ChemCombo
Contact UsApply for AdmissionCourses & RegistrationLibrary
Biochemistry Gradient
HOME > ACADEMIC PROGRAMS > COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Course Descriptions in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacognosy

Advanced Pharmacognosy, BS736

This course builds on information provided in Pharmacognosy (BS336). A combination of lecture and "journal club" format will be used, which will relate current literature to the lecture themes. Each student will be responsible for preparing a written and oral mini-review of the literature on a topic related to the current state of knowledge in pharmacognosy.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Cell Biology Methods, BS763

The theory of methodologies and techniques commonly used in modern cell biology and biochemistry laboratory settings. Each student will be required to develop an understanding of the theory and current practice of separations and analysis of biochemical and cellular systems, including cell cultures, SDS-PAGE, affinity chromatography, HPLC analysis, cell manipulation, ELISAs, and fluorescence microscopy. The course is complementary to BS767, Cell Biology Methods Laboratory.
(Prerequisite: one semester of cell biology and biochemistry, or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Current Research in Pharmacognosy, BS870

An in-depth consideration of current literature concerning the taxonomic distribution, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, extraction, pharmacology and economic uses of substances of natural origin. Students are expected to make presentations based on the current literature.
(Prerequisite: BS236, CH343 or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Heterocyclic Chemistry, CH718

A study of the major types of aromatic and nonaromatic heterocyclic compounds with a special interest in those having biochemical activity; their synthesis, physical properties, reactivity, influence on living systems, etc.
(Prerequisites: CH202 or CH212, and CH341)

(Back to top)

Physical Biochemistry, CH727

Application of principles of thermodynamics, kinetics and quantum chemistry to biochemical systems.
(Prerequisite: CH321)

(Back to top)

Advanced Biochemistry, CH728

Selected topics in protein structure and function, especially enzymology.
(Prerequisite: two semesters of undergraduate biochemistry)

(Back to top)

Master's Research, CH799

Candidates for the master of science degree, specializing in chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmacognosy, are required to complete a research project under the direction of a department faculty member.
(Prerequisite: permission of program director)

(Back to top)

Research Seminar, CH802

Graduate students present a formal seminar based on their research endeavors.
(Prerequisite: permission of program director)

(Back to top)

Critical Evaluation of Literature, CH805

Students critique current journal articles under the mentorship of different faculty members and a course coordinator.
(Prerequisite: permission of program director)

(Back to top)

Introduction to Research, CH878

A laboratory rotation through two seven-week chemical, biochemical or pharmacognosy research projects for graduate students matriculated in a graduate program in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
(Prerequisite: permission of program director)

(Back to top)

Current Literature, CH880

Chemical topics based on current literature are analyzed and presented orally and in a written precis. Writing, speech, delivery and use of visual aids are critiqued.
(Prerequisite: permission of program director)

(Back to top)

Graduate Project, CH888

Graduate students will perform a graduate level project under the direction of an advisor. This project may take one of several forms but must include a comprehensive literature search, a written paper and an oral presentation to the graduate faculty of the department.
(Prerequisite: permission of program director)

(Back to top)

Doctoral Research, CH899

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, specializing in biochemistry, are required to fulfill their research requirement under the direction of a department faculty member.
(Prerequisite: permission of program director)

(Back to top)

Introduction to Plant Tissue Culture, BS332

Introduction to the theory, practice and biotechnical applications of culturing plant cells, tissues and organs.
(Prerequisites: BS104 or BS131, and CH202 or CH212)

(Back to top)

Chemotaxonomy, BS722

Contemporary concepts of classification of plants in "chemical families," and relationship of new classification systems to classical taxonomy.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Plant Biochemistry, BS724

Biosynthetic mechanisms of the plant; biogenesis of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids and other plant principles.

(Back to top)

Ethnobotany, BS728

The study of the interactions of various human cultures with plants in the local environment. Topics on the use of plants in medicinal, ritual, and cultural contexts by various aboriginal cultures will be addressed.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Marine Pharmacognosy, BS737

Survey of nature and taxonomy of biotoxic marine organisms and consideration of the chemistry and biological activity of drugs of marine origin.
(Prerequisites: BS336, and CH202 or CH212, or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Biotechnology, BS764

An in-depth study of the techniques and applications of recombinant DNA technology with emphasis on current literature. Students will learn techniques of recombinant DNA technology, develop an understanding of biotechnology industry product development, and examine ethical issues concerning biotechnology.
(Prerequisite: one semester of genetics and biochemistry, or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Biotechnology Laboratory, BS765

This laboratory course will provide students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in recombinant DNA technology, experimental design principles and data analysis.
(Pre- or co-requisites: BS764 and permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Biochemical Genetics, BS768

Topics of current interest in molecular biology and molecular genetics are explored using the current literature.
(Prerequisites: one semester each of genetics and biochemistry, or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Intermediate Organic Chemistry, CH705

Presents several topics at an intermediate level to bridge the gap between second-year organic chemistry and literature-based courses. Topics include nomenclature, stereochemistry, multistep synthesis, mechanisms, aromaticity and physical influences on reactions.
(Prerequisite: Ch202 or CH212)

(Back to top)

Structure/Activity Relationships, CH714

Selected classes of medicinal agents are examined, stressing general structures, synthesis, and, in particular, the relationships between structure and pharmacological activity.
(Prerequisites: CH212 and permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Chemical Synthesis Laboratory, CH716

Techniques of organic and inorganic synthesis, including reaction control, vacuum and fractional distillation, uniform reagent addition, controlled stirring, operation in inert atmosphere, safe handling of toxic or unstable reagents, and chromatographic purification.
(Prerequisites: CH212, CH214 and CH362)

(Back to top)

Characterization of Organic Compounds, CH717

Determination of structures of organic compounds through the use of spectroscopic as well as classical chemical and physical techniques.
(Prerequisites: CH212, CH214 and CH362)

(Back to top)

Heterocyclic Chemistry, CH718

A study of the major types of aromatic and nonaromatic heterocyclic compounds with a special interest in those having biochemical activity: their synthesis, physical properties, reactivity, influence on living systems, etc.
(Prerequisites: CH202 or CH212, and CH341)

(Back to top)

Chemical Kinetics, CH721

Theoretical aspects of reaction kinetics and the experimental methods used to measure the rate of reactions.
(Prerequisite: CH322 or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Graduate Physical Chemistry, CH725

Fundamental concepts of physical chemistry, with an emphasis on thermodynamics, chemical and phase equilibria, solutions, etc.
(Prerequisites: MA201) and PY212)

(Back to top)

Graduate Physical Chemistry, CH726

A continuation of CH725, with emphasis on quantum chemistry, reaction kinetics, statistical mechanics, etc.
(Prerequisite: CH726)

(Back to top)

Inorganic Pharmaceuticals, CH731

A study of the origins and utility of inorganic pharmaceuticals, with emphasis on recent success in the management of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis via transition metal drug therapy. Future directions of inorganic pharmaceutical research will be debated and discussed.
(Prerequisite: CH202 or CH212. CH431 is recommended)

(Back to top)

Analysis of Medicinals, CH761

Application of analytical methods to assay pharmaceutical dosage forms. Development of analytical procedures for complex pharmaceutical preparation utilizing modern techniques.
(Prerequisites: CH361, and CH417 or CH717)

(Back to top)

Analytical Separations Chemistry, CH762

Theory, instrumentation and practical aspects of analytical and preparative methods of separations, including gas, liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and separation techniques coupled and mass spectrometry.
(Prerequisite: CH361 or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Applied Spectroscopy, CH767

A practical approach to the application of spectroscopic techniques such as IR, UV/Vis, NMR and mass spec. to problems in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy and natural products chemistry.
(Prerequisite: CH362 or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Chemistry of Medicinals, CH811

Synthetic and natural medicinal agents. Synthetic procedures for production of various classes of medicinal compounds, as well as the design of potential drug substances.
(Prerequisites: CH404 and permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Special Topics in Organic Chemistry, CH813

Topics of current interest in organic chemistry are discussed, with detailed treatment of topics not ordinarily included in a classical course. Students are expected to keep abreast of current literature.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Special Topics in Biochemistry, CH841

Topics of current interest in the biochemical sciences. Detailed treatment of topics not ordinarily included in a classical course. Students are expected to keep abreast of current literature.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Lipoprotein Metabolism, CH844

Consideration of intercellular and intracellular transport and metabolism of cholesterol and triacylglycerols at the molecular level, as well as the relationship between lipoprotein metabolism and heart disease.

Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry, CH863

Topics of current interest in analytical chemistry. Detailed treatment of topics not ordinarily included in a classical course. Students are expected to keep abreast of current literature.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry, CH864

Topics of current interest in inorganic chemistry. Detailed treatment of topics not ordinarily included in a classical course. Students are expected to keep abreast of current literature.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Special Topics in Pharmacognosy, CH871

Topics of current interest in pharmacognosy. Students are expected to keep abreast of the current literature.
(Prerequisites: BS236 and permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Special Topics in Physical Chemistry, CH892

Topics of current interest in physical chemistry. Detailed treatment of topics not ordinarily included in a classical course. Students are expected to keep abreast of current literature.
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)

(Back to top)

Statistics for Research, ST704

Statistical inference on two samples, design of experiments, repeated measures, analysis of covariance, multiple regression, categorical data analysis and factor analysis.
(Prerequisite: ST310 or permission of instructor)

(Back to top)