Instrumental Methods Across the Chemistry Curriculum with Emphasis on Macromolecular Structure Studies

Albright College, Reading PA

Investigators

Abstract

Chemistry (12) We are enhancing our undergraduate curriculum by adapting and implementing into our chemistry and biochemistry courses projects which make use of our newly acquired CD spectropolarimeter. Our primary emphasis is to develop an integrated biophysical chemistry laboratory course that involve a series of projects focused on the investigation of macromolecular structure and function using the CD instrumentation. We are also integrating CD instrumentation into our sophomore and higher level laboratories and in ongoing student-faculty research projects. The project-based biophysical laboratory represents a forum for investigation of macromolecular structure and function by instrumental means. Aspects of polypeptide and DNA structure are being examined using the CD spectrometer. In sophomore Organic chemistry, students use the CD instrumentation to determine the absolute configuration of chiral compounds. Additionally, we are adapting a project-oriented experiment from the J. Chem. Educ. in which our students in advanced organic chemistry use the CD instrumentation to determine the absolute configuration of alpha amino acids following completion of an organometallic synthesis. Coupled with our 200 MHz NMR and the UV/vis spectrophotometer, students in the biophysical chemistry course investigate the thermodynamics of protein and DNA structures. The overarching goal of our project is to enhance our students' problem solving skills in chemistry and biochemistry through incorporation of modern instrumentation and to enable them to seek varied approaches to the solution of scientific problems.