more complex concepts in chemistry, including kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and chemical analysis. Additional topics may include chemistry of the metals and non-metals, biochemical systems, and nuclear chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture concepts.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1161
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

Laboratory to accompany CH1160.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 1160
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry focusing on providing the understanding of chemical reactivity of various types of organic molecules through a mechanistic perspective. The emphasis is given to mastering substitution, elimination, and addition mechanisms and their relevance to various kinds of organic compounds

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
• Co-Requisite(s): CH 2411
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1160 and CH 1161

Laboratory to accompany CH2410.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): (CH 2410(C) or CH 2430(C)) and CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

The course focuses on the methods used to identify the structure of organic molecules, advanced principles of organic stereochemistry, and methods used for the synthesis of complex organic compounds with examples of biological and pharmacological applications.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 2430

Laboratory to accompany CH2420.

• Credits: 2.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-4)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 2411 and (CH 2420(C) or CH 2440(C))

Ideal and non-ideal gas laws, the kinetic theory of gases, equations of state, liquid-vapor equilibrium, the laws of thermodynamics, solid-liquid-vapor equilibria, the chemical potential, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, the phase rule, phase diagrams, and chemical kinetics.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161) and MA 2160 and (PH 2200(C) or PH 2260(C))

Examines fundamental physical principles underlying complex biological systems in order to understand the interactions and behaviors found in biological, biochemical, and physical systems. Topics include macromolecules in aqueous environments, spectroscopy and structure determination, kinetics, membranes, and transport phenomena.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) and CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161) and MA 2160 and PH 2200

An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1120 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680

Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3

Introduction to the design and analysis of statistical studies in the health and life sciences. Topics include study design, descriptive and graphical methods, probability, inference on means, categorical data analysis, and linear regression.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1135 or MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)

A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) and PH 2110(C) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)

A calculus-based introduction to electromagnetism. Topics include Coulomb's law, electric fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, circuits, magnetic forces and fields, Ampere's law, induction, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 1200(C) or PH 2261(C)) and (PH 2100 or PH 1160) and MA 2160

Experiments covering Coulomb's law, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, induction, and geometric optics are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100 or PH 1111 or PH 1141 or PH 1161

Students conduct empirical, theoretical, or computational research in biochemistry under the direction of a faculty member. The work culminates in a written report, product, or presentation resulting from the work performed. Specifics to be agreed upon between faculty mentor and student.

• Credits: variable to 6.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required

Investigates the immune defense system that has evolved to protect vertebrates from invading pathogens and cancer. Covers general principals of innate and acquired immunity, immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases, as well as transplantation immunology, and the role of apoptosis in lymphocyte maturation.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biological Sciences, Computational Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Human Biology, Biochem & Molec Biology-Bio Sc, Biochem & Molec Biology-Chem, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or BL 2020 or BE 2400 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

An introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic control that is not encoded by genomic DNA sequences of an organism. Topics include major regulatory mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediated gene regulation.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3300 or BL 4030

Introduction to the range of anthropogenic pollutants released into the environment. Concepts of bioaccumulation, biomagnification and environmental persistence, modes of toxicity and detoxification, transport and fate in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Toxic equivalent factors and quotients, regulatory guidelines and practices.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or BL 1040 or (BL 1400 and BL 1410) and CH 1150 and CH 1160

Toxicology of major environmental pollutants, their dose-response relationships and fundamentals of environmental remediation. Topics include physical, chemical, and biological remediation methods and effect of environmental toxins on biological systems. Laboratory will involve the application of chemical and biological remediation techniques.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Physiology and biochemistry of plants. Emphasizes photosynthesis, plant hormones, water and nutrient relations, and light-regulated development.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2160 and CH 2420

Interactions between plants and microorganisms in the environment. Topics include microbial virulence, signaling, gene expression, beneficial interactions and disease resistance in plants. Laboratory will focus on plant biochemical and microbiological methods as they relate to environmental problems.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200

Structure and function of microorganisms, with emphasis on mechanisms for responding to changing environmental and nutritional conditions.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3210 or BL 3310

This course is an overview of techniques involved in genomics including hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, and NGS sequence analysis including de novo assembly, gene annotation, and analysis including comparative genomics, pathway mapping, and core and pan genome analysis.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200

Celebration of the commonalities of life as exhibited in the basic building block of organisms - the cell. Course topics include details of basic genetic mechanisms, cell structure and function, and an examination of cells in their social context.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200 and CH 2420

The course will cover developmental biology topics from gametogenesis over fertilization, embryonic development to postembryonic development, including aging. Developmental genetics and the evolution of development (evo-devo) are an important component of this course.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200 and (BL 3012(C) or BL 4370(C))

A study of clinical biochemistry of the human body. Theory and practical applications used in routine analysis of body fluids. Includes the study of electrolyte balance, acid base balance, and the functions of major organs and systems.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Biological Sciences; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2020 and BL 3640

Emphasis on characteristic genetic, molecular, and cellular changes leading to cancer. Topics will include the role of tumor viruses, oncogenes, tumor suppressors, immortalization, apoptosis, and angiogenesis in cancer initiation and/or progression. Consideration of current therapies and future directions for treatment.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 3012 or BL 4370 or BE 2400

This course describes advanced concepts in molecular diagnostics as applied to the practice of laboratory medicine. Students are introduced to the theory and techniques used in paternity testing, identification of microorganisms, diagnosis of human disease. Basic hands-on laboratory experience in molecular diagnostic techniques.

• Credits: 4.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 2200 and BL 3025