Curriculum | Applied Chemistry

This course will cover advanced instrumentation techniques utilized in chemistry and biochemistry research laboratories. The course will also cover the application of these techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis of molecules and samples. An emphasis will be placed on structural elucidation of complex organic molecules containing stereochemistry using UV-vis spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry (MS), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry (1D & 2D). Additional coursework will focus on quantification of compounds by Gas Chromatography (GC) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This course is a studio course that integrates lecture/laboratory work for 4 hours per week.

This set of Chemical Education courses will focus on educational principles and current approaches to teaching college-level chemistry. Students will learn about high impact teaching practices such as universal design of course materials, the use of active learning and inquiry-based classroom exercises, and inclusive teaching practices. This course will also provide opportunities for students to develop their presentation, demonstration and communication skills. A hands-on component will involve performing lab experiments, demonstrating applied laboratory skills, and clearly explaining the chemical principles of each experiment. This course meets once per week for 2 hours.

Graduate seminar courses will focus on preparing students for thesis writing and presentation. In the literature and writing seminar students will learn how to use chemical databases such as SciFindern and the CCDC. An emphasis will be placed on critically reading literature. Additionally, students will explore technical writing skills and begin the process of their thesis writing. This class meets once per week for 2 hours.

In the presenting and career seminar students will learn how to present chemical data to a wide audience. This course will emphasize presenting data to persons within the chemical community and preparing a “job talk”. Additionally, presenting data to the general public will be discussed. This seminar course will also explore various chemical career opportunities and the job skills needed to be competitive when entering the job market. This class meets once per week for 2 hours.

This is a laboratory based, Master’s level research course. Students will work with a faculty member as a part of their research team working on complex chemical problems. In addition to laboratory work, course requirements include literature reviews, group discussions, writing chemical results and keeping a notebook. A presentation of background and preliminary data to the department is required at the end of the semester.

A continuation of Graduate Research I. This is a laboratory based, Master’s level research course. Students will work with a faculty member as a part of their research team working on complex chemical problems. In addition to laboratory work, course requirements include literature reviews, group discussions, writing chemical results and keeping a notebook. A presentation of data to the department is required at the end of the semester.

A continuation of Graduate Research II. This is a laboratory based, Master’s level research course. Students will work with a faculty member as a part of their research team working on complex chemical problems. In addition to laboratory work, course requirements include literature reviews, group discussions, writing chemical results and keeping a notebook. Presentation of a Master’s-level thesis is required.

This course will cover advanced synthetic methods with an emphasis on the application of structure and theory to mechanism and reaction dynamics. Topics include stereochemical features of reactions, conformational analysis, stereoelectronic effects and retro-synthesis of small molecules. Advanced organic reactions including modern carbon- carbon bond formation techniques, organometallic reagents, pericyclic reactions and enantioselective catalysis will also be discussed.

This course will focus on the role that metal ions play in biological systems. The transport, storage, and binding of metals in biological systems will be discussed in great detail. Special attention will be given to the importance of metal ions and their complexes in oxygen transport, Lewis acid catalysis, electron transfer, and signaling, as well as their use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Different methods used to study the function of the metal ions (model complexes and specialized spectroscopic methods) will also be covered. Distribution of the 4 hrs between classroom and laboratory time each week will be at the discretion of the instructor.

This course focuses on the structure, characterization, and applications of biomaterials, with a special focus on using the principles of green chemistry and systems thinking to evaluate and design sustainable products. Topics include biopolymers, nanomaterials, catalysts, biosensors, and life cycle assessment. This course stresses the importance of research, teamwork, and communication skills.

This course will cover medicinal chemistry concepts with an emphasis on the drug discovery process. Topics will include catalytic strategies, genres of inhibitors, drug discovery processes, and the biochemical basis of disease. The course will also examine the mode of action of antibiotics and other influential drugs. The course will also have a brief overview of pharmacology. The course will be composed of both lecture and laboratory components.