Education Co-Concentration Courses

This course is a formal development of thermodynamic and equilibrium principles and their application to both chemical reactions and a variety of physical, biological, and engineering processes. The course includes lecture and recitation.  

This four hour laboratory is associated with CHM311. Laboratory work emphasizes measurement of thermodynamic data such as heats of combustion, heat capacities, enthalpies, and free energies. Physical properties of materials are also explored and data are presented with construction of phase diagrams.  

This course is a study of the relationships between animals and plants and their environment. Population growth and species interactions, organization of biological communities, ecosystem structure and function (energy flow and biogeochemical cycles) will be discussed. Current examples (“case studies”) of environmental problems will be examined to show the real application of basic ecological principles. Laboratory consists of experimental and descriptive laboratories with experience in field techniques.

(Also BIO 401) The course presents proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates from the perspective of organic functional group chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry. The acid-base properties, kinetics, thermodynamics and reactions of these biomolecules will be covered. Structure correlated to function will be integral component of the discussion. The course consists of lecture and recitation.

The seminar is designed to bring upperclassmen in all biology concentrations together so that they can discuss the major principles of this discipline. The preparation of a literature research paper and its oral presentation develop the ability to critically assess the research literature, expose students to subject areas not encountered in previous courses, develop communication skills, and serve as a basis for continued learning in individual students’ particular areas of interest.