Course Descriptions

Course Information
Biology (SB) and Chemistry (SC) Course Information

Course:SB201
Title:Biology For The Naval Officer
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:Students will learn basic biology in the context of its applications to everyday life and their future duties in the Naval Service. Topics will include biomechanics, human performance, diet and nutrition, hormones, genetics and the human genome, genetic engineering, DNA "fingerprinting", disease, resistance and immunity. Note: Students cannot get credit for both SB201 and SB211 or SB201 and SB251. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: None.
Course:SB211
Title:Biology For Naval Ofcr W Lab
Credits: 3—2—4
Description:Students will learn basic biology in the context of its applications to everyday life and their future duties in the Naval Service. Topics will include biomechanics, human performance, diet and nutrition, hormones, genetics and the human genome, genetic engineering, DNA "fingerprinting", disease, resistance and immunity. Laboratories are designed to reinforce and expand upon topics from lecture. Note: Students cannot get credit for both SB201 and SB211 or SB211 and SB251. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: None.
Course:SB251
Title:Fundamentals Of Biology
Credits: 3—2—4
Description:This course gives students a rigorous background in the fundamental principles of biology: cell structure and function, classical and molecular genetics, and evolution. The perspective of the course is from life as a whole, with a focus on the position of humans in the overall scheme. SB251 cannot be taken if a student has successfully completed SB201 or SB211.
Requisites:
Course:SB252
Title:Human Physiology & Anatomy
Credits: 3—2—4
Description:This course provides students with a rigorous background in the mechanisms of body function, focusing on the control and major homeostatic systems of the body. Physiology is studied at scales ranging from the molecular to the whole organism, with an ultimate emphasis on integrating all organ systems. Laboratory sessions focus on anatomy and histology, emphasizing the complementarity of structure and function.
Requisites:Prereq: SB251 Coreq: SC225
Course:SB338
Title:Molecular & General Genetics
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:Students in this course will study the inheritance of traits, starting with basic (Mendelian) genetics and ending with modern molecular biology. The course will examine incomplete dominance, epistasis, pleiotropy, transformation, cloning, genetic engineering, imprinting, and experimental techniques. Co-listed as SC338. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SB251 or SC335.
Course:SB431
Title:Microbial Chemistry
Credits: 2—2—3
Description:This course will explore the interesting and important interactions that occur between microbes and their surroundings, including human hosts and extreme environments. Species of these "simple" organisms have evolved diverse mechanisms to combat assault by antibiotics, heavy metals, pollutants and extreme irradiation. The lab component of the class will include identifying, cultivating and testing organisms with survival mechanisms of interest. Co-listed as SC431. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SB251 and SC335.
Course:SB453
Title:Neuroscience And Development
Credits: 3—2—4
Description:Neuroscience and Developmental Biology is an advanced treatment of neuroscience and developmental biology that builds on both the molecular and cellular background provided in SB251 and the basic principles underlying nervous system function introduced in SB252 and applies them to topics including both somatic and special sensory modalities, initiation, execution and coordination of motor programs and the neuroanatomical organization of the pathways that control these functions. Additional special topics will be introduced on a rotating basis. The course will also use the examples set by studies performed in model organisms to elucidate the mechanisms by which normal development proceeds in higher eukaryotes with an emphasis on neural development. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SB252.
Course:SC111
Title:Foundations Of Chemistry I
Credits: 3—2—4
Description:The first in 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 lecture material is 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. [fall, spring]
Requisites:Prereq: None.
Course:SC112
Title:Foundations Of Chem II
Credits: 3—2—4
Description:This is the second in the two-course foundations of chemistry sequence. See SC111 for a general course description. In this version of SC112, naval applications of chemistry including body armor, corrosion, nuclear power, boiler water quality, aircraft deicing, and scuba diving will be emphasized. [spring, summer]
Requisites:Prereq: SC111.
Course:SC151
Title:Modern Chemistry
Credits: 3—2—4
Description: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.
Requisites:Prereq: Placement by department chair.
Course:SC216
Title:Analytical Chemistry
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:This course explores the theory and application of "wet" chemical methods and instrumentation in determining the chemical composition and structure of matter. Both qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical analysis will be addressed. The theories and techniques learned in this course can be used in all branches of chemistry and will be applied in subsequent chemistry courses in the chemistry major. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC225.
Course:SC221
Title:Chemistry In Modern Warfare
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:This course will examine the science behind conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction. The course will begin by examining high explosives and propellants by studying the structure, synthesis, and properties of these materials. The second part of the course will focus on chemical and biological agents to include history, structure, modes of action, detection, protective measures, and methods of decontamination. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC112.
Course:SC225
Title:Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:The first of a two-semester sequence of courses 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, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms and molecular orbital theory. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC112 or SC151; Coreq: SC261.
Course:SC226
Title:Organic Chemistry II
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:This is the second in the two-course sequence in organic chemistry. See SC225 for a course description. [Spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC225 and SC261; Coreq: SC262.
Course:SC261
Title:Integrated Lab I - Rxns, Separation, Purification
Credits: 0—6—2
Description:This laboratory course emphasizes the theory and practice of separating and purifying chemical substances. Techniques include crystallization, distillation, column chromatography, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, extraction, and sublimation. Identification of chemical substances based on infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are introduced. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC112 or SC151; Coreq: SC225.
Course:SC262
Title:Integrated Laboratory II
Credits: 0—6—2
Description:Qualitative and quantitative methods are applied in the determination of the products of several important chemical reactions, including a multistep synthesis. Students also apply these methods in the analysis of simple equilibrium systems and the separation and identification of a two-component unknown.
Requisites:Prereq: SC225 and SC261; Coreq: SC226.
Course:SC311
Title:Marine And Atmospheric Chem
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:An introduction to chemical processes that influence the chemistry of marine waters and the atmospheric marine boundary layer. The course will begin with the composition of seawater and progress towards an understanding of the biogeochemical cycles of important elements in oceanic systems, including the chemistry of tropospheric ozone and aerosol formation. The impact these process have on current and future naval operations will be discussed. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC112.
Course:SC325
Title:Advanced Organic Chemistry
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:Building on the foundation of SC225-226, this course will apply fundamental topics such as stereochemistry, conformation, structure, bonding and mechanisms to advanced topics such as pericyclic reactions, heterocyclic compounds, and the relationship between structure and function of biochemically important organic compounds. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC226.
Course:SC335
Title:Biochemistry
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:The chemical basis of life will be examined by studying the relationship between the structure and the function of biological macromolecules, with an emphasis on proteins and nucleic acids. Metabolic processes involved in energy production, storage and transformation will be studied. Biochemical signaling and biological membranes will also be covered. There will be an overview of modern biochemical experimental methods. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC226.
Course:SC336
Title:Biochemistry II
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:This course will expand and build on topics from SC335, such as biomolecular structure, bioenergetics and enzyme kinetics, to cover biosynthesis of amino acids, nucleotides and cofactors; photosynthesis and plant metabolic cycles; signal transduction; molecular genetics; regulation of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC335.
Course:SC338
Title:Molecular & General Genetics
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:Students in this course will study the inheritance of traits, starting with basic (Mendelian) genetics and ending with modern molecular biology. The course will examine incomplete dominance, epistasis, pleiotropy, transformation, cloning, genetic engineering, imprinting, and experimental techniques. Co-listed as SB338. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SB251 or SC335.
Course:SC341
Title:Chem Engineering Processes
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:An introductory course designed to prepare students to analyze material and energy balances relative to chemical processes utilizing the engineering approach for problem-solving. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC112, SP212, SM221.
Course:SC345
Title:Physical Chemistry I
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:This course explores physical and chemical phenomena with an emphasis on thermodynamics. An introduction to kinetics is included. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: (SC112 or SC151), SP211 and SM212 or Dept Chair approval.
Course:SC346
Title:Physical Chemistry II
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:A continuation of SC345, with an emphasis on the quantum theory of atomic and molecular structure including spectroscopy. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC345 and SM212 or Dept Chair approval.
Course:SC351
Title:Chemical Structure By X-Rays
Credits: 2—2—3
Description:X-ray diffraction is the most powerful tool for determining the three-dimensional structures of molecules. This course is a practical, hands-on, introduction to modern methods of 3D molecular structure determination by X-ray diffraction. Students will learn the basics of the technique from crystal growth to final structure solution. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC112 and SM212.
Course:SC356
Title:Inorganic Chemistry
Credits: 4—0—4
Description: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 compounds. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC226 and SC345.
Course:SC361
Title:Integrated Lab III
Credits: 1—6—3
Description:The course Integrated Lab III - Physical Principles and Quantitative Analysis examines the theory and behavior of molecules and ions in solution. These are studied in the laboratory by classical and modern instrumental methods of analysis. Quantitative laboratory technique is stressed and sampling techniques and statistical analysis of data are introduced. Experimental design and application of analytical methods to real systems is emphasized. Students apply these techniques in a laboratory analysis of their own design. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC262; Coreq: SC345 unless waived by department chair.
Course:SC364
Title:Integrated Lab Iv - Advanced Lab And Seminar
Credits: 1—6—3
Description:This laboratory course emphasizes the theory, structure, synthesis and characterization of inorganic and organometallic compounds through application of a number of advanced techniques. Advanced synthetic methods include photochemical, high temperature and inert-atmosphere reactions. Advanced analytical methods include magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR, Raman and high-resolution, gas-phase spectroscopy and fast reaction (stopped-flow) kinetics. In addition, a weekly seminar that includes discussions and presentations by faculty, student and distinguished visitors provides exposure to the wide-ranging scope of chemistry. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC3631 Coreq: SC346 and SC356 unless waived by department chair.
Course:SC412
Title:Environmental Chemistry
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:Many analytical chemistry techniques can be used to learn more about the chemistry of our environment. In this course students will be exposed to specific applications of these techniques to various environmental systems (i.e. water, air, soil, etc.). Topics to be explored may include the bio- and geo-chemical cycles, the effect of military activities on the environment and the use of "green chemistry" in industry. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC262 or SC264 or permission of the department chair.
Course:SC416
Title:Analytical Chem In Forensics
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:This course will address the types of sample collection techniques used in criminal investigations, as well as the chemical and instrumental methods used to determine the presence of substances associated with illicit activities. Emphasis will be placed on specific forensic investigative techniques such as DNA fingerprinting, drug detection, arson investigations (petroleum residues), bombings (explosives residues) and characterization of fibers and paint. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC361.
Course:SC421
Title:Polymer Chemistry
Credits: 2—2—3
Description:The synthesis, characterization and physical chemistry of macromolecules, both man-made and natural, will be presented with the ultimate goal of understanding the relationship between molecular structure and physical properties. Polymer processing, fabrication and recent novel applications, including those related to the Navy, will be presented. Field trips to local polymer research and manufacturing facilities are planned. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC226 and SC264.
Course:SC425
Title:Medicinal Chemistry
Credits: 2—2—3
Description:This course will provide a foundation in how pharmacologically active compounds (drugs) work, explore various classes of pharmaceuticals and how they are discovered and review some of the state-of-the-art research being carried out by the military to maximize combat effectiveness. Selected topics will be explored in the laboratory [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC226 and SC335.
Course:SC431
Title:Microbial Chemistry
Credits: 2—2—3
Description:This course will explore the interactions that occur between microbes and their surroundings, including human hosts and extreme environments. Species of these "simple" organisms have evolved diverse mechanisms to combat assault by antibiotics, heavy metals, pollutants and extreme irradiation. The lab component of the class will include identifying, cultivating and testing organisms with survival mechanisms of interest. Co-listed as SB431. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SB251 and SC335.
Course:SC435
Title:Biophysical Chemistry
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:Phenomena such as ligand binding, protein and nucleic acid folding and structure, biomolecular motion, and membrane structure and function will be studied by examining the intermolecular forces, kinetics and thermodynamics that govern them. Relevant experimental techniques will also be discussed. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC335 and SC345.
Course:SC442
Title:Propellants And Explosives
Credits: 2—2—3
Description:This course will delve into the structural, physical, and chemical properties of energetic materials. Students will investigate the application of energetic materials to military and civilian uses and will explore methods and processes to detect and characterize energetic materials both before and after use. Laboratory experiments investigating energetic materials and their applications are planned. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC226, SC345.
Course:SC446
Title:Quantum Chemistry
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:The principles of quantum mechanics are reviewed and used to develop molecular orbital theory which is applied to the structure and properties of molecules. Modern quantum chemistry software will be used for electronic structure calculations. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: SC346.
Course:SC451
Title:Bioinorganic Chemistry
Credits: 3—0—3
Description:Life is inorganic, too. Every breath uses the iron protein, hemoglobin, and every step is supported by bone made of calcium salts and driven by phosphate containing molecules such as ATP. This course will shed light on the structure and function of these bioinorganic compounds using a host of techniques such as X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. [fall]
Requisites:Prereq: SC335 and SC356 or permission of the department chair.
Course:SC472
Title:Chemistry Seminar
Credits: 1—0—1
Description:1/C Chemistry majors meet weekly to discuss ongoing research projects. Each student pursuing a research project will be expected to make a seminar presentation. Other seminar speakers may include department faculty members and researchers from outside the Academy. [spring]
Requisites:Prereq: 1/C SCH major.
Course:SC476
Title:Capstone Project
Credits: 0—6—3
Description:Under the guidance of a faculty member, students in this course undertake projects that require them to bring together and apply multiple aspects of their chemistry education. Oral and written progress reports are required at the end ot the semester. [fall, spring].
Requisites:Prereq: 1/C SCH major.