Interdisciplinarity is the hallmark of the biological sciences in the 21st century. In addition to a foundation in chemistry and biology, the biochemistry major provides students with an understanding of the central elements of biochemistry and molecular biology. The biochemistry program curriculum is designed to prepare the student for graduate school, medical school, or other professional programs of study. In addition, graduates should be highly competitive in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology marketplace.
Modern interdisciplinary challenges in the biological and chemical sciences require that the student be trained in a broad background of chemistry, biophysics, genetics and molecular biology. The Biochemistry major at AMU aims to provide a rigorous and modern introduction to the chemical and biochemical sciences in an environment that incorporates classroom teaching, class-associated lab experiences, an introduction to the scientific literature and an emphasis on independent research. Together, these strategies and opportunities foster the development of independent thinking and complex problem solving skills, along with the technical proficiency characteristic of the effective scientist in the biochemical sciences.
Explore the Biochemistry Program
Chemistry and biology have long been considered separate disciplines, each applying its own technology and method to solve problems within their respective fields. However, these perceived boundaries between the chemical and biological sciences are rapidly dissolving as scientists increasingly use chemical tools and concepts to explore mechanism, structure and function in complex biological systems at the biochemical, genetic and organismal level. Interdisciplinary biochemical approaches toward tackling important biological problems are the hallmark of science and medicine in the 21st century.
Along with these interdisciplinary challenges comes the need to expose the student and future scientist to a broad background in chemistry, biophysics, genetics and molecular biology. The Biochemistry major at AMU will provide this rigorous and modern introduction to the chemical and biochemical sciences in an environment that incorporates both classroom teaching and independent research. Together, these pedagogical strategies foster the development of independent thinking skills, complex problem-solving skills, and the technical skills characteristic of the effective scientist.
Broadly, our goal is to provide pre-professional training to those interested in pursuing graduate studies or embarking on a career in the biological, chemical or medical sciences. In only our third year as a major program, our Biochemistry graduates have gone on to top-tier graduate school programs (Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomolecular Engineering), medical school, dental school programs and industry/academic research positions. While this is an important practical goal, we also recognize that the natural and chemical sciences are not simply technological disciplines, but are truly liberal arts with which we seek to know truth for its own sake. Fostering a proper appreciation of the role the sciences play in our understanding of the world around us, while providing students with the practical skills for a future career is at the heart of our educational philosophy.
Our highly credentialed program faculty are dedicated teachers and scholars, actively engaged in important research programs in areas such as mechanistic enzymology, drug discovery and design of antiviral agents and potential treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Serious students are provided with the opportunity to participate in these research efforts alongside the faculty mentor. The department is well equipped to handle the demanding needs of the teaching and research labs. Students are exposed to leading edge techniques in the biochemical sciences such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and capillary gas chromatography as well as modern methods in areas like protein cloning and purification, molecular biology, organic synthesis, enzyme kinetics and computer modeling.
Please browse our website and see what opportunities are available to you in the Biochemistry major at Ave Maria University. If you have any questions concerning our program, or would like to visit our labs, feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.
James A. Peliska, Ph.D.
Department Chair of Chemistry and Physics
james.peliska@avemaria.edu
In addition to the core curriculum, biochemistry majors take the following courses
- BIOL 211 Biology I with Lab
- BIOL 303 Genetics with Lab
- BIOL 305 Molecular Biology with Lab
- BCHM 305 Biochemistry I with Lab
- BCHM 306 Biochemistry II with Lab
- CHEM 125 General Chemistry I with Lab
- CHEM 126 General Chemistry II with Lab
- CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I with Lab
- CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II with Lab
- PHYS 221 University Physics I: Mechanics with Lab
- PHYS 222 University Physics II: Materials with Lab
Elective Options (Eight credits are required)
- BICM 415 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (2 credits)
- Possible Topics Include:
- Transcription Control of Gene Expression
- Biochemistry of Cancer
- Organic Mechanisms of Drug Action
- Advanced Structural Biology
- Biochemistry of Viral Action
- Advanced Biochemistry Techniques (Lab)
- Principles of Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
- Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanism
- Protein Trafficking
- Natural Products Biochemistry
- Bio-organic Chemistry
- Possible Topics Include:
- BICM 497 Directed Research (Variable credit)
See the Academic Catalog for course descriptions
BIOLOGY COURSES
BIOL 211 Biology I – Cellular and Molecular Biology – An introduction to the study of living systems illustrated by examples drawn from cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neurology and developmental biology. (with lab) (4 cr.)
BIOL 212 Biology II – Organismal and Population Biology – Introduction to the study of organisms emphasizing morphology and physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of whole organisms and populations. (with lab) (4 cr.)
BIOL 303 Genetics – Study of the principles of heredity in animals and plants, including the contemporary understanding of genes and gene mechanisms. Laboratory exercises will be used to elucidate genetic principles. (with lab) Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212 (4 cr.)
BIOL 305 Molecular Biology – Designed to explore the biology and molecular regulation of gene expression and other cell functions. Other topics include the nature, control, recombination and rearrangement of genes, gene manipulation, and recombinant DNA techniques.(with lab) Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212 Recommended: CHEM 211, 212 (4 cr.)
CHEMISTRY COURSES
CHEM 125 General Chemistry I – A study of the basic principles of chemistry, with an emphasis on the laws of chemical combination, descriptive inorganic chemistry, thermochemistry, the gas, liquid, and solid states of matter, the periodic law, atomic structure and chemical bonding, and the nature of intermolecular forces. (with lab) (4 cr.) Prerequisite: MATH 150 or higher
CHEM 126 General Chemistry II – A continuation of General Chemistry I with emphasis on kinetics, chemical equilibria involving gases, weak acids and bases, and slightly soluble solids, free energy changes, electrochemistry, transition metal chemistry. (with lab) (4 cr.) Prerequisite: CHEM 125
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I – A detailed study of organic compounds, their synthesis and reactions. An introduction to modern methods of analysis and identification is included. (with lab) (4 cr.) Prerequisite: CHEM 125, CHEM 126
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II – A continuation of Organic Chemistry I (with lab) (4 cr.) Prerequisites: CHEM 125, CHEM 126, CHEM 221
BIOCHEMISTRY COURSES
BICM 305 Biochemistry I – A study of proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, metabolism, signaling pathways, transcription, translation, replication, lipids and membranes with an emphasis on the relationship of structure and function. (4 cr.) Prerequisites: BIOL 211, 212, CHEM 125, 126, 221, 222; PHYS 211, 212, MATH 151
BICM 306 Biochemistry II (Biophysical Chemistry)– This course discusses the concepts of energy, enthalpy, entropy, free energy, thermodynamics, equilibrium, calorimetry and molecular spectroscopy. There is a focus on the application of physical chemistry concepts and mathematics to biological systems. (4 cr.) Prerequisites: BIOL 211, 212; BICH 405, CHEM 125, 126, 221, 222; PHYS 211, 212, MATH 151
BICM 415 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry – These unique courses consist of 2 credit modules, each consisting of 1/2 semester. This format facilitates the student’s exposure to a broad range of topics in modern biochemistry and allows for flexibility in elective course selection.
Possible topics include:
Transcription Control of Gene Expression
Biochemistry of Cancer
Organic Mechanisms of Drug Action
Advanced Structural Biology
Biochemistry of Viral Action
Advanced Biochemical Techniques (lab)
Principles of Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanism
Protein Trafficking
Natural Products Biochemistry
Bio-organic Chemistry
BICM 497 Directed Research – Students will be instructed in laboratory and/or library research on a project currently being studied by one or more faculty members. Prerequisite: Faculty approval. (4 cr.)
PHYSICS COURSES
PHYS 221 University Physics I (Mechanics) Mechanics is foundational to physics. Topics include: rectilinear and rotational motions of particles and rigid bodies, energy methods, conservation laws, and Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation. Pre-requisites: MTH 151 (4 Cr.)
PHYS 222 University Physics II (Materials) – Topics include: materials, oscillations, travelling and standing waves, interference and diffraction, geometric optics, and the Laws of Thermodynamics. The primary objectives of this course are for you to refine your understanding of classical mechanics in the particular and important cases of mechanical oscillations and waves, and for you to study and apply the classical Laws of Thermodynamics. This course includes a laboratory component which is intended to present scientific experimentation as a subject in its own right. Pre-requisites: PHY 221 and MTH 250 (4 Cr.)
The following major equipment is available for research and teaching activities.
Spectroscopy
Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer with 96-well plate reader accessory
Cary 50 UV-Vis spectrophotometer with stopped-flow module accessory
Perkin Elmer RX-I Infrared spectrophotometer
Anasazi FT-NMR spectrometer
Proton and carbon probes
GE Storm Fluorescent Gel Imager and Phosphorimager
Beckman LS 6000SC Liquid Scintillation Counter
Molecular Biology
Syngene GeneFlash and GeneGnome gel documentation stations
UVP Ultraviolet Crosslinker and blot hybridization incubator
New Brunswick Inova and G25 Incubator/shakers
PCR thermocycler (several)
Revco ultra-cold freezer
Motic high-resolution dissecting scopes
VanGuard 1400FL Series fluorescent microscope with high resolution camera
Savant DNA Speedvac
Plant grow carts
Centrifugation
Sorvall RC5C PLUS superspeed refrigerated centrifuge
Beckman L8-80M ultracentrifuge
Chromatography
Varian CP-3800 capillary gas chromatograph
HP-Agilent GC-Mass Spectrometer ***NEW 9/09***
BioRad Biologic chromatography system
Computer Resources
Macintosh computer lab with G5 server
Wavefunction Spartan 06 software for molecular mechanics and quantum chemical modeling
Chemical Abstracts SciFinder Scholar Database access with structure search module
Building Facilities
Dark room
Cold room
Media prep room
Amsco Renaissance Series autoclave
Fully equipped research-dedicated labs for biological and chemical research
Tony Barbosa, Ph.D.
James Vranish, Ph.D.
Diana West, Ph.D.
In the last couple years, we have placed our Biochemistry majors in several summer research REU/internship programs at:
- Harvard/MIT
- Texas A&M
- Syracuse University
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction
- University of South Alabama
- Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals
Charlotte Kunkler, 2016 graduate in Biochemistry, is attending the University of Notre Dame pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry
Lexi Hammerquist, 2016 graduate in Biochemistry and AMU Valedictorian, is pursuing a medical degree at Creighton University Medical School
Sarah Downes, 2016 graduate in Biochemistry, is in dental school at the University of Kentucky.
John Robert Griswold, 2015 graduate in Biochemistry and Physics, is in graduate school at the University of South Alabama, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Dominic Buckley, 2015 graduate in Biochemistry, is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Missouri – Kansas City
Megan Rivera, 2015 graduate in Biochemistry, is pursuing a medical degree at Florida State University College of Medicine
Trevor Sasserath, 2015 graduate in Biochemistry, is a Research Associate at the University of Central Florida NanoScience Technology Center and acts as a Cell Biologist at Hesperos
The following students graduated before the introduction of the Biochemistry major but participated in extensive research in the Biochemistry labs:
Joseph Embry, veterinary medicine at Texas A&M
David Hallenbeck, dental school at University of Buffalo
Levi Embry, veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State University
Duy Nguyen, medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine
Phillip Buckley, Graduate of the University of Kansas School of Dentistry and recipient of the Army Dental Health Scholarship
Dr. Andrew Mullally, Graduate of the Michigan State School of Human Medicine (Michigan State University)
Dan Ade, Indiana University School of Dentistry
Anthony Jay, granted Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Boston University
Do you still have questions about the Biochemistry program at Ave Maria University?
Please feel free to send us a comment or question. We will respond as soon as possible.
Send your comments and questions to:
Dr. James A. Peliska
james.peliska@avemaria.edu
In your correspondence, please provide your contact information.
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Biology and Chemistry at AMU.
-Einstein
