The Medicinal Chemistry emphasis focuses on the creation and refinement of molecules to drive drug discovery and development. It is grounded in applied synthetic organic chemistry, with the specific goal of training the student in the design and creation of drug-like compounds for pre-clinical and clinical testing. Students learn to design and optimize bioactive compounds, using modern techniques in spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and drug design. This focused emphasis prepares graduates careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries or for further studies in graduate programs and professional health schools.
Program Requirements
Required General Education
Study of biological processes at the suborganismal level including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex tissue physiology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas:
GE-03
Limits, continuity, the derivative and applications, transcendental functions, L'Hopital's Rule, and development of the Riemann integral.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, MATH 115 or both MATH 112 and MATH 113 with "C" (2.0) or better.
Goal Areas:
GE-04
General background in physical concepts for those who do not plan advanced study in physics or engineering. Topics include mechanics, fluids, heat and thermodynamics. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites:
Either MATH 112 and MATH 113, or MATH 115
Goal Areas:
GE-02, GE-03
Major Common Core
Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Other prerequisites: High school chemistry or C (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. C (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 104 and Select 1 Course: MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121. High school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
Goal Areas:
GE-02, GE-03
Continuation of the basic principles of chemistry including properties of solutions, kinetics, acids and bases, equilibria, buffers, precipitation reactions, electron transfer reactions, electrochemistry, entropy and free energy. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts.
Prerequisites:
"C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 201
The course will cover aspects of the ethical conduct of research, chemical safety, and preparation for a profession related to chemistry or biochemistry.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 322
Introduction to the principles of chemical analysis, with emphasis on classical methods of analysis. Lectures will stress the theory of chemical measurements and sample handling. Laboratory exercises will provide students with opportunities to explore calibration methods, method development, and established procedures for volumetric and gravimetric analyses. Basic atomic spectroscopy is also presented.
Prerequisites:
"C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202
Introduction to organic nomenclature, structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, organic acid-base reactions, mechanisms and stereochemistry. IR, MS, and NMR spectroscopy will be introduced. The chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, alkenes, alkynes, and alcohols will be covered. Laboratory illustrates synthetic techniques and the preparation and reactions of functional groups discussed during lecture. Other Prerequisites: C (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 202, "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202.
This course is a continuation Chem 322 and includes organic nomenclature, structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, organic acid-base reactions, and reaction mechanisms; the chemistry of ethers, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, polyenes, ketones, aldehydes, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and alpha carbonyl compounds and synthetic transformations is covered.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 322 with a "C" (2.0) or higher.
Laboratory will highlight common techniques including recrystallization, melting point determination, simple and fractional distillation, extraction, gas and thin layer chromatography, and chemical and spectroscopic qualitative analysis. Single and multi-step syntheses illustrating aromatic and carbonyl chemistry will be performed.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 324
Capstone course for majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemistry Teaching. During this course, students will present their mentored undergraduate research projects OR present a literature review synthesized from primary literature articles. Forums for presentation include an oral presentation and poster presentation.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 445 or CHEM 465
Emphasis Common Core
Systems and regional approach to the structure of the human body. Primary emphasis on gross anatomy supported by 3-dimensional models and animal dissections, with additional emphasis on cell and tissue-level anatomy supported by histological examination. The course is designed for students majoring in biology programs. Lab included.
Prerequisites:
BIOL 105
Principles of functions of human cells, organs, and systems with an emphasis on organ/system interactions. This course is designed for students majoring in biology, chemistry, or related sciences, and medically-related areas. Includes a laboratory with a research and medical emphasis.
Prerequisites:
BIOL 325 and Select 1 course: CHEM 111 or CHEM 201
Spectroscopic techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and mass spectrometry for determining structural features of molecules will be covered. Spectroscopic methods emphasize interpretation of spectra, and also provide hands-on operation of the corresponding electronic instruments. The laboratory uses these techniques for the determination of the structures of a series of unknown compounds.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 322
In this course, students will develop discipline-specific skills in critical reading and evaluation of the primary and secondary literature, including the use of libraries and databases to identify reliable sources. Work will culminate in a literature review that synthesizes the current state of research in synthetic polymers, biological macromolecules, supramolecular aggregates and/or meso/nanoscale materials with consideration toward future directions. Throughout the course, students will participate in peer review, revision of written work, learn key ethical considerations of writing, develop better writing mechanics and understand different conventions of scientific writing all while increasing their familiarity in the topics above.
Prerequisites:
ENG 101, CHEM 324
Emphasis Restricted Electives
Physics or Programming Foundation - Choose 4 Credit(s). Choose 1 course
This course provides conceptual and logical tools for students planning to major in a computing-based major. Programming in a high-level language such as C++, Python, or Java, and the development of skills in abstraction, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking are emphasized.
Prerequisites:
MATH 112 or MATH 113 or MATH 115 or MATH 121
Includes waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and topics in modern physics. Lecture and laboratory.
Introduction to statistical analysis as applied to the health sciences. Examines concepts and methods of statistical procedures applied to health problems and issues. Prerequisites as listed or any other mathematics course higher than MATH 110.
Prerequisites:
Select 1 Course: MATH 110, STAT 154, SOC 202, or ECON 207, or any other mathematics course higher than MATH 110.
An introduction to statistical concepts and methods that is applicable to all disciplines. Topics include descriptive measures of data, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, tests of hypotheses, confidence intervals, correlation, linear regression, and analysis of variance. The use of statistical software will be emphasized. Prereq: ACT Math sub-score of 19 or higher, successful completion of MATH 098 or appropriate placement scores (see Placement Information under Statistics) Fall, Spring, Summer GE-4
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.
Goal Areas:
GE-02, GE-04
Medicinal Chemistry Foundation - Choose 3 Credit(s). Choose 1 course
This course will focus on the interface of cancer and medicine. Topics will provide a comprehensive overview of the hallmarks of cancers, mechanisms of tumorigenesis and metastasis, while simultaneously emphasizing drug design, mechanisms of action, and structure-activity relationships for targeting these pathways in precision medicine. Past/current treatments will be evaluated for their therapeutic benefits, side effects, and resistance mechanisms. Moreover, primary literature will serve to illustrate the concepts and how these malignancies are modeled in research for drug discovery and development. Instructor Consent.
Prerequisites:
none
.
Prerequisites:
none
Biochemistry Foundation - Choose one sequence (4 - 5 Credits)
Principles of Biochemistry
Analysis of the structure and metabolism of biologically important compounds. This intermediate-level course is designed for students in the medical technology, food science, chemistry education, chemistry and pre-professional health majors. The laboratory teaches basic biochemical techniques. Other Prerequisites: C (2.0) or higher in prerequisite courses. CHEM 324 strongly recommended.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 322. CHEM 324 is strongly recommended.
Biochemistry I and Biochemical Techniques I
Detailed analysis of the structures, properties, and functions of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; introduction to carbohydrate metabolism; theory for the purification and analysis of proteins. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 465 is recommended. A C (2.0) or higher required in all prerequisites.
Prerequisites:
BIOL 106, CHEM 324. BIOL 106 or permission "C" (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
A lecture/laboratory course, which presents methodology and instrumentation used to purify and analyze biomolecules. Techniques include chromatography, radioisotope techniques, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and PCR analysis. A C (2.0) or higher required in all prerequisites. CHEM 460 and 465 may be taken concurrently with consent of instructor. Chem 305 is strongly recommended.
Prerequisites:
Concurrent registration in CHEM 460 or completion of CHEM 460 with "C" or higher. CHEM 305 is highly recommended.
Emphasis Unrestricted Electives
Unrestricted Electives (Chemistry) - Choose 5 - 7 Credit(s). Choose at least 2 courses, minimum of 5 credits. No more than 2 credit from CHEM 398, 497, CHEM 498, or CHEM 499 may count toward Major Restrictive Electives. No CHEM courses can be double-counted in the degree.
This course is designed to address transition metal chemistry, introduce bonding theory, nomenclature, reactivity and mechanisms for transition metal compounds. It will also address and use examples from bioinorganic chemistry and catalysis.
Prerequisites:
"C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202
This course is designed to provide hands-on research experience to RISEbiochem scholars. Students will conduct and develop an original research project as a team. Students will be exposed to a variety of research methods to conduct their research projects. As early-stage researchers, emphasis will be placed on students building a solid foundation of laboratory techniques as well as understanding the process of scientific research that consists of formulation of a research plan, data collection, analysis of results, and interpretation of data. Students are required to maintain a detailed laboratory notebook and conduct multiple presentations of their findings. Other Prerequisites: C (2.0) or higher in all pre-requisites.
Prerequisites:
BIOL 105, CHEM 201
Advanced synthetic organic reactions and their mechanisms. Laboratory will include examples of some of this chemistry, and techniques for reaction monitoring and product purification.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 324. "C" (2.0) or higher
Detailed treatment of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Topics include equations of state, laws of thermodynamics, phase and reaction equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamic properties of polymers, solutions, and of biochemical and electrochemical processes. C (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
Prerequisites:
MATH 121, PHYS 211, CHEM 305
Detailed analysis of the reactions involved in intermediary metabolism, translation, transcription, and replication. A C (2.0) or higher required in all prerequisites.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 460 "C" (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
This course will focus on the interface of cancer and medicine. Topics will provide a comprehensive overview of the hallmarks of cancers, mechanisms of tumorigenesis and metastasis, while simultaneously emphasizing drug design, mechanisms of action, and structure-activity relationships for targeting these pathways in precision medicine. Past/current treatments will be evaluated for their therapeutic benefits, side effects, and resistance mechanisms. Moreover, primary literature will serve to illustrate the concepts and how these malignancies are modeled in research for drug discovery and development. Instructor Consent.
Prerequisites:
none
Capstone course for majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemistry Teaching. During this course, students will present their mentored undergraduate research projects OR present a literature review synthesized from primary literature articles. Forums for presentation include an oral presentation and poster presentation.
Prerequisites:
CHEM 445 or CHEM 465
.
Prerequisites:
none
.
Prerequisites:
none
This is research mentored by a faculty member in the Department. The Research mentor will work with the student to create a document outlining research goals and time commitment for each credit or registration attempt. In order for CHEM 498 credits to apply to the student's program of study as unrestricted elective credits, the student must submit a formal written report that meets ACS or ASBMB requirements at the end of their research.
Prerequisites:
none
.
Prerequisites:
none
Policies
Admission to Major. No formal Admission to Major paperwork is required for Chemistry or Chemistry Teaching. Students may enroll in 300- and 400-level courses after they have declared Chemistry or Chemistry Teaching as their first major and successfully completed any pre-requisite courses. Students should also have an assigned advisor in the department with whom they discuss their program.
GPA Policy. Students obtaining a major or minor in chemistry must maintain an overall GPA of 2.2 in all courses required for their selected program. Chemistry Teaching majors must maintain an overall GPA of 2.50 in all courses required for their selected program. All majors cannot have more than 4 credits of "D" (1.0) work in chemistry courses.
P/N Grading Policy. Courses leading to a major or minor in chemistry or biochemistry may not be taken on a P/N basis except where P/N grading is mandatory.
For students who choose to obtain a BS in Chemistry, CHEM 489 must be taken at Minnesota State Mankato. This course will not be substituted. This policy does not apply to students who choose to obtain a BS in Chemistry Teaching.
Students who use CHEM 498 (Undergraduate Research) as elective credits towards their Chemistry degree must submit a written research report to their faculty mentor upon completion of CHEM 498.
The first year of coursework for all chemistry majors should include general chemistry and mathematics (selection of courses depends on mathematics background). The second year should include organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, additional mathematics and physics. For BS chemistry majors, it is important that the calculus and physics sequences be completed early in the program since they are prerequisites for physical chemistry. Either physical chemistry or instrumental analysis should be taken during the third year. Other upper division courses in chemistry and biochemistry can be taken in either the third or fourth year. Participation in senior capstone is required of all BS majors in their last semester. Chemistry teaching majors see your chemistry advisor for placement of senior capstone in your program. The required coursework in mathematics may be credited towards a major or minor, so it is often desirable and convenient to choose a joint major or minor in mathematics.
Transfer students who are considering the Chemistry BS should note that before taking physical chemistry in the third (junior) year, students must successfully complete with a grade of "C" (2.0) or higher an analytical chemistry course in addition to appropriate mathematics and physics courses either here at Minnesota State Mankato or transferable to Minnesota State Mankato. Completion of an associate's degree may not meet the physical chemistry prerequisites and may add up to one year to the program of study.
Transfer students who are considering the Chemistry Teaching BS should consult with their chemistry advisor as soon as possible.
Degree Bachelor of Science
Major Credits 58
Total Credits 120
Locations Mankato
Career Cluster Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
