Chair, Department of Natural Sciences: Lois Bichler,
Ph.D.
Natural Sciences Faculty:
Karla Bier, Ph.D.
Bill Brent, Ph.D.
Tara Giblin, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Phillips, Ph.D.
The program in the natural sciences is designed to bring together students with
diverse backgrounds and provide them with a solid foundation and the skills essential
for successful professional careers in the health and environmental sciences.
This program is built upon a cross-discipline approach involving explorations
and experimentation in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. It provides
excellent preparation for women pursuing postgraduate training for medical and
dental schools, veterinary schools, occupational and physical therapy programs,
and graduate school (in
health or environmental sciences).
The curriculum is designed to introduce students to various disciplines within
the sciences by focusing on principles, methods of experimentation, and critical-thinking
skills. Our curriculum engages students in collaborative and investigative activities
with faculty to develop research and critical-thinking skills, and to learn principles
and theories within scientific disciplines concurrently, by working on complex
real-world problems. We foster higher-order thinking skills, leadership skills
and intellectual maturity. Starting with their first year in the program, students
are engaged in conducting their own research projects, interpreting data and
presenting their results. All students learn the most advanced computer techniques
for presenting scientific information
and the results of their research.
The culmination of the natural science experience is the completion of an internship
and senior project in the student's field of interest. Internships provide students
with firsthand experience in a wide variety of areas including human and veterinary
medicine, research in medicine, chemistry, behavior and ecology, commercial laboratory
experiences, conservation biology and government policy. Our internship program
grants students a competitive advantage over others in their postgraduate careers.
For many, these internships have created important postgraduate opportunities
for jobs, graduate schools and professional schools. Internships are generally
available locally at medical and veterinary hospitals and clinics, local conservation
organizations, medical laboratories and with field and laboratory ecologists
and environmental scientists, physical and occupational therapists, and midwives.
Some students prefer to do internships in the summer close to home or at other
nationally recognized institutions providing grants and funding for student research.
The senior project is a synthesis of the student's four years at Stephens. Students
are provided a problem in their field of interest, and they must provide an in-depth
research paper to solve the problem
and present their findings to their peers.
Academic partnerships include a three-year/two-year program with Washington University
in St. Louis, MO in Occupational Therapy (OT) where a student earns a Bachelor
of Arts degree from Stephens College and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
from
Washington University.
Two academic articulation agreements currently exist with Chatham College, PA.
One is a three-year/two-year program in Physician Assistant Studies. The other
is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in which a Stephens College student must
graduate from
Stephens College prior to entry.
Students are actively involved in collaborative research with faculty in the
Department of Natural Sciences. The faculty maintains academic excellence by
publishing papers (often with student co-authors), writing research grant proposals,
attending professional meetings and soliciting seminars from outside professionals
and colleagues. Well-equipped facilities for research exist in chemistry, microbiology,
molecular biology, ecology and animal behavior. Additional research facilities
include the Johnson Plant Science Laboratory/Greenhouse for botanical research
and the Reis Biological Station in the Missouri Ozark Mountains for behavioral,
ecological and environmental research.
Stephens offers a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science
in Environmental Biology, Bachelor of Science in
Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental
Communication.
Requirements for the B.A. Major in Health
Sciences
(Open only to students in the Three-Two Occupational Therapy
Program)
The Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences requires completion of liberal arts requirements
and 11.5 required courses, plus 4.5 electives taken at Washington University.
Students may elect additional BIO courses for a total of 15.0 in a 40.5 course
degree program. A student must complete at least 30.0 courses at Stephens in
her three years here, and complete 10 courses (30 semester hours) at Washington
University. After her first year at Washington University, she earns a B.A. in
Health Sciences from Stephens College and after her second year at Washington
University she
earns a Professional Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy.
NOTE: In the following course listings, (1c) = 1.0 course or 3
semester hours.
Required Courses
ElectivesBIO 153: Research Methods (1c)
BIO 181N: Investigations in Biological Concepts I (1.5c)
BIO 182: Investigations in Biological Concepts II (1.5c)
BIO 301: Structural Kinesiology (1c) or BIO 343 Human Anatomy (1.5c)
BIO 496: Research Internship (1c)
CHM 111N: General College Chemistry I (1.5c)
CHM 112: General College Chemistry II (1.5c)
PHY 211N: Physics I (1.5c)
PSY 320: Abnormal Psychology (1c)
BIO 290: Genetics (1.5c)
BIO 311: Microbiology (1.5c)
BIO 349: Human Physiology (1.5c)
CHM 341: Organic Chemistry I (1.5c)
The courses taken at Washington University will serve as the student's upper-division electives. They include the following:
OT 302: Occupational Therapy Theory (2 hours)
*OT 304: Neuroscience I (3 hours)
*OT 339: Applied Anatomy (5 hours)
OT 350: Professional Practicum I (1 hour)
OT 368: Functional Assessment (3 hours)
OT 374: Therapeutic Intervention: Fundamentals of Activity (3 hours)
*OT 305: Neuroscience II (3 hours)
OT 316: Evaluation Practice through Research (3 hours)
*OT 319A: Medical Lectures: Medical and Surgery (3 hours)
*OT 319B: Medical Lectures: Psychiatry (1 hour)
*OT 344: Applied Kinesiology (3 hours)
OT 351: Professional Practicum II (1 hour)
OT 373: Therapeutic Intervention: Task Oriented Groups (2 hours)
Courses labeled with an (*) are advanced science courses that complete the B.A. in Health Sciences.
Required Liberal Arts Courses
*MAT 207M: Introduction to Statistics (1c)
*PSY 111S: Introduction to Psychology (1c)
PSC 101S: Introduction to Political Science (1c)
CHS 114S: The Child: Lifespan and Cross-Cultural Perspective (1c)
SOC 201S: General Sociology: Socialization (1c)
Courses labeled with an (*) can be used to fulfill lower-level liberal arts requirements.
Additional Requirements by Washington University
Washington University requires competency in medical terminology
and computer applications. These can be fulfilled by taking appropriate courses
or by independent study. Course credit is not required.
Requirements for the B.S. Major in Environmental
Biology
The bachelor of science major in environmental biology requires
completion of liberal arts requirements and 13 required courses, plus 6.0 electives,
including 2.0 at or above the 300 level. Students may elect additional courses
in the natural sciences for a total of 20.0 courses in a 40.5 course degree
program. A grade of C- or better must be earned in required natural science
courses (BIO, CHM, NSC, PHY) to graduate.
Required Courses
BIO 153: Research Methods in Biology (1c.)
BIO 181N: Investigations in Biological Concepts I (1.5c.)
BIO 182N: Investigations in Biological Concepts II (1.5c.)
CHM 112: General College Chemistry II (1.5c)
NSC 211N: Earth and Environmental Science (1c)
BIO 231: Botany (1.5c.)
BIO 382: Ecology (1.5c)
BIO 384: Conservation Biology (1.5c.)
BIO 496: Research Internship (1c)
BIO 497: Senior Project (1c)
Required Liberal Arts Courses
MAT 207M: Statistics (1c)
CHM 111N: General College Chemistry I (1.5c)
Support Cluster I
Three credits from the following list:
BIO 283: Invertebrate Zoology (1.5c.)
BIO 284: Vertebrate Zoology (1.5c.)
BIO 290: Genetics (1.5c.)
PHY 211N: College Physics (1.5c.)
Support Cluster II
Three credits from the following list:
BIO 370: Evolutionary Biology(1.5c.)
BIO 390: Introduction to Mammalogy(1.5c.)
BIO 415: Aquatic Biology (1.5c.)
CHM 341: Organic Chemistry I (1.5c.)
BIO/CHM/PHY: Other 300-level or higher science elective (1.5c.)
Requirements for the B.S. Major in Biology
The bachelor of science major in biology requires completion of liberal arts requirements and 10.5 required courses, plus 10.0 electives in the natural sciences (BIO, CHM, NSC, PHY), including 6 at or above the 300 level. This major has 20.5 courses in a 40.5 course degree program. A grade of C- or better must be earned in required natural science courses (BIO, CHM, NSC, PHY) to graduate. All pre-professional studies (pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, etc.) are strongly advised to complete the chemistry sequence through organic chemistry (CHM432) even though it is not a requirement of the major.
Required Courses
BIO 153: Research Methods in Biology (1c.)
BIO 181N–182: Investigations in Biological Concepts I,II (1.5c, 1.5c)
BIO 496: Research Internship (1c)
BIO 497: Senior Project (1c)
CHM 111N–112: General College Chemistry I,II (1.5c, 1.5c)
PHY 212: College Physics II (1.5c)
Required Liberal Arts Courses
MAT 207M: Statistics (1c)
or
MAT 211M: Calculus and Analytical Geometry I (1.5c)
PHY 211N: College Physics I (1.5c)
Four credits from the following cluster:
BIO 231: Botany (1.5c)
BIO 283: Invertebrate Zoology (1.5c)
BIO 284: Vertebrate Zoology (1.5c)
BIO 290: Genetics (1.5c)
BIO 292: Cell Biology (1c)
NSC 211N: Earth and Environmental Science (1c)
Six credits from the following cluster:
BIO 301: Structural Kinesiology (1c)
BIO 305: Parasitology (1c)
BIO 311: Microbiology (1.5c)
BIO 315: Immunology (1c)
BIO 343: Human Anatomy (1.5c)
BIO 349: Human Physiology (1.5c)
BIO 370: Evolutionary Biology (1.5c)
BIO 377: Molecular Biology Techniques (1c)
BIO 382: Ecology (1.5c)
BIO 410: Biochemistry (1c)
NSC365D: Women, Science and Society (1c)
Requirements for Natural Sciences Minors
A natural sciences minor requires completion of BIO
181N–182, BIO 151, BIO 152 and at least 2.0 additional courses in the
natural sciences (BIO, CHM, NSC, PHY) at or above the 300 level. The title
of the minor (biology or environmental biology) is determined by the courses
chosen in conjunction with a member of the natural sciences faculty.
Requirements for Chemistry Minors
A chemistry minor, for a biology major, requires the
completion of CHM 341–CHM342 and at least two of the following electives:
CHM 345, CHM 410/BIO 410, and CHM 496. This is in addition to the chemistry
courses required within the biology major. For non-biology majors wishing to
earn a chemistry minor, the minor requires completion of CHM111–112,
CHM 341–342, plus one of the following electives: CHM 345 or CHM 410/BIO
410. A chemistry minor is strongly recommended for all students considering
graduate school or professional programs.
Natural Sciences Courses
NSC 115N: Introduction to Physical Science
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
Liberal arts class for non-science majors and education majors. Introductory
physical science with complementary laboratory experiences covering the mechanics
of motion, including Newton's law of motion, gravity, work and energy, simple
machines, chemistry, thermodynamics, magnetism, electricity and astronomy.
Includes scholarship by and about women and ethnic minorities. Writing intensive.
NSC 211N: Earth and Environmental Science
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students; lab fee charged)
An overview of scientific principles relating to the study of the environment.
Provides a basic understanding of the process of science, the physical and
chemical properties of the earth and its various environments, and the ecological
principles associated with understanding the way organisms, including humans,
interact and impact the environment. Includes scholarship by and about women
and ethnic minorities. Writing intensive. Offered annually.
NSC 280: Topics in Natural Science
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses.
NSC 333: Practicum (with lab)
(.5 course)
(May be repeated for credit)
(Prerequisites: BIO 182 and permission of instructor; junior and senior standing
preferred)
Practical work experiences related directly to courses and/or program operations
in the natural sciences, supervised by an instructor of the student's choice.
NSC 365D: Women, Science and Society
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor; cross-listed
as WST 365D)
This course will broaden the student's understanding of the far-reaching impact
that feminist analysis has had on all fields of knowledge, including the field
of science. Students will learn that contemporary women in science are changing
the way people think about science and practice it. Students in the course
will benefit from exposure to cross-cultural analysis of science and some of
the ways people from various cultures understand the human relationship to
the world.
NSC 380: Topics in Natural Science
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses.
Biology Courses
BIO 111N: Biological Concepts (with lab)
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
An introduction to the science of biology. The following biological topics
may be addressed: biology as a science, the scientific method, basic biochemistry,
organ systems, ecology and human biology. Laboratory exercises are designed
to illustrate and clarify concepts presented in lecture. Includes scholarship
by and about women and ethnic minorities. Writing intensive. Offered at least
annually.
BIO 121N: Introduction to Horticulture
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students. Lab fee charged.) Writing Intensive
A lab oriented study of factors affecting plant growth and care. Equal time
will be given to indoor and outdoor plants and the latter will include flower
and vegetable gardens and landscape design. Topics covered include light requirements,
pest control, organic gardening and the use of native plants.
BIO 153: Research Methods in Biology
(1.0 course)
This course will introduce important research and writing skills for biological
science majors. Content includes methods for searching and evaluating primary
research literature, writing science specific materials and analyzing graphical
data. In addition, students will be introduced to effective experimental design,
statistical analysis, and oral presentation techniques. Use of a computer is
required. This course is writing intensive.
BIO 181N: Investigations in Biological Concepts I (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Lab fee charged)
This course integrates the ideas and disciplines of biochemistry, cell biology
and genetics. Important topics include basic biochemistry, cell structure,
metabolic activity, molecular genetics and Mendelian inheritance. Considerable
emphasis is placed on the process of scientific investigation. The laboratory
emphasizes proper lab technique, the process of science and investigation into
cellular and genetic processes. Includes scholarship by and about women and
ethnic minorities. Writing intensive. Offered every fall.
BIO 182: Investigations in Biological Concepts II (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 111N, BIO 181N or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
A continuation of BIO 181N. This course emphasizes the philosophy of science,
evolution, diversity, systematics and ecology. The course emphasizes the mechanisms
of evolution, evolutionary history, surveys of organismal diversity and adaptation,
ecology, and the relationship between ecology and evolution. Students prepare
one major diversity and adaptation presentation and perform one major ecological
experiment. Offered every spring.
BIO 231: Botany (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Botany will emphasize the evolution, ecology, anatomy, physiology and taxonomy
of extant and extinct plants. The laboratory emphasizes plant anatomy, systematics
and evolutionary history. There is a field component to the lab and field collections
are required. Herbarium specimens, local plants and greenhouse material will
be used to study plant taxonomy. Writing intensive. Offered periodically.
BIO 280: Topics in Biology
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses.
BIO 283: Invertebrate Zoology (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An introduction to the systematic study of the invertebrates. Using a taxonomic
approach, this course will emphasize the structures, physiology, life history
and evolution of invertebrates. The lab portion of this course will present
students with living and preserved examples of animals for each phyla and will
emphasize characteristics that distinguish various groups. Offered annually.
BIO 284: Vertebrate Zoology (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
A survey of the anatomy, physiology, zoogeography, evolution and ecology of
vertebrate animals. In a mixed laboratory, discussion, and presentation format,
students will investigate the major evolutionary changes that have occurred
in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Offered annually.
BIO 290: Genetics (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An examination of the transmission, structure and function of genetic material
in plants and animals. Course content progresses from classical Mendelian genetics,
including the chromosome theory of inheritance, structure and replication,
organization and regulation of genetic information of bacterial, eukaryotic
and viral genes, to current topics and techniques in molecular biology. Writing
intensive. Offered every fall.
BIO 292: Cell Biology
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor)
A study of the cell as the unit of structure and function of living things.
The molecular, metabolic and ultrastructural systems emphasized together with
bioenergetics, communication, heredity and gene expression. Offered every spring.
BIO 301: Structural Kinesiology
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO111 or BIO181 or DAN113, or permission of instructor)
This course will study human structure and function associated with body movement,
with special emphasis on movements associated with dance training. The course
will include a structural study of the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments
of the human body and a functional study of the resulting body movements. The
course will also briefly examine other sytems important in muscle movement,
such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Finally, this course will
apply this knowledge of muscular function to performance and injury when training
(using dance training as the model system). Offered periodically.
BIO 305: Parasitology (with lab)
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
This course emphasizes the systematic study of parasites, including taxonomy,
life history and ecology, the evolutionary relationships between parasites
and their hosts, the pathological effects of human/domestic animal parasites,
epidemiological factors of parasites, treatments for parasite-related diseases,
and socioeconomic conditions that increase the probability of spread and infestation.
Offered periodically.
BIO 311: Microbiology (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisites: BIO 182, BIO 292, or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
The study of the morphology, physiology, genetics and ecology of important
microorganisms of human health and disease, and of environmental concern. Emphasis
on bacteria and viruses. Writing intensive. Offered every fall.
BIO 315: Immunology
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 311 or permission of instructor)
An advanced introductory course in a rapidly advancing field, using experimental
design as a tool to elucidate immunological principles. Includes (1) an introduction
to the cells and tissues of the immune system; (2) the molecular mechanisms
used by the immune system to recognize antigens and the process of activation
of the immune system that results from antigen recognition; (3) a description
of the means by which the stimulated immune system eliminates foreign molecules,
cells and organisms; and (4) an examination of clinical problems that are primarily
immunologic. Writing intensive. Offered periodically.
BIO 343: Human Anatomy (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An advanced course in anatomy. Examines the organization of the human body,
human embryology, gross and microscopic anatomy of tissues and organ systems
and pathology, diseases and developmental abnormalities of the human body.
Instruction includes the use of prepared slides, actual mammalian dissections
and computer-based human dissection. Offered biennially in fall.
BIO 349: Human Physiology (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An advanced course in human physiology. Examines the function of the human
body, including basic cellular processes, regulation and homeostasis of the
body, control of body movement, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology,
metabolism, reproduction, development, aging and pathology. Instruction will
include laboratory experiments and computer-based simulations. Offered every
spring.
BIO 370: Evolutionary Biology (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 290 or BIO 182 with permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Evolutionary biology will emphasize the following topics: the synthesis of
evolutionary theory and genetics, population genetics, molecular evolution,
mechanisms of evolution, speciation, phylogeny reconstruction and evolutionary
history. The laboratory will involve computer simulations, phylogeny reconstruction,
readings and a selection experiment. Writing intensive. Offered biennially.
BIO 377: Molecular Biology Techniques
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 292 or permission of instructor)
This course will focus on examination of current molecular biology research
techniques. The class will be laboratory based and writing intensive. Special
emphasis will be placed on methodology and application of specific molecular
techniques and essays commonly used in research and clinical environments.
Additionally, this course will serve to develop critical analysis skills of
current research and provide opportunity to expand in scientific writing, presentation
and discussion. Writing intensive. Offered annually.
BIO 380 Topics in Biology
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses.
BIO 382: Ecology (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Study of interactions between organisms and their physical, chemical and biological
environment. Students analyze the regulatory and evolutionary factors that
affect organisms at the population, community and ecosystem level. The laboratory
component emphasizes an experimental approach to understanding ecological interactions
and develops skills useful for ecological or environmental research. Writing
intensive. Offered biennially.
BIO 384: Conservation Biology
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182.)
This course will introduce students to current issues in the conservation of
biological diversity and to the applied methodology of species conservation.
Students will be expected to read about and discuss case studies, and develop
an understanding of the processes involved in restoring, protecting, and managing
conservation areas.
BIO 390: Introduction to Mammalogy
(1.5 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182.)
This course will introduce students to the diversity, anatomy, and evolutionary
history of the vertebrate class Mammalia. Special emphasis will be placed on
the taxonomy and identification of native mammals living in Missouri. Lab meetings
will often take place outdoors and at least one overnight field trip will be
included.
BIO 410: Biochemistry
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182, CHM 341; crosslisted as CHM 410)
This course blends complex biological and chemical concepts. Advanced problem-solving
skills are used to investigate amino acids/proteins, enzymes, protein purification,
nucleic acids, flow of genetic information, analysis and cloning of genes,
membranes, carbohydrates, and metabolic pathways. Offered periodically.
BIO 415: Aquatic Biology
(1.5 course)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182; lab fee charged.)
This is an advanced course, which covers a wide range of topics in aquatic
biology. This includes the study of life history characteristics of aquatic
organisms such as mollusks, insects, fish and mammals; interactions between
organisms and their environment at the population, community and ecosystem
level; and the characteristics of various aquatic systems from streams to lakes
and oceans. The lab portion of the course has a strong field emphasis – there
are many wet labs. Human impacts on aquatic systems are also emphasized.
BIO 496: Research/Clinical Internship
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Provides opportunities for select junior and senior science majors to participate
in a research program in biology under the supervision of a full-time professional
scientific investigator. Interns become familiar with all aspects of the research
project, including the design, carrying out the research plan and analyzing
and reporting the research results. Interns have opportunities to present papers
at the Missouri Academy of Science and the Tri-Beta Biological Society meetings.
Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Offered every semester.
BIO 497: Senior Project
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of instructor)
This course assesses the ability of graduating students to assimilate diverse
biological information into a meaningful synthesis. Course projects will be
tailored to the interests and training of the student. Students work independently
during the semester to develop written and oral syntheses of scientific literature
to be presented in an open seminar at the end of the semester. Writing intensive.
Offered every spring.
Chemistry Courses
CHM 111N: General College Chemistry I (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or concurrent enrollment in
MAT 111M: College Algebra; approved eye protection required; lab fee charged)
First semester of the sequence covering the fundamental principles of chemistry.
Topics include matter, chemical compounds and reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics,
atomic structure, bonding and molecular geometry. Also emphasized are the accomplishments
and contributions of women within the chemical sciences. The laboratory introduces
students to basic skills and techniques. Includes scholarship by and about
women and ethnic minorities. Offered every fall.
CHM 112: General College Chemistry II (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: CHM 111N; approved eye protection required; lab fee charged)
Second semester of the sequence covering the fundamental principles of chemistry.
Topics include chemical kinetics and equilibrium, properties of gases, liquids,
solids and solutions, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry.
The laboratory includes projects in which students prepare proposals, complete
laboratory work and present results as oral and written reports. Writing intensive.
Offered every spring.
CHM 280: Topics in Chemistry
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses.
CHM 341: Organic Chemistry I (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: CHM 112; approved eye protection required; lab fee charged)
First semester of the sequence covering the chemistry of carbon-containing
compounds. Topics include orbitals and bonding, the nomenclature and physical
properties of functional groups, conformations and stereochemistry, substitution
and elimination reactions at sp3-hybridized carbon, additional reactions to
carbon-carbon multiple bonds and spectroscopy. The laboratory introduces basic
skills and techniques. Offered every fall.
CHM 342: Organic Chemistry II (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: CHM 341; approved eye protection required; lab fee charged)
Second semester of the sequence covering the chemistry of carbon-containing
compounds. Topics include spectroscopy, addition and substitution reactions
at the carbonyl group, enolates, aromatic compounds, radicals and pericyclic
reactions. Studies in biochemical compounds such as amino acids, peptides and
proteins may be included. Laboratory will focus on the investigations of important
organic reactions. Results will be presented in oral and written format. Writing
intensive. Offered every spring.
CHM 345: Quantitative Instrumental Analysis
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: CHM112)
This quantitative analysis courses the principles of instrumental analysis.
Instruments such as gas chromatograph (GC), ultraviolet/visible spectrometer
(UV/Vis) fourier transfom spectrometer (FTIR) and high performance liquid chromatograph
(HPLC) will be utilized. The complimentary laboratory experience allows hands-on
experience conducting quantitative analysis. Students will learn calibration
techniques and method development. The laboratory will also include an individualized
research componet. Offered each fall.
CHM 380: Topics in Chemistry
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses.
CHM 410: Biochemistry
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BIO 182, CHM 341. Cross- listed as BIO 410)
This course blends complex biological and chemical concepts. Advanced problem-solving
skills are used to investigate amino acids/proteins, enzymes, protein purification,
nucleic acids, flow of genetic information, analysis and cloning of genes,
membranes, carbohydrates and metabolic pathways. Offered periodically.
CHM 496: Research Internship
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Select junior and senior science majors are able to participate in a research
project in chemistry under the supervision of a professional scientific investigator.
Interns become familiar with all aspects of the research process, including
project design, planning, experimentation, analysis and presentation. Opportunities
to present data and results at meetings of professional societies, such as
the American Chemical Society, are available. Writing intensive. Offered every
semester.
Physics Courses
PHY 211N: College Physics I (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: MAT 111M or MAT 211M or the equivalent, or permission of instructor;
lab fee charged)
Topics include statics, kinematics, dynamics, oscillations, work, energy, gravitation,
thermodynamics and sound. Includes scholarship by and about women and ethnic
minorities. Offered in the fall semester.
PHY 212: College Physics II (with lab)
(1.5 courses)
(Prerequisite: PHY 211N or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Continuation of PHY 211N. Includes electricity and magnetism, optics, matter,
waves and particles. Offered in the spring semester.

