CHEM 293 - Bio-inorganic Chemistry

An undergraduate-level introduction to Inorganic Biochemistry: the study of metals in biology, the environment, and medicine. Students will learn the fundamentals of transition metal periodic trends, bonding, and reactivity as specifically relevant to living organisms. History of, and key discoveries made by the diverse bioinorganic chemistry scientific community will be discussed alongside reviews of current findings in the literature. Students will also learn the principles and interpretation of modern techniques used to interrogate metal centers in biological systems, including: bioinorganic synthesis, electron paramagnetic resonance, electronic/vibrational, x-ray absorption, Mössbauer, and fluorescence spectroscopies.

Unit(s): 0.5
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group III
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 201 and CHEM 202. CHEM 202 may be taken concurrently with this course with instructor approval.
Instructional Method: Lecture-conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Not offered: 2026-27
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Use and evaluate quantitative data or modeling, or use logical/mathematical reasoning to evaluate, test or prove statements.