Elective offerings: FALL 2014 CHEMISTRY / BIOLOGY ELECTIVES SC287: Qualitative Bonding Theory (3-0-3)
LT Theron Hamilton
In modern chemical practice, quantum mechanics is central to the understanding of chemical
bonds. This course will first focus on developing a deeper qualitative understanding of
Schrödinger's equation via pre-written Mathematica programs with the goal of giving novice and
advanced students more insight into the nature of chemical reactivity and bonding than is gained
in most undergraduate classes. Several classical and quantum bonding models will then be
explored in detail including Lewis theory, the ionic, covalent, polar covalent, Coulombic, and
VSEPR models as well as valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, and the less well
known electron tunneling model. The concepts of energy match and overlap, HOMOs, LUMOs,
and SOMOs will inform our subsequent discussions of reactivity.
Prereq: SC111 and SM121, NOTE: This course does not count as a chemistry major elective.
SC351 X-Ray Structure Determination (2-2-3)
Associate Professor W. Pearson
X-ray diffraction is the most powerful tool for determining the three dimensional structures of
molecules. This course is a practical, hands-on, introduction to the modern methods of crystal
structure determination using X-ray diffraction. Through a series of lectures and lab sessions,
students will learn the basics of the technique from crystal growth to final structure solution.
Prereq: SC112, Coreq SM212.
SB453: Neuroscience and Developmental Biology (3-2-4)
Assistant Professor D. Isaac
This course offers an advanced treatment of neuroscience and developmental biology that builds
on both the molecular and cellular background provided in SB251 and the basic principles
underlying nervous system function introduced in SB252 and applies them to topics including
both somatic and special sensory modalities, initiation, execution and coordination of motor
programs and the neuroanatomical organization of the pathways that control these functions.
Additional special topics will be introduced on a rotating basis. The course will also use the
examples set by studies performed in model organisms to elucidate the mechanisms by which
normal development proceeds in higher eukaryotes with an emphasis on neural development.
Prereq: SB252. The course does not count as a chemistry major elective.
SC485A: Electrochemical Applications for Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Delivery (3-03)
Asst. Prof. R. Calhoun
This course will offer insight into a broad spectrum of modern electrochemically based efforts to
harvest, store, and delivery energy. We will cover solar and fuel cells of various designs as well
as the scale of these various methods. This includes examples from biobased storage up to grid
level delivery of electricity. Finally, metrics of performance and techniques for measuring these
metrics will be discussed and demonstrated. Readings and assignments will come from various
sources and emphasize the use of peer reviewed journals for up to date states of the practice in
these areas. Prereq: SC216 or permission of instructor.
SC485B: Nobel Endeavors (3-0-3)
Associate Professor Virginia Smith
Since its establishment in 1901, the Nobel Prize committee has done a remarkable job
identifying landmark achievements in physics, chemistry and medicine. The field of
biochemistry, which sits at the interface of the physical and biological sciences, is perfectly
poised to benefit from the achievements of scientists recognized by two categories of Nobel
Prizes - Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine. We will examine selected prizes that represent
significant conceptual breakthroughs and technological advances in order to understand their
lasting impact on the field of biochemistry. Students will learn the theoretical basis and
experimental details of these prize-winning discoveries by reading original journal articles
supplemented by background reading and lectures. The course will be taught in seminar style,
with a heavy emphasis on student participation. Prerequisite: SC335 or permission of instructor.
Shorter description:
Nobel Endeavors (3-0-3)
We will examine selected Nobel Prizes awarded in Chemistry and Medicine that represent
significant conceptual breakthroughs and technological advances in order to understand their
lasting impact on the field of biochemistry. Students will learn the theoretical basis and
experimental details of these prize-winning discoveries by reading original journal articles
supplemented by background reading and lectures. The course will be taught in seminar style,
with a heavy emphasis on student participation. Prereq: SC335 or permission of instructor.
SC485C: Does the Chemistry Make Sense and How to Explain It (3-0-3)
Professor Craig Whitaker
This course will focus on the many different techniques for the presentation and collection of
scientific data. Students will have the opportunity to create labs to investigate chemical
phenomenon on display in the world around us. The course participants will hone their
presentation skills by developing lectures and posters. They will learn how to deliver chemical
information to large and small audiences. The goal is to give the students a better understanding
of the chemistry they are inundated with on a daily basis and how to disseminate this information
once has gone through an internal filter. Topics to be discussed will range from art history to
“Breaking Bad” the TV series. Prereq: SC225, SC226, SC261 and SC262.
SPRING 2015 CHEMISTRY / BIOLOGY ELECTIVES SB338: Molecular and General Genetics (3-0-3)
Assistant Professor D. Isaac
Students in this course will study the inheritance of traits, starting with basic (Mendelian)
genetics and ending with modern molecular biology. The course will examine incomplete
dominance, epistasis, pleiotropy, transformation, cloning, genetic engineering, imprinting, and
experimental techniques. Colisted as SC338. Prereq: SB251 or SC335.
SC336: Biochemistry II (3-0-3)
Assistant Professor C. Sweet
This course will provide advanced treatment of topics covered in SC335, such as biomolecular
structure, bioenergetcs and enzyme kinetics, and cover the following new material as well:
biosynthesis of amino acids, nucleotides and cofactors; photosynthesis and plant metabolic
cycles; signal transduction; molecular genetics; regulation of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene
expression. There will be an introduction to virology, immunology and the metabolism of
specialized cells. Prereq: SC335.
SC412: Environmental Chemistry (3-0-3)
Associate Professor Ronald Siefert
Many analytical chemistry techniques can be used to learn more about the chemistry of our
environment. In this course students will be exposed to specific applications of these techniques
to various environmental systems (e.g. water, air, soil, etc.). Topics to be explored may include
the bio-and geochemical cycles, the effect of military activities on the environment and the use
of “green chemistry” in industry. Prereq: SC216 or permission of instructor.
SC486C: Organic Chemistry of Biological Processes and Medicinal Applications (3-0-3).
Associate Professor Clare Gutteridge
Pharmaceutical drugs are typically small organic molecules designed to participate in a particular
biochemical process to bring about an improvement in health. An understanding of the organic
mechanism for such a process, coupled an ability to design and synthesize an effective drug
molecule, is therefore helpful. This course will explore both of these by building upon the
coverage of biochemical processes from SC335 (particularly those associated with disease, with
an emphasis on the underlying organic mechanisms involved) and by investigating how drugs
are discovered and how they work, focusing on those for infectious disease and/or with military
significance. Prerequisites SC226 and SC335