TRU Chemical Biology Major
First and Second Year Courses
Third and Fourth Year Courses
1 Students with a B or better in ENGL 1100 or 1110 may proceed into CMNS 2290 or 2300 in their second tear; students with less than a B in first year English must take another 3 credits of 1000-level English before their second year English requirement.
2 Must be taken prior to third year
3 5 or 6 credits from CHEM 3060, CHEM 3140, CHEM 3230, CHEM 3310, CHEM 3330, CHEM 4220, CHEM 4320, CHEM 4420, CHEM 4480, CHEM 4600, BIOL 3200, BIOL 3510, BIOL 3540, BIOL 3550, BIOL 4350, BIOL 4480, BIOL 4490, PHIL 4330 or 4350.
4 Electives must include 9-12 credits in at least two disciplines outside Science (other than English). The remaining electives may be chosen from any discipline; at least 9 of these must be in courses numbered 3000 or higher
First and Second Year Course Descriptions
CHEM 1500
CHEM 1500
Chemical Bonding and Organic Chemistry (4,0,3)(L) 3 credits
Lecture topics include general concepts of chemical bonding, Lewis structures, molecular shape, and Valence Bond Theory of bonding and half a semester of organic chemistry. The organic chemistry portion will focus on the bonding and structure of organic compounds, functional groups, conformational and stereochemical features, oxidation-reduction reactions, substitution and elimination reactions and enolate chemistry. The laboratory stresses basic precision techniques in quantitative analytical chemistry as well as experiments in instrumental analysis and organic chemistry. The laboratory also introduces students to some spectroscopic techniques.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 11 or 12; CHEM 0500 or 0600; Principles of Math 12 or MATH 0600/0610
CHEM 1510
CHEM 1510
Fundamentals of Chemistry (4,0,3)(L) 3 credits
CHEM 1510 is the second half of a fundamental first year chemistry course, designed for students who have completed CHEM 1500 and have a Chemistry 11 background. The topics include a brief review of stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, equilibrium and electrochemistry. Students are expected to become familiar with all these topics during the course. The laboratory stresses fundamental precision techniques in quantitative analytical and physical chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 (minimum C-) and Chemistry 11 or CHEM 0500
CHEM 1520
CHEM 1520
Principles of Chemistry (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
CHEM 1520 is the second half of first year chemistry designed for students with a strong background in Chemistry. The Department of Chemistry defines a strong background as at least a B in Chemistry 12 or CHEM 0600; however, the course is available to any student with CHEM 1500 and Chemistry 12 or CHEM 0600. Students are expected to become familiar with all these topics during the course. The topics include gas laws, equilibrium, redox reactions, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, entropy and free energy. Students are expected to become familiar with all these topics during the course. The laboratory stresses fundamental precision techniques in quantitative analytical and physical chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 (C- minimum) and Chemistry 12 or CHEM 0600 (a grade of B or better is recommended) or acceptance into the Engineering Program
BIOL 1110
BIOL 1110
Principles of Biology 1 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
This course is designed for biology or science majors. It is a study of the molecular basis of cellular processes including energy transfer and the storage and use of genetic information.
Prerequisite: Biology 11 or 12 or BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0600 or BIOL 0620 with a C+ or better, Chemistry 11 or CHEM 0500
BIOL 1210
BIOL 1210
Principles of Biology 2 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
A survey of the kingdoms of life emphasizing their ecology and evolutionary relationships.
Prerequisite: Biology 11 or 12 with a C+ or better or BIOL 0500 or 0600 or 0620 with a C+ or better, Chemistry 11 or CHEM 0500
Note: Students will not receive credit for both BIOL 1210 and BIOL 1250 or for BIOL 1210 and BIOL 1250L
PHYS 1100
PHYS 1100
Fundamentals of Physics 1 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
A survey course for students with some secondary school physics background. Topics covered include mechanics, fluid mechanics, waves and heat.
Prerequisite: Principles of Mathematics 12 or MATH 0610, Physics 11 or PHYS 1130 or equivalent
Corequisite: MATH 1130 or 1140 or 1150
PHYS 1200
PHYS 1200
Fundamentals of Physics 2 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
A continuation of PHYS 1100. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, optics, and selected topics from nuclear physics and modern physics.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1100; MATH 1130 or MATH 1140 or MATH 1150
Corequisite: MATH 1230 or 1240 or 1250
PHYS 1150
PHYS 1150
Mechanics and Waves (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
This course is intended for students with a good secondary school background in physics. Calculus will be introduced and used in the course. Topics covered include a short review of mechanics, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, sound, wave optics and geometric optics.
Prerequisite: Principles of Mathematics 12 or MATH 0610 or MATH 1000, Physics 12 (or PHYS 1130 with an A and consent of the instructor)
Corequisite: MATH 1130 or 1140
Note: PHYS 1150/1250 is recommended for students planning to major in physics or chemistry, and is strongly recommended for students planning to transfer into Engineering after a year of Science.
PHYS 1250
PHYS 1250
Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
This course is a continuation of PHYS 1150. Topics covered include thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, electricity and magnetism.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1150, MATH 1130 or 1140
Corequisite: MATH 1230 or 1240
MATH 1130
MATH 1130
Enriched Calculus 1 (3,1,0) 3 credits
This course covers single-variable differential calculus and its applications in more depth than MATH 1140, to provide a strong foundation for further study in mathematical disciplines. It is a required course for students in the Engineering Transfer program.
Prerequisite: A in Principles of Math 12, or admission to the Engineering program
Note: Students who already have credit for MATH 1140, MATH 1150 or MATH 1170 may not take MATH 1130 for further credit
MATH 1230
MATH 1230
Enriched Calculus 2 (3,1,0) 3 credits
This course covers single-variable integral calculus and its applications in more depth than MATH 1240, to provide a strong foundation for further study in mathematical disciplines. It is a required course for students in the Engineering Transfer program.
Prerequisite: MATH 1130
MATH 1140
MATH 1140
Calculus 1 (3,1,0) or (5,0,0) 3 credits
This course covers differential calculus for functions of one variable, with applications emphasizing the physical sciences. Topics include calculation and interpretation of limits and derivatives, curve sketching, optimization and related-rate problems, and Newton’s method. The Computer Algebra System “Maple” is introduced as a tool for calculus.
Prerequisite: At least C+ in Principles of Math 12 or MATH 1000 within the last two years or at least C+ in MATH 0610 within the last two years. In exceptional cases, for example, where a student has transferred from another educational system or has been out of school for several years, entry into MATH 1140 may be permitted based on a placement test administered (for these exceptional cases only) by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics during the first week of classes.
Note: Students who have never studied calculus before, or who barely satisfy the course prerequisites, are advised to register in a section vectored (5,0,0). Students who already have credit for MATH 1130, MATH 1150 or MATH 1170 may not take MATH 1140 for further credit.
MATH 1240
MATH 1240
Calculus 2 (3,1,0) or (5,0,0) 3 credits
This course covers integral calculus for functions of one variable, with applications emphasizing the physical sciences. Topics include Riemann sums, definite and indefinite integrals, techniques of integration, improper integrals, applications to area, volume, arc length, probability, physics, separable differential equations, and series.
Prerequisite: MATH 1140, or MATH 1130, or MATH 1150
Note: Students who already have credit for MATH 1250 may not take MATH 1240 for further credit. Students planning to take second year Mathematics courses are encouraged to enroll in MATH 1140 and MATH 1240 or MATH 1130 and MATH 1230.
MATH 1150
MATH 1150
Calculus for the Biological Sciences 1 (3,1,0) or (5,0,0) 3 credits
This course covers differential calculus for functions of one variable, with applications emphasizing the biological sciences. Topics include calculation and interpretation of limits and derivatives, curve sketching, optimization problems, and Newton’s method.
Prerequisite: At least C+ in Principles of Math 12 or MATH 1000 within the last two years or at least C+ in MATH 0610 within the last two years. In exceptional cases, for example, where a student has transferred from another educational system or has been out of school for several years, entry into MATH 1150 may be permitted based on a placement test administered (for these exceptional cases only) by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics during the first week of classes.
Note: Students who already have credit for MATH 1130, MATH 1140, or MATH 1170 may not take MATH 1150 for further credit. Students planning to take second year Mathematics courses are encouraged to enroll in MATH 1140 and MATH 1240 or MATH 1130 and MATH 1230.
MATH 1250
MATH 1250
Calculus for the Biological Sciences 2 (3,1,0) or (5,0,0) 3 credits
This course covers integral calculus for functions of one variable, with applications emphasizing the biological sciences. Topics include Riemann sums, definite and indefinite integrals, techniques of integration, improper integrals, first-order differential equations and slope fields, (applications to area, probability, logistic growth and predator-prey systems), and series.
Prerequisite: MATH 1130, or MATH 1140, or MATH 1150
Note: Students who already have credit for MATH 1240 may not take MATH 1250 for further credit. Students planning to take second year Mathematics courses are encouraged to enroll in MATH 1140 and MATH 1240 or MATH 1130 and MATH 1230.
ENGL 1100
ENGL 1100
Composition (4,0,0) 3 credits
The emphasis is on the development of composition skills and on short essays, logical thinking and argument. Instructors may use some literature in the course.
Prerequisite: One of the following guidelines should be followed:
English 12/English 12 First Peoples with a minimum of 73% (within the last 5 years)
or Level 4, on the composition section of the Language Proficiency Index (within the last 2 years)
or completion of ENGL 0600
or completion of ESAL 0570 and ESAL 0580 with a grade of C+ or better
ENGL 1110
ENGL 1110
Introduction to Prose Fiction (4,0,0) 3 credits
A study of representative works of modern fiction - short story and novel. The course includes regular written assignments.
Prerequisite:
English 12/English 12 First Peoples with a minimum of 80% (within the last 5 years)
or Level 5, on the composition section of the Language Proficiency Index (within the last 2 years)
or completion of ENGL 1100
CHEM 2100
CHEM 2100
Introductory Analytical Chemistry (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
This course introduces principles of analytical chemistry and their practical application to solution samples. Topics include statistical method of data analysis, quantitative principles of chemical equilibrium, and fundamental concepts of gravimetric, spectrophotometric, electrochemical, and chromatographic methods of analysis.
The laboratory component will consist of experiments designed to enable students to work with state-of-the-art instrumentation used in many commercial and research laboratories. Analysis of samples of clinical, environmental, and biochemical interest will be carried out to illustrate some of the topics discussed in lectures.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 (minimum C- grade) and either CHEM 1510 or 1520 (minimum C- grade)
CHEM 2250
CHEM 2250
Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
This course is intended for science majors. It introduces chemical kinetics and thermodynamics with applications to gas behaviour and phase and reaction equilibria.
The laboratory portion of the course involves preparative and kinetic studies as well as the experimental study of aspects of thermodynamic measurements.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 (minimum C- grade) and either CHEM 1510 or 1520 (minimum C- grade); MATH 1230 or 1240 or 1250 (MATH 2110 is strongly recommended)
Note: Students with credit for CHEM 2110 and CHEM 2210 will not receive credit for CHEM 2150 and CHEM 2250
CHEM 2120
CHEM 2120
Organic Chemistry 1 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
A study of the compounds of carbon with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Topics will include structure and bonding, preparations and reactions of the functional groups, and stereochemistry. Biological and biochemical applications will also be discussed. The laboratory will illustrate basic separation, purification and identification techniques. Spectroscopic techniques will be introduced.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 (minimum C- grade) and either CHEM 1510 or 1520 (minimum C- grade)
Note: ECHE 1110/ECHE 1210 are not prerequisites for second year Chemistry courses. Engineering students who may wish to take second year Chemistry courses should meet with their Engineering Advisor and the Chair of the Department of Physical Sciences as early as possible.
CHEM 2220
CHEM 2220
Organic Chemistry 2 (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
A continuation of CHEM 2120.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2120 (C- minimum)
CHEM 2160
CHEM 2160
Structure, Bonding and Spectroscopy (3,0,0) 3 credits
This course develops fundamental quantum ideas in Chemistry and applies them to topics in chemical bonding and spectroscopy. Bonding concepts will revolve around electrostatic models applied to ionic compounds and transition metal complexes. Covalent bonding will be approached from the molecular orbital point of view and survey homo- and heteronuclear diatomics and briefly consider larger molecules. Fundamental concepts in spectroscopy will be introduced. Vibrational, electronic, nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr) and electron spin resonance (esr) spectroscopy will be covered. Fundamental aspects of symmetry will guide several of these treatments.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1500 (minimum C- grade) and either CHEM 1510 or CHEM 1520 (minimum C- grade)
BIOL 2160
BIOL 2160
Introductory Microbiology (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
BIOL 2160 is an introduction to the world of microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and viruses, and the important roles they play in ecosystem health. The course focuses on the principles and applications of microbiology and topics include microbial physiology, growth and growth control, gene transfer, gene expression and environmental sensing, disease, and environmental biotechnologies such as wastewater treatment, bioremediation and industrial microbiology. Laboratory sessions provide training cell culture techniques, applied microbiology, and manipulation of DNA.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1110/1210, CHEM 1500/1510 or CHEM 1500/1520
BIOL 2130
BIOL 2130
Cell Biology (3,1*,3*) 3 credits
The study of eukaryotic cells, relating structure to function. Topics include: instrumentation and techniques used for studying cells and their inner workings; molecules common in various cellular structures; the structure and function of the plasma membrane, cytoplasm and organelles; transport of materials within the cell and secretion; intercellular communication and programmed cell death (apoptosis); and medical implications of understanding cellular and molecular biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1110 (C minimum), CHEM 1500/1510 or CHEM 1500/1520
Corequisite: CHEM 2120 recommended
BIOL 2340
BIOL 2340
Introduction to Genetics (3,1*,3*) 3 credits
A general survey of basic concepts in genetics. Particular emphasis is placed on classical Mendelian genetics, chromosomes and cytogenetics, bacterial genetics with an introduction to gene cloning methods, and the structure, regulation and mutation of genes.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1110/1210 (C minimum)
Corequisite: BIOL 2130 (recommended)
CMNS 2290 (formerly ENGL 2290)
CMNS 2290 (formerly ENGL 2290)
Professional Business and Technical Writing (3,0,0) 3 credits
Intended to assist students who plan careers in business, government, public service, and research institutions, this course is designed to develop professional skills in oral and written communications. The course's practical basis, which requires oral presentations, business letters, reports, and memoranda, is implemented by background material on relevant communication theory.
Prerequisite: Six credits of composition and/or communication courses
CMNS 2300 (formerly ENGL 2300)
CMNS 2300 (formerly ENGL 2300)
Critical Thinking and Writing for Science and Technology (3,0,0) 3 credits
Students will analyse and discuss examples of writing from scientific and technical literature from both a contemporary and historical perspective.
Prerequisite: Six credits of composition and/or communication courses; admission to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Natural Resource Science program; or permission of the instructor
Third and Fourth Year Course Descriptions
CHEM 3100
CHEM 3100
Instrumental Analysis (3,0,0) 3 credits
This course will introduce the student to the wide range of instrumental methods used in chemical analysis as they are applied to modern analytical chemistry. The course involves an introduction to statistical evaluation of chemical data, electrochemical methods, optical spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry and chromatography.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2100/2250 (C- minimum)
CHEM 3170
CHEM 3170
Instrumental Analysis Laboratory for Chemical Biology (0,0,4)(L) 1 credit
A laboratory course designed to give students practical hands-on experience with the instrumentation discussed in CHEM 3100, with a focus on the needs of Chemical Biologists. Students will perform a variety of chemical analyses and gain independent experience in analytical experimental design and method application to real samples.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2100 and 2250 (minimum C- grade)
CHEM 3220
CHEM 3220
Advanced Organic Chemistry (3,0,0) 3 credits
This is a lecture course that covers the theory and practice of modern organic synthesis. The emphasis is on important carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, significant reactions of functional groups and the use of protecting group strategies in organic synthesis. In addition, the chemistry of amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates and heterocycles is studied in the context of the above topics.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2120/2220 (C- minimum)
CHEM 3240
CHEM 3240
Organic Chemistry Laboratory (0,0,4)(L) 1 credit
In this laboratory course a selection of organic chemistry experiments are designed to develop synthetic skills and application of spectroscopic techniques to organic molecules.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2120/2220 (C- minimum)
CHEM 4450
CHEM 4450
Advanced Chemical Biology (2,1,3)(L) 3 credits
This course involves lectures and seminars on the interface of chemistry and biology along with a practical laboratory course which introduces students to advanced chemical biology techniques. The emphasis is on providing students with the knowledge and theory behind biological systems from a chemical perspective while exposing them to the modern laboratory techniques that are of current value in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. These industries require professionals who have a strong background in organic chemistry, molecular biology and genomics. Advanced Chemical Biology will incorporate current journal articles and a problem-based learning approach that has students researching background material in order to complete an assigned project experiment.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3220/3230/3240 (C-minimum); BIOL 3230/3350 (C- minimum)
BIOL 3000
BIOL 3000
Biometrics (3,0,2)(L) 3 credits
Introduction to statistical procedures for biological research. Topics include estimation, hypothesis testing, goodness of fit, analysis of variance, and regression. The laboratory introduces computers and their use in graphical and statistical analysis.
Prerequisite: MATH 1140/1240 or MATH 1150/1250 and third year standing.
Note: Students may normally receive credit for only one of the following: BIOL 3000, BUEC 2320, MATH 1200, PSYC 2100, SOCI 2710, SOCI 3710, STAT 1200, STAT 2000
BIOL 3130
BIOL 3130
Introduction to Biochemistry (3,0,0) 3 credits
Introduction to cellular chemistry. Structure and function of biological molecules including nucleic acids, enzymes and other proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and vitamins. Introduction to metabolic pathways and bioenergetics including DNA synthesis, transcription and translation, glycolysis, fermentation and respiration, oxidation of fatty acids, and photosynthesis.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2130 (C minimum), CHEM 2120 and 2220
BIOL 3230
BIOL 3230
Biochemistry (3,0,0) 3 credits
A lecture course on the structure, function, synthesis and degradation of macromolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids carbohydrates). In addition, the regulatory mechanisms involved in these processes will be covered.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3130 (C minimum)
BIOL 3350
BIOL 3350
Molecular Genetics (3,1,0) 3 credits
Isolation and identification of genes, analysis of gene structure; gene expression and its regulation in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes; developmental genetics.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2130 and 2340 (C minimum)
Pre or Corequisite: BIOL 3130
BIOL 4150
BIOL 4150
Biochemical Techniques 1 (1,1,3)(L) 3 credits
A laboratory-based course introducing students to the techniques used to isolate and study enzymes and other proteins. Emphasis will be placed on development of basic laboratory skills in the context of isolating, purifying and analyzing a familiar bacterial enzyme, B-galactosidase.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3230 (C minimum). BIOL 2100/2200 recommended.
BIOL 4250
BIOL 4250
Biochemical Techniques 2 (1,1,3)(L) 3 credits
A laboratory-based course introducing students to the techniques used to isolate and study nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Emphasis will be placed on development of basic laboratory skills in the context of isolating, purifying and analyzing bacterial plasmids and genomic DNA, probing Southern blots for B-galactosidase coding sequences, DNA fingerprinting using restriction enzymes and PCR, and the isolation and detection of an mRNA and the protein it encodes.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3130 and 3350 (C minimum). BIOL 2100/2200/3230/4150 recommended.
BIOL 3520
BIOL 3520
Cell Physiology (3,0,3)(L) 3 credits
The physiochemical basis for cellular activity, with particular emphasis on: energy relationships, functions of cell parts, integration and internal control of cellular activities and mechanisms of influence of external factors. The laboratory work will emphasize the techniques and apparatus used to study cell function.
Prerequisite: BIOL 3130 (C minimum)