CH 610: Chemical Analysis and Signal Transduction
Credits: 4
Instructors: Jess Lohrman
Term: Summer
Students take a deep dive into molecular sensor construction and application within the field. In this course students will learn about evaluating analyte recognition and the various methods of signal transduction from a binding event. Examples of technologies covered include optical, electronic, nanomaterial, and array-based sensors. By studying academic and industrial leaders in the field, students will gain a view of the sensor design process from the chemical design of recognition units to the incorporation of transduction elements, and finally the integration of these elements into electronic devices.
CH 610: Synthetic Methods in Chemical Biology
Credits: 4
Instructors: Jess Lohrman
Term: Summer
Through extensive hands-on experience, students become proficient in the synthetic techniques frequently used for production of molecular probes and sensors. Skills include sensor design, reaction setup, air-free technique, purification techniques, and structural analysis including NMR and FTIR. Cooperative group learning in the lab will generate important teamwork skills necessary for project development and time management.
CH 610: Small Molecule Analysis
Credits: 4
Instructors: Casey Simons
Term: Summer
In this course, students will become proficient in analytical instrumentation that is pivotal for analyzing synthetic materials and natural products. By learning how to develop methodology for separation of products on HPLC and analysis on GCMS. Additionally, this course will delve deeper into 2D NMR techniques to further explore chemical structural analysis.
CH 610: Professional Communication in Science
Credits: 1
Instructors: Stacey York
Term: Summer
Students learn and apply foundational skills critical for career progression of scientists and engineers. Core elements include: composing a competitive resume; sharing impactful answers during behavioral and technical interviews; and building a strong professional network.
CH 610: Chemical Biology
Credits: 4
Instructors: Mike Pluth
Term: Fall
Students learn key concepts of synthetic chemistry that apply to biologically-relevant molecules, bioconjugation techniques, and surface interactions – all of which are central to the development of sensors and probes targeting biomedical fields. Understanding the intricate interactions between biomolecules (DNA, RNA, biomarkers, and proteins) helps bridge the gap to designing components that can be used in industry platforms to monitor and maintain physiological processes.
CH 610: Molecular Sensors Immersion Lab Course
Credits: 4
Instructors: Jess Lohrman
Term: Fall
Students work in teams to solve a specific real-world problem. As a project-based course, students apply concepts and ideas gained during previous sensor coursework. Students propose and perform experiments, collect data, interpret results and draw logical conclusion on a new and relevant project to the molecular sensors and probes field. The projects are structured to simulate an industrial environment, providing students an opportunity to apply technical learning and soft skills such as time-management, trouble shooting, critical thinking and teamwork skills to effectively achieve project goals.
Electives: Chemistry-related discipline Graduate Electives
Credits: 8
Instructors: Varies
Term: Fall
Students further specialize or broaden their knowledge through 8 credits of elective coursework. Popular electives amongst students include: Design of Experiments, Advanced NMR, Physical Organic Chemistry and Lens of the Market (an entrepreneurial-based elective).
CH 601: Research Internship
Credits: 10 per term, 30 total
Instructors: Jess Lohrman
Term: Winter, Spring, Summer
Within an academic, clinical, industrial, or national lab setting, students gain hands-on experience in the application of their knowledge. Each term, students write a review paper to demonstrate advancement of technical knowledge and development of written communication skills. Learn more about the internship by visiting our website at internship.uoregon.edu/sensors-internships/.