Chemistry and Biochemistry
K. N. Wobbe, Interim Head
Professors: J.M. Arguello, R.E. Connors, J.P. Dittami, W.G. McGimpsey, A.A. Scala, C. Sotak
Associate Professors: J.C. MacDonald, K.N. Wobbe
Assistant Professors: V. Thalladi, W. Yu
Mission Statement
Through dynamic and innovative classroom instruction and exciting cutting edge research programs, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry strives to provide students with both a broad understanding of the fundamentals of the chemical sciences and an opportunity to create new chemical and biochemical knowledge through original research. We aspire to produce graduates who will enter their scientific careers with the confidence and competence to lead the advance of chemistry and biochemistry in the 21st century.
Program Educational Objectives
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will graduate outstanding professionals possessing fundamental knowledge of the chemical sciences. Graduates will be able to apply this knowledge to the solution of problems in chemistry and biochemistry for the advancement of knowledge in these fields and the improvement of the standard of living of all humanity.
Educational Outcomes
Students graduating with a major in Chemistry or Biochemistry will be able to demonstrate an ability to
- perform accurate and precise quantitative measurements
- use and understand modern instruments, particularly NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectrometers, chromatographs, electrochemical instruments, and lab computers
- keep legible and complete experimental records
- analyze data statistically and assess reliability of results
- anticipate, recognize, and respond properly to hazards of chemical manipulations
- interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions
- plan and execute experiments through use of the literature
- design experiments
- communicate effectively through oral and written reports
- critically assess their work for reasonableness and self-consistency
- adhere to high ethical standards
- learn independently
Biochemistry
Program Distribution Requirements for the Biochemistry Major
In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students (see page 9), students wishing to graduate with a degree in biochemistry must meet the distribution requirements detailed below.
| Requirements | Minimum Units |
|---|---|
| 1. Mathematics and Physics (Note 1). | 2 |
| 2. Chemistry and Biochemistry (Note 2). | 4 |
| 3. Biology (Note 3). | 1 2/3 |
| 4. Chemistry and Biochemistry/Biology Laboratory (Note 4). | 1 |
| 5. Other Natural or Computer Science (Note 5). | 1/3 |
| 6. MQP | 1 |
Notes:
- The mathematics in MA 1021-MA 1024 or the equivalent is recommended. The physics in PH 1110-PH 1120 or equivalent is recommended.
- These four units must include one unit of organic, one unit of biochemistry, and 1/3 unit each of physical (3000 level or higher) and inorganic chemistry (3000 level or higher).
- These 1 2/3 units must include 1/3 unit of cell biology, 1/3 unit of genetics, and 2/3 unit of advanced work (3000 level or higher).
- This unit must include a minimum of 1/3 unit in Chemistry and Biochemistry, and a minimum of 1/3 unit in Biology.
- Any course in the natural sciences (not used to satisfy another requirement) or in computer science may be used to satisfy this requirement.
Recommendations for Students
A typical Biochemistry curriculum is given below.
Premedical students should take three terms of Physics, as well as one of the Organic Chemistry Laboratories (CH 2360 or CH 2660), by the end of their third year. BB 1035 is recommended as the initial course for students who need to strengthen their background in biology. Note that a total of one unit designated Elective in the table must be in Biology.
Students should take 1/3 unit of advanced Biology laboratory (BB 3512, 3518, 3519, 3520 are recommended) at their discretion as to the term; however, this should preferably be done before the MQP is commenced.
| Year | Term A | Term B | Term C | Term D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | CH 1020 HU MA | CH 1030 BB 2920 MA |
CH 1040 |
|
| Second |
CH 2310 |
CH 2320 |
CH 2330 |
|
| Third | CH 4110 BB Lab SS |
CH 4170 |
||
| Fourth | Elective MQP Elective | Elective MQP Elective | CH 4160 MQP Elective | CH 4190 MQP Elective |
Associated Biochemistry Faculty
D. S. Adams (BB), J. Duffy (BB), G. D. J. Phillies (PH), S. M. Politz (BB), R. Prusty- Rao (BB), J. Rulfs (BB), E. Ryder (BB), P. J. Weathers (BB).
Chemistry
Program Distribution Requirements for the Chemistry Major
In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students (see page 9), students wishing to graduate with a degree in chemistry must meet the distribution requirements detailed below.
| Requirements | Minimum Units |
|---|---|
| 1. Mathematics and Physics (Note 1) | 2 1/3 |
| 2. Chemistry (Note 2) | 4 |
| 3. Additional Science/Engineering (Note 3) | 3 2/3 |
Notes:
- Must include differential and integral calculus and at least 2/3 units of physics.
- Must be above the level of general chemistry (2000 level or higher). These 4 units must include courses in experimental chemistry (either 4/3 unit or 3/3 unit), inorganic chemistry (1/3 unit), organic chemistry (3/3 unit), physical chemistry (3/3 unit), and biochemistry (either 1/3 unit or 2/3 unit, depending on the number of experimental chemistry courses taken). At least 2/3 units must be at or higher than the 4000 level.
- Distributed among the MQP, the natural and physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, and engineering (and including general chemistry, CH 1010-1040).
Recommendations for Students
Chemistry utilizes many of the concepts of physics and the tools of mathematics. Thus students should acquire a background in these subjects early in their programs. The material addressed in MA 1021 through MA 1024 is recommended for all chemistry majors. Students will also benefit from knowledge of differential equations, as discussed in MA 2051. Physics background should include mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. Either the PH 1110-1120 or the PH 1111-1121 sequence is recommended. Students seeking more depth in physics are advised to pursue PH 1130 and PH 1140. Students seeking ACS certification (see below) should planto study calculus through introductory multivariable calculus (MA 1021-1024), differential equations (MA 2051) and linear algebra (MA 2071), and should take a minimum of two courses in physics (for example, PH 1111 and PH 1121).
American Chemical Society Approval and Certification
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has an American Chemical Society (ACS) approved program. Thus graduates who complete programs satisfying the ACS recommendations have their degrees certified to the society by the department. Accordingly, students can earn an “ACS-Certified Degree in Chemistry” or an “ACS-Certified Degree in Chemistry with a Biochemistry Option.”
ACS-Certified graduates are eligible for immediate membership in the ACS and thus are able to secure the benefits of membership, which include helpful services such as finding employment.
ACS-Certified Degree in Chemistry
The following sequence of courses, recommended to provide fundamental background in chemistry, will result in an ACS-certified degree in chemistry. Specialization in particular areas of interest is best accomplished via additional courses and projects, generally taken in the third and fourth years.
| Recommended CBC Courses for an ACS-Certified Degree in Chemistry | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Term A | Term B | Term C | Term D |
| First | CH 1010 | CH 1020 | CH 1030 | CH 1040 |
| Second | CH 2650 (lab) CH 2310 (org) | CH 2660 (lab) CH 2320 (org) | CH 2670 (lab) CH 2330 (org) |
|
| Third | CH 3550 (phys) | CH 3410 (inorg) CH 3530 (phys) | ||
| Forth | CH 4110 (bioch) | CH 4420 (inorg) |
||
ACS-Certified Degree in Chemistry with a Biochemistry Option
Students seeking the ACS-Certified Degree with Biochemistry Option must complete the following work in addition to those requirements noted above for an ACS-Certified Degree in Chemistry.
- 1/3 unit of biology which contains cell biology, microbiology or genetics.
- 2/3 unit of biochemistry that has organic chemistry as a prerequisite.
- 1/3 unit of a laboratory in biochemical methods.
- Research in biochemistry culminating in a comprehensive written report is highly recommended.
Concentration in Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry is the application of principles of biology and chemistry to the rational design and synthesis of new drugs for treatment of disease. A medicinal chemist applies knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and physiology to generate solutions to health-related problems.
A concentration in medicinal chemistry is excellent preparation for students interested in entering health related professions, such as the pharmaceutical industry, upon graduation. Possible employment positions are numerous and expected to increase in the future.
Course Requirements
In order to be eligible to receive the Medicinal Chemistry designation on their transcripts, chemistry majors need to satisfy the following course requirements:
- Three biomedically oriented courses selected from the following list must be included in the distribution requirements:
- Three courses oriented toward structure, synthesis, or mechanisms selected from the following list must be included in the distribution requirements. (All graduate courses in chemistry are open to undergraduates.)
-
In addition to the above course requirements, chemistry majors must complete an MQP in the medicinal chemistry area, approved by the Program Coordinator. Examples of available projects are:
- Synthesis of huperzine analogs. New acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treatment of Alzheimer’s.
- Synthesis of opiate analogs.
- Synthesis and testing of compounds that influence transport properties of biological membranes.
Project Activity
A student undertaking a Major Qualifying Project in chemistry and biochemistry chooses a faculty advisor in the department with whom to work. This choice is normally made because the student is interested in the research program directed by the faculty member, and wants to become a part of this activity. The student is given a research problem to work on for a minimum of 20 hours a week for 3 terms. Although most MQP projects in chemistry and biochemistry are individual student efforts, team projects involving up to 3 students are occasionally available, depending on the faculty member concerned. The project culminates in a formal written MQP report and a poster session presentation to the department faculty and students. MQP projects in chemistry and biochemistry require a substantial effort from the student in both the laboratory and writing phases. Many projects result in professional publications and/or presentations at professional meetings. The department offers a variety of areas of specialization (see AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY below) in which Major Qualifying Projects may be carried out.
Some students, particularly those in biochemistry, choose to do their MQPs at off-campus laboratories. Biochemistry projects have recently been completed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Areas of Specialization in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling
Gene Regulation
Ion Transport
Materials
Medicinal Chemistry
Membrane Proteins
Molecular Spectroscopy
Nanoscale Design
Natural Products Synthesis
Plant-Virus Biochemistry
Photochemistry
Photophysics
Sensors
Supramolecular Chemistry
Last modified: April 15, 2008 11:11:17