The Biology and Chemistry of Living Systems

This yearlong upper division science program will develop and interrelate concepts in organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and genetics. This program will give students prerequisites needed for the following careers: biology and chemistry research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and education. We will examine the subject matter through the central idea that molecular structure defines property and function, integrating a theme from the molecule to the cell. As the year progresses, the theme will continue through studies of cellular and biochemical processes in biological systems. We will examine organic chemistry, the nature of organic compounds and reactions, and carry this work into biochemistry and the fundamental chemical reactions of living systems. The program will contain a significant laboratory component involving extensive hands-on learning, including regular use of chemical instrumentation. Students will also write papers and maintain laboratory notebooks. All laboratory work and approximately half of non-lecture time will be spent working in collaborative problem-solving groups. This is an intensive program, the subjects are complex and the sophisticated understanding we expect to develop will require devoted time and attention each week both in and out of class.

Fall Anticipated Credit Equivalencies
*6 - Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory
*5 - Microbiology with Laboratory
*5 - Genetics

Winter Anticipated Credit Equivalencies
*6 - Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory
*3 - Chemical Instrumentation and Spectroscopy
*7 - Biochemistry with Laboratory

Spring Anticipated Credit Equivalencies
*4 - Organic Chemistry III
*2 - Chemical Instrumentation and Spectroscopy
*6 - Biochemistry
*4 - Advanced Laboratory Project