Chemistry and Biology Courses

Biology Courses

SB251 General Biology I (3-2-4). Fundamental principles of the science of biology are introduced. Topics include metabolism, cell structure and function, classical and molecular genetics, evolution, and ecology. The perspective of the course is from life as a whole, with a focus on the position of humans in the overall scheme. [spring, summer]

SB252 General Biology II (3-2-4). Physiology is the principal focus of the course. The structure and function of organ systems and their interactions is covered in lecture; laboratory emphasis is on histology, the microscopic study of cells, tissues, and organs. Development, especially embryology, is also studied. Although the theme is the comparative study of various taxonomic groups, the concentration is on human biology. SB251is recommended, but not a prerequisite. [fall]

Chemistry Courses

SC111 & SC112 Foundations of Chemistry I & II (3-2-4 & 3-2-4). A two-semester sequence presenting the fundamental laws and theories of chemistry. Major topics include chemical stoichiometry, periodic trends, atomic structure, chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry and kinetics. The material is presentedin a lecture format complemented with experiments designed to develop the student's laboratory skills. Naval applications of chemistry are introduced throughout the courses to provide an awareness of chemistry in normal Navy operations. SC111 Prereq: None & SC112 Prereq: SC111. [fall, spring]

SC151 Modern Chemistry (3-2-4). A one-semester course for the well-prepared student, satisfying the plebe year chemistry requirement. Students entering this course must have demonstrated their understanding of fundamental chemical concepts by a strong performance on the chemistry validation exam. Prereq: permission of department chair. [fall]

SC225 & SC226 Organic Chemistry I and II (3-0-3 & 3-0-3).  A two semester sequence focused on the chemistry of covalent compounds of carbon, the “molecules of life.”  Many important concepts from general chemistry (stoichiometry, bonding, structure, kinetics, and thermodynamics) are used and expanded upon.  New concepts include conformational analysis, reaction mechanisms, and molecular orbital theory. SC225 Prereq: SC112 or SC151. SC226 Prereq: SC225 and SC263  [SC225: fall & SC226: spring]

SC263 Integrated Laboratory I, Purification and Separation (0-6-2).  This laboratory course presents the theory and practice of separating and purifying chemical substances.  Techniques include recrystallization, distillation, column chromatography, gas chromatography, HPLC, extraction, and sublimation.  Prereq: SC112 or SC151; Coreq: SC225 (must be taken in the same semester, unless waived by department chair).  [fall]

 SC264 Integrated Laboratory II, Spectroscopy and Qualitative Analysis (2-6-4).  The theory and practice of modern spectroscopic methods, including infrared, proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy applied to structure determination are presented.  Students use these methods, as well as physical and chemical tests, to identify several unknowns.  Prereq: SC225 and SC263; Coreq: SC226  (must be taken in the same semester, unless waived by department chair).  [spring]

SC306 Instrumental Methods of Analysis (3-6-5). The theory and applications of modern instrumental methods of analysis are stressed. Awide array of sophisticated instruments is available for student use. Prereq:SC304. [spring]

SC335 Biochemistry (3-0-3).  The chemical basis of life will be examined by studying the relationship between the structure and function of biological macromolecules with an emphasis on proteins and nucleic acids.  Metabolic processes involved in the production, storage and transformation of energy  will also be covered.  There will be an overview of modern biochemical experimental methods.  Prereq: SC225. [fall]

SC345 Physical Chemistry I (3-0-3).  An introduction to the physical properties of matter with an emphasis on thermodynamics.  Prereq: SC112 or SC151; SP212, and SM212.  [fall]

 SC346 Physical Chemistry II (3-0-3).  A continuation of SC345 with an emphasis on the quantum theory of atomic and molecular structure including spectroscopy.  Prereq: SC345.  [spring]

SC356 Inorganic Chemistry (4-0-4).  The chemistry of the Main Group elements and the transition metals are studied with emphasis on the properties, structures, and reactivities of these elements and their derivative compounds. Prereq: SC226 and SC345. [spring]

SC363 Integrated Laboratory III, Quantitative Analysis (2-6-4).  A study of classical (volumetric, gravimetric) and modern instrumental (spectroscopic, electrochemical) methods of quantitative analysis.  Theory and proper laboratory procedures, such as sampling, are stressed.  Prereq: SC264;  Coreq: SC345  (must be taken in the same semester, unless waived by department chair). [fall]

SC364 Integrated Laboratory IV and Seminar, Advanced Laboratory (1-6-3).  This laboratory course emphasizes experiments in kinetics and thermodynamics, using both classical methods and modern instrumentation.  Experiments focused on the synthesis and analysis of inorganic substances.  In addition, a weekly seminar that includes professional presentations, discussions, and student presentations provides exposure to the wide-ranging scope of chemistry.  Prereq: SC363;  Coreq: SC346 and SC356  (must be taken in the same semester, unless waived by department chair). [fall]  

SC410 Inorganic Chemistry II (3-3-4). Uses concepts of SC310 and expands to consider the chemistry of the transition metals. Laboratory emphasizes modern techniques of synthesis, purification and identification.  Prereq: SC304, SC310. [spring]

SC417 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (0-3-1). Laboratory emphasizes experiments in spectroscopy and kinetics, utilizing modern instrumentation. Prereq: SC304. [fall] 

SC432 Biochemistry (3-0-3).  The chemistry of biological processes is discussed, emphasizing the structure and function of genes and proteins and biochemical pathways by which cells use energy.  Prereq: SC201

SC471 Capstone or Research Preparation (0-3-1).  The essential aspects of research are discussed, including literature survey and proposal writing.  Students become familiar with specific instrumentation, computer software, etc., pertinent to their proposed research or capstone project the following semester.  Preliminary work on the project may be performed.  Prereq: SC364 or permission of chair.  [fall]

SC476 Capstone Project (0-6-3).  Under the guidance of a faculty member, students in this course undertake projects that may utilize the full range of their chemistry education.  Prereq: SC471.  [fall, spring]


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