Physical chemistry is having a major impact on all areas of science that concern the properties of molecules. In particular, the design of pharmaceutical drugs, understanding detailed structure-function relationships of proteins, RNA and DNA are highly dependent on the development of physical chemistry concepts.

This course introduces students to physical chemistry (and to the pioneers of these theories) using a biomolecular approach. The underlying principles of quantum mechanics are covered first and then utilized to understand the basic principles of spectroscopy (electronic, vibrational, rotational and magnetic resonance) and other quantum phenomena such as electron/proton tunneling in enzymes. Molecular orbital calculations that can be completed with pencil and paper on simple organic molecules are also covered, giving students a view of theoretical chemistry.

Armed with the tools of quantum chemistry, students shall learn that the laws of thermodynamics can be formulated in terms of the properties of atoms and molecules that make up macroscopic systems. Students will then utilize these concepts to understand the workings of (bio)molecular machines. Mathematical topics are reviewed before using them to develop biophysical chemistry concepts.

The outcome of this course will provide students with the ability to understand research problems in biotechnology and medical fields from a physical chemistry perspective.

Course Requirements:

The weekly lectures for this course will be recorded and made available asynchronously. We will also have biweekly discussion sessions that require synchronous participation through Zoom.

Testing for this course will be online and will consist of short answer and essay questions that will be submitted via Canvas during a designated time frame.

Intended Audience:

Biophysics majors at the junior level and other students interested in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering.

Class Format:

This course will be offered in the hybrid format with synchronous and asynchronous components. Students wishing to participate entirely online may do so. This course welcomes entirely online participation. While there will be optional in-person components, no part of this course requires you to be on campus or present in-person. The weekly lectures for this course will be recorded and made available asynchronously. We will also have biweekly discussion sessions that require synchronous participation through Zoom.