CHEM-605 Separation Science

Presentation and practice of modern separation techniques including thin layer chromatography, analytical and preparative high pressure liquid chromatography, gel permeation chromatography, gas chromatography, ion chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, GC-MS and LC-MS, ion exchange, and differential centrifugation. Theory behind the processes, sample extraction methods, sample preparation techniques, methods used to standardize instruments and troubleshooting experiments are discussed. Students prepare a white paper proposal and present the experimental results of their research project.

CHEM-606 Trace Analysis

comparison of techniques for the quantitative analysis of trace quantities, with an emphasis on instruments with a low limit of detection. Trace analyses discussed includes atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, x-ray techniques, voltammetry and potentiometry, fluorimetry, and radiochemistry. Pre-concentration methods, such as purge and trap, solid phase extraction, and voltammetric stripping, will also be discussed.

CHEM-624 Application of Spectroscopy in Medicinal Chemistry

Spectroscopic methods for structure elucidation of organic compounds are of profound importance in many areas of pharmaceutical-, natural-, life- and health sciences. The course introduces students to basic theory and practical applications of modern spectroscopic techniques. In the pharmaceutical industry spectroscopy analysis is essential for identification of organic compounds, and in medicine, is becoming the norm for the future diagnosis of medical conditions by analysis of metabolites with better accuracy that the currently used immunoassays. The focus of this course is to introduce the student to practical problem-solving for small-molecule organic compounds and peptides.

CHEM-633 Protein Chemistry

An overview of the structure and function of proteins. After a description of the structure and physicochemical properties of proteins, the course will focus on protein biosynthesis, molecular biology techniques for the expression of recombinant proteins, chromatographic techniques for the separation of protein, experimental and computational techniques for the determination of protein structures. The design and synthesis of small molecular modulators of proteins that are drug targets for several important diseases will also be discussed.

CHEM-636 Clinical Laboratory: Analysis, Quality Assurance and Control

An overview of good laboratory practice for a clinical setting. The course will include actions necessary to provide adequate confidence in test results for a given set of requirements and standards. Specific topics will include statistics, patient preparation, specimen integrity, external proficiency control, internal quality control, analytical goals, and laboratory management.

CHEM-642 Chemical and Enzyme Kinetics

Study of reactions, catalysis, and enzymes. Reversible, concurrent, and consecutive reactions. Steady state approximation, transition states and mechanisms. Reactions in solutions and on surfaces.

CHEM-668 Medical Biochemistry

This course covers the biochemistry of human health and disease. In particular, it provides a critical illustration of the metabolic and signaling pathways characteristic of human health and compare them with those characteristic of pathological conditions. Moreover, the course covers the analysis metabolites for diagnostic purposes. The theoretical description of the topics will be accompanied by the discussion of practical medical literature cases.

CHEM-679 Chemical Warfare Agents

Chemicals have the potential to be used as weapons of mass destruction by States and terrorists. Understanding the chemistry and biochemistry of chemical warfare agents is key to put in place effective countermeasures. After a brief historical introduction and an overview of the chemical weapons convention, this course examines different classes of chemical warfare agents, covering structures, mechanisms of action, toxicology, medical countermeasures, personal protection equipment, decontamination and clinical detection. The course ends with an overview of the emergency response to chemical warfare agent incidents. The course combines lectures with seminar style discussions, with ample room for student participation.