Biochemistry
Introduction:
The biochemistry program at Carleton rests on the close cooperation between the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. Emerging as a recognized discipline early in the last century, biochemistry has grown into a vast subject that spans several established disciplines. It serves as the link between the fields of chemistry and biology, and even as it flourishes at the interface of these subjects, it holds a strong position within the two traditional disciplines. Fundamentally, biochemistry seeks to establish an understanding of biological phenomena at a molecular level.
Requirements for the Concentration:
The biochemistry concentration requirements reflect the fundamental importance of the intellectual tools and structures of biology and chemistry to the study of all issues in biochemistry, and we ask students to get a grounding in both disciplines. It is likely that many students enrolling in the concentration will major in either biology or chemistry. To encourage breadth within the concentration, no more than five six-credit courses from a student’s own major may be counted toward the minimum requirements of the concentration.
Both the biology and chemistry departments maintain vigorous weekly seminar programs, regularly bringing to the college distinguished scientists, including many biochemists. Each concentrator should make it a priority to attend relevant seminars whenever possible.
Seminar Links: Biology Seminars, Chemistry Seminars
Finally, both the chemistry and biology departments regularly offer integrative exercise experiences in biochemistry as an option for their majors. Concentrators who are biology or chemistry majors have the option of furthering their pursuit of biochemistry through a biochemical topic as the basis for their senior integrative exercise
Required Courses:
Credits
Course Number
Description
6
BIO 123
Introductory Biology I: Energetics and Genetics
6
BIO 124
Introductory Biology II: Diversity, Form, and Function
6
BIO 380
Biochemistry
2
BIO 381
Biochemistry Laboratory
6
CHEM 123 or 128
Principles of Chemistry or Principles of Enviornmental Chemistry
6
CHEM 230
Equilibrium and Analysis
6
CHEM 233
Organic Chemistry I
6
CHEM 234
Organic Chemistry II
6
CHEM 320
Biological Chemistry
Upper Level Course Electives (one course and one 2-credit laboratory required):
Credits
Course Number
Description
6
BIO 310
Immunology
2
BIO 311
Immunology Laboratory
6
BIO 382
Molecular Biology
2
BIO 383
Molecular Biology Laboratory
6
BIO 384
Oncogenes and the Molecular Biology of Cancer
6
CHEM 343
Chemical Thermodynamics
2
CHEM 305
Advanced Laboratory II: Chemical Kinetics
6
CHEM 350
Chemical And Biosynthesis
Other Relevant Courses:
The college offers a number of related courses that would enhance the background of a biochemistry concentrator. The following courses are not part of the concentration, but do support the program. In particular, we strongly encourage interested students to enroll in BIOL 240, Genetics.
Credits
Course Number
Description
6
BIO 234
Microbiology
2
BIO 235
Microbiology Laboratory
6
BIO 240
Genetics
2
BIO 241
Genetics Lab
6
BIO 280
Cell Biology
2
BIO 281
Cell Biology Lab
6
PSYC 318
Psychopharmacology
Contact Information:
If you have questions about the Biochemistry Concentration and how it will fit into your program at Carleton College, please contact the Concentration Coordinator: Dave Alberg, Mudd 191, x 4410.
Click to email Dave