Biochemistry
Program Description
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry embraces and supports the overall mission of La Salle University. We strive to create and maintain a nurturing, supportive environment for both students and faculty as we advance our understanding of biochemistry and its application to the world around us. Our goal is to establish a community of curious and knowledgeable active learners. Implicit in the mission is a profound respect for the individual learner and an emphasis on the ethical responsibility of scientific inquiry towards the broader local, national and global communities.
Why take this major?
Our graduates have attended some of the best graduate schools in the country including Princeton, Harvard, Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and Caltech. Many of our students have become physicians, laywers, or teachers, while other graduates have obtained lucrative employment in the biochemical industry.
No matter what their chosen career path, our graduates excel because our department trains them in the critical thinking and problem solving. As a liberal arts university, La Salle has a curriculum that offers a solid background in the fundamentals of chemical and biochemical sciences coupled with a broad-based education. Students are made aware of the interconnections of biochemistry with the other sciences and also with the social sciences, business, and the humanities. With such an education, our graduates leave La Salle as dynamic, adaptable, and prepared individuals ready for almost anything they will face in the future.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will execute biochemical experimental laboratory techniques.
- Students will communicate scientific ideas and research both orally and in writing to both general and scientific audiences.
- Students will persist, think critically, and problem solve in tackling complex scientific problems.
- Students will explain the importance of biochemistry in addressing societal issues.
- Students will explain, visualize, and interpret biochemistry at a macroscopic or (molecular) microscopic level.
Program Contact Information
William Price, Chair
Holroyd Hall 345
(215) 951-1261
Degree Earned
B.S.
Number of Courses Required for Graduation
Major: 19 Courses: 9-11 Chemistry, 3-5 Biology, 2 Math, 2 Physics, 1 Computer Science
Total: 38
Number of Credits Required for Graduation
Major: 73
Total: 130 to 132 depending on options chosen
GPA Required for Graduation
Major: 2.0
Cumulative: 2.0
Progress Chart
Level One - Core Courses
12 courses and 2 modules required
Universal Required Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete the following 4 courses.
ILO 8.1: Written Communication
ENG 110 - College Writing I: Persuasion
ILO 5.1: Information Literacy
ENG 210 - College Writing II: Research
ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives
FYS 130 - First-Year Academic Seminar **
NOTE. The following students use Level 2 Capstone Experience in Major instead of FYS 130: Honors, BUSCA, Core-to-Core, Transfer, and Non-Traditional/Evening.
ILO 2.1: Reflective Thinking and Valuing
REL 100 - Religion Matters
Elective Core Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs.
ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning
CHM 111 - General Chemistry I
ILO 3.1b: Quantitative Reasoning
MTH 120 - Calculus I
ILO 6.1: Technological Competency
CSC 152 - Introduction to Computing: Mathematics/Science Applications
ILO 8.1a/12.1: Oral Communication/ Collaborative Engagement
Choose course within ILO
Distinct Discipline Core Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. Each course must be from a different discipline. (A "discipline" is represented by the 3- or 4-letter prefix attached to each course.)
ILO 4.1: Critical Analysis and Reasoning
Choose course within ILO
ILO 9.1: Creative and Artistic Expression
Choose course within ILO
ILO 10.1: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning
Choose course within ILO
ILO 11.1: Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity
Choose course within ILO
Universal Required Modules (2 Courses)
Students must complete the following 2 non-credit modules.
The Modules are not required for Transfer Students, Core-to-Core Students, or BUSCA Students. BUSCA students are required to take modules if/when they pursue a bachelor’s degree.
ILO 7.1a
Health Literacy Module
ILO 7.1b
Financial Literacy Module
Major Requirements
Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.
Students in this major must complete 38 courses in total in order to graduate. 19 Courses: 9-11 Chemistry, 3-5 Biology, 2 Math, 2 Physics, 1 Computer Science courses will be from this major program.
Level Two (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course/learning experience in each of the 4 commitments.
ILO 2.2: Broader Identity (Capstone Course/Experience)
CHM 480 or CHM 499 - ILO 2.2
Choose one ILO from 3.2a, 3.2b, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2a, or 7.2b: Expanded Literacies
CHM 202 or CHM 331 - ILO 3.2a
ILO 8.2b: Effective Expression (Writing-Intensive Course)
CHM 412 - ILO 8.2b
Choose on ILO from 10.2, 11.2, or 12.2: Active Responsibility
CHM 212 - ILO 12.2
All Other Required Courses
BIO 210 - Cellular Biology and Genetics
BIO 402 - Cell Biology
BIO 413 - Molecular Biology
CHM 111 - General Chemistry I
CHM 112 - General Chemistry II
CHM 201 - Organic Chemistry I
CHM 202 - Organic Chemistry II
CHM 212 - Quantitative Analysis
CHM 331 - Thermodynamics & Kinetics
CHM 411 - Biochemistry I
CHM 412 - Biochemistry II
CHM 499 - Capstone
CSC 152 - Introduction to Computing: Mathematics/Science Applications
MTH 120 - Calculus I
MTH 221 - Calculus II
PHY 105 - General Physics I
PHY 106 - General Physics II
Two Elective courses from the list below:
For students double majoring in Biology and Biochemistry, the two electives must be Chemistry courses.
For students double majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry, the two electives must be Biology courses.
BIO 306 - Neurobiology
BIO 310 - Genetics
BIO 430 - Biology of Cancer
CHM 311 - Instrumental Analysis
CHM 320 - Organic Laboratory Methods
CHM 332 - Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CHM 403 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Free Electives
In addition to the requirements listed above, students must take enough courses to the fulfill graduation credit requirements for their School and major.
Dual Major Requirements
Biology majors wishing to double major with Biochemistry need to take two Chemistry courses as their electives.
Chemistry majors wishing to double major with Biochemistry need to take two Biology courses as their electives.
Recommended Course Sequence
Freshman Year:
Fall: CHM 111, MTH 120
Spring: CHM 112, MTH 221, CSC 152
Sophomore Year:
Fall: CHM 201, PHY 105
Spring: CHM 202, PHY 106, BIO 210
Junior Year:
Fall: BIO 402, Elective
Spring: CHM 212, CHM 331, BIO 413
Senior Year:
Fall: CHM 411, Elective
Spring: CHM 412, CHM 499
Course Descriptions
BIO 210 - Integrated Biology I- Molecules and Cells
This course provides an introduction to five core concepts in biology (Information, Evolution, Cells, Homeostasis, and Emergent Properties) though an active learning, inquiry-based examination of molecules and cells. Critical thinking and quantitative reasoning are applied to authentic
data to construct foundational knowledge. By engaging in the process of science, students will gain proficiency in core scientific competencies. 6 hour CURE course.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Restrictions: Students must be eligible for Math 113 or Math 120 and Chem 111
Prerequisites: High school or college chemistry.
BIO 310 - Genetics
This course is an introduction to genetics at the molecular, cytological, and organismal level. Included are the thorough coverage of Mendelian and other basic transmission genetics phenomena in the light of our knowledge of DNA and cell structure and function; mutation and mutagenesis; and an introduction to recombinant DNA. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.
BIO 402 - Cell Biology
This course examines the physical properties, chemical structure, and metabolism of simple and specialized cells, as well as recent advances in the techniques of cell culture and investigation. Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.
BIO 413 - Molecular Biology
This is a survey course that will examine the basic concepts of molecular biology. Topics include mechanisms and regulation of DNA replication, transcription, and translation, recombinant DNA technology, molecular aspects of gene interaction and recombination, cellular transformation, and the molecular biology of the nervous and immune systems. The laboratory focuses on utilizing the basic techniques currently employed in molecular biology (molecular cloning, ELISA, genetic recombination, gel electrophoresis, etc.) Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: BIO 412
BIO 430 - The Biology of Cancer
The cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cancer's hallmark phenotypes will be explored. These include proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, activating invasion and metastasis, reprogramming of energy metabolism and evading immune destruction. Within these conceptual frameworks, primary scientific literature will be examined and clinical implications of the research evaluated. Students will choose a specific area of interest, allowing them to develop an in-depth understanding of the current "state-of-the-art" in a field of research. Students will gain an informed understanding of the inherent challenges cancer presents and assess the prospects of treating and ultimately curing the disease.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.
BIO 472 - Neurobiology
This course involves a lecture-laboratory study of the nervous system, including principles of membrane biophysics, cellular neurophysiology, systems neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.
CHM 111 - General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I provides a firm basis for understanding the fundamentals of chemistry. This course covers atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and the periodic table. The descriptive chemistry is principally concerned with the reactions of nonmetals and of ions in solution. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: MTH 101 (C+ or better) or equivalent
ILO Met: ILO 3.1.a - Scientific Reasoning
CHM 112 - General Chemistry II
General Chemistry II builds on the concepts of General Chemistry I and focuses on gasses, properties of solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and electrochemistry. The laboratory experiments reinforce the concepts covered in lecture. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 111 (C- or better)
CHM 201 - Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry is the study of compounds containing carbon. This course is focused on the structure, bonding, and stereochemistry of these compounds together with an introduction to reactions, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis. This course, as well as CHM 202, is intended for students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology as well as those pursuing a career in the health professions. The laboratory introduces techniques used in organic synthesis, separation, purification, and structure elucidation. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 112 (C- or better)
CHM 202 - Organic Chemistry II
The second semester of Organic Chemistry builds on the foundation established in CHM 201. The functional group and mechanistic approach to organic reactions allows for a more in-depth approach to organic synthesis. The use of basic spectral methods as a means of structure elucidation is also covered in this course. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 201 (C- or better)
CHM 212 - Quantitative Analysis
This course covers important areas of analytical chemistry, including statistics, error analysis, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, and colorimetry. This course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 112 (C- or better)
CHM 311 - Instrumental Analysis
CHM 311 covers the theory and practice of physical measurments with modern chemical instrumentation. The course is divided into two parts: spectroscopic and separation methods. Topics include UV-visible, FT-IR, fluorescence, and magnetic resonance spectroscopies as well as mass spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatographies. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 112 (C- or better) or permission from instructor
CHM 320 - Organic Laboratory Methods
This is a course in modern methods of organic synthesis and structure elucidation. This laboratory-intensive course emphasizes asymmetric synthesis, green chemistry, advanced spectral methods, and literature searching. The course consists of 75 minutes of lecture and six hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 202 (C- or better)
CHM 331 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics
This course applies the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to explain the behavior of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions. Topics include the elucidation of chemical equilibria, phase transitions, reaction mechanisms, and statistical ensembles of energy states. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 202, MTH 221, PHY 106 (C- or better in all)
CHM 332 - Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
This course uses the formalism of quantum mechanics to understand fundamental chemical systems. It explores atomic and molecular structures, molecular vibrations, and molecular rotations. It also explores the use of spectroscopy to probe these chemical processes. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 112, MTH 221, PHY 106 (C- or better in all)
CHM 403 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
This course covers theoretical and practical aspects of chemical bonding, descriptive periodic trends, and molecular structure and symmetry of molecules. A special emphasis is given to the chemistry of the transition metals, including coordination and organometallic chemistry. This course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 202
CHM 411 - Biochemistry I
Biochemistry I examines the biochemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, enzymes, and hormones from a chemist's perspective and emphasizes their role in metabolic processes. Laboratory work illustrates common techniques used to isolate, identify, and assay these molecules, such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and kinetic analysis. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 202
CHM 412 - Biochemistry II
Biochemistry II focuses on the storage, replication, transmission, and expression of genetic information. It also examines recombinant DNA methodology and physiological processes at the molecular level. Laboratory work includes the isolation and analysis of plasmid DNA, creation of a new plasmid, and transformation into bacterial cells. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: CHM 411
CHM 499 - Chemistry Capstone
This is the capstone course for senior-level chemistry and biochemistry majors. It is intended to broadly expose students to select topics that span sub-disciplines in chemistry and current trends in chemical science. The course is discussion-based and student-driven, and students will be required to examine their scientific ideas through research, reflection, and communication of topics in the chemical sciences.
Number of Credits: 1
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
CSC 152 - Introduction to Computing: Mathematics/Science Applications
This course provides a survey of computers and computer systems as well as problem-solving and computer applications for science and mathematics, including data analysis and regression. It includes an introduction to a PC-based Graphical User Interface/ windowed operating system and covers word processing, design and use of electronic spreadsheets, and presentation software. Internet use includes electronic mail and the World Wide Web.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Restrictions: Credit will be given for only one of CSC 151, 152, 154, and 155.
ILO Met: ILO 6.1 - Technological Competency
MTH 120 - Calculus I
Topics in this course include functions of various types: rational, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic; limits and continuity; the derivative of a function and its interpretation; applications of derivatives, including finding maxima and minima and curve sketching; antiderivatives, the definite integral and approximations; the fundamental theorem of calculus; and integration using substitution. A TI graphing calculator is required.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: MTH 119 or its equivalent
ILO Met: ILO 3.1.b - Quantitative Reasoning
MTH 121 - Calculus II
This course addresses differentiation and integration of inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic functions; applications of integration, including area, volume, and arc length; techniques of integration, including integration by parts, partial fraction decomposition, and trigonometric substitution; L'Hopital's Rule; improper integrals; infinite series and convergence tests; Taylor series; parametric equations; polar coordinates; and conic sections. A TI graphing calculator is required.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: MTH 120
PHY 105 - General Physics I
Vectors, elementary mechanics of point particles and rigid bodies, and gravitation will be the topics that are explored in this course. The course is comprised of four hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Fall, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: MTH 113 or its equivalent
Corequisites: PYL 105
ILO Met: ILO 3.1.a - Scientific Reasoning
PHY 106 - General Physics II
Simple harmonic motion and waves, elementary optics, electromagnetism, and DC circuits are topics of emphasis in this course. The course is comprised of four hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week.
Number of Credits: 4
When Offered: Spring, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: PHY 105
Corequisites: PYL 106