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| Chemistry
Chair Thomas M. Apple The Chemistry Department provides courses and programs of study that reflect the central role of chemistry in the science and technology of tomorrow. In addition to a strong focus in the traditional areas of chemistry, for example, synthesis, molecular structure, chemical reactions, the department offers courses and research programs in the rapidly developing frontiers of modern science. These areas include biochemistry and biophysics, materials and polymer chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. The department offers programs leading to the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry, a minor in chemistry, and required and elective courses designed for other curricula. Chemistry instruction is given in the newly renovated Walker Laboratory building, which houses state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, and in Cogswell Laboratory, which houses the majority of our research activities. Undergraduate laboratories are equipped with modern, computer-controlled instruments and provide students with hands-on experience with equipment similar to that found in industrial and research laboratories. Chemistry research laboratories are found in three connected buildings; Cogswell Laboratory, the Materials Research Center, and the recently constructed home of the New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis, as well as in the nearby Science Center. Areas of Advanced Research and Study Analytical Chemistry Areas of research include development and application of methods to study in vivo processes, particularly the advancement of microdialysis technology. Membrane devices that facilitate mass transport using cyclodextrins are being developed for in vivo analysis. Methods of monitoring biochemical reactions at the site of the biomaterials are of interest. Analytical procedures are being developed to detect, quantitatively determine, and structurally characterize trace amounts of gaseous products formed in atmospheric chemical reactions; high field NMR, FTIR, and other methods are used. Bioanalytical studies on RNA are carried out by HPLC, gel electrophoresis, and high-field NMR analysis. Solid state NMR is being used to characterize catalyst surface species and to monitor the course of reactions in zeolite and supported-metal catalysts. Biochemistry and Biophysical Chemistry Pathways on the primitive earth for the origin of RNA are under investigation as part of the activities of the New York Center for Study of the Origins of Life. The goal of this research is to determine if the RNA formed by proposed prebiotic pathways has catalytic activity; a requisite for the first life on earth. Photosynthetic electron transport and biological energy transduction mechanisms are studied by electron spin resonance and time-resolved optical and electroabsorption spectroscopies. Biochemical and biophysical research also focuses on the mechanisms of protein folding and aggregation, protein folding defects related to human diseases, and molecular structures of proteins. The methodologies used include kinetic and spectroscopic analysis (NMR, fluorescence, circular dichroism, FTIR) of protein conformational changes, molecular modeling, computational graphics, and molecular mechanics calculations on peptides and proteins. New methods for the separation of biopolymers are being developed. A new initiative in protein chemistry is centered on the computer design and organic synthesis of proteins with novel functionalities and non-natural architectures. The research will provide new capabilities to design purpose-specific proteins such as synthetic enzymes and artificial membrane protein receptors. Inorganic Chemistry and Solid-State Chemistry Inorganic chemistry involves the preparation and investigation of substances ranging from coordination complexes and organometallic compounds to inorganic solids with extended network structures. Materials chemistry focuses on the application of both inorganic and organic substances as structural, optical, electronic, etc., materials. Syntheses of organometallic compounds and inorganic polymers provide sources of novel solid-state materials, both as molecular solids and as precursors for the pyrolytic preparation of inorganic solids such as aluminum nitride and silicon carbide. Organic Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry Active areas of synthetic organic chemistry research include the development of methods for the synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds that may be used in cancer and antibacterial chemotherapy, and research on narcotic antagonists and analgesics. Research in the areas of transition organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis focuses on synthetic and mechanistic studies of organometallic complexes of use in the conversion of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide into organic molecules. The development of molecular modeling programs that evaluate intermolecular electrostatics show promise for the deeper understanding of enzyme-substrate interactions. Photochemistry Mechanistic and synthetic photochemistry are areas of major emphasis. Investigations involve the photochemical transformations of heterocycles, carbonyl containing compounds and naturally occurring materials. The atmospheric chemistry of Jupiter and of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, and the role of photochemical reactions in the origins of life also are under investigation. Photosynthesis and rearrangement of heterocyclic purines and photochemical reactions of possible prebiotic gases are being studied to elucidate the role of photochemistry in transformations that led to biological molecules on the primitive earth. Photochemical processes used for the generation of polymer thin films, for the photoimaging of lithographic resists, and for novel polymerization processes are also being developed. Polymer Chemistry and Materials Chemistry Synthetic and development efforts are under way in the field of high performance thermally stable polymers, conductive polymers, liquid crystalline polymers, block copolymers, and photosensitive thermosets and thermoplastics. Novel synthetic and biorenewable monomers and methods for their synthesis are being studied. New approaches to polymer preparation, including photochemical, photo-electroinitiated, transition metal catalyzed, and vapor-deposition polymerization methods are also under study. Polymers are characterized by means of gel permeation chromatography, viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and low-angle light, X-ray, and neutron scattering. Surface interactions between immiscible crystallizable polymers are being studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, polarized light microscopy, electron microprobe methods, and Raman spectroscopy. Properties of multiphase polymer alloys and solutions are being investigated in shear, electric, and magnetic fields. Polymerization processes are being investigated from the aspect of mechanistic organic chemistry. Polymer gels that may function as artificial muscles are also being investigated. Coordination complexes and organometallic compounds are being investigated as inorganic polymers and as precursors for the pyrolytic preparation of inorganic solid state materials. Surface Science Topics of current research interest include the study of surface and interfacial tensions of liquids and liquid-liquid systems with and without surface-active solutes present. Molecular structure and orientation of liquid and solid surfaces and surface films are being studied through state-of-the-art laser spectrographic techniques. Structure and composition of films with environmental importance on lake and ocean surfaces are under investigation. Theoretical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Computational chemistry and molecular modeling are being developed and used to understand the relationships between molecular structures and their properties. Specialized quantum mechanical methods, such as the Transferable Atom Equivalent (TAE) technique have enabled predictive models to be constructed that allow good estimates of the properties of new compounds yet to be synthesized. Other theoretical chemistry projects are also under way with emphasis on understanding nonlinear optical properties of polymers as well as predicting the behavior of polymer displacers in biotechnological chromatography of fermentation products. Spectroscopic research is directed particularly toward problems of structure and properties of a wide range of compounds, with emphasis on vibrational (infrared and Raman), linear and nonlinear laser and microwave spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Pulsed beam Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy is used to study van der Waals complexes and transient chemical species with an emphasis upon understanding the mechanisms of simple chemical reactions. Solid state NMR spectroscopy is used extensively as part of the research effort in materials and polymer chemistry and characterization of catalysts. A molecular modeling laboratory contains computer workstations and a variety of sophisticated computer programs for molecular modeling, conformational analysis, energy calculation, and synthesis design. Faculty Professors Apple, T.M. Ph.D. (University of Delaware); solid state NMR spectroscopy. Research Professors Ferris, J.P. Ph.D. (Indiana University); prebiotic chemistry, origins of life. Associate Professors Breneman, C.M. Ph.D. (University of California, Santa Barbara); physical organic chemistry. Assistant Professors Akpalu, Y. Ph.D. (University of Massachusetts, Amherst); polymer physical chemistry. Clinical Assistant Professors Carter, J. H., Jr. Edward P. Hamilton Faculty Fellow, Ph.D. (University of Oregon); physical chemistry. Adjunct Faculty Bello, S.C. M.D.(SUNY Downstate Medical Center): general chemistry. Undergraduate Programs The B.S. in Chemistry curriculum is designed to provide the basis for a professional level degree in chemistry that meets the standards set by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training. At the same time, it provides ample opportunity for students to select electives that permit them to specialize in particular fields, to explore areas of potential interest, or to take unusual combinations of courses that will suit nontypical career goals. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience in the second and third years and provides extensive opportunities to participate in research. Besides allowing students to prepare for careers that demand a good background in science and mathematics, the curriculum also offers a sound basis for careers in other fields such as law, health professions, management, and technical communication. Students are encouraged to participate in research. Undergraduate Research CHEM-2950 may be taken at any time, and students may elect to take five credits of CHEM-4990 Thesis during their senior year. Dual Degrees in Chemistry Students interested in both chemistry and another field may use the elective courses in one program to take the required courses from another discipline to qualify for a dual degree. Examples are a B.S. In Chemistry and Biology, or Chemistry and Physics, or Chemistry and Economics, but combinations with any other science or H&SS discipline are usually not difficult to arrange. Students should speak to advisers in both areas. Transfer Students For students transferring from other universities, two-year colleges, or from other curricula at Rensselaer, previous chemistry courses will be evaluated on an individual basis, but normally these will count toward our program. The content of laboratory courses can be adjusted to allow for prior experience. Every attempt is made to accommodate transfer students whose backgrounds do not permit them to follow the normal course sequence. The following give the required courses and their recommended sequence, along with some suggested combinations that provide a focus for some areas of common interest. Students need not follow any of these recommendations, but they should discuss their plans with their advisers in order to have the information necessary to make intelligent choices. Chemistry Curriculum
1. CHEM-1500 or ENGR-1500 may be substituted for CHEM-1100 and CHEM-1600 or ENGR-1600 may be substituted for CHEM-1200 by students transferring into chemistry. At least one of the elective courses must be in science. A total of 124 credit hours is required for graduation. Thirty-six of these are completely free electives. Students should select electives in consultation with their adviser to give a balanced program totaling 124 credit hours. All chemistry majors are strongly recommended to take CHEM-4520 Chemical Information and CHEM-4620 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry. Also recommended are: Students planning to pursue graduate studies in chemistry are recommended to take at least 12 credits in chemistry courses beyond those required. In addition, CHEM-4990 Senior Thesis is particularly valuable. Students who take CHEM-4620 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry, CHEM-4640 Polymer Science Laboratory, and either an advanced course or research on polymer chemistry satisfy the ACS recommendations for the polymer chemistry option. Some suggested combinations of electives that provide a focus in specific fields are given below. While students can take any combination of electives that they wish, the suggestions provide a rational combination of courses to give a sound program for each area. Environmental Chemistry For students who wish to pursue chemistry coupled with specialization in the environment.
Polymer and Materials Chemistry For students who wish to specialize in the preparation and characterization of materials such as semiconductors and engineering plastics used in high technology industries, or who are interested in graduate programs in materials science and engineering.
Medicinal Chemistry For students who plan a career in the pharmaceutical industry or in organic synthesis related to pharmaceuticals.
Premedical and Predental Studies For students who plan to apply to medical or dental school. The following courses are recommended before the senior year as preparation for the qualifying exams required for admission to medical school.
Two Communications courses should be included among H&SS options. Prelaw A degree in chemistry is an excellent preparation for certain law careers, especially patent or environmental law. The following courses are recommended as a background:
Management Students can prepare for careers in technologically based industry by combining a chemistry degree with appropriate management courses. Below are suggestions for courses.
Engineering Chemistry For students who want to bridge the disciplines of chemistry and chemical engineering for industrial employment that requires competence in both fields or for the option of graduate school in either.
Accelerated B.S. Programs in Chemistry Some students may wish to obtain their B.S. degrees in less than the normal four years. While this has disadvantages, such as requiring heavier work loads and limiting the time available for participating in undergraduate research and other activities, it may have financial advantages. Completion of the B.S. requirements in three years can be achieved by taking courses in the summers, and additional electives in some semesters. Students with Advanced Placement standing in some courses can do this most easily. It is also possible for those who do not wish to stay in Troy over the summer to take equivalent courses elsewhere and receive transfer credit. Completion of the requirements in 3 1/2 years is another option. Advanced Placement and additional courses in some academic semesters may permit this to be done with minimal summer work. Any student contemplating an accelerated program should discuss the matter with his or her adviser to avoid problems with selection of electives and prerequisites. Cheminformatics Students majoring in Information Technology may take as their second discipline a sequence of chemistry courses that make up a 32 credit program in Cheminformatics. Courses include CHEM-1100-1200; General Chemistry I and II, CHEM-2210; Organic Compounds and Reactions, CHEM-4760; Molecular Biochemistry and Mechanisms I, and courses in computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry and related areas, and a capstone course in Chemical Informatics. The focus of Cheminformatics is mastery of the wealth of information available for drug design and related activities from modern combinatorial chemistry techniques. Minor Programs for Chemistry Majors Students majoring in chemistry may obtain a minor in many disciplines through minor programs offered by other departments. For students in chemistry who wish to pursue scientific careers in research in medicine or at the interface of biology and chemistry, special minors are available in biochemistry and in biophysics. Biochemistry Minor for Chemistry Majors BIOL-2120 Intro. Cell & Molecular Biology, BCBP- 4770 Molecular Biochemistry II and two courses from the following:
Biophysics Minor for Chemistry Majors BIOL-2120 Intro. Cell & Molecular Biology, BCBP-4770 Molecular Biochemistry II and two courses from the following:
Minor in Astrobiology Chemistry majors may obtain a minor in Astrobiology by taking a minimum of 16 credits of work that must include ASTR-4510 Origins of Life: A Cosmic Perspective, ISCI-4500 Topics in Origins of Life (4 credits each), two semesters of ISCI-4510 Origins of Life Seminar (1 credit each) and two courses outside of the major field of study selected from the following:
Note that the requirement that the two selected courses must be outside of the major is reduced to one in the case of double majors where both majors are in the primary fields of study (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics). Minors for Non-Chemistry Majors Students not majoring in chemistry may receive a minor in this discipline by passing four 4-credit courses at or above the 2000 level, one of which must include laboratory. The combination cannot include both CHEM-2150 and CHEM-4530. Graduate Programs Graduate students typically begin their studies with graduate courses in the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Additionally, a student selects from a number of specialized advanced-level courses in chemistry as well as from offerings in other departments that meet his or her needs. Each student, with a faculty adviser, plans a program to provide the training needed to meet his or her professional goals. Modern advances in chemistry require the use of techniques that transcend the traditional boundaries. Interdisciplinary programs with other departments in the School of Science, as well as with the School of Engineering, allow great flexibility. There are faculty in chemistry whose interests correlate with those of faculty in chemical engineering, and materials engineering, for example. Cooperative programs with industry, national laboratories, and other universities are part of the department’s research activities. Faculty members, visiting scholars, postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduates are all participants in our research efforts. Courses and research projects are supplemented by weekly seminars and colloquia in the various areas of chemistry, in which scientists of national and international renown participate. Most first year graduate students receive support as teaching assistants, participating in the undergraduate laboratory or workshop mode chemistry courses under the direction of a faculty member. After they have chosen a research adviser, most graduate students receive support from research projects. The graduate student in chemistry develops an individual program of study incorporating a particular area of research. Each student selects a faculty research adviser and a doctoral committee for assistance in focusing on specific research interests. Chemistry graduate students also may select the biochemistry/biophysics option described previously. Graduate Degree Requirements The Chemistry Department offers three graduate degrees in chemistry; two of which require research and a thesis. Master of Science A student must complete 30 credit hours of research and course work, of which 15 credit hours bear the suffix 6000-9990, and submit a research thesis. Doctor of Philosophy A student must meet divisional requirements in areas determined by his or her doctoral committee and accumulate 90 credit hours (60 beyond the M.S. degree) of research and course work. Satisfactory performance in an oral candidacy examination and a final defense of the doctoral thesis are also requirements. For either degree, the courses required will be specified based on the student’s background and research needs. Master of Science in Applied Science This program, which requires 30 credits, is designed to meet the needs of graduates who have traditional discipline-oriented backgrounds but desire an interdisciplinary program to meet their career goals. Admission to this program is handled in the same way as admission to the regular program, but students in the applied program are not eligible for teaching assistant or research assistant support, and proficiency examinations are not required. Transfer between the applied and regular programs is permitted but transfer from the applied to the regular program requires permission of the Graduate Admissions Committee. Two programs for this degree are currently offered. Master of Applied Science in Chemistry and Entrepreneurship Chemistry and Related Science/Engineering Courses (18 credits), including: Two core chemistry courses (selected from the core courses in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.) Electives from chemistry and related areas: up to two courses may be outside of the Chemistry Department; e.g., from chemical engineering or materials science and engineering. A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 credits of electives must be a project such as a research/development proposal, a business plan or other research. In appropriate cases, the project could replace a management course. Management (12 credits)
Master of Applied Science in Polymer Chemistry and Engineering Chemistry (15 credits), including: Two core chemistry courses (selected from the core courses in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry). Three required chemistry courses:
Electives (15 credits) Courses from chemistry, materials, or chemical engineering dealing with polymeric materials. Suggestions are:
A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 credits of electives must be a project, which may included research at Rensselaer or an internship in industry or other appropriate activity. |
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