Do You Want to Know More About Chemistry 386?

Chemistry 386: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Instructor: Gary Miessler

Offered: Spring Semester

Counts toward Chemistry major, required for ACS major

Chem 386 can be called “the course that covers the rest of the periodic table” since it focuses primarily on elements other than carbon. In Chem 386 much emphasis is given to molecular symmetry and how it can be used to understand chemical bonding, IR spectra, electronic spectra, and other characteristics of molecules. We will consider all the elements—and carbon will by no means be ignored! For example, we will spend several weeks on organometallic chemistry (focusing on compounds that have metal­–carbon bonds) and will examine recent developments in the realm of newer forms of carbon (nanoribbons, graphene, carbon peapods, etc.) that have intriguing structures and potential wide-ranging applications in nanoelectronics, medicine, and other realms. In addition, students taking Chem 386 will have an opportunity to prepare and present at least one paper based on current developments in inorganic chemistry and related fields.

Chem 386 should be taken by all students planning graduate study in chemistry, preferably during the junior year; inorganic chemistry is included in the Graduate Record Exam in chemistry (best taken in the fall of the senior year) and is expected background for students entering grad school.

An Interim Course to Think About!

Chem 252: Organometallic Chemistry

Instructor: Gary Miessler

Counts toward Chemistry major; satisfies WRI credit

This course introduces an area of chemistry that bridges the organic and inorganic realms; it can be taken by any student who has completed one semester of organic (Chem 247 is the only prerequisite). In many ways, Chem 252 uses organic chemistry as its foundation. For example, we will consider how benzene and other molecules with cyclic π systems can combine with transition metals to form “sandwich” compounds. We will see that, although there are similarities between organometallic and classical organic molecules, there are some dramatic differences in structure, reactions, and chemical bonding—where we will use an “18-electron rule” for electron counting. In addition, because Chem 252 counts toward the college’s WRI requirement, members of the class will make use of the recent literature to write three short papers and to present the contents of these papers to the class. Examples of topics of current interest that could form the basis for such papers include medical applications of organometallic molecules, recent developments in homogeneous catalysts, and complexes of fullerenes and other “nano” forms of carbon. In addition, a short project will be to use molecular modeling software to calculate and display the molecular orbitals of classic organometallic molecules such as ferrocene and Cr(CO)₆.

Preview of Chem 385: Biochemistry II

Biochemistry II will be a departure from textbooks into an instructor-guided, student-driven exploration of the molecular basis of human health. In the beginning of the semester we will delve into experimental techniques used to measure biomolecule structure, dynamics and function. As the semester progresses we will discuss how human health and disease are related to the structure and dynamics of proteins, DNA and membranes. Student interest will drive the selection of topics. For example, we might examine the role of dystrophin and actin filament protein dynamics in the progression of muscular dystrophy. Along the way we will generate testable hypotheses that will be the seeds of student research proposals. By the end of the semester you will have designed a real research proposal in which you apply the techniques you’ve learned to a problem of biomedical significance.

For more information, talk with Professor Klein!

Advanced Chemistry Course Options

First in a series....

Have you taken organic chemistry, enjoyed it, and now realize that you only got the tip of the iceberg and want to know more? Consider Chemistry 388: Advanced Organic Chemistry this spring (T 0800-0925, Th 0800-0920). This course is taught ONLY EVERY OTHER YEAR, ONLY IN THE SPRING, so if you are a junior or senior, this is your LAST CHANCE to register for it.

Here's the scoop.

From the catalog:

"This course explores the subject of organic chemistry at a greater depth and breadth than in Chemistry 247 and Chemistry 248. Topics may include analysis of reaction mechanisms, reaction kinetics, and reaction thermodynamics. Particular attention is paid to the interdependent relationship between experimental and theoretical results. Textbook subjects are augmented by readings from the primary research literature. Prerequisite: Chemistry 248. Offered alternate years in the spring semester."

OK, so what does that mean? It means that we'll take a close look at how organic reactions work, and in particular, we'll take a close look at how people STUDY organic reactions -- how they design experiments and calculations to get answers to fundamental questions, especially questions like "How did that happen?" or "Why didn't that work?"

The exact direction we take in the course will depend upon student interest. I guess I could say this is NOT going to be a synthesis course, and no lab, either. (If you are interested in that, be sure to check out Chemistry 374, Advanced Synthesis Lab. Maybe take both!) If you like puzzles and you like organic chemistry, this course should be fun, challenging, and highly rewarding. My goal is to get us digging into the literature, talking about some of the really great experiments that have been done that provide the basis for what is taught in Chemistry 247 and 248, and to get us thinking about how professional organic chemists think about the subject they love.

You know, what you learned in Chemistry 247/248 really is just the tip of the iceberg. Join me this spring and discover what makes it float -- what makes organic chemistry one of the most fascinating and intellectually stimulating areas of active research in the sciences.

As for all upper level courses, we have a minimum registration requirement of 6 students to make this fly, so if you are interested, bring a friend!

Prof. Hanson

Graduate School Informational Workshop: Could I? Should I?

A group of graduate students from the University of Minnesota will hold a workshop at Carleton on Wednesday, November 3 (TODAY), from 3:10-4:20 p.m. in Olin 04 (Map). They would like any Carleton or St. Olaf students considering science or engineering graduate school to attend.

The presenters are:
Bess Vlaisavljevich
Undergraduate University: University of Minnesota, Morris
Field: Theoretical Chemistry

Jacqui Tehranchi
Undergraduate Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Field: Bioinorganic Chemistry

Christopher (Kit) Zall
Undergraduate Institution: Carleton College
Field: Inorganic Chemistry

Industrial Chemistry Summer Internships

This opportunity is for sophomore and junior chemistry majors. Click on the title of this blog for more information.

Job Hunting in the Chemical Industry? Look at these Webinars!

ACS Webinars are free...all of these are happening in the next 2 days! A virtual career fair!

November 2 & 3 - Six Webinars to Accelerate Your Career!

What's Ahead in the Job Market for Chemists Nov. 2 11 a.m. ET

Chemical Industry & Employment Outlook Nov. 2 1 p.m. ET

Pharma & Biotech Industry & Employment Outlook Nov. 2 3 p.m. ET

5 Secrets to Career Success for Scientists & Engineers Nov. 3 11 a.m. ET

What recruiters are looking for? Nov. 3 1 p.m. ET

Career Transitions: Navigating the Shifting Employment Landscape Nov. 3 3 p.m. ET

Register Now!