CHEM 451/651 Mechanisms of Organic Reactions. Dr. Paul Smith (T Th 10 – 11:15 am; MEYR 272)
Area: Organic Chemistry. Methods used to determine the mechanisms of organic reactions and factors affecting reactivity are discussed, along with a limited survey of specific reaction types and practice using arrow-pushing formalisms.
CHEM 455/655 Medicinal Chemistry, Dr. Kathie Seley-Radtke (T Th 11:30 – 12:45; XXX)
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 RNA Structure & Function, Dr. Deepak Koirala (MWF 11 – 11:50; MEYR 272)
Area: Biochemistry. Description: The “RNA Structure & Function” course is highly interdisciplinary, designed for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology. It provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances and future directions in functional RNA molecules, covering their diversity across biological systems, methods for determining their structures, RNA catalysis, RNA-based gene regulation, RNA epigenetics, and applications of RNA aptamers in technology and therapeutics. Drawing on current research literature, students explore these topics through student-led seminars on recent articles and by writing critical reviews. By the end of the course, students will not only understand the roles of RNAs in biological processes and biochemical reactions and how they interact within cells, but also develop skills to evaluate scientific literature, identify challenges, and design research strategies in RNA biology.
CHEM 490/684 Bioanalytical Lab-on-a-Chip, Dr. Chengpeng Chen (MWF 9 – 9:50; MEYR 272)
Area: Analytical Chemistry. Description: This course aims to introduce students to the field of bioanalytical chemistry using microfluidic devices. There are three modules of the course: microfluidic basics and example applications, reinforcement of instrumental analysis, and literature studies. In-class discussion will be highly involved. Students are welcomed to bring their own research problems/thoughts that might be solved by microfluidic technologies.