UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Purpose:
The Undergraduate Certificate in Medicinal Chemistry is designed to (1) improve students’ competitiveness and
ability to gain employment in pharmaceutical, bio-medical, and related fields and (2) recruit and retain students for
graduate programs in the chemistry department. This program is targeted towards motivated chemistry, biological
sciences, and pre-med students at S&T, as well as nontraditional students, including professionals from nearby cities
such as St. Louis and Kansas City. Students who complete the certificate will be equipped to understand the design,
synthesis, and action of medicinal drugs and apply their knowledge in their future careers. If enrollment and interest
are high, future goals for the program include development into a Graduate Certificate.

To accompany this degree, the Department of Chemistry will offer a new course: Introduction to Medicinal
Chemistry. This course focuses on the chemical principles that inform the process of drug discovery, design, and
development. Students will use these principles to analyze existing drugs and current candidates at various stages
of the drug development pipeline from basic science to the consumer market.

ADMISSION:
The certificate program is open to all undergraduate students from chemistry, biological sciences and
chemical/biochemical engineering or a related field. Once admitted to the program, the student must take the
required course, Chem 5650 (Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry) as well as three electives (for a minimum of 9
credit hours). In order to receive the certificate, the student must have an average cumulative grade point of 3.0 or
better in the certificate courses. Once admitted to the program, a student will be given three years to complete the
program. Students admitted to the certificate program will earn undergraduate credit for the courses they complete.

PARENT DEPARTMENT AND DEGREE:
Chemistry, BS

CONTRIBUTING DEPARTMENTS:
Biological Sciences

CURRICULUM:
To be awarded a certificate in Medicinal Chemistry, a student must meet the following requirements:

Required Course:
CHEM 5650 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (LEC 3.0)
At least 9 hours from the following, with at least one course in CHEM and one course in BIO SCI:
CHEM 4510 Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis (LEC 3.0 and LAB 1.0)
CHEM 4610 General Biochemistry (LEC 3.0)
CHEM 4210 Intermediate Organic Chemistry (LEC 3.0)
CHEM 4620 Metabolism (LEC 3.0)
CHEM 4630 Introduction to Bio-Nanotechnology (LEC 3.0)
BIO SCI 4666 Nanobiotechnology (LEC 3.0)
BIO SCI 4353 Cancer Cell Biology (LEC 3.0)
BIO SCI 4373 Stem Cell Biology (LEC 3.0)
BIO SCI 4383 Toxicology (LEC 3.0)

Course Descriptions:
*THE DELIVERY MODE FOR ALL COURSES WILL BE TRADITIONAL LECTURE ON CAMPUS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

CHEM 4610 General Biochemistry (LEC 3.0)
A resume of the important aspects of quantitative and physical chemistry in biochemical processes. General
subjects covered include proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, carbohydrates and lipids. Prerequisite: Chem
2220.
CHEM 4210 Intermediate Organic Chemistry (LEC 3.0)
Fundamental organic reactions are discussed based on reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications
emphasizing the synthon approach. Prerequisite: Chem 2220.
CHEM 4510 Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis (LEC 3.0 and LAB 1.0)
Principles and analytical applications of molecular spectroscopy, chromatographic separations, mass spectrometry,
and radiochemistry. A brief overview of instrument electronics, signal generation and processing, and automated
analysis is also provided. Prerequisites: Chem 3510 and Chem 3430.
CHEM 4619 General Biochemistry Laboratory (LAB 1.0)
Experiments are integrated with the lectures and cover the chemical and physical properties of proteins, enzymes,
nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Prerequisites: Preceded or accompanied by both Chem 4610 and Chem
1100.
CHEM 4620 Metabolism (LEC 3.0, Blended Class Instruction)
A continuation of Chem 4610. Catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation and membranes. Prerequisite: Chem 4610.
CHEM 4630 Introduction to Bio-Nanotechnology (LEC 3.0)
This course will educate on the interdisciplinary areas of bio-nanotechnology. Goal is for students to understand
how biomacromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids self-assemble to form the functional units of an
intact cell. Emphasis will be on current application in DNA/protein nanotechnology, drug delivery and
environmental biosensors. Prerequisite: At least junior standing.
BIO SCI 3783 Biological Design and Innovation I (LAB 3.0)
Students identify significant problems in biological/biomedical sciences, and then design and implement innovative
solutions using advanced techniques. Students present and defend proposals and results. Prerequisite: At least
two 2000 level or higher Biology courses.
BIO SCI 4353 Cancer Cell Biology (LEC 3.0)
Advanced biology course examining cellular processes that go awry during tumorigenesis. We will discuss cell cycle
controls, signal transduction pathways, DNA repair, telomerase, apoptosis, cell migration and adhesion that are
altered in cancer cells. Prerequisite: Bio Sci 2213.
BIO SCI 4373 Stem Cell Biology (LEC 3.0)
This course will cover the fast-moving field of stem cell biology. Topics include development and organogenesis,
regeneration and repair, stem cell types and sources, pluripotency and reprogramming, stem cells and cancer,
therapeutics, and ethics. Prerequisites: Bio Sci 2213.
BIO SCI 4666 Nanobiotechnology (LEC 3.0)
Nanotechnology has emerged to change human economy and society in many aspects. Applications of
nanotechnology in life science is termed nanobiotechnology. This course describes recent development of
nanobiotechnology in basic biological research as well as biomedical applications. Prerequisite: Bio Sci 2213 or Bio
Sci 2223.
BIO SCI 4383 Toxicology (LEC 3.0)
A study of natural and man-made toxicants, various possible routes of exposure, absorption, distribution,
biotransformation, specific target sites, and mechanisms involved in elicitation of toxic effects, as well as
detoxification and excretion. Prerequisites: Bio Sci 2213, at least Junior standing.
CHEM 5650 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (LEC 3.0)
This course will focus on the chemical principles that inform the process of drug discovery, design, and
development and enable us to understand how these compounds interact with biological systems.