University of New
England Chemistry Information
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about the Biochemistry major
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about the minor in Chemistry
Chemistry
Course Descriptions
CHE 110 (4 credits): General Chemistry I
(University Campus only)
An introduction to the principles of Chemistry: reaction stoichiometry
and the mole concept, periodic properties of the elements, atomic and molecular
structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and the properties of
gases and condensed phases. One three-hour lab per week is included. Prerequisite:
MAT 022or equivalent, or placement into MAT 180 or MAT 210.
CHE 111 (4 credits): General Chemistry II
(University Campus only)
A continuation of CHE 110. Thermodynamics; reaction kinetics; equilibrium
and acid-base chemistry; redox reactions and electrochemistry; introduction
to transition metal compounds and selected topics in organic chemistry.
One three-hour laboratory per week is included. Prerequisite: Grade of
C-or better in CHE 110 or equivalent.
CHE 125 (4 credits): Introduction to Chemistry and Physics
(University Campus only)
A one-semester survey course that presents the major concepts and principles
of general, organic and biological chemistry, and conceptual physics, with
emphasis on how they are related to biological systems. This course is
specifically designed for Occupational Therapy students and provides a
strong basic understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and physics.
The included laboratory is a weekly two hour, hands-on approach that emphasizes
concepts discussed in lecture. A thorough understanding of algebra is strongly
recommended. Areas discussed are atomic theory, chemical bonding, the mole
concept, acid/base and oxidation/reduction equilibria, radioactivity and
nuclear chemistry, basic organic structure, nomenclature and reactivity,
biological chemistry, Newtonian motion, work/energy/power, sound, fluids,
electromagnetic radiation, wave motion, and electricity. Prerequisite:
MAT 022 or equivalent, or placement into MAT 180 or MAT 210.
CHE 130 (4 credits): Principles of Chemistry
(Westbrook College Campus only)
An introduction to the basic principles of inorganic, organic, and biological
chemistry, designed primarily for students in various health-related programs.
Emphasis is on the integration of these areas to assist the student in
understanding the interrelatedness of these disciplines as they relate
to society in general and the health-related professions in particular.
The course is designed to present an appropriate balance between the principles
of chemistry and their biological applications. Prerequiste: MAT 021, or
placement into MAT 022 or MAT 180.
CHE 210 (5 credits): Organic Chemistry I
(University Campus only)
Organic chemistry, the chemistry of the compounds of carbon, is a comprehensive
one-year course suitable for science majors. The first semester course
includes structural and functional aspects of saturated and unsaturated
hydrocarbons with various heteroatom functionalities. Discussion focuses
on the mechanistic basis for organic compound reactivity. First semester
laboratories concentrate on the basic techniques and procedures used in
microscale organic syntheses. In addition, modern analytical techniques
(nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and mass
spectrometry) used in the identification of organic compounds will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in CHE 111 or equivalent.
CHE 211 (5 credits): Organic Chemistry II
(University Campus only)
A continuation of CHE 210 with direction toward complex chemical reactions
and syntheses utilizing fundamental principles. The chemistry of carbonyl
compounds will be a primary focus. Second semester laboratory extends learned
microscale techniques to more complex systems and explores chemistry
discussed in the lecture portion of the course. Prerequisite: Grade of
C- or better in CHE 210.
CHE 307 (5 credits): Quantitative Analysis
(University Campus only)
An introduction to the theory and practice of analytical chemistry utilizing
both classical and instrumental methods. Accuracy, precision, understanding
of theoretical concepts, especially in ionic equilibria, and proper performance
of lab techniques are stressed. The course is suitable for students interested
in the chemical, marine and environmental sciences, as well those interested
in experimental biology or clinical aspects of chemical analysis. A weekly
laboratory is included. Prerequisite: CHE 111, MAT 180 or placement into
MAT 210, or permission of instructor.
CHE 309 (4 credits): Introduction to Instrumental Analysis
(University Campus only)
An introduction to the theory, operation and analytical applications of
chemical instrumentation. Topics covered include basic electronics, spectroscopy,
electroanalytical chemistry and separation science. Three hours of lecture
and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in CHE
307.
CHE 310 (5 credits): Biochemistry
(University Campus only)
Biochemistry concentrates on an understanding of the basis of biological
phenomena. The structural, functional, and informational aspects of biologically
important molecules, such as amino acids, proteins, enzymes, lipids, and
carbohydrates are studied. The metabolic pathways of catabolism and anabolism
utilizing these biomolecules, along with bioenergetics of important biochemical
cycles provide a comprehensive study of this chemistry of living organisms.
Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in CHE 210. Cannot be taken for credit
after CHE 350.
CHE 327 (3 credits): Applied Physical Chemistry
(University Campus only)
An introduction to the essentials of physical chemistry and its applications.
Includes the following topics: thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry,
properties of state, phase equilibria, solutions, atomic structure, bonding
and molecular spectroscopy. Prerequisites: CHE 210; CHE 307; MAT 210; PHY
201 (may be taken concurrently).
CHE 350 (5 credits): Biochemistry I: Proteins and Nucleic
Acids
(University Campus only)
This course explores the structure and function of biopolymers. It focuses
on the conformation, dynamics, and function of proteins and nucleic acids.
Specific topics include: catalytic and regulatory strategies, antibodies,
protein folding and design, molecular motors, and recent advances in biotechnology.
The physical and chemical methods of biopolymer research are emphasized.
Includes weekly laboratory. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in CHE
211.
CHE 351 (3 credits): Biochemistry II: Metabolism and Bioenergetics.
(University Campus only)
This course surveys the generation, regulation, and storage of metabolic
energy in carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides. The biosynthesis
of building blocks also is explored. Specific topics include: glycolysis,
citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway,
gluconeogenesis, and photosynthesis. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better
in CHE 350.
CHE 380 (3 credits): Inorganic Chemistry
(University Campus only)
An introduction to the principles of inorganic structure and bonding, including
molecular symmetry, atomic structure and molecular and ionic bonding. Topics
include the chemistyr of the transition metals, with emphasis on the stereochemistyr,
reaction mechanisms and chemical reactivity of coordination complexes and
organometallics. Prerequisites: CHE 211, MAT 210, CHE 327 or permission
of instructor.
CHE 405 (3 credits): Advanced Topics in Chemistry: Medicinal
Chemistry
(University Campus only)
This course will explore the chemistry behind the activity of drugs. Among
the classes of drugs to be discussed will be antibacterials, anticancer
agents and analgesics. Discussion will include the site of drug action
and drug metabolism, two topics that have a prominent role in drug research
and development. Special emphasis will be placed on the relationship between
the chemical structure of a drug and the biochemical effect of the drug
in vivo. Prerequisite: CHE 211 or permission of instructor
CHE 410 (1-4 credits): Research I
Directed research in Chemistry or Biochemistry carried out in collaboration
with a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
CHE 411 (1-4 credits): Research II
A continuation of CHE 410. Prerequisite: CHE 410 and permission of instructor.
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Biochemistry Major
The Biochemistry major is designed to provide graduates with a solid foundation
in chemistry, classical biochemistry and recent advances in biotechnology.
Graduates will be well-prepared for entry into graduate and professional
schools (e.g., graduate study in biochemistry or related fields, or medical,
dental or other allied health schools). The program also will prepare students
for employment in various fields of chemical or biochemical research and
development, including those in the rapidly expanding biotechnology industry.
The Chemistry faculty believe that undergraduate research should be an
integral part of the curriculum and encourage student participation in
their ongoing research activities.
To be well-prepared for entry into the Biochemistry major, the student
should have completed at least three years of high school mathematics and
three years of high school science, including biology, chemistry and physics.
A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all required program courses,
and a 2.00 cumulative science GPA is required for graduation from the program.
Biochemistry Curriculum
Program/Degree Area (Credits)
University Core Requirements (43-46 credits)
Required Program Core Courses (62 credits)
CHE 110 - General Chemistry I (4 credits)
CHE 111 - General Chemistry II (4 credits)
CHE 210 - Organic Chemistry I (5 credits)
CHE 211 - Organic Chemistry II (5 credits)
CHE 307 - Quantitative Analysis (5 credits)
CHE 327 - Applied Physical Chemistry (3 credits)
CHE 350 - Biochemistry I: Proteins & Nucleic Acids (5 credits)
CHE 351 - Biochemistry II: Metabolism & Bioenergetics (3 credits)
BIO 100 - Biology I (4 credits)
BIO 101 - Biology II (4 credits)
BIO 200 - Genetics (4 credits)
BIO 370 - Cell & Molecular Biology (4 credits)
MAT 210 - Calculus I (4 credits)
MAT 310 - Calculus II (4 credits)
PHY 200 - Physics I (4 credits)
PHY 201 - Physics II (4 credits)
Additional Required Program Courses* (9-12 credits)
*Minimum of three courses selected from the following, or other advanced
Chemistry courses approved by advisor:
CHE 309 - Introduction to Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
CHE 380 - Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
CHE 405 - Advanced Topics in Chemistry: Medicinal Chemistry (3 credits)
CHE 410 - Research I (1-4 credits)
CHE 411 - Research II (1-4 credits)
BIO 430 - Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Elective Courses*
*Elective credits sufficient for minimum total of 120
Chemistry Minor
A minor in Chemistry is available to students with other majors who are
interested in having their record show a significant level of accomplishment
in the important foundation areas of the field. In order to receive a minor
in Chemistry the student must successfully complete CHE 110 and 111 (General
Chemistry I and II), CHE 210 and 211 (Organic Chemistry I and II) and CHE
307 (Quantitative Analysis) with a Chemistry average of C (2.00) or better.
Please note that CHE 310 (Biochemistry) may not be substituted for
the second semester Organic Chemistry course requirement.
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Catalog Course Descriptions