Experimental Chemistry and Chemical Biology

This is a project-based research course in which students conduct work in organic and/or bioanalytical chemistry. Organic projects involve the synthesis of small, organic molecules of potential therapeutic value; students learn air-free techniques on a Schlenk line, as they conduct Pd-catalyzed arylation, reduction, peptide coupling, and deprotection reactions, including work-ups, purification, and characterization. Bioanalytical projects involve the design and fabrication of ion-selective electrode systems to detect medical biomarkers and environmental toxins; students learn to use potentiometry software and may use 3-D printing to create devices for measurements and soft robotics. Data is recorded in electronic notebooks, including annotated NMR and IR spectra, graphs from potentiometry experiments, and publication-quality experimentals and conclusions. Research findings are presented in group meetings and shared with members of the Harvard Summer School community in a final oral presentation session.