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CLUSTER VIII. The Chemistry of Life |
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Instructors: Toby Allen, Dean Tantillo and Timothy Patten |
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Prerequisites: Algebra II and at least one year of a laboratory science class
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CORE COURSE (4 WEEKS)
From Bonding to Binding: A Molecular-level Understanding of Materials, Biomolecules and Drugs
In this core course we shall introduce the origins of bonding and the interactions between molecules that give rise to particular physical properties of liquids, solids, surfaces, common materials, biomolecules and pharmacological agents. An introduction into physical, organic, biological and inorganic chemistry will be applied to understand common phenomena which will then be illustrated with computer modeling and experiments.A focus on the composition and properties of everyday substances, biological molecules and proteins, and the actions of common drugs will be investigated in two supplemental courses. |
Chemisty magic show |
SUPPLEMENTARY COURSE B1(2 WEEKS)
What Is It Made Of and Why Is It Made That Way?
Have you ever wondered what materials that you find all around you were made of? Metals, sure, we all know what they are, but what about that cell phone cover, the TV case, your back pack or that soda bottle? This course will introduce the structures and compositions of materials and why they are so useful for making all of the objects that we find in our homes and offices. We will study how intermolecular interactions translate into a material's properties. Experiments synethesizing, detecting and studying the properties of different polymers will be combined with computer models to provide microscopic perspectives.
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Outing to the KeckCAVES at UC Davis |
SUPPLEMENTARY COURSE B2(2 WEEKS)
How Do Drugs Cure and Kill: Understanding How Structure and Intermolecular Interactions Allow Drugs to Function
This course will illustrate the need for designing specific drug-protein interactions with computers to create side effect free drugs. An introduction into the organic chemistry of biologically relevant molecules, including drugs such as aspirin and other pain and swelling inhibitors, will allow us to underrstand their mechanisms of action, illustrated with computer modeling. This course will also look at vitamins, blood heme groups and the chemistry of bruising.
Labs will involve computer modeling to visualize bonding, interactions and solvation for water, ions, small molecules, amino acids and proteins; a survey of interesting snow flake symmetries originating from non-covalent hydrogen bonding networks; synthesis of polymers (nylon, polystyrene, athletic shoe polymer-an elastomer), detective work on identifying polymers in commercial products and their mechanical properties; drug discovery lab: computer aided drug design. Planned outings to Genentech, Vacaville, CA and tours of the Chemistry labs to see molecular science in action. |
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