Program Codes:
BSBIOCH
Bachelor of Science
Introduction
The curriculum of the Department is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and is designed to support and prepare students for a wide range of potential career opportunities and pathways. Our students find their obtained skills and experiences are ideal preparation (i) for graduate work and professional schools in the sciences or medicine, (ii) to develop the technical background required for industrial or commercial positions, or (iii) to teach at the secondary school level.
The Department offers programs that lead to Bachelor of Science degrees in both Chemistry and Biochemistry. A Bachelor of Arts degree is also offered in Chemistry. A student may elect to earn American Chemical Society (ACS) degree certification of their bachelor’s degree by meeting the requirements of the ACS Committee on Professional Training. In brief, requirements for an ACS certified degree are slightly more stringent than departmental requirements for graduation and include: Earning credits in all five sub- disciplines of chemistry, earning a minimum of 12 semester hours of in-depth coursework, documenting at least 400 hours of laboratory work beyond the introductory level, conducting research alongside a faculty member and authoring a well-written, comprehensive, and well-documented thesis that includes safety considerations where appropriate.
Certification in Chemistry Education is also offered through our department. Students pursuing certification in Chemistry Education earn a Chemistry degree prior to enrolling in the Master’s Program in Secondary Education at Mercyhurst, which can then be completed as a 1-year or 2-year program.
Mission Statement
The Department is committed to the education and training of the next generation of scientists. Because the nature of scientific endeavors evolves, the most important skills students in all scientific disciplines can possess are independent reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
The development of these skills in our programs and courses is facilitated by the following tenets:
The Department believes one of its strengths is the integration of undergraduate chemistry research opportunities in the curriculum culminating in the senior capstone experience. The student-centered research projects overseen by our faculty span a range of methods to address chemical problems in organic synthesis, health issues, nanotechnology and alternative energy. Seminars and poster presentations of research results at both regional and national research conferences are strongly encouraged.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
The chemistry and biochemistry programs require that students demonstrate:
The Department reserves the right to periodically conduct assessment of courses and experiences within the program. These assessments will not be tied to individual students, but rather to be used for continual evaluation and improvement of the program as a whole.
Department Requirements
All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better for any student to be eligible to enroll in a course. If this requirement has not been met prior to the start of the semester during which a student is enrolled, students will be removed from the course where the prerequisites have not been satisfactorily met. To be recommended for graduation in any of the Department’s degree programs a student must earn at least a 2.5 grade point average in the required major and cognate courses and labs.
When a course is re-taken, the GPA requirement includes both the original grade and the grade from the retake. A student also must earn a grade of at least C in any course from the major discipline that is to fulfill a degree requirement. No required science or math course may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. No required courses for the major may be taken at another institution without departmental approval. Students are expected to attend all departmental seminars.
Students pursuing teacher certification must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in major required courses and receive a grade of at least C in each course. Students majoring in any of the Department’s programs must maintain an overall University GPA of 2.5.
Credit will be granted for courses listing lecture and laboratory separately only if the lecture and laboratory components are taken concurrently, unless special permission is granted by the instructor and the Department. Withdrawal from one without withdrawal from the other is not allowed without permission from both the instructor and the Department. Permission to register for only one of the components will ordinarily be granted only when a student previously has successfully completed one of the components.
All students seeking degrees in programs administered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will undergo a review by department faculty at the completion of their sophomore level in their area of concentration, the Sophomore Review. Students must successfully complete the Sophomore Review to be accepted into the Department’s programs and continue their studies in the Department. Students eligible for Sophomore Review must have been at Mercyhurst University for at least 2 years and must have completed Calculus I (MATH 170) and completed (or be in the process of completing) Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 242).
Acceptance is based on the following criteria: (1) a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in courses taken in the major concentration, (2) a minimum overall University GPA of 2.5, and (3) professional conduct. If a student does not pass the Sophomore Review, the student will not be allowed to enroll in any further courses required for programs administered by the Department.
First-year students are required to meet with all departmental faculty members concerning research opportunities during their first year of study, which requires documentation to be submitted by March 15 of their first academic year. Students must also sign up with a research mentor and have a research plan by the time they apply for Sophomore Review.
All students within the major must enroll in the courses Research I (CHEM 410) and Research I Lab (CHEM 412) during one of their academic years.
The Biochemistry major is ideal for students pursuing graduate and professional degrees in the biochemical or allied health professions. A strong background in chemistry and biology is provided with flexibility in biological and chemical specialization to enable students to pursue their personal interests in this dynamic field.
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
Introduction to the physiological and molecular techniques and methodologies for studying cells, organelles and macromolecules in relation to cellular activities and maintenance of life.
BIO 142
Experimental work corequisite to General Chemistry I.
CHEM 121
This course provides a foundation in analytical chemistry through the systematic study of steps in the analytical process. Topics include: statistical analysis, equilibria, electrochemistry, chemical separations and spectroscopy.
CHEM 131, CHEM 132
CHEM 231
Experimental lab work that provides hands-on knowledge of topics and techniques covered in CHEM 230, including the statistical analysis and formal reporting of gathered data.
CHEM 131, 132
CHEM 230
Experimental techniques corequisite to CHEM 240. Crystallization, distillation and other methods used for the isolation and purification of organic compounds. Corequisite: CHEM 240. 1 credit.
CHEM 132
CHEM 240
Principles of the structure and function of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, proteins and enzymes, along with an overview of intermediary metabolism and introduction to carbohydrate metabolism through the study of glycolysis.
CHEM 242
CHEM_332
Experimental work corequisite to CHEM 331 with a focus on basic biochemical techniques including molecular cloning, bioinformatics, and protein overexpression and purification.
CHEM 242
CHEM_331
A comprehensive survey of the pathways and regulation of intermediary metabolism. Topics include anabolic and catabolic aspects of carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleotide metabolism, photosynthesis and respiration, and the integration and regulation of mammalian metabolism.
CHEM 331
CHEM_339
Experimental work corequisite to CHEM 338 with a focus on protein characterization via kinetic, immunological and spectroscopic methods.
CHEM-332
CHEM_338
This course will focus on thermodynamic and kinetic methods utilized to predict and describe change. The laws of thermodynamics as they pertain to physical change and chemical reactions will be studied in depth and with mathematical rigor. In the kinetics portion of the course, chemical reaction rates and molecular reaction dynamics will be studied.
CHEM-131 MATH-170 PHYS-202
This is the initial course in a sequence of courses on the fundamental ideas of the calculus of one variable intended for science and mathematics majors. It is here that truly significant applications of mathematics begin. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are functions, continuity, limits, derivatives, maxima and minima and antiderivatives and an introduction to integration. Prerequisite: MATH 118 or MATH Placement score of at least 70.
Any student who has completed Calculus I should take Calculus II to obtain a complete study of the calculus of one variable. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are the integral, anti-derivatives, the Fundamental Theorem, integration techniques, interesting applications of integration, an introduction to differential equations, series, sequences.
MATH 170
Whereas epidemiology is the science of public health, biostatistics is the "toolkit" of the epidemiologist and public health practicitioner with many applications across clinical, evaluation and research settings. Public health scientists must collect and use data to answer key questions about the effectiveness of interventions, monitor the health of populations and make decisions based on evidence. Buidling on a foundation of basic statistics, the course uses real-world health data and simulations to practice applying the same tools used by professional epidemiologists in the field and medical researchers investigating the causes of disease.
This is a calculus-based course that is designed for natural science and mathematics majors, (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth-space science education, mathematics). The role of physics in other scientific fields will be emphasized as classical mechanics is covered. This portion of the General Physics series will deal strictly with mechanics; topics include: motion in one-, two- and three-dimensions, the laws of motion, work, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy, linear and rotational motion, and the prediction of motion based on initial conditions.
MATH 170
PHYS 203
Laboratory experience to accompany General Physics I.
PHYS 201
This course is a continuation of General Physics I; calculus skills are required. Topics include: waves, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and thermodynamics. Problem solving and the relationships between physics and the fields of biology, biochemistry, and chemistry continue to be emphasized.
MATH 171, PHYS 201
PHYS 206
Laboratory experience to accompany General Physics II.
PHYS 202
Three Major Elective Courses. Students must earn at least 11 credit hours in the list below. At least one course must have a BIO prefix.
Many of the courses below also require a lab.
Short Title : MICROBIOLOGY
Active Term : Fall Term / All Years
Course Code : BIO 200
Course Description : The study of bacteria and other microbes with emphasis on their structure and function, ecology, biochemistry and research methodologies. The course reviews the biology of microbes and their use as biological and medical research tools. Prerequisites: BIO 142. Corequisite:. 3 credits.
Prerequisites : BIO 140 OR BIO 142
Corequisites : BIO 201
Short Title : BIOELECTRICITY
Active Term : Randomly / Randomly
Course Code : BIO 236
Course Description :
In this course students will be introduced to different brances of modern neuroscience, including neurophysiology, neurology and cognitive neuroscience. Course topics will focus on the dynamical nature of the human nervous system (as opposed to its structure and anatomy). Students will study the electrical properties of neural cells and the functions of the nervous system, and will apply these fundamentals to explore current methods and applications in neuroscience. An overarching focus of this course will be acquisition of skills and techniques that are used to study the brain's functions and to diagnose brain disorders. This goal will be achieved through implementations of tutorials, simulations and laboratory activities. For example, students will learn the clinical standards and procedures used in neurophysiology, will apply analytical methods used to study brain functions (such as sensory perception and sleep) and diagnose brain diseases. Students will also learn the basic principles of medical imaging techniques - MRI and PET - and their applications in diagnostic neurology and cognitive neuroscience.
Short Title : HISTOLOGY
Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years
Course Code : BIO 244
Course Description : The study of cellular and molecular aspects of human tissue structures and their relationship to function and physiology.
Prerequisites : BIO-140 BIO-220 BIO-240 BIO-270
Corequisites : BIO 245
Short Title : IMMUNOLOGY
Active Term : Fall Term / All Years
Course Code : BIO 330
Course Description : The study of the human immune system. Beginning with the chemical properties of antigens, the course investigates the various avenues of defense of the human immune response. The basic structure and function of immunoglobulins and other major immunological molecules originating from major loci in DNA.
Prerequisites : BIO-142 CHEM-240
Short Title : HUMAN ANATOMY
Active Term : Fall Term / All Years
Course Code : BIO 334
Course Description : A course on the detailed anatomy and histology of all organ systems of the human body. A regional perspective will be used in some cases. This course is designed for students considering a career in the allied health professions.
Prerequisites : BIO 120, BIO 130 OR BIO 142
Corequisites : BIO 271
Short Title : HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Active Term : Spring Term / All Years
Course Code : BIO 344
Course Description : A course which explains the functional properties of the organ systems of the human body.
Prerequisites : BIO-320 OR BIO-334, BIO-142 BIO-143
Corequisites : BIO 281
Short Title : SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY
Active Term : Fall Term / Odd Years
Course Code : BIO 360
Course Description : A study of biochemical and biophysical aspects of the functional processes of animals. Emphasis on mammalian physiology. Prerequisites: BIO 142, CHEM 113, CHEM 240. Corequisite: BIO 361. 3 credits.
Corequisites : BIO 361
Short Title : BIOINFORMATICS
Active Term : Randomly / Odd Years
Course Code : BIO 390
Course Description :
An introduction to bioinformatics tools used by modern researchers. The course will introduce the concepts of information transfer in biological molecules, how that information is stored in public databases and how to access this information and organize it in meaningful ways. Course includes exploration of tools used to study whole genomes using high-throughput sequencing data to assemble genomes and map specific subsets of the genomes.
Short Title : MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years
Course Code : BIO 430
Course Description : Study of the structural and functional aspects of organelles and gene products in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, including their transcription and translation into functional proteins during cell development and reproduction. Oncogene functions, recombinant DNA technology, and alterations of gene functions are also explored.
Prerequisites : BIO-310
Short Title : ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEM
Active Term : Fall Term / Odd Years
Course Code : CHEM 310
Course Description : A study of the structures and reactions of elements and inorganic compounds. Topics include theories of bonding, transition metal complexes, and the descriptive chemistry of the elements.
Prerequisites :
CHEM-242
Short Title : ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years
Course Code : CHEM 314
Course Description : A comprehensive study of synthetic organic chemistry strategies. This course will build on the material from Organic Chemistry I and II to more fully develop reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications. Prerequisite: CHEM 242. 3 credits.
Prerequisites :
CHEM 242
Short Title : FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
Active Term : Fall Term / Odd Years
Course Code : CHEM 316
Prerequisites : CHEM 131, CHEM 132
Short Title : INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years
Course Code : CHEM 333
Course Description :
This course provides an in-depth experience in analytical chemistry by providing students with complete working knowledge of modern analytical instrumentation. Topics include: atomic and molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography, light scattering, electrochemical analysis, surface analysis, and thermal analysis. Topics are placed into modern context by exploring ongoing research in current scientific journals. A strong background in chemistry and physics is required.
Prerequisites :
CHEM 230
Corequisites :
CHEM_334
Short Title : SPECTRAL INTERPRETATION
Active Term : Fall Term / Even Years
Course Code : CHEM 335
Course Description : A study of the acquisition and interpretation of IR, NMR and mass spectroscopy data.
Prerequisites : CHEM 242
Corequisites : CHEM_336
Short Title : EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICAL CHEM
Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years
Course Code : CHEM 343
Course Description : The course is the experimental complement to theoretical physical chemistry principles. Laboratory experiments in thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics and spectroscopy will be performed and the theory behind them discussed. In addition, computational methods investigating the quantum mechanical and statistical behavior of molecules will be introduced.
Short Title : PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II
Active Term : Spring Term / Even Years
Course Code : CHEM 351
Course Description : This course will focus on structure, including: quantum mechanical methods, spectroscopy and statistical mechanics. The quantum portion of the course will deal with the theory in depth and the connections between theory and experimental data the spectroscopy portion of the course will include rotational and vibrational spectra, electronic transitions and magnetic resonance. Concepts of statistical mechanics, including partition functions and their relationships to thermodynamics will be included. No lab with this course.
Prerequisites : CHEM-341
Short Title : CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
Active Term : Spring Term / Even Years
Course Code : CHEM 420
Course Description :
Chemical biology is an ever-expanding, highly interdisciplinary field that focuses broadly on using traditional chemistry techniques to study biological systems. This course investigates several biological systems that chemical biologists are investigating, as well as the unique chemical tools that they are discovering to help them better understand these systems. While this class will by no means cover all of the systems and tools currently being used by chemical biologists, it will provide a strong foundation in understanding chemical biology techniques and give insight into how chemical biologists address complex, multifaceted problems.
Short Title : CALCULUS III
Active Term : Fall Term / Even Years
Course Code : MATH 233
Course Description :
This is an introduction to the calculus of several variables. Topics selected from polar coordinates, functions of several variables, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, line integrals, surface integrals, Green's theorem and Stokes' theorem.
Prerequisites :
MATH 171
Required Courses
CHEM 121/122 General Chemistry I & Lab - 4 credits
CHEM 131/132 General Chemistry II & Lab - 4 credits
CHEM 240/241 Organic Chemistry I & Lab - 4 credits
CHEM 242/243 Organic Chemistry II & Lab - 4 credits
CHEM 331/332 Biochemistry I & Lab - 4 credits
CHEM 338/339 Biochemistry II & Lab - 4 credits
Biochemistry Minor Elective Courses
CHEM 199, 299, or 399 Independent Research* - 1-3 credits
CHEM 230/231 Quantitative Analysis & Lab - 4 credits
CHEM 310 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry - 3 credits
CHEM 314 Advanced Organic Chemistry - 3 credits
CHEM 335/336 Spectral Interpretation & Lab - 4 credits
CHEM 341 Physical Chemistry I - 3 credits
CHEM 420 Chemical Biology 3 credits
*These courses have variable credits (1-3). At least 3 total credits of Independent Research are required for the Biochemistry Minor degree, which may be divided between different course numbers.