The Department of Chemistry offers a laboratory curriculum that introduces students to cutting-edge research topics in a modular format.
Each URIECA module is based on or linked to the research of a faculty member in the department. URIECA teaches core chemistry concepts within the modern contexts of:
In addition, many modules emphasize inquiry into the mechanical and electrical inner workings of the spectroscopic instrumentation used in the experiments, thereby presenting elementary engineering principles to the students.
Module 1: Fundamentals of Spectroscopy (5.351)
This experimental module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of the most common types of spectroscopy, including UV-visible absorption and fluorescence, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Emphasis is on the principles of how light interacts with matter, a fundamental and hands-on understanding of how spectrometers work, and what can be learned through spectroscopy about prototype molecules and materials. Spectra of small organic molecules, native and denatured proteins, semiconductor quantum dots, and laser crystals are recorded and analyzed.
*Based on the research of Professor Keith Nelson
Offered in Fall and Spring (First Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.111, 5.112, or 3.091; 4 units; Partial Institute Lab
Module 2: Synthesis of Coordination Compounds and Kinetics (5.352)
This experiment is an introduction to the synthesis of simple coordination compounds and chemical kinetics. Cobalt coordination chemistry and its transformations are illustrated in the preparation of [Co(NH3)4(CO3)]NO3 and [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2, followed by the aquation of [Co(NH3)5Cl]2+ to yield [Co(NH3)5(H2O)]3+, as detected by visible spectroscopy. Isosbestic points are observed in visible spectra, the rate and rate law is determined, the rate constant is measured at several temperatures, and the activation energy is derived for the aquation reaction.
*Similar to the research of Professor Richard Schrock
Offered Fall and Spring (Middle Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.111, 5.112, or 3.091; Corequisite: Module 1 (5.351); 5 units; Partial Institute Lab; CI-M (effective Fall 2018)
Module 3: Macromolecular Prodrugs (5.353)
Students carry out an experiment that builds skills in how to rationally design macromolecules for drug delivery based on fundamental principles of physical organic chemistry. Begins with conjugation of a drug molecule to a polymerizable group through a cleavable linker to generate a prodrug monomer. Continues with polymerization of monomer to produce macromolecular (i.e., polymer) prodrug; monomer and polymer prodrugs are fully characterized. Rate of drug release is measured and correlated to the size of the macromolecule as well as the structure of the cleavable linker. Satisfies 4 units of Institute Laboratory credit.
*Based on the research of Professor Jeremiah A. Johnson
Offered Fall and Spring (Last Third of the Term); Corequisites: 5.12 and Module 2 (5.352); 4 units; Partial Institute Lab
Module 4: Recombinant DNA Technology (5.361)
Students explore the biochemical basis for the efficacy of a blockbuster drug: Gleevec, which is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. Its target, Abl kinase, is produced in
E. coli by recombinant DNA technology, purified using affinity chromatography, and analyzed with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, UV–vis spectroscopy, and a colorimetric assay. Natural mutations found in Gleevec-resistant cancer patients are introduced into the
ABL1 proto-oncogene with PCR-based mutagenesis and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis.
*Developed by Professor Bradley L. Pentelute
Offered in Spring (First Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.07 or 7.05; Module 2 (5.352) or 5.310; 4 units
Module 5: Cancer Drug Efficacy (5.362)
Students probe the structural basis for the development of resistance to Gleevec by cancer patients. LC–MS is used to quantify the effect of Gleevec on catalysis by wild-type Abl kinase and a Gleevec-resistant variant (Module 4). Other potential drugs are tested as inhibitors of the Abl variant. Molecular graphics software is used to understand catalysis by Abl kinase, its inhibition by Gleevec, and the basis for drug resistance.
*Developed by Professor Bradley L. Pentelute
Offered in Spring (Middle Third of the Term); Must be taken simultaneously with Module 4; (5.361) Prerequisites: 5.07 or 7.05; Module 2 (5.352) or 5.310; Corequisite: Module 4 (5.361); 5 units; CI-M
Module 6: Organic Structure Determination (5.363)
The objective of this experiment is to introduce students to modern methods for the elucidation of the structure of organic compounds. Students will carry out transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions based on chemistry developed in the Buchwald laboratory using reactants of unknown structure. Full spectroscopic characterization, by proton and carbon NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry of the reactants and the coupling products will be carried out in order to identify the structures of each compound. Other techniques taught are transfer and manipulation of organic and organometallic reagents and compounds, separation by extraction, and purification by column chromatography.
*Developed by Professor Rick Danheiser and Dr. Paula Ruiz-Castillo based on the research of Professor Steve Buchwald.
Offered in Fall (Last Third of the Term); Prerequisite: 5.12; Corequisite: 5.13; 4 units; Partial Institute Lab
Module 7: Continuous Flow Chemistry: Sustainable Conversion of Reclaimed Vegetable Oil into Biodiesel (5.371)
Students will learn the theoretical and practical fundamentals of continuous flow synthesis, wherein pumps, tubes, and connectors are used to conduct chemical reactions instead of flasks, beakers, etc. The focus will be a catalytic reaction that converts natural vegetable oil into biodiesel that can be used in a variety of combustion engines. Given the low cost and small footprint of the equipment used and minimal energy requirements, this approach is sustainable and amenable to use in the developing world. Students will learn several important organic chemistry experimental techniques, including purification by extraction, rotary evaporation, acid-base titration, gas chromatography (GC), and 1H NMR.
*Based on the research of Professor Tim Jamison
Offered in Spring (Last Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.13 and Module 6 (5.363); 4 units
Module 8: Chemistry of Renewable Energy (5.372)
Students are exposed to the electrochemical processes that underlie renewable energy storage and recovery. They will investigate charge transfer reactions at electrode surfaces that are critical to the operation of advanced batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. The basic theory behind inner- and outer-sphere charge transfer reactions at interfaces will be developed and applied to construct mechanistic models for important energy conversion reactions including the reduction of O2 to water and the reduction of protons to H2. Students will also synthesize new catalytic materials for these reactions and investigate their relative performance.
*Based on the research of Professor Yogesh Surendranath
Offered in Fall (First Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.03 and Module 2 (5.352); 4 units
Module 9: Synthesis of Boron Heterocycles (5.373)
Experimental module focused on the synthesis and characterization of boron heterocycles, which are used as chemical synthons for metal complexes, small-molecule activation (e.g., carbon dioxide), catalysis mediators, components of optoelectronic materials, monomers for polymeric systems, and molecular building blocks for photochemistry. Covers techniques such as glovebox and Schlenk line methods for synthesis in the absence of oxygen and water; ligand effects, filtration, reaction mixture concentration, and recrystallization under an inert atmosphere. Characterization methods include proton and boron NMR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence measurements.
*Based on the research of Professor Robert Gilliard
Offered in Fall (Partial Term): Prerequisites: 5.03 and Module 6 (5.363); 4 units
Module 10: Quantum Dots (5.381) NOT OFFERED 2024-2025 AY
Synthesis of a discrete size series of quantum dots, followed by synthesis of a single size of core-shell quantum dots utilizing air free Schlenk manipulations of precursors. Characterization by absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence will be used to rationalize the compositional/size dependence of the shell on the electronic structure of the quantum dot as well as the phenomena of “blinking”. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between quantum dot/dye conjugates.
*Based on the research of Professor Moungi Bawendi
**Not offered during 2024-2025 AY** Offered in Spring (Last Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.61 and Module 3 (5.353); 4 units
Module 11: Time and Frequency Resolved Spectroscopy of Photosynthesis (5.382)
Time and frequency resolved fluorescence measurements are used to investigate photosynthetic light harvesting and energy transfer.
*Based on the research of Professor Gabriela Schlau-Cohen
Offered in Spring (Last Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.61; 5.07 or 7.05; Corequisite: Module 4 (5.361); 5 units; CI-M
Module 12: Fast Flow Peptide and Protein Synthesis (5.383) NOT OFFERED 2024-2025 AY
This module aims to teach students both the theory and practice of some fundamental techniques in biological chemistry, which include chemical reactivity (amide-bond formation, solid phase synthesis, disulfide bond formation, and protecting group chemistry), separation science for purification and analysis such as preparative HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS, and protein structure-function relationships (protein folding and binding). For part of this module, visitors from the local biotech research community will give guest lectures to describe how this module has practical applications in industry.
*Based on the research of Professor Brad Pentelute
**Not offered during 2024-2025 AY** Offered in Spring (Middle Third of the Term); Prerequisites: 5.07 or 7.05; Module 6 (5.363); 4 units
This is an independent research class under the direction of a member of the Chemistry Department faculty. It allows students with a strong interest in independent research to fulfill part of the laboratory requirement for the Chemistry Department Program in the context of a research laboratory at MIT. The research must be conducted on the MIT campus and be a continuation of a previous 12-unit UROP project or full-time work over the summer. Instruction and practice in written and oral communication is provided, culminating in a poster presentation of the work at the annual departmental UROP symposium and a research publication-style writeup of the results. Permission of the faculty research supervisor and the Chemistry Education Office must be obtained in advance.
The aim of this IAP course is to provide first-year students with intensive practical training in basic chemistry lab techniques, including:
5.301 is intended to provide first-year students with the skills necessary to undertake original research projects in chemistry. Students selected for this course are guaranteed a UROP in the Department of Chemistry for the subsequent Spring or Summer, however, this course is not a Prereq for a Chemistry UROP.
