CHEM 406/606 Bioinorganic Chemistry, Dr. Aaron Smith (T Th 10 – 11:15; Meyr 272)
Area: Biochemistry, Inorganic. This course, which will be split into three parts, is designed to give the participant an overview of the field of bioinorganic chemistry. The first division will focus on the diversity of elements found in biological systems and used in medicinal settings, with an emphasis on understanding the unique coordination chemistry and electronic structure of transition metals in protein or nucleic acid scaffolds. The second division will detail the physical and spectroscopic methods that are used to characterize metal ions in biological systems, with an emphasis on the practical interpretation of data derived from these techniques. The final division of the course will focus on mechanisms of metalloenzyme-catalyzed transformations, with an emphasis on critical reading and interpretation of primary literature as a means to understand cutting-edge advances in the field. By the end of this course, the participant will have a strong understanding of why and how metal ions are utilized by biological systems to execute the most difficult chemistry on the planet. NOTE that neither 405 nor 405L is required as a pre-requisite for this course.
CHEM 455/655 Medicinal Chemistry, Dr. Kathie Seley-Radtke (T Th 11:30 – 12:45; LH8)
Area: Organic, Biochemistry. A survey of the drug design, discovery and development processes utilized by academic and industrial medicinal chemists using rational approaches to drug design and development from a biological, organic chemistry and mechanistic standpoint. Topics will include: structure activity relationship studies (SAR), identification of the pharmacophore, stereochemical considerations, the role of electronic and H-bonding interactions, bioavailability, chemical and metabolic stability, toxicity, drug metabolism, DNA interactive drugs, receptors and enzymes as drug targets, the design and mechanistic features of receptor and enzyme inhibitors and the pharmacokinetic variability and design of prodrugs, the advantages and disadvantages of using monotherapy vs combination therapies such as multitargeted drugs, dual inhibitors and mutual prodrugs, among other current approaches to drug design. Additional topics will include the use of computers in drug design, the development of resistance, use of synergism in multidrug therapy, clinical trials, patent issues as well as moral and ethical responsibilities facing medicinal chemists. Case studies will focus on currently used (or recently used, but discontinued) drugs, particularly those reflecting controversy or innovation, as well as historical perspectives. Pre-requisite: Chem 352 with a grade of C or better.
CHEM 490/684 Advanced NMR Spectroscopy, Dr. Michael Summers (MWF 8 – 8:50)
Areas: Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry. This course focuses on theoretical aspects of solution-state NMR spectroscopy and their applications to chemical and biological systems. NMR theory is described using principles of classical and quantum mechanical physics. Emphasis is placed on theories behind methods commonly used for biomolecular structure/function studies, including the nuclear Overhauser effect, sensitivity enhancement of insensitive nuclei, and multi-dimensional NMR methods. Chem 490 by permission only.
CHEM 490/684 Photochemical Reaction Mechanisms, Dr. Bradley Arnold (T Th 8:30 – 9:45; Meyr 272)
Area: Physical Chemistry. Discussion of light induced molecular transformations and the mechanisms of organic and biochemical reactions using light. Up-to-date descriptions of modern methods in photochemistry.
CHEM 490/684 Quantitative Analytical Microscopy, Dr. Minji Kyoung (MWF 9 – 9:50; Meyr 272)
Area: Analytical Chemistry. In this course, students will be exposed to advanced, cutting-edge analytical microscopy for chemical and biochemical analyses. The focus of this course will be on providing insight into the molecular information that can be obtained from the various imaging methodologies discussed as well as current cutting-edge advances in these areas. This course covers the principles, current and potential applications and implementations of analytical microscopy to provide students with the knowledge to apply suitable methods within their own or future research. Upon successful completion of this course, student will be able to: 1) recognize the most powerful/suitable quantitative microscopic technique for a given biochemical and biophysical problem, 2) comprehend the results from a given quantitative microscopic technique, 3) understand the physical, chemical, biological and instrumental fundamentals underlying these measurements, and 4) develop advanced ideas to quantitatively solve given biochemical and biophysical problems. Students will be able to determine the most applicable imaging method for analysis for real-world applications of interest in chemistry, biochemistry, biology and materials science as well as how to implement them. No prerequisite is required. This class is intended for graduate students and senior‐level undergraduates
CHEM 490/684 Advanced Synthetic Methods, Dr. Marcin Ptaszek (MWF 11 – 11:50; Meyr 272)
Area: Organic. The course surveys modern methods of organic synthesis, including classical approaches (e.g., enolate chemistry, pericyclic reactions) and new methods (e.g., metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, olefin metathesis, organocatalysis, photocatalysis). Scope and limitations for each method are discussed. Each method is illustrated by exemplary applications in total synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials chemistry, from the current chemical literature. Pre-requisite: Chem 352 (Organic Chemistry II) or equivalent.
All elective courses listed above are approved for both CHEM and BIOC Majors.