Chemistry and Biochemistry

Professors: Aldrich, Arias-Rotondo, Coplan, Stevens-Truss (co-chair), Tresca, Vollbrecht, Williams (co-chair)

Mission Statement

The Kalamazoo College Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff committed to the development of excellent chemistry and biochemistry majors in an environment of equity, inclusion, and respect. Our department strives to fulfill the College’s mission “…to prepare its graduates to better understand, live successfully within, and provide enlightened leadership to a richly diverse and increasingly complex world.”

Our curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and aims to prepare graduates for direct entry to the workforce or for further study in graduate or professional school. Our courses are learner-focused and use evidence-based methods to engage everyone regardless of background. Our laboratory courses emphasize skill development and independence while promoting a safety culture.

Students who graduate from our program will have information literacy and scientific presentation skills, will be conscious of the environmental and social impacts of chemicals and chemical waste, and will have a molecular view of the world.

And we like to have fun while we build community.

Program Description

The chemistry program is an American Chemical Society (ACS) approved pre-professional undergraduate program that stresses the art of scientific thought and the role of chemistry and biochemistry in society. Chemistry and biochemistry students benefit from a close working relationship with faculty members in an atmosphere that encourages research. Majors can gain preparation suitable for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical and materials engineering, environmental sciences, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, clinical chemistry, or molecular biology. Other professional opportunities open to chemistry and biochemistry graduates include: medical, dental, or veterinary schools; business administration; patent or environmental law. Majors will also have a background appropriate for becoming a professional research or process chemist in industrial, pharmaceutical, or government laboratories; teaching high school chemistry; doing environmental monitoring or remediation; working in sales, product development, or in laboratory safety; becoming a writer on science topics, working in science libraries or other information services; doing conservation work in art museums; or performing forensic analyses for law enforcement agencies.

Requirements for the Major in Chemistry

Number of Units

A minimum of eight units from credited courses (excluding the SIP and courses designed for non-chemistry majors) all with labs, plus 0.7 units of Chem Senior Seminar (Chem 490).

Advanced Placement

With a chemistry advanced placement (AP) score of 4 or 5 or IB score of 5, 6, or 7, one unit of credit will be awarded towards the minimum of eight units required for the major in chemistry provided a student begins the sequence at CHEM 120 or higher.

Required Courses

Foundational coursework

Recommended completion by the end of the first year:

CHEM 110: Chemical Composition and Structure with Lab (exempted if student begins in CHEM 120)
CHEM 120: Chemical Reactivity with Lab

Recommended completion by the end of the second year:

CHEM 210: Organic Chemistry I with Lab
CHEM 220: Organic Chemistry II with Lab
CHEM 240: Analytical Chemistry with Lab

Recommended completion by the end of the third year:

CHEM 310: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics with Lab

Completed junior spring and senior year:

CHEM 490: Senior Seminar – Professional Development for Chemists (minimum of 0.7 units required).

Chemistry majors are encouraged to take 1.0 units of Chem 490, starting in the Junior Spring and continuing through winter term of the Senior year.

Exploratory coursework 

Two additional 300- or 400- level courses with lab.

Chemistry majors who intend to pursue graduate studies in chemistry are encouraged to take additional courses in the department, beyond the two required exploratory courses.

Required Cognates

  • MATH 112: Calculus I (or its equivalent, MATH 110/111)
  • MATH 113: Calculus II (additional work in mathematics is encouraged)
  • PHYS 150: Introductory Physics I with Lab
  • PHYS 152: Introductory Physics II with Lab

In accordance with College policy, chemistry majors must pass the eight units of chemistry and the required cognate courses with a grade of C- or better.

Requirements for the Major in Biochemistry

Number of Units

A minimum of eight units from credited courses (excluding the SIP and courses designed for non-chemistry majors) all with labs, plus 0.7 units of Chem Senior Seminar (Chem 490).

Advanced Placement

With a chemistry advanced placement (AP) score of 4 or 5 or IB score of 5, 6, or 7, one unit of credit will be awarded towards the minimum of eight units required for the major in biochemistry provided a student begins the sequence at CHEM 120 or higher.

Required Courses

Foundational coursework

Recommended completion by the end of the first year:
CHEM 110 Chemical Composition and Structure with Lab (exempted if student begins in CHEM 120)
CHEM 120 Chemical Reactivity with Lab

Recommended completion by the end of the second year:
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I with Lab
CHEM 220 Organic Chemistry II with Lab
CHEM 240 Analytical Chemistry with Lab

Recommended completion by the end of the third year:
CHEM 310 Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics with Lab

Completed junior and/or senior year:
CHEM 365 Biochemistry I,
CHEM 465 Biochemistry II,
CHEM 466 Biochemistry Lab (note: could be completed spring of sophomore year, provided prerequisites are completed)

Completed junior spring and senior year:

CHEM 490 Senior Seminar – Professional Development for Chemists (minimum of 0.7 units required). Biochemistry majors are encouraged to take 1.0 units of Chem 490, which would include three terms of CHEM 490 starting in the Junior Spring and continuing through winter term of the Senior year.

Exploratory coursework: Biochemistry majors who intend to pursue graduate studies in biochemistry are encouraged to take additional courses in the department.

Required Cognates There are five required cognates for the Biochemistry major

All of the following cognates:
  • BIOL 101
  • BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology with Lab
  • MATH 112 Calculus I (or its equivalent, MATH 110/111)
  • MATH 113 Calculus II (additional work in mathematics is encouraged)
  • PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I with Lab

In accordance with College policy, biochemistry majors must pass the eight units of chemistry and the required cognate courses with a grade of C- or better.

ACS certified degree

In addition to obtaining a degree from an ACS-approved program, students can opt to pursue an ACS-certified degree. A certified degree is a valuable personal credential that serves as National-level recognition of successful completion of a rigorous academic chemistry curriculum. A certified major includes CHEM 210, 240, 310, 330, 352 or 365, a chemistry research-based SIP, and three additional chemistry courses above the 100-level (excluding CHEM 200 and CHEM 490). In addition, MATH 112 and 113, and PHYS 150 and 152 are required, and Math 214 and 240 are recommended. The certification curriculum, which provides thorough preparation in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, is recommended for students contemplating graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.

Placement exam 

All students enrolling in the beginning Chemistry courses (CHEM 110, 120) must complete the placement examination prior to enrolling in either of these courses. Results from the placement examination may permit exemption for one or both beginning courses (with exemption from CHEM 120 also requiring proof of extensive laboratory preparation). Students entering Kalamazoo College with Advanced Placement (AP) scores of 4 or 5, or IB scores of 5, 6, or 7, or who successfully pass the Chemistry placement examination are automatically exempt from CHEM 110.

3/2 Pre-Engineering in Chemical Engineering

Students intending to follow the 3/2 Pre-Engineering Program in chemical engineering should follow the course sequence for the chemistry major through the third year and meet the requirements for admission to chemical engineering schools after the third year. Each student pursuing this program must successfully complete the following courses while in residence at Kalamazoo College: CHEM 110, 120, 210, 220, 240, 310; MATH 112, 113, 214, 240, 280; PHYS 150, 152, 220. Refer to the full catalog program description page.

Requirements for the Concentration in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Directors: Stevens-Truss (contact person), A. Wollenberg

A major focus of modern scientific inquiry is uncovering the physical and chemical mechanisms underlying biological systems. Therefore, an interdisciplinary concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is offered for students interested in advanced study at the interface between biology and chemistry. Courses include a selection from the physical and biological sciences, all offered with labs that make use of sophisticated, cutting-edge instrumentation and techniques. Students interested in graduate studies of molecular-level biological phenomena are especially encouraged to consider this plan of study.

Required Courses

In Biology:

  • BIOL 201: Cell and Molecular Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 352: A Survey of Biochemistry (note: same as CHEM 352, need only do one)
  • BIOL 352L: Intro to Biochemical Analyses (note: same as CHEM 352L, need only do one)

In Chemistry:

  • CHEM 220: Organic Chemistry II with Lab
  • CHEM 310: Physical Chemistry I with Lab
  • CHEM 352: A Survey of Biochemistry (note: same as BIOL 352, need only do one)
  • CHEM 352L: Intro to Biochemical Analyses (note: same as BIOL 352L, need only do one)

One additional course in Biology or Chemistry – choose either:

  • BIOL 420: Advance Molecular Genetics with lab, or
  • CHEM 452: Advanced Biochemistry with Lab
  • OR another 400-level course from Biology or Chemistry with permission.

In Mathematics:

  • MATH 112: Calculus I

In Physics:

  • PHYS 150: Introductory Physics I with Lab

Prerequisite Coursework

  • BIOL 101
  • CHEM 110: Chemical Composition and Structure with Lab
  • CHEM 120: Chemical Reactivity with Lab
  • CHEM 210: Organic Chemistry I with Lab

In accordance with College policy, concentrators in biochemistry and molecular biology must pass the required courses with a C- or better.

Note: Students cannot double major in Chemistry and Biochemistry; nor can they earn a major in Biochemistry and a concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Chemistry Courses

CHEM 110 Chemical Composition and Structure with Lab Fundamental principles of chemistry: chemical calculations and symbolism; atomic and molecular structure and bonding; periodic properties; intermolecular interactions, classification of chemical reactions, and the solid state. Laboratory work includes introduction to chemical instrumentation. Prerequisite: none
CHEM 120 Chemical Reactivity with Lab Classification of chemical reactions; chemical kinetics; chemical equilibrium; energetics of chemical reactions (thermodynamics); acid-base, solubility-precipitation, oxidation-reduction, complexation reactions; electrochemistry; descriptive chemistry of selected elements. Laboratory work includes use of chemical instrumentation. CHEM-110 wiith a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 200 Research Apprenticeship in Chemistry Students who anticipate majoring in chemistry or biochemistry may participate in apprenticeships, which are intended to provide opportunities for the students to become involved in ongoing research projects with chemistry faculty. To be considered for a research apprenticeship position, a student must approach a faculty member regarding joining the faculty member's research laboratory. A minimum of 50 hours of work is expected. A student may enroll in CHEM 200 for no more than 3 quarters, with the same faculty member or with different faculty members. The three quarter need not be consecutive. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor only, availability of apprenticeships will vary over time, and are not guaranteed. This course does not count towards major. Research apprenticeships are offered for credit/no credit.
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I Basic principles of structure, nomenclature, and reactivity applied to aliphatic hydrocarbons; valence bond and molecular orbital structure models; inductive, resonance, and steric effects on reactivity; stereoisomerism; laboratory emphasis on techniques used in the synthesis and purification of organic compounds. Corequisite: CHEM-210L CHEM-120 wiith a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 210L Organic Chemistry I Lab Corequisite: CHEM-210
CHEM 220 Organic Chemistry II Continuation of CHEM 210 that includes classroom and laboratory study of the structure, nomenclature, chemical properties, and spectrometric identification of common organic compounds; emphasis on reaction mechanisms and organic synthesis. Intended for research-oriented natural science students with career interests in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry and related fields. Corequisite: CHEM-220L CHEM-210 wiith a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 220L Organic Chemistry II Lab Corequisite: CHEM-220
CHEM 240 Analytical Chemistry with Lab Treatment of experimental data; systematic solution stoichiometry; the study of acid-base, precipitation-solubility, oxidation-reduction, and complex formation-dissociation equilibria; introduction to quantitative applications of gravimetry, titrimetry, and chromatography, electrochemistry, and spectrophotometry. CHEM-120 wiith a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 301L Chemistry Research Methods This lab will introduce students to fundamental skills for chemistry and biochemistry research. Students will tackle a pressing research question with faculty guidance. This lab is a starting point for students interested in faculty led research, and for experienced researchers to hone their skills. Students will work with the instructor to plan experiments, execute lab work, and report the results of their research. This lab emphasizes exposure to a breadth of lab techniques and preparation for collaborative research. This course is intended for chemistry and biochemistry majors pursuing a research-focused career. Must have taken CHEM-210 or with instructor permission
CHEM 310 Chemical Thermodynamics & Kinetics Study of chemical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetics including applications in thermochemistry, chemical equilibrium, chemical transport, and reaction dynamics. Intended for science students interested in understanding the fundamental reasoning and math behind reactions, energy transport, and kinetics. Laboratory emphasis on learning measurement techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. CHEM-120 , MATH 113, and PHYS-150 All course prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of C-. CHEM-310L must be taken concurrently.
CHEM 310L Chemical Thermodynamics & Kinetics Lab Study of chemical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetics. Intended for chemistry majors and biologists with a strong cellular or molecular orientation. CHEM-120 or CHEM-125, MATH 113, and PHYS-150 All course prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of C-. CHEM-310 must be taken concurrently
CHEM 330 Inorganic Chemistry with Lab Exploration of the electronic and atomic/molecular configuration of molecules and materials, using that knowledge to explain their properties and understand some of their applications (nuclear power, solar energy conversion, catalysis, etc.); laboratory work emphasizing synthesis, analysis and reactivity characterization of inorganic compounds. CHEM-210 with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 352 A Survey of Biochemistry This course is designed for students interested in understanding biochemical processes, and is good preparation for health-related studies. The course is an overview of the chemical mechanisms underlying biological processes including structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and lipids; enzymatic catalysis and kinetics; an introduction to bioenergetics; pathways of carbohydrate metabolism; survey of lipid and amino acid metabolism; and integration of metabolism. CHEM-220; Chemistry majors only. with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 352L Intro to Biochemical Analyses Overview of basic biochemical laboratory techniques with emphasis on protein isolation and characterization, enzyme kinetics, and bioinformatics. Students will devise and execute independent research projects as part of the course final project. Laboratory and scientific writing, oral communication, and preparation of quality figures and tables will also be emphasized. Prerequisites: CHEM-220 and CHEM/BIOL352 (can be taking concurrently). All course prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of C-. CHEM-220, Minimum grade C- CHEM/BIOL-352 can betaken previously or concurrently, all with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 365 Biochemistry I Fundamentals of Biochemistry This course is designed for students interested in studying the chemical processes that regulate biological functions at the molecular level. In this course students will i) focus on understanding the structure and function of biological macromolecules essential to life (nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and amino acids), ii) study the thermodynamics and kinetics of protein folding, iii) analyze the varied structures of proteins and their functions, as well as examine enzymatic catalysis. This course will not count towards the major in Biology. Must have taken BIOL-112 and CHEM-220. with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 410 Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy with Lab Further study of chemical kinetics; elementary quantum mechanics applied to simple atoms and molecules; spectroscopy. CHEM-210, MATH-113, and PHYS-152 with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 420 Instrumental Analysis with Lab Study of instrumental methods of analysis including trace techniques; emphasis on spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and chromatography, introduction to electronic signal processing, and computer data acquisition. CHEM-240 and CHEM-310 or Chemistry Seniors who have taken CHEM-240. With a minimum grade of C- earned. Chemistry seniors who have not taken CHEM-310 should contact the Registrar's Office in order to register for this class.
CHEM 440 Intro to Drug & Natural Product Synthesis with Lab Study of local and reaction stereochemistry, conformational analysis, and molecular orbital theory; preparative methods for asymmetric chemicals; applications of chiral transition metal complexes in catalyzed organic reactions; laboratory work emphasizing chromatographic techniques and 1D and 2D NMR analysis. CHEM-220 and CHEM-310 All course prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 450 Molecular Structure and Reactivity with Lab An advanced inorganic chemistry course where we study how the electronic structure of molecules and materials impacts their properties and reactivity. Coordination chemistry is one of the main axes of this class; topics covered include f-block chemistry, cross-coupling reactions, and photocatalysis. We also discuss nanomaterials, their synthesis and spectroscopic properties. Laboratory work emphasizes synthesis and reactivity studies on and physical characterization of inorganic and organometallic compounds as well as quantum materials. CHEM-220 with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 452 Advanced Biochemistry with Lab Study of selected topics in biochemistry through review articles and primary research literature, emphasizing experimental methods, critical analysis and interpretation of data, and integration of biochemical concepts. Laboratory will utilize an investigative approach to strategies of enzyme studies and bioinformatics. BIOL/CHEM-352 and BIOL/CHEM-352L all with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 465 Biochemistry II MacRomolecules, Metabolism, and Diseases This course is designed for students to expand on the molecular-level studies of biomolecules obtained in Biochemistry I and will extend this knowledge to understanding the effect of aberrant metabolism to disease formation. In this course, students will analyze how organisms maintain homeostasis by making use of the varied macromolecules they possess and using them to generate necessary energy. This course will not count towards the major in Biology. CHEM-365 with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 466L Experimental Biochemistry Lab In this lab course students will engage in a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) wherein they will tackle a current day biochemical problem by purifying and analyzing an enzyme linked to a disease and explore how amino acid mutations lead to aberrant enzyme function. CHEM-220 and CHEM-220L and be a Biochemistry major. All course prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 470 Principles of Medicinal Chemistry with Lab This course will survey the world of medicinal drug design, from target choice to structural drug determinants, to drug toxicology and disposition. The course will illustrate to students the significance of chemical structure and their physiochemical properties, and address molecular modification of molecules in the rational design of drug entities. The ultimate goal is to help students relate drug chemistry to therapeutic applications. We will review some general principles learned in Introductory and Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology, and will introduce several Pharmacological and Physiological principles, as they relate to the molecular mechanism of action of select drug classes. Emphasis will be placed on drug-target interactions at the molecular level by employing 3-D visualization tools. BIOL/CHEM-352 or CHEM-365 All course prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of C-. Priority will be given to Senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors first.
CHEM 480 MacRomolecular & Supramolecular Chemistr With Lab We encounter macromolecules daily as materials and the machinery of life, including synthetic polymers, proteins, and DNA. Supramolecular chemistry is the spontaneous association of molecules into large, complex structures. This course is an introduction to the synthesis of macromolecules, the characterization of their chemical structure, and the study of supramolecular systems. We will cover modern methods of polymer synthesis and review intermolecular forces to help us understand self-assembly. Journal article discussions will highlight applications in biological and synthetic systems. Lab will give you hands-on experience with polymer synthesis and characterization, including 2D NMR, HPLC-MS, and mechanical properties. Prerequisite: CHEM-220. All course prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of C-. CHEM-220 with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 490F Senior Seminar - Professional Development for Chemists This seminar course is a partial units course distributed among the three terms, intended for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Majors are required to complete 0.7 units of CHEM-490. Students who intend to complete their Graduation Shared Passages Seminar requirement will need to complete an additional 0.3 units of CHEM-490. This course combines activities currently in the Chemistry senior program and two practicum experiences with the goal of preparing senior majors to present a public seminar covering their Senior Individualized Project and to present themselves professionally as they move into chosen professions. The Chemistry discipline relies heavily on both written and verbal communication skills to disseminate scientific information, and as such, practitioners must be able to articulate concise and scientifically accurate descriptions of their work. In this course majors attend a series of seminars by guest chemistry professionals, are exposed to on-campus resources, learn practical applications, and engage in peer workshops to develop oral and written presentation skills. CHEM490S (0.3 units) - taken in spring of junior year as a preparative course for the SIP, can be taken again in spring of senior year. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors only. CHEM490F (0.4 units) and CHEM490W (0.3 units). Prerequisite: Chemistry or Biochemistry Senior standing. Senior Chemistry majors only
CHEM 490S Senior Seminar - Professional Development for Chemists This seminar course is a partial units course distributed among the three terms, intended for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Majors are required to complete 0.7 units of CHEM-490. Students who intend to complete their Graduation Shared Passages Seminar requirement will need to complete an additional 0.3 units of CHEM-490. This course combines activities currently in the Chemistry senior program and two practicum experiences with the goal of preparing senior majors to present a public seminar covering their Senior Individualized Project and to present themselves professionally as they move into chosen professions. The Chemistry discipline relies heavily on both written and verbal communication skills to disseminate scientific information, and as such, practitioners must be able to articulate concise and scientifically accurate descriptions of their work. In this course majors attend a series of seminars by guest chemistry professionals, are exposed to on-campus resources, learn practical applications, and engage in peer workshops to develop oral and written presentation skills. CHEM490S (0.3 units) - taken in spring of junior year as a preparative course for the SIP, can be taken again in spring of senior year. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors only. CHEM490F (0.4 units) and CHEM490W (0.3 units). Prerequisite: Chemistry or Biochemistry Senior standing. Junior or Senior Standing only.
CHEM 490W Senior Seminar - Professional Development for Chemists This seminar course is a partial units course distributed among the three terms, intended for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Majors are required to complete 0.7 units of CHEM-490. Students who intend to complete their Graduation Shared Passages Seminar requirement will need to complete an additional 0.3 units of CHEM-490. This course combines activities currently in the Chemistry senior program and two practicum experiences with the goal of preparing senior majors to present a public seminar covering their Senior Individualized Project and to present themselves professionally as they move into chosen professions. The Chemistry discipline relies heavily on both written and verbal communication skills to disseminate scientific information, and as such, practitioners must be able to articulate concise and scientifically accurate descriptions of their work. In this course majors attend a series of seminars by guest chemistry professionals, are exposed to on-campus resources, learn practical applications, and engage in peer workshops to develop oral and written presentation skills. CHEM490S (0.3 units) - taken in spring of junior year as a preparative course for the SIP, can be taken again in spring of senior year. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors only. CHEM490F (0.4 units) and CHEM490W (0.3 units). Prerequisite: Chemistry or Biochemistry Senior standing. Senior Chemistry and Biochemistry majors only
CHEM 593 Senior Integrated Project Each program or department sets its own requirements for Senior Integrated Projects done in that department, including the range of acceptable projects, the required background of students doing projects, the format of the SIP, and the expected scope and depth of projects. See the Kalamazoo Curriculum -> Senior Integrated Project section of the Academic Catalog for more details. Permission of department and SIP supervisor required.
CHEM 600 Teaching Assistantship