Organic Chemistry in the Lab and the Field
Course Description
This course is designed to provide students with a unique and hands-on experience that combines ecology, ethnobotany, and organic chemistry in a way that will bring scientific principles to life.
Students will learn organic chemistry laboratory techniques as they examine the chemical basis of medicinal plants. Among other activities, they will visit a prairie to explore indigenous and folkloric medicinal plants and identify their medicinal properties, then return to the lab to delve into the organic chemical structures that make these plants effective. Students will also learn about the significance of ecological restoration and sustainability in traditional medicinal plant harvesting and utilization.
The course will culminate in a project where students will apply their chemical knowledge to design and fashion their own medicinal salve.
Course Criteria
Students who have completed one year of high school chemistry are more likely to be successful in this course.
Academic Interest
Physical Sciences (e.g., astronomy, physics)
Application Materials
A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details.
Instructor(s)
Vera Dragisich
Cost
$8,900
Other Courses to Consider
These courses might also be of interest.
Biomolecules of Life (Session 1)This course will introduce students to the molecular building blocks of life (i.e., proteins, including enzymes, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids) and explain their structure and function. Students will also learn how these molecules impact human health and contribute to disorders and diseases. Lab work will involve modern techniques used in biochemical and molecular biology research such as molecular modeling, rational drug design, and enzymatic assays. At the end of the course, students will work in groups to prepare and present a scientific poster. Exams will also be used to assess students' understanding.
Residential
Biology and Its Modern Applications (Session 1)This course aims at developing the basic concepts that form the crux of life from both structural and functional perspectives. It will cover cellular functioning and organization and the transformation of energy. In addition, concepts of evolution and natural selection will be investigated. The course also introduces the student to the continuity of life from genetic and molecular perspectives. The course will extrapolate to demonstrate how cells communicate through cell signaling and how defects in such communication often lead to diseases. The course will conclude by discussing various aspects of current applications of biology in medicine, drug discovery, nanotechnology, forensics, and bioengineering. The goals of this course will be realized through various course activities including (virtual and/or in-person) labs, group projects and presentations, and team-based learning. Both synchronous and asynchronous modes of interaction and communication will be used in this course.
Residential
Pathways in Molecular EngineeringWe are only able to consider students for the waitlist for this course. We strongly recommend that you select other courses and apply for more than one course on your application.
The emerging field of Molecular Engineering brings together concepts from chemical and mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, and nanotechnology to innovate across a wide range of areas, such as energy storage and harvesting, water purification, and manufacturing electronic, biomedical, and mechanical devices. Molecular engineers may build new materials or objects from the molecule up, or even create new molecules that do not exist in nature. This course will provide an overview of the basic components of engineering -- design principles, modeling, and optimization -- as they can be applied at the molecular level in order to address real-world problems. In addition to lectures, discussions, and labs, students will have the opportunity to use super computers to create models which will inform their optimization efforts. Overall, the program will lead participants beyond the boundaries of traditional scientific disciplines into the intersection of physical, chemical, computational, and engineering sciences – the forefront of technological problem-solving – so that they are able to engage in the lateral, multi-disciplinary thinking that is required to solve some of the most fundamental problems facing society today.
Residential