Contact
Amy Deveau, Ph.D.
Director, School of Molecular and Physical Sciences
adeveau@une.edu
Mission
Chemistry and physics are fundamental sciences that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us. Chemistry is the study of matter — its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany those processes. Chemistry often is referred to as the central science, it rests upon the foundation of mathematics and physics and in turn, is the essential basis for the life sciences such as biology and medicine. Chemistry is largely an experimental science and has applications diverse areas of research, including the development of new drugs, the search for solutions to problems of environmental pollution, and the derivation of alternative energy sources. Much cutting-edge research in biology and medicine is being carried out at the level of atoms and molecules, the particles of matter upon which the study of chemistry is based.
Physics, too, is the study of matter and energy, viewed from a different perspective. Understanding living systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them.
In addition to offering majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Laboratory Science, and minors in Chemistry Biochemistry, and Biophysics, the School of Molecular and Physical Sciences fills a significant role for students in other programs through its introductory courses in chemistry and physics. Because of the fundamental roles of chemistry and physics in the biological, environmental, and health sciences, students in these programs benefit from the conceptual, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills stressed in the introductory courses, which form the foundation for later courses in the students' majors.
Program Description
The minor in Biochemistry, with its balanced curriculum, assures that each student will gain a solid biochemical foundation, while securing a substantial foundation in the other major chemical subdisciplines, including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry.
This minor is an excellent choice for students who are especially interested in studying the infrastructure and applications of chemistry in biological systems.
Curricular Requirements
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 370 – Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis w/Lab or CHE 450 – Advanced Biochemistry Lab | 3–5 |
| CHE 350/350L – Biochemistry I: Proteins w/Lab | 5 |
| CHE 351 – Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics & Metabolism | 3 |
| Minimum of One (1) Program Specific Elective (below) | 2–5 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 18 |
|---|
| Program Specific Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 232/232L – Microbiology w/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 254 – Medicinal Plant Biology | 3 |
| BIO 306 – Virology | 3 |
| BIO 318 – Nutrition through the Life Cycle | 3 |
| BIO 365 – Immunology | 3 |
| BIO 404/404S – Neuroscience** w/Recitation | 4 |
| BIO 407 – Developmental Biology | 3 |
| CHE 280/280L – Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry w/Lab | 3 |
| CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis* w/Lab | 5 |
| CHE 320 – Mechanistic Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 327 – Applied Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 371 – Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 375 – Advanced Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 405 – Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 417/417L – Instrumental Methods of Analysis w/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 420 – Spectroscopic Methods of Structural Analysis | 3 |
| CHE 450 – Advanced Biochemistry Lab* | 3 |
| MAR 326 – Experimental Animal Physiology | 3 |
| NEU 205/205L – Introduction to Neurobiology w/Lab | 4 |
*If not chosen as a required course.
**Enrollment eligibility is dependent upon availability and requires permission.
Additionally, selected topics courses may be acceptable. Contact the director of the School of Molecular and Physical Sciences for more information.
There are no restrictions on counting a course towards this minor and other program requirements.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the University of New England for the 2025–2026 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 semesters.
The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 30, 2025.
The University of New England reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.
While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.