The chemistry of life. Biochemists and chemical biologists study the molecules of living systems, uncovering how chemical processes drive life and developing solutions to challenges in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Master the tools to shape living systems. Our program emphasizes the practical application of chemistry in biological contexts, preparing you to design experiments, analyze complex systems, and develop innovative solutions. At LTU, you don’t just study life’s chemistry – you learn to direct it.
Graduates are prepared for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research, as well as roles in emerging fields at the intersection of chemistry and biology. This concentration also provides excellent preparation for graduate study and health-related professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and related fields.
Our Biochemistry and Chemical Biology program is accredited by the American Chemical Society, a professional organization that promotes excellence in chemistry education. Take the first step into your future with a respected degree that prepares you to succeed.
LTU’s Biochemistry and Chemical Biology concentration has all of the pre-requisite courses that professional health schools require included in your curriculum. Be a competitive applicant to professional health programs such as medical school or careers in pharmaceutical research without taking any extra classes.
Find your own path. Explore a variety of exciting careers in industry, research, and medicine with expert advice from experienced faculty advisors. Get involved in internships, job shadowing, and resume-building experiences starting as early as your freshman year.
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May need 1 year high school chemistry and chemistry placement or math placement. Laws and concepts of chemistry and their application to chemical systems. The liquid and solid states, phase changes and phase diagrams, topics in the chemistry of materials, oxidation-reduction chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics and gas-phase equilibrium. Lect. 3 hrs., Workshop 1 hr., 3 hours credit. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 1074, MCS 1414, MCS 1424.
CHM1213
3
Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1213. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1213.
CHM1221
1
Must have one high school science course. The basic structure, chemistry and energetics of a cell. Mechanisms of inheritance, gene structure and function, and Mendelian genetics, Origin and history of life, mechanisms evolution, and introduction to systematics. Lecture 3 hrs, Lab 3 hrs.
BIO1213
3
Must have one high school science lab. Experiments to support BIO1213, including the use of the microscope. Lab 3 hrs. 1 hour of credit. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: BIO 1213, BIO1153.
BIO1221
1
Topics include, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, mean value theorem, applications of differentiation, anti-derivatives, indefinite integrals, inverse trigonometric functions, substitutions, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, applications of integration. Applications will be emphasized. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.
MCS1414
4
Introduction to scientific thinking with emphasis on collaboration, community, and scientific communication. Hands-on experiments and laboratory safety. Exploration of institutional resources and active areas of scientific research at LTU.
PSC1161
1
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.
COM1103
3
Total Credits:
16
Modern concepts of molecular-orbital theory and spectroscope methods. The solution state and colligative properties of solutions, and solution-phase equilibrium theory applied to solubility, chemical kinetics, acids and bases, and complex formation. Descriptive chemistry of the main-group and transition elements. Lecture 3 hrs.
CHM1223
3
Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1223. Lab 3 hrs. 1 hour credit. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1223.
CHM1231
1
Must have one high school science course. The biology, structure, physiology, development and reproduction of plants. Animals anatomy and physiology including nervous system, gas exchange, excretion, the circulatory system, and reproduction. An introduction to animal behavior and the impact of pollution. Survey of ecology, biogeography, and population biology, conservation biology. Lecture 3 hrs.
BIO1223
3
Must have one high school science lab. Experiments to support BIO1223. Lab 2 hrs. 1 credit hour. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: BIO 1223.
BIO1231
1
Hyperbolic functions, L’Hospital’s rule, techniques of integration, application to arc length and surface area, polar coordinates, infinite series, Taylor Series. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.
MCS1424
4
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1213
3
Total Credits:
15
An introduction to the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, focusing on the nomenclature, structure, reactivity, and mechanisms of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, epoxides, amines, and sulfur-containing compounds.
CHM2313
3
Through laboratory experiments, students will learn the fundamental techniques used to isolate and synthesize organic molecules, with a focus on green chemistry and a special emphasis on modern purification and characterization methods.
CHM2311
1
“Algebra based kinematics and dynamics of particles, work, energy, bodies in equilibrium, rotational motion, thermal energy and thermodynamics.
3 Credit Hours. Lect. 3 hrs.
PHY2213
3
Introductory laboratory covering experiments to complement College Physics 1. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 2213.
PHY2221
1
This course covers descriptive statistics, probability, and probability distributions with an emphasis on statistical inference such as confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, chi-square tests, t-and F-distributions, and selected nonparametric tests.
MCS2124
4
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1223
3
Total Credits:
15
Mechanisms with emphasis on functional groups, spectroscopic methods and structural proofs; selected topics with special emphasis on instrumental approaches to organic problems, organic compounds of biochemical significance. Lect. 3 hrs. Workshop 1 hr. 3 hours credit
CHM2323
3
Students will learn to read and interpret organic chemistry journal articles and search scientific databases. Organic chemistry laboratory techniques learned in CHM2311 will be used to conduct a course-based research project.
CHM2321
1
“Algebra based simple harmonic motion, waves and sound, geometric optics, electric charge, current, DC Circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction. 3 Credit Hours. Lecture 3 hrs.
PHY2223
3
Introductory lab covering experiments compatible with College Physics 2. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 2223.
PHY2231
1
General Elective
XXX3
3
SSC Elective
SSCXXX3
3
LLT Elective
LLTXXX3
3
Total Credits:
17
Extensive use of computers including spreadsheets and word processing programs. Theory of gravimetric, volumetric, and electroanalytical methods. Theory of separation science and chromatography. Statistical analysis of analytical data.
CHM2343
3
Extensive use of computers, particularly spreadsheet programs. Practice of gravimetric, volumetric, spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and electrometric methods of quantitative chemical analysis. Lab 6 hrs. 2 hours credit. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 2352.
CHM2352
2
Course not found.
CHM 3453
3
The fundamental structure and function of the human body for students preparing for professions in the biomedical sciences. The basic structure and function of the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous and Cardiovascular systems will be examined. BIO3203 can be taken prior to or after BIO3303.
BIO3203
3
Physiological experimentation of the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous and Cardiovascular systems. Anatomical dissections and histology will also be included.
BIO3201
1
Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
COM2103
3
Total Credits:
15
The First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, with applications to phase transformations and chemical reactions. Introduction to quantum theory. Lect. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit Note: CHM3423 and CHM3434 are independent courses and can be taken in either order.
CHM3423
3
Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM3423. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 3423.
CHM3431
1
Kinetics and mechanism in organic chemistry. Lect. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit
CHM4723
3
Student expectations include literature research, project planning, proposal writing, and presentation. The course will develop project management and conflict resolution skills aligned with academic and industrial best practices. Students will evaluate ethical behavior and leadership models emphasizing the context of cultural diversity and sociopolitical impacts of scientific research. During the course, students will choose a senior research project and advisor and submit a project proposal.
PSC3002
2
The fundamental structure and function of the human body for students preparing for professions in the biomedical sciences. The basic structure and function of the Respiratory, Endocrine, Urinary, Digestive, Immune and Reproductive systems will be examined. BIO3303 can be taken prior to or after BIO3203.
BIO3203
3
Physiological experimentation of the Respiratory, Endocrine, Lymphatic and Immune, Urinary, Digestive and Reproductive systems. Anatomical dissections and histology will also be included.
BIO3201
1
Total Credits:
13
Chemistry of biologically important molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Bioenergetics, the genetic code, and enzyme catalysis. Lect. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit
CHM3403
3
Introductory lab experiments to complement Biochemestry; topics may include cell fractionation, electrophoresis, immunochemical assays, ion-exchange chromatography, membrane-active reagents, spectrophotomety, and other techniques used to isolate, purify, and characterize amino acids, carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids, nucleaic acids, and proteins. Lab 3 hrs. 1 hour credit.
CHM3411
1
Advanced Mendelian Genetics, Linkage Analysis, Chi-Square goodness of fit testing, basic genetic materials and their function, the molecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) which govern how genes influence traits and heredity and their physical organization into chromosomes, genetic recombination, mutations and their repair, biotechnology and genomics as they relate to genetics.
BIO3323
3
Jr./Sr. Elective
LLT/SSC/PSY
3/4XX3
3
Jr./Sr. Tech Elective
CHM/BIO
3/4XX3
3
Initiation of a senior project in chemistry, normally involving a literature search followed by laboratory studies and/or computational calculations. Students will select and work with faculty advisors on the project. The subject matter of the project requires prior approval. Environmental Chemistry majors must include a field study as part of the project. A written proposal and public presentation are required before proceeding to CHM 4921, 4922, or 4923. Course fee: $60.00.
CHM4912
2
Total Credits:
15
Topics include genomics, evolution, bioinformatics, regulatory strategies, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, photosynthesis, Calvin cycle, protein turnover, metabolism of glycogen, fatty acids and biosynthesis of amino acids, membrane lipids and steroids.
CHM4403
3
The structure and function of the cell and its subcellular organelles is studied. Biological macromolecules, enzymes, biomembranes, membrane transport, bioenergetics, signal transduction, protein synthesis and secretion, compartmentalization, vesicular transport, cytoskeleton, motility, cell cycle control and cancer are covered.
CHM4813
3
In-depth experiments that support BIO 4813. Topics will include DNA manipulation, genetic engineering, analysis of protein-protein interaction, mammalian cell transfection, cell viability, confocal and fluorescent microscopy and quantitative analysis of gene expression.
CHM4812
2
Laboratory problems involving chemical analysis by atomic absorption, X-ray analysis, gas and liquid chromatography, and voltammetry. Lect. 1 hr. Lab 3 hrs. 2 hours credit
CHM4632
2
General Elective
XXX3
3
Completion of senior project in chemistry involving laboratory study and/or computer simulation, culminating in a written report and public seminar. Course fee: $60.00.
CHM4922
2
Total Credits:
15
A degree in biology, chemistry, or physics is the first step to many great careers in research, medicine, or industry, and the careers listed below are just some of excellent options. Through a commitment to hands-on learning, individual attention from faculty mentors, and real-world experiences through research and internships, the Department of Natural Sciences helps prepare you to succeed in whatever your next step may be.
The careers listed below may require further education. LTU ensures you are prepared for your next steps by helping you confidently pass the MCAT, GRE, or any required continuing education exams.
Career
Median Yearly Salary
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | $100,070 |
| Toxicologist | $100,590 |
| Medicinal Chemist | $109,070 |
| Pharmacist | $137,480 |
| Physician/Surgeon | $239,200 |