Post-Bac Premed Course Descriptions

CHE 540. Principles of Chemistry I + Lab

Introduction to the fields of organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry including atomic structure, molecular structure, chemical bonding, common types of reactions, stoichiometry, and acid-base chemistry. Laboratory work will support theoretical principles. 4 credits, Summer 1 Term

CHE 541. Principles of Chemistry II + Lab

Second semester of PBPM chemistry sequence including kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, reaction mechanisms, acid-base chemistry, galvanic and electrolytic cells, redox reactions, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. 4 credits, Fall semester

CHE 636. Organic Chemistry I + Lab

Chemistry of the compounds of carbon with emphasis on the relation of molecular structure to chemical and physical behavior. Topics covered include functional groups, nomenclature, structure, bonding, isomers, conformations, chirality, reactions that proceed through ionic mechanisms, and structure elucidation using NMR, MS, and IR. Specific reactions covered include acid-base, nucleophilic substitution, elimination, oxidation, reduction, carbon-carbon bond formation reactions, carbonyl addition, and acyl transfer. Laboratory work includes appropriate techniques, synthetic and analytical methods. 4 credits, Summer 2 Term

CHE 637. Organic Chemistry II & Biochemistry + Lab

This intensive and accelerated course fully integrates organic chemistry and biochemistry topics. It covers chemistry of carbonyl groups, amines, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and radical reactions. The biochemistry topics covered include protein structure, purification, and analysis; enzyme kinetics and inhibition; allosteric proteins including hemoglobin; glycolysis; gluconeogenesis; pyruvate dehydrogenase, TCA cycle; electron transport chain; ATP synthase; signal transduction; glycogen degradation and synthesis; pentose phosphate pathway; fatty acid oxidation; reactive oxygen species and antioxidants. 5 credits, Spring semester

PHY 542. Principles of Physics I + Lab

The course is the first half of the Principles of Physics sequence, which focuses on reasoning from fundamental principles and problem-solving skills. In the first semester, we focus on principles involving motion, force, and energy. Students will learn to use mathematical models for these principles; observe and measure many physical phenomena; and analyze problems by identifying the correct model and using it to derive solutions. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, kinematics and dynamics of linear and angular motion, gravity, energy and momentum, fluids, and thermal physics. This course will use algebra and trigonometry as tools in developing the universal language of physics, but emphasis will be on intuitive understanding and visualization of various phenomena in nature governed by physical laws. 4 credits, Fall semester

PHY 543. Principles of Physics II + Lab

This course is the second half of the Principles of Physics sequence that emphasizes how to reason from fundamental principles to draw conclusions about how the world works. Topics in this semester include simple harmonic motion, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, acoustics, the nature of light and color, electricity and magnetism, and geometrical and physical optics. 4 credits, Spring semester

BIO 547. Biology and Biomedical Sciences I + Lab

This 5-credit intensive biology course for post-baccalaureate students covers the fundamentals of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and microbiology. The course provides an understanding of cell structure, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, and gene expression, followed by a thorough study of the principles of inheritance, genetic disease and mapping, and gene therapy/engineering. Also included are investigations of pathogens, cancer, and evolution. Fundamentals of biochemistry integrated as a foundation for CHE 637 in the spring. 5 credits, Fall semester

BIO 548. Biology & Biomedical Sciences II + Lab

This 5-credit continuation of Bio 547 will cover comparative aspects of physiology and as it generally relates to humans, including disease-related topics. The lab component includes histology and anatomy explored through mammalian dissection. Course topics include: Development; Metabolism; Endocrinology; Digestion; Respiration and Gas Transport; Cardiovascular & Circulation; Nervous system; Muscle types; Renal Function; Immune System; Neuropsychology & Behavior. 5 credits, Spring semester