Experimental Chemistry and Chemical Biology

CHEM 100R Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This hands-on, project-based course immerses students in small-group research projects in synthetic organic chemistry inspired by recently published, peer-reviewed papers. Students will tackle experimental challenges chemists face when working with potentially therapeutic organic compounds, with an emphasis on targets relevant to protein degradation.

Over the semester, students will gain experience in the synthesis, isolation, purification, characterization, and identification of organic molecules. They will deepen their understanding of multistep organic synthesis and practice a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including multinuclear Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). Spectroscopy-focused problem sets will reinforce their ability to analyze experimental data and evaluate the progress of their projects. All experiments and results will be recorded in electronic lab notebooks to model best practices in modern research environments.

Students will also develop their scientific communication skills by presenting results in group meetings, discussing scientific problems in a research group setting, and preparing a written manuscript in the style of a peer-reviewed journal article. By the end of the course, students will have gained authentic research experience, strengthened their collaboration skills, and enhanced both their experimental and science communication competencies.

Course Notes

This course is suitable for students with or without extensive organic and inorganic laboratory experience. Recommended preparation: Chem 20/30 or 17/27. Chem 40 is highly recommended, and permission of the instructor.

Recommended Prep

Chem 20/30, 17/27, or S-20ab; and permission of the instructor.