FALL 2011 CHEMISTRY / BIOLOGY ELECTIVES
SC485F - The Chemistry of Cooking (2-2-3)
Professor M. Schroeder
This course will investigate the physical and chemical processes involved in cooking (molecular
gastronomy). Topics will include the basic components of food, chemical transformations in the
kitchen, flavorings, food toxins and survival foods, and nutrition. Laboratory experiments will
investigate thermal transitions of chocolate, crystal formation in candy, egg protein behavior, beer
and bread making, and the kinetics of food spoilage. Prereq: SC112.
SC485B Nobel Endeavors (3-0-3)
Associate Prof. V. 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 contribute to, and
benefit from, advances recognized by Nobel committee. In this course we will examine a number
of the prize-winning conceptual breakthroughs and technological advances, place these
achievements into historical context, and assess their lasting impact on biochemistry. We will
read original journal articles and reference texts to understand the theory and experimental details
behind the discoveries, supplemented with biographical materials on the scientists themselves.
The course will be taught in seminar style, with a heavy emphasis on student participation.
Prereq: SC335 or permission of instructor.
SC485C: Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (3-0-3)
Professor J. Urban
This course will revisit fundamental topics from Organic Chemistry I and II such as
conformational analysis, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms. It will also delve into a
selection of special topics derived from the current research literature in organic chemistry
including, for example, fluorine in bioorganic chemistry, organic compounds as peptide mimics
and foldamers, and molecular recognition and self-assembly of organic compounds. Students
will also make use of molecular modeling software to investigate the structure-property
relationships of organic compounds throughout the course. Prerequisite: SC226. Corequisites:
SC335, SC345, or permission from instructor.
SB487 Advanced Topics in Biology (3-2-4)
Assistant Professor D. Isaac
The content of this course can change on a rotating basis and will feature a rigorous treatment of
various areas in modern biology. The topic(s) for Fall of 2011 are Neurobiology and
Developmental Biology. For the former, the course will build on basic principles underlying
nervous system function introduced in SB252 and apply them to sensory modalities such as
vision, taste, hearing and balance as well as nervous system development and higher cortical
functions. For the latter, the course will use the examples set by studies performed in model
organisms such as the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster to elucidate the mechanisms by which
normal development proceeds in higher eukaryotes. A lab component of the course will
complement both areas of study. Prereq: SB252. Does not count as a chemistry major elective.
SPRING 2012 CHEMISTRY / BIOLOGY ELECTIVES
SC486A Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry (3-0-3)
CDR D. Brown
This course will survey current topics in Inorganic Chemistry. The course will consist of four 4week modules; 1) solid-state/material chemistry, 2) nanomaterials/nanotechnology, 3) catalysis
chemistry, and 4) photochemistry. The fundamentals as well as current research efforts will be
explored including recent journal publications. As new modules are developed, they may be
substituted based on current student interest. Guest lecturers or possible field trips to local areas
such as the Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Surface Warfare Center–Indian Head, or JHU/APL
will be explored.
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.
SC446 Quantum Chemistry (3-0-3)
Professor M. Elert
The principles of quantum mechanics are reviewed and used to develop molecular orbital theory
which is applied to the structure and properties of molecules. Modern quantum chemistry
software will be used for electronic structure calculations. Prereq: SC346.
SC486B Nobel prize-winning catalysis (3-0-3)
Associate Professor S. Lin
The Nobel prize in chemistry has been awarded 102 times since 1901. Four of those awards
(1963, 2001, 2005, 2010) have been given for significant accomplishments in the area of catalytic
synthetic reactions. This course will examine the chemistry of Ziegler-Natta polymerization,
asymmetric hydrogenation and oxidation, olefin metathesis, and carbon-carbon coupling
reactions. The history and the state-of-the-art of each topic will be explored through discussions
and reading of the primary literature. The impact of these reactions on industrial processes and
pharmaceutical development will also be surveyed. Prereq: SC226, SC356 or permission of
instructor.
SC416 Analytical Chemistry in Forensic Investigations (3-0-3)
Professor G. Cheek
This course will allow you to use your knowledge of chemistry to appreciate how modern
forensic investigators solve criminal cases, both high-profile and routine. The ingenuity
of the criminal mind can be thwarted by the application of chemical and instrumental
methods such as DNA fingerprinting, drug detection, arson investigations, bombings, and
characterization of fibers and paint. In the Integrated Laboratory sequence, we have used
many of the chemical and instrumental techniques used to solve crimes, and their
application to forensics will help you to understand their basic principles and
applicability. Some “hands-on” experience in laboratory techniques is also planned for
this course. In addition, the use of case studies will help you understand the role of
science in the larger world. Prereq: SC363.