Chemistry Graduate Curriculum

Lecture focuses on the theory and physical principles of instruments for the analysis of matter. Laboratory lecturer will describe the actual operation of instruments. Students will gain hands-on experience on the operation of instruments. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

 The course presents a thorough and in-depth overview of methods and techniques in computer assisted drug design (CADD) where especially the needs of the pharmaceutical industry are considered. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

This course will introduce the basic principles of thermodynamics. These principles will be used to describe physical and chemical transformations of pure substances and mixtures in pharmaceutical systems. We will study solubility, solutions of nonelectrolytes and colligative properties in the context of modern theories of solvent structure. Acid-base equilibria and noncovalent binding equilibria of selected pharmaceutical systems will be discussed in detail. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

The basic theory behind infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are studied. The course includes the quantum mechanics of light absorption, atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy of diatomic and polyatomic molecules. Absorption and emission electronic spectroscopic and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

Synthetically useful organic reactions not normally covered in the introductory courses are emphasized. The reactions are grouped according to their mechanistic type and discussed in terms of their reaction mechanisms and synthetic utility. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and CHEM 123 with a "C" or better.

Topics presented at various times under this course description include: Physical organic, natural products and structure elucidation, stereochemistry, heterocycles and carbohydrate chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and CHEM 123 with a "C" or better.

A study of one and two dimensional FT-NMR techniques used for structure elucidation of organic molecules. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the capabilities and limitations of these techniques, the information they provide and the practical aspects of their implementation.

Fundamentals of mass spectrometry, theory, instrumentation and applications to organic and biological molecules. Prerequisite: PCSP 205.

Students in the Pharmaceutical and Chemical Science Graduate Program will design an interdisciplinary project based upon the relevant contributions of their backgrounds. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PCS Graduate Program.

An experiential learning program at a pharmaceutical/ chemical/ biotechnological industry, research institute or a clinical site that entitles the students to learn advanced techniques and practical application of the theoretical principles learned in a number of courses. Prerequisites: Graduate students that have completed Category I course work, or obtained permission of the coordinator shall enroll in this course. For students in thesis/ dissertation tracks, concurrence of thesis/dissertation adviser(s) is required.

Restricted to masters or doctoral (Ph.D.) candidates. May be repeated with permission as progress warrants. No more than eight credits may be used toward doctoral degree requirements. Prerequisites: Graduate student in good standing, permission of the instructor, and completion and approval of the required contract for Independent Graduate Study.

Seminar presentation on research-related topics given by both PCSP faculty and graduate students. Enrolled students are required to attend all seminars given throughout the academic year and to give one seminar in that year. This course is required for all graduate students for the first three years of their tenure in the PCSP. Students who have already enrolled in this course for three years are encouraged to come to seminars without official enrollment. PCSP faculty members present a short talk on their research areas at the beginning of the fall semester each year. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Limited to masters or doctoral (Ph.D.) candidates. May be repeated with permission as progress warrants. No more than eight credits may be used toward doctoral degree requirements. Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program and permission of research director.

Only open to MS candidates. Minimum of four credits will be required. Prerequisites: Admission to MS-thesis program (PCSP) and permission of research adviser.

Only open to doctoral (Ph.D.) candidates. No more than eight credits may be used toward doctoral degree requirements. Prerequisites: Admission to Ph.D. program (PSCP) and permission of research adviser.