Chemistry & Biochemistry
CH 502. Bioinorganic Chemistry
The subject matter of this course is bioinorganic chemistry, with emphasis on the application of physical methods to the study of active sites in bioinorganic systems. The physical methods discussed include magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic absorption spectroscopy, resonance Raman spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, EXAFS and electrochemical techniques. Applications of these to a variety of metalloproteins including oxygen carriers (myoglobin, hemoglobin, hemocyanin), blue copper proteins, iron sulfur proteins, and low molecular weight structural and functional model systems are covered in detail.
The emphasis is on using a variety of spectroscopic data to arrive at molecular structures, particularly of organic molecules. Major emphasis is on H- and C-NMR, IR and MS. There is relatively little emphasis on theory or on sampling handling techniques.
CH 531. Electronic Interpretation of Organic Reactions
Organic reaction mechanisms are interpreted in terms of "electron-pushing" rationalizations and elementary molecular orbital theory. The course involves a series of problem-solving discussion sessions.
CH 533. Physical Organic Chemistry
Mechanisms of representative organic reactions and the methods used for their evaluation. Structural, electronic and stereochemical influences on reaction mechanisms.
CH 534. Organic Photochemistry
Introduction to the photophysical and photochemical consequences of light absorption by molecules. Experimental techniques, excited state description, photochemical kinetics and energy transfer are among the topics discussed in relation to the primary photochemical reactions in simple and complex molecules.
CH 536. Theory and Applications of NMR Spectroscopy
This course emphasizes the fundamental aspects of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The theory of pulsed Fourier transform NMR is presented through the use of vector diagrams. A conceptual nonmathematical approach is employed in discussion of NMR theory. The course is geared toward an audience which seeks an understanding of NMR theory and an appreciation of the practical applications of NMR in chemical analysis. Students are exposed to hands-on NMR operation. Detailed instructions are provided and each student is expected to carry out his or her own NMR experiments on a Bruker AVANCE 400 MHz NMR spectrometer.
CH 538. Medicinal Chemistry
This course will focus on the medicinal chemistry aspects of drug discovery from an industrial pharmaceutical research and development perspective. Topics will include chemotherapeutic agents (such as antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor agents) and pharmacodynamic agents (such as antihypertensive, antiallergic, antiulcer and CNS agents). (Prerequisite: A good foundation in organic chemistry, e.g., CH 2310 Organic Chemistry I and CH 2320 Organic Chemistry II.)
CH 539. Molecular Pharmacology
After a review of the pertinent aspects of human physiology, the course will focus on the variety of chemical messengers in the body, their storage release, action on target receptors and eventual fate. Discussion of endocrine receptors introduces the fundamental concepts of receptoreffector coupling, which are developed further in studies of the molecular structure and function of ion channels with application to the nerve impulse and of the acetylcholine receptors. Concepts of agonist and antagonist specificity, nonspecific blocking, drug addiction, etc. will be further developed in discussions of the cathecholamines and the neuractive peptides. Nonreceptor blocking will be further developed in a segment of ion cotransport systems in renal regulation. A knowledge of the material covered in one of the following is recommended: (1) CH 4110 and CH 4120, (2) BB 3100, or (3) CH 538, plus an understanding of protein and membrane structures.
CH 540. Regulation of Gene Expression
This course covers the biochemical mechanisms involved in regulation of gene expression: modifications of DNA structures that influence transcription rates, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional processing of RNA including splicing and editing, nuclear/cytoplasmic transport, regulation of translation, and factors that control the half-lives of both mRNA and protein. During the course, common experimental methods are explored, including a discussion of the information available from each method.
CH 541. Membrane Biophysics
This course will focus on different areas of biophysics with special emphasis on membrane phenomena. The biomedical-biological importance of biophysical phenomena will be stressed. The course will begin with an introduction to the molecular forces relevant in biological media and subsequently develop the following topics: membrane structure and function; channels, carriers and pumps; nerve excitation and related topics; and molecular biophysics of motility. Topics will be developed assuming a good understanding of protein and lipid chemistry, enzyme kinetics, cell biology, and electricity.
CH 554/CHE 554. Molecular Modeling
This course trains students in the area of molecular modeling using a variety of quantum mechanical and force field methods. The approach will be toward practical applications, for researchers who want to answer specific questions about molecular geometry, transition states, reaction paths and photoexcited states. No experience in programming is necessary; however, a backround at the introductory level in quantum mechanics is highly desirable. Methods to be explored include density functional theory, ab initio methods, semiempirical molecular orbital theory, and visualization software for the graphical display of molecules.
1 to 3 credits as arranged
A course of advanced study in selected areas whose content and format varies to suit the interest and needs of faculty and students. This course may be repeated for different topics covered. See the supplement section of the on-line catalog for descriptions of courses to be offered in this academic year.
CH 560 Current Topics in Biochemistry
1 credit per semester
In this seminar course, a different topic is selected each semester. Current articles are read and analyzed. See the supplement section of the on-line catalog for descriptions of courses to be offered in this academic year.
CH 561. Functional Genomics
1 credit per semester
In this seminar course, students will present and critically analyze selected, recent publications in functional genomics. The course will conclude with a written project, either a mini-grant proposal or an analysis of publicly available data in a research manuscript format. The course will be offered in alternate years in lieu of CH 560, may be repeated as many times as offered, and satisfies the department's requirement for a graduate seminar in biochemistry.
CH 571. Seminar
0.5 credit per semester
Reports on current advances in the various branches of chemistry.
CH 4110. Biochemistry I
The principles of protean structure are presented. Mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis, including those requiring coenzymes, are outlined in detail. The structures and biochemical properties of carbohydrates are reviewed. Bioenergetics, the role of ATP, and its production through glycolysis and the TCA cycle are fully considered.
CH 4120. Biochemistry II
Oriented around biological membranes, this term begins with a discussion of electron transport and the aerobic production of ATP, followed by a study of photosynthesis. The study of the biosynthesis of lipids and steroids leads to a discussion of the structure and function of biological membranes. Finally, the membrane processes in neurotransmission are discussed. (Recommended background: CH 4110.)
CH 4130. Biochemistry III
This course presents a thorough analysis of the biosynthesis of DNA (replication), RNA (transcription) and proteins (translation), and of their biochemical precursors. Proteins and RNAs have distinct lifetimes within the living cell; thus the destruction of these molecules is an important biochemical process that is also discussed. In addition to mechanistic studies, regulation of these processes is covered.
CH 4330. Organic Synthesis
A discussion of selected modern synthetic methods including additions, condensations and cyclizations. Emphasis is placed on the logic and strategy of organic synthesis. (Recommended background: CH 2310, CH 2320 and CH 2330, or the equivalent.) This course will be offered in 2004-2005 and in alternate years thereafter.
CH 4420. Inorganic Chemistry II
Complexes of the transition metals are discussed. Covered are the electronic structures of transition metal atoms and ions, and the topological and electronic structures of their complexes. Symmetry concepts are developed early in the course and used throughout to simplify treatments of electronic structure. The molecular orbital approach to bonding is emphasized. The pivotal area of organotransition metal chemistry is introduced, with focus on complexes of carbon monoxide, metal-metal interactions in clusters, and catlysis by metal complexes. (Recommended background: CH 2310 and CH 2320, or equivalent.) This course will be offered in 2002-2003 and in alternate years thereafter.
CH 4520. Chemical Statistical Mechanics
This course deals with how the electronic, translational, rotational and vibrational energy levels of individual molecules, or of macromolecular systems are statistically related to the energy, entropy and free energy of macroscopic systems, taking into account the quantum mechanical properties of the component particles. Ensembles, partition functions, and Boltzmann, Fermi/Dirac and Bose- Einstein statistics are used. A wealth of physical chemical phenomena, including material related to solids, liquids, gases, spectroscopy and chemical reactions are made understandable by the concepts learned in this course. This course will be offered in 2005-2006 and in alternate years thereafter.
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