Biochemistry
Course Descriptions

http://www.eou.edu/chem/
http://www.eou.edu/artsci/

Program Faculty:

Program Objectives:

The Biochemistry program was created to meet the demand for students who are interested in working at the interface between biology and chemistry.   This is a very exciting and rapidly growing field because of its many applications in biotechnology, physiology, genetics, cancer research, and the health sciences in general.  The program is designed to prepare students for a broad range of career possibilities in teaching, research, industry, and the health professions.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the biochemistry degree program, students will have a foundational knowledge of chemistry comparable to a chemistry degree recipient; be familiar with common biotechnology techniques and processes; and have the ability to apply pertinent biochemical knowledge to the solution of diverse scientific, environmental, and social problems.  Students will also be able to:

• Appreciate and understand the structure of the major classes of biochemical compounds;
• Relate the structural attributes of biochemical compounds to their function within a cell or organism;
• Perform pertinent biochemical calculations involving enzyme kinetics and bioenergetics;
• Appreciate and understand the metabolism of the major classes of biochemical compounds;
• Facilitate comparisons of similar and dissimilar features of metabolism for opposing anabolic and catabolic pathways, and provide a discussion of their regulation;
• Promote an understanding of the integrated nature of all biochemical processes;
• Perform biochemistry laboratory techniques and procedures independently;
• Create complete laboratory reports detailing the experimental analysis, and discussion of applicable techniques; and
• Think scientifically and independently.

Means of Assessment

To assess students learning, the faculty will employ traditional evaluation techniques such as homework assignments, quizzes, examinations, and evaluation of laboratory experiments.  The ACS offers standardized exams in every field of chemistry, including biochemistry, and these will be administered to our students upon completion of their coursework to see how they compare to national averages.  In addition, a service learning component will be incorporated in selected courses.  Finally, students will be required to fulfill a capstone project, typically independent undergraduate research under the supervision of a chemistry faculty member.  The project concludes with the student's oral and written presentation to the faculty and to his/her peers.  We anticipate that most biochemistry students will also present their research at national meetings of scientific societies, such as the American Chemical Society.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science

Degree in Biochemistry

1.      Complete Eastern graduation requirements with at least a "C-" in each listed course required for the Biochemistry degree and have a grade point average of 2.00 or better.

2.      Complete a minimum of 49 credit hours in chemistry, of which 33 or more must be 300 or 400 level courses, as required below.

3.      Complete a minimum of 33 credit hours in biology, of which 18 or more must be 300 or 400 level courses, as required below.

4.      Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in related mathematics and science areas as required below.

5.      The designated capstone courses are CHEM 401 and CHEM 407.

Chemistry Requirements

CHEM 204, 205 General Chemistry (10)
CHEM 206 Qualitative Analysis (5)
CHEM 280 Chemical Literature (1)
CHEM 320 Analytical Chemistry (3)
CHEM 321 Analytical Chemistry Lab (2)
CHEM 334 Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 335 Organic Chemistry II (3)
CHEM 336 Organic Chemistry III (3)
CHEM 337 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1)
CHEM 338 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1)
CHEM 339 Organic Chemistry III Lab (1)
CHEM 401 Research (1)
CHEM 407 Seminar (1)
CHEM 421 Instrumental Analysis (3)
CHEM 422 Instrumental Analysis Lab (2)
CHEM 440 Thermodynamics (4)
CHEM 450 Structural Biochemistry (4)
CHEM 451 Metabolic Biochemistry (4)
CHEM 454 Biochemistry Lab (2)

Biology Requirements

BIOL 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology (15)
BIOL 323 General Microbiology (5)
BIOL 341, 342 Genetics (8)
BIOL 431 Cell Structure and Function (5)

Related Area Requirements

PHYS 201, 202, 203 General Physics (12) or

PHYS 221, 222, 223 General Physics with Calculus (15)
MATH 251, 252, 253 Calculus (12)

Strongly Recommended (but not required):

CHEM 285 Chemical Safety (2)
CHEM 421 Instrumental Analysis (3)
CHEM 422 Instrumental Analysis Lab (2)
CHEM 442 Chemical Dynamics (4)
CS 161 Foundations of Computer Science I (4)    
MATH 321 Differential Equations (5)

Students may not also attain a major or minor in either Chemistry or Biology or a minor in Environmental Chemistry.

BIOCHEMISTRY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CHEM 450 - Structural Biochemistry
Credits: 4.00
Survey of the structures and functions of biological macromolecules and their building blocks; structure and functionality of cell membranes; enzyme catalysis and kinetics..

Prerequisite: CHEM 334, 335, 336 or equivalent.

Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es):
Freshman
Sophomore

CHEM 451 - Metabolic Biochemistry
Credits: 4.00
Provides a chemical perspetive of bioenergetics and metabolic pathways including signal transduction. Specific topics, discussed at the molecular level, are selected from, but not limited to the following: carbohydrate, lipid and protein biosynthesis / processing; electron transport, proton pumping, and ATP production in mitochondria and chloroplasts; mechanisms of biosignaling.

Prerequisite: CHEM 450, Stuctural Biochemistry)

Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es):
Freshman
Sophomore

CHEM 454 - Biochemistry Lab
Credits: 2.00
Introduction of standard biochemical laboratory techniques and their application to solving biochemical and biochemically- related problems. Prerequisite: CHEM 450 or equivalent or consent of instructor. (Writing Intensive)
Restrictions:

May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es):
Freshman
Sophomore