Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

BCHE 1000
Basic Biochemistry [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course should be considered for those in need of remediation for chemistry and biology in pursuit of degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Nursing. It will cover basic language of chemical principles during the first two thirds of the semester including dimensional analysis, atomic theory and structure, composition of matter, periodic table relationships, formula and equation writing, chemical reaction, solution chemistry, and acid/base chemistry. It will also include biology during the last one third of the semester, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. It is recommended for students who have not had any previous chemistry or biology, or who have had these more than 5 years ago, or who did poorly in previous chemistry and biology courses. This course may not be applied toward a chemistry major or minor, or a biology major or minor. The foundational concepts covered in this course will provide students with the ability to analyze God's creation using chemical and biological principles. Offered on demand.

BCHE 2310
Introduction to Research and Scientific Communication [Course] (2) (Liberal Arts)
This course will provide the opportunity to critically examine and critique primary scientific literature, to communicate the implications of the work through verbal and written methods, and prepare students for research in the biological or chemical sciences. Prerequisite: BIOL 1110 and 1120 sequence or CHEM 1110 and 1120 sequence.

BCHE 3050
Introduction to Biochemistry [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
Important metabolic pathways are introduced. Protein structure and function are emphasized. Fundamental concepts in biochemistry, energetics, and enzymology are presented along with the main pathways of metabolism. The coordinate regulation of glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose cycle, glycogen metabolism, and lipid metabolism is discussed. Prerequisites: CHEM 2120 Lecture and Lab.

BCHE 3050
Introduction to Biochemistry [Laboratory] (1) (Liberal Arts)
Laboratory experiments include sequence determination of a dipeptide, kinetic analysis of the acid phosphatase enzyme, purification of a blood plasma protein, SDS gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and synthesis and purification of glucose-1-phosphate. Computer analysis of data is emphasized. Prerequisites: CHEM 2120 Lecture and Lab.

BCHE 3060
Molecular Biology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will focus on the major topics of molecular biology. These topics include the flow of genetic information, DNA replication, repair and recombination, RNA synthesis and processing, protein synthesis, control of gene expression, and recombinant DNA technology. Additional topics addressed in BCHE 3060 will include amino acid synthesis, drug development, and the immune system. This course is a continuation of topics covered in BCHE 3050. It is strongly recommended that students complete BCHE 3050 before taking BCHE 3060. Prerequisites: CHEM 2120 Lecture and Lab. (Offered alternate years)

BCHE 3060
Molecular Biology [Laboratory] (1) (Liberal Arts)
Laboratory experiments include GFP purification by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, quantitative ELISA assays, DNA barcoding of plants by PCR and DNA sequencing, cloning and analyzing the glyceraldehyde 3- phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene isolated from plants, and synthesis and purification of glucose-1- phosphate from potato extracts. Bioinformatics exercises will be included in the cloning of the GAPDH gene. Computer analysis of data is emphasized. Prerequisites: BCH 305 Lecture and Lab. Course fee applicable.

BCHE 3300
Bioinformatics [Course] (2) (Liberal Arts)
Bioinformatics is a survey course of the major topics and techniques used to explore and utilize the many biological, biochemical, genetic and chemical databases and information repositories available across the world-wide web. Subjects discussed will include multiple sequence alignment, sequence database searching, prediction of RNA secondary structure, protein classification, DNA microarrays and genome analysis. Prerequisites: BIOL 1110 and BIOL 1120.

BCHE 3600
Structured Study [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
Students complete a structured study of approved topics in biochemistry. The course may be repeated with different topics. (Offered on demand)

BCHE 4500
Internship [Practicum] (3 - 6)
This internship provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in a laboratory or field placement.

BCHE 4980
Undergraduate Research [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
The undergraduate research experience is a capstone for the biochemistry major. Students undertake a project under the direct supervision of an adviser. This research may result in a published paper and/or presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium sponsored by the Rochester section of the American Chemical Society. A final written report and laboratory notebook are submitted at the completion of the project.