Chem 361 Analytical Instrumentation
This course provides a survey of the different types of instrumentation that is in the chemist's tool box. We will stress advantages and disadvantages and develop the insight that is necessary to choose the right tool for the right problem. We will use several of these tools in the laboratory portion of the course. This course promotes chemical literacy via reading, writing, and packaging of scientific literature, as well as, development of team work skills in the laboratory setting. The course can be broken down into four major components; weekly lectures on instrumental methods, weekly literature assignments from current issues of Analytical Chemistry, four 4-week laboratory projects, and a semester-long investigation of a current instrumental method that culminates in a PowerPoint resentation. Topics include UV, IR, fluorescence, Raman, NMR, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and electrophoresis, among others. (Course offered in the Spring only.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 313 and CHEM 379.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Dr. Evans

Course website: http://alpha.chem.umb.edu/chemistry/ch361/chem361index.html

Biol 664 Computer Analysis of DNA and Protein Sequences
This course focuses on using computers to predict structure of RNA and protein, search DNA and protein sequence data bases, align protein and DNA sequences, find restriction enzyme sites to design cloning strategies, and choose oligonucleotide primers for DNA sequencing and PCR. The biological significance, limitations, and interpretation of computer analyses are strongly emphasized.
Prerequisite: graduate degree student in Biology or permission of instructor.
1 Lect Hr, 3 Lab Hrs, 3 Credits
Dr. Kleene

Biol L680/Chem L680 Physical Biochemistry
Physical Biochemistry is an introduction to analytical methods and instrumentation available to the interdisciplinary scientist. It provides the theoretical foundation about, and application of, the biochemical techniques used in disciplines such as biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, environmental sciences, etc. Topics include, but are not limited to, centrifugation, electrophoresis, electrophysiology, liquid chromatography, HPLC, LC-mass spectroscopy, microscopy (light, SEM, TEM), molecular modeling, NMR, organic solid state, spectroscopy, surface techniques (including AFM), thermal techniques, X-ray diffraction, etc. Lectures incorporate classic and current primary literature.
Prerequisites: graduate degree student or permission of the instructor.
3 Lecture Hrs, 3 Credits
Dr. Ackerman, Dr. Evans

Biol 674 Cell Signaling

This course will systematically investigate cell communication mechanisms, with an emphasis on developmental examples of cell signaling. General properties of signaling cascades will be discussed, followed by specific examples of conserved signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, TGF b /BMP, JAK/STAT, nuclear receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Normal and aberrant receptor signaling will be examined using experimental evidence obtained in model genetic organisms. Implications of disrupting cell communication pathways in human disease will be discussed. The course will emphasize readings from the current literature. Upon completion of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms and control principles of cellular communication in normal and pathological conditions.

Dr. Veraksa

Chem 458/658 Medicinal Chemistry
This upper-level course presents the principles of medicinal chemistry. Organized along pharmacological lines, the course considers the development and design of drugs, those a) acting on the central and peripheral nervous system; b) acting on the cardiovascular, hematopoietic and renal systems; and c) acting as chemotherapeutic agents, vitamins, and hormones. Special emphasis is given to drugs used in emergencies and to drugs described in the United States Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary. Syntheses of important compounds in the various categories are presented.

Prerequisites: CHEM 252 or CHEM 254.

Dr. B. Torok

Course website: http://alpha.chem.umb.edu/chemistry/ch458/