The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
435 Science Building
(336) 334-5714
http://www.uncg.edu/che
Graduate Programs:
Master of Science (MS) in Biochemistry, 30 hours
Master of Science (MS) in Chemistry, 30 hours
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicinal Biochemistry, 61 hours
See also Master of Education (MEd) in Teacher Education with a concentration in chemistry education, Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education
Admissions Information
Graduate Faculty
CHE Chemistry Courses
Graduate Faculty
Professors
J. Phillip Bowen, PhD, Medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, computer-assisted drug design, software development.
Alice E. Haddy, PhD, Biophysical chemistry, electron paramagnetic resonance studies of transition metals in biological systems.
Terence A. Nile, PhD, Synthetic organometallic chemistry, cyclopentadiene and polypyridyl chemistry, catalysis, organometallics in organic synthesis.
Patricia H. Reggio, PhD, Physical chemistry, computational chemistry, G protein-coupled receptor modeling (cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors) (Head of Department).
Jerry L. Walsh, PhD, Inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry of transition metal complexes, synthesis, photochemistry, reaction mechanisms.
Associate Professors
R. Bruce Banks, PhD, Bioorganic chemistry, chemical carcinogenesis, xenobiotic metabolism.
Nadja B. Cech, PhD, Analytical chemistry, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, medicinal plant chemistry.
Norman H. Chiu, PhD, Bioanalytical chemistry, interdisciplinary approach to develop and validate specific assays for genomics and proteomics studies.
Nicholas Oberlies, PhD, Isolation and characterization of bioactive natural products.
Gregory M. Raner, PhD, Bioinorganic chemistry, enzymology, mechanistic studies and industrial applications of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase enzymes (Director of Graduate Study).
Jason Reddick, PhD, Bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry, biosynthesis of polyketides.
Assistant Professors
Mitchell P. Croatt, PhD, Organic synthesis, organometallics, new reaction design and development.
Liam M. Duffy, PhD, Physical chemistry, gas-phase chemical reaction dynamics probed by millimeter wavelength spectroscopy.
MS - Master of Science in Biochemistry
The MS in Biochemistry gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their potential for work in biochemistry and attracts individuals who have been out of an academic environment for some time or who wish to bolster their undergraduate science experience. The successful candidate will be prepared for positions of responsibility in industry or government or for further study toward a doctoral degree.
The required 30 semester hours include a core of introductory and advanced biochemistry courses, courses in chemistry and other areas, and a research thesis based on original research carried out under the direction of a faculty advisor. In addition, the student gains experience in professional speaking by preparing and presenting two public seminars.
Application and Admission
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a one-page personal statement by the appropriate deadline to be considered for Fall, Spring, or Summer admission.
Degree Requirements
Required Core Courses (12 hours)
CHE 556 Biochemistry I (3)
CHE 557 Biochemistry II (3)
CHE 656 Enzyme Mechanisms (3)
CHE 663 Spectroscopy and Analysis of Biomolecules (3)
Research Techniques (6-13 hours)
Students take CHE 691 before beginning research. Students must carry out a research project under the supervision of a faculty member and write a thesis on the research (CHE 699) (Capstone Experience). Students may take additional research hours of CHE 680 and up to 6 hours of CHE 699 for a total of 12 hours.
CHE 691 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
CHE 680 Research Problems in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1-6)
CHE 699 Thesis (1-6)
Seminar (2 hours)
All graduate students must present two seminars, the first on a literature topic (CHE 601) and the second on their thesis research (CHE 602), normally given during the last semester of study.
CHE 601 Graduate Seminar I (1)
CHE 602 Graduate Seminar II (1)
Chemistry Core Elective (3 hours)
Students must select one of the chemistry core courses.
CHE 553 Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHE 632 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3)
CHE 641 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II (3)
CHE 661 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3)
Electives (3 hours minimum)
Students must select 3 hours of elective courses in biochemistry or from a list of approved (by the Department Graduate Studies Committee) courses in areas related to biochemistry (cell biology, genetics, microbiology, metabolism, biophysics, or other areas). Additional courses needed to bring the total credit hours up to at least 30 should be chosen from graduate level chemistry and biochemistry courses offered by the Department or from the list of approved biochemistry-related courses.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of a research proposal on the student's thesis research, including a literature review. The proposal must be approved by the student's thesis committee before the student may enroll in CHE 699 Thesis.
Thesis Defense
Students must defend the completed thesis before the thesis committee.
MS - Master of Science in Chemistry
The MS in Chemistry gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their potential for work in biochemistry and attracts individuals who have been out of an academic environment for some time or who wish to bolster their undergraduate science experience. The successful candidate will be prepared for positions of responsibility in industry or government or for further study toward a doctoral degree.
The required 30 semester hours include a core of advanced course work in each of the four major areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical), courses in other areas, and a research thesis based on original research carried out under the direction of a faculty advisor. In addition, the student gains experience in professional speaking by preparing and presenting two public seminars.
Application and Admission
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a one-page personal statement by the appropriate deadline to be considered for Fall, Spring, or Summer admission.
Degree Requirements
Required Core Courses (12 hours)
CHE 553 Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHE 632 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3)
CHE 641 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II (3)
CHE 661 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3)
Research Techniques (6-13 hours)
Students take CHE 691 before beginning research. Students must carry out a research project under the supervision of a faculty member and write a thesis on the research (CHE 699) (Capstone Experience). Students may take additional research hours of CHE 680 and up to 6 hours of CHE 699 for a total of 12 hours.
CHE 691 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
CHE 680 Research Problems in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1-6)
CHE 699 Thesis (1-6)
Seminars (2 hours)
Students must present two seminars, the first on a literature topic (CHE 601) and the second on their thesis research (CHE 602), normally given during the last semester of study.
CHE 601 Graduate Seminar I (1)
CHE 602 Graduate Seminar II (1)
Electives (6 hours minimum)
Students select 6 hours of electives. Up to 9 hours may be earned in approved (by Department Graduate Studies Committee and student's research advisor) graduate courses in biology, mathematics or physics.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of a research proposal on the student's thesis research, including a literature review. The proposal must be approved by the student's thesis committee before the student may enroll in CHE 699 Thesis.
Thesis Defense
Students must defend the completed thesis before the thesis committee.
PHD - Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Biochemistry
The PhD in Medicinal Biochemistry requires
61 semester hours in advanced biochemical and medicinal chemistry course work and a dissertation culminating from extensive laboratory research experience carried out under the direction of a faculty advisor. Additional course work is offered in specialized areas such as synthetic chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, and computational chemistry. The student gains experience in professional speaking by giving public oral scientific presentations through the departmental seminar program. The successful candidate will be well prepared for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical or medical research, or academia.
Application and Admission
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a one-page personal statement by the appropriate deadline to be considered for Fall or Spring admission.
Degree Requirements
Required Core Courses (15 hours)
CHE 651 Advanced Medicinal Chemistry (3)
CHE 656 Enzyme Mechanisms (3)
CHE 659 Receptor Biochemistry (3)
CHE 658 Nucleic Acid Biochemistry (3)
CHE 660 Biochemical Pharmacology and Disease Targets (3)
Research Techniques (25-37 hours)
Students take CHE 691 before beginning research. Students must carry out a research project under the supervision of a faculty member and write a dissertation on the research (CHE 799).
CHE 691 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
CHE 780 Research Problems in Chemistry and Biochemistry (12-18)
CHE 799 Dissertation (12-18)
Seminars (2 hours)
Students must present two seminars, the first on a literature topic (CHE 751) and the second on their dissertation research (CHE 752), normally given during the last semester of study.
CHE 751 Literature Seminar (1)
CHE 752 Dissertation Seminar (1)
Electives (9 hours minimum)
Up to 9 hours may be earned in approved (by Department Graduate Studies Committee and student's research advisor) graduate courses in biology, mathematics or physics. Students who plan to pursue employment in industry upon graduation are encouraged to enroll in CHE 790 Medicinal Biochemistry Internship.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination consists of a research proposal on the student's dissertation research, including a literature review and a public oral presentation. The proposal must be presented and orally defended before the student may enroll in CHE 799 Dissertation.
Dissertation Defense
Students must defend the completed dissertation before the dissertation committee.
CHE Chemistry Courses
531 Instrumental Analysis (3:3)
Pr. 331, 333, 205 or 352 (either may be taken concurrently), PHY 212 or 292
Theory and practice of advanced analytical techniques with emphasis on instrumental methods of analysis.
533 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1:0:4)
Coreq. 531
Laboratory work to accompany 531.
536 Computational Chemistry (3:2:3)
Pr. 352, MAT 291, PHY 212 or PHY 292; or permission of instructor
Survey of modern computational chemistry methods, including molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics simulations, conformational searching, and computational quantum mechanics.
553 Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3:3)
Pr. 352
Advanced topics in organic chemistry with special emphasis on reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
555 Organometallic Chemistry (2:2)
Pr. 352 and 442
Theoretical and synthetic aspects of organometallic chemistry and applications to catalysis and synthetic organic chemistry.
556 Biochemistry I (3:3)
Pr. 352, BIO 111-112
Introductory biochemistry presented from a chemical perspective. Topics include amino acids, proteins and enzymes, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, membranes, and carbohydrate catabolism.
557 Biochemistry II (3:3)
Pr. 352, BIO 111-112, CHE 556, or permission of instructor
Continuation of 556. Enzyme catalytic mechanisms, additional topics in intermediary metabolism, genetic biochemistry, and selected topics in molecular physiology.
558 Biochemistry Laboratory (1:0:4)
Pr. 556 or its equivalent, 354, 333, or permission of instructor
Introduction to biochemical techniques, including isolation, purification and characterization of biological molecules.
570 Special Topics in Chemistry (1-3)
Study in special areas of chemistry as listed below. Hours per week and credit to be arranged. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits when topic varies. Areas identified as follows: 570a Analytical; 570b Biochemistry; 570c Inorganic; 570d Organic; 570e Physical; 570f Chemical Education.
589 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
601 Graduate Seminar I (1:1)
Pr. 401 or equivalent
Oral reports from the current literature of chemistry by the students, as well as attendance at presentations by other students, staff, and guest speakers.
602 Graduate Seminar II (1:1)
Pr. 601
Oral reports from the literature and the student's thesis research, as well as attendance at presentations by other students, staff, and guest speakers.
604 Advanced Polymer Chemistry (3:3)
Pr. 352
Modern concepts of addition, ring opening, and condensation polymerization, and the application of physical instrumentation to the characterization of polymers.
615 Entrepreneurship for the Sciences (3:3)
Develop knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship to identify and evaluate sciences and technology ideas in chemistry and the life sciences as opportunities to take through the feasibility and business plan. Same as ENT 615)
632 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3:3)
Pr. 462 or 406 or equivalent. One semester of instrumental analysis (531) recommended
Current research activities in the analytical area, primarily for first-year graduate students. Four areas emphasized: chemical equilibrium, spectroscopy, separations, and electrochemistry.
633 Bioanalytical Chemistry (3:3)
Pr. permission of instructor
Comprehensive study on various analytical methods used to characterize nucleic acid and protein drug targets and their molecular interactions with therapeutic agents.
641 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II (3:3)
Pr. 442
Group theory, its applications, and other topics in advanced inorganic chemistry.
651 Advanced Medicinal Chemistry (3:3)
Pr. two courses in undergraduate organic chemistry and one course in undergraduate biochemistry
Advanced topics in medicinal chemistry including drug design, chemistry of High Throughput Screening and focused libraries, lead development/optimization.
652 Synthetic Organic Chemistry (3:3)
Pr. two courses in undergraduate organic chemistry
Methods and problems in multi-step organic synthesis, including use of transition metal reagents and asymmetric synthesis. Applications in drug synthesis.
653 Physical Organic Chemistry (3:3)
Pr. two courses in undergraduate organic chemistry
Structure and mechanisms of organic chemistry. Topics include bonding theory, stereochemistry, conformational analysis, reactions, reaction mechanisms, reactivity.
656 Enzyme Mechanisms (3:3)
Pr. 352 and either 420 or 556, or permission of instructor
Detailed look at how enzymes catalyze a broad range of chemical reactions. Particular emphasis on the role of organic cofactors and metal ions in catalysis.
657 Drug Metabolism and Pharmacogenetics (3:3)
Pr. 556 or permission of instructor
Introduction to the major classes of drug metabolizing enzymes in the body. Chemical mechanisms of action and potential drug interactions related to the induction or inhibition of these systems.
658 Nucleic Acic Biochemistry (3:3)
Pr. permission of instructor
Structure and functions of nucleic acid and their biochemical reactions with cellular proteins. Emphasis on the genomic approach to identify and validate drug targets.
659 Receptor Biochemistry (3:3)
Pr. one course in undergraduate biochemistry
Structure and biochemical properties of the various cell-surface receptors. Emphasis on specific receptors chosen as drug targets for various diseases.
660 Biochemical Pharmacology and Disease Targets (3:3)
Pr. one course in undergraduate biochemistry
Drug action at the biochemical and molecular level. Focus on the biochemical and cellular mechanisms of action that guide the drug discovery and development process.
661 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3:3)
Pr. 461 and 462 or equivalent (one year of physical chemistry)
Selected topics in quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics will be developed with attention to methods of application.
662 Advanced Physical Chemistry II (3:3)
Pr. 661
Advanced topics in quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics.
663 Spectroscopy and Analysis of Biomolecules (3:3)
Pr. 406 or 461, 420 or 556, or permission of instructor
Spectroscopic and structural methods for application to molecules of biochemical relevance. Topics include fluorescence, circular dichroism, chromatography, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, FTIR, NMR, EPR, X-ray crystallography.
670 Advanced Special Topics in Chemistry (1-6)
Advanced study in special areas of chemistry as listed below. Hours per week and credit to be arranged. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits when topic varies. Areas identified as follows: 670a Analytical (Pr. 632); 670b Biochemistry (Pr. 556); 670c Inorganic (Pr. 641); 670d Organic (Pr. 553); 670e Physical (Pr. 661).
680 Research Problems in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1-6)
Pr. permission of instructor and department head
Advanced research in specialized areas of chemistry or biochemistry under the direction of a faculty member. Preparation for master's thesis. May be taken for credit over two or more semesters.
691 Introduction to Graduate Research
Pr. admitted to graduate program in department
Guides new students in the selection of a research advisor. Professors present brief summaries of their research projects. Topics relevant to research are also discussed.
699 Thesis (1-6)
Pr. approval of research proposal by thesis committee
711 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
751 Literature Seminar (1:1)
Pr. 780
A literature-based seminar focusing on scientific literature databases and presentation skills.
752 Dissertation Seminar (1:1)
Pr. 780
A research-based seminar focusing on the student's dissertation research during the semester the student expects to graduate.
780 Research Problems in Medicinal Biochemistry (1-18)
Pr. permission of instructor
Advanced research in specialized areas of medicinal biochemistry under the direction of a faculty member. Research to be utilized for the preparation of the dissertation.
790 Medicinal Biochemistry Internship (3:0:12)
Pr. permission of departmental internship coordinator and department head
Practical experience in a local industrial setting. Includes biweekly meetings with departmental internship coordinator. Student must complete a minimum of 12 hours per week at the internship site. May be repeated for 6 hours.
799 Dissertation Research in Medicinal Biochemistry (1-18)
Pr. permission of instructor
801 Thesis Extension (1-3)
(Graded on S-U basis)
803 Research Extension (1-3)
(Graded on S-U basis)