Section Info: CHEM-339-01

Course Title: Biological Organic Chemistry
Start Date: 01/27/2026 End Date: 05/12/2026
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Description: This course explores the underlying organic chemistry of biosynthetic pathways and thereby seeks to build a framework for understanding molecular-level biological transformations from the perspective of mechanistic organic chemistry. Beginning with common biological mechanisms, and drawing parallels with their sophomore organic chemistry counterparts, a broad overview will be constructed of the pathways by which key classes of biological molecules are assembled, modified, and consumed. Several classic biosynthetic pathways will be dissected as seminal examples in the field. The contemporary literature will be mined for further inspiration with a key element of the class taking the form of a poster and short talk presentation of student selected work.
Distribution(s): II - Math & Sciences
Academic Level Of Course: Undergraduate     Credits:4.00    

Faculty         Phone         Email address        
Darren Hamilton   413-538-3427   hamilton@mtholyoke.edu  

Meeting Dates         Method         Meeting days         Meeting times         Building name         Room     Frequency    
01/27/2026 - 05/12/2026   Lecture   Wednesday   01:30PM - 04:20PM   TBA   TBA   Weekly

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Requisite Courses        
Prereq: CHEM-302. Take previously   Required  

Comments        
Additional Comments        
Course Tags        

Cross-listed Sections        
None  

Course Availability
Section status: Open     Capacity: 16     Enrollment: 12     Available: 4     Waitlist: 0

BOOK INFORMATION

Book List         Required         Publisher Full Price        
To be determined.                    

Additional Book Comments        
This is NOT the complete book list for this class.