The Ph.D. degree in Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry
is based on interdisciplinary study in courses offered by the disciplines
of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry
and Pharmacology. A major emphasis is put on completing the majority of
coursework during the first two years while simultaneously gaining a mastery
of research in the laboratory. The Ph.D. is granted only after completing
and defending an original research based thesis project, typically in
four to five years.
The Division of MNPC requires students to complete 30
credits of didactic coursework, of which a minimum of 15 credits must
be divisional courses. The remainder of 15 credits may be fulfilled by
selecting from the list of interdisciplinary elective courses. Entering
students who do not have basic knowledge in all subjects will be advised
to complete one or more prerequisite electives during year 1 and 2. Most
students will be advised to follow the plan of study indicated below to
complete the divisional requirements during the first two years. Students
entering with an M.S. may apply to the Division for exemption of up to
6 credit hours of equivalent coursework.
| First Year |
| Fall Term |
Spring Term |
| 46:135 Perspectives in MNPC Research (1 credit) |
MNPC Divisional Courses (3-6 credits) |
| MNPC Divisional Courses (3-6 credits) |
Interdisciplinary Electives (3-6 credits) |
| Interdisciplinary Electives (3-6 credits) |
Responsible Conduct in Research (1 credit) |
| MNPC Research (1-3 credits) |
MNPC Research (1-2 credits) |
| MNPC Seminar (1 credit) |
MNPC Seminar (1 credit) |
| Total: 9-12 credits |
Total 9-12 credits |
| |
|
| Second Year |
| Fall Term |
Spring Term |
| MNPC Divisional Courses (3-6 credits) |
MNPC Divisional Courses (3-6 credits) |
| Interdisciplinary Electives (3-6 credits) |
Interdisciplinary Electives (3-6 credits) |
| MNPC Research (1-3 credits) |
MNPC Research (1-3 credits) |
| MNPC Seminar (1 credit) |
MNPC Seminar (2 credit) |
| Total: 9-12 credits |
Total 9-12 credits |
| |
|
MNPC Divisional Courses |
Offering Schedule |
46:135 Perspectives in MNPC Research (1) (Staff)
Contemporary research in medicinal chemistry and natural products .
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(Fall, every year) |
46:211 Total Synthesis of Natural Products (3) (Jin)
Total synthesis of natural products; use of strategies, tactics, efficiency, selectivity, synthetic maneuvering. Consent of instructor required
|
(Fall 2002, 2004, 2006) |
46:219 Analytical Biochemistry (3) (Rice)
Application of modern chromatographic and detection methods used to isolate, characterize, and quantify drugs and macromolecules.
|
(Spring 2003, 2005, 2007) |
46:150 Synthetic Strategies (3 ) (Olivo)
Modern chemical methods for construction of carbon-carbon bonds commonly used in synthesis of natural products; strategic disconnections for the syntheses of these molecules.
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(Fall 2003, 2005, 2007) |
46:137 Enzymatic Basis of Drug Metabolism (3) (Duffel)
Current literature on catalytic and physical properties, distribution, and substrate specificity of enzymes involved in mammalian drug metabolism.
|
(Spring 2004, 2006, 2008) |
46:215 Current Medicinal Chemistry (3) (Kerns)
Modern techniques used in drug discovery; important drug classes, their chemical mechanism of action.
|
(Spring 2004, 2006, 2008) |
46:214 Pharmaceutical and Chemical Toxicology (3) (Doorn)
Principles and mechanisms of chemical toxicology related to drugs and environmental agents. Modern methods used to conduct toxicological research. |
(Fall 2005, 2007, 2009) |
Guide to Suggested Interdisciplinary Electives and*Prerequisites
*Physical Chemistry or Biophysics (3-6) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CollegeofLiberalArtsandSciences/Chemistry.html.
Chemical thermodynamics and its application to chemical equilibrium, phase changes and chemical equilibria; ideal and real gases; kinetic theory; surface absorption and electrochemistry; thermodynamics. Prerequisites: 004:012 or 004:014 or 004:019, and 029:012 or 029:082, and 22M:026 or equivalent. |
*Pharmacology or MNPC Equivalent (3-6) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CarverCollegeofMedicine/PharmacologyCourses.html
Principles of pharmacology, toxicology; drug and toxic mechanisms; systemic and organ-specific pharmacologic and toxic responses. Open only to first-year pharmacy students and to graduate students with consent of instructor. |
*Physiology or Biology Equivalent (3) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CarverCollegeofMedicine/PhysiologyandBiophysicsCourses.html
Principles of human physiology, organ systems, cell function. Open only to pharmacy students. Offered spring semesters. Consent of course director required. Prerequisites: grades of C- or higher in 002:010, 004:121, and 004:122 |
*Biochemistry (3) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CollegeofLiberalArtsandSciences/Biochemistry.html
Chemistry, metabolism, molecular biology of living systems. Prerequisites: two semesters of general chemistry, one semester of organic chemistry, and one of the following: a life science course, an additional organic chemistry course, or consent of instructor. |
*Organic Chemistry (6) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CollegeofLiberalArtsandSciences/Chemistry.html
Carbon-containing compounds; structure, stereochemistry, physical properties, reactivity, reaction mechanisms, synthesis; emphasis on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, alkyl halides, aromatics. Prerequisite: 004:012 or 004:014 or 004:019. |
004:208 Spectroscopic (3) |
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses/
Principles of atomic and molecular absorption and emission spectroscopy in ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions of the spectrum, including fluorescence, phosphorescence, Raman spectroscopy; applications to analytical problems, with emphasis on modern instrumentation and methodology. Prerequisites: 004:111, 004:112, and 004:171. |
|
004:212 Mass Spectrometry (3) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CollegeofLiberalArtsandSciences/Chemistry.html
Theory and practice of methods and instrumentation used in modern analytical mass spectrometry; emphasis on hardware components such as ionization sources, sample delivery mechanisms, mass analyzers, instrumental interfaces. Prerequisites: 004:111 and 004:112, or 004:171. |
004:209 Separations (3) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CollegeofLiberalArtsandSciences/Chemistry.html
Separation science; emphasis on gas and liquid chromatography, including mobile and stationary phases, instrumentation, detection, applications and sheet method, supercritical fluid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, solid phase extraction techniques. Prerequisites: 004:111, 004:112, and 004:171. |
|
004:205 Bioinorganic Chemistry (3) |
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses/
The role of metal ions in biology from an inorganic chemical perspective; emphasis on structure and mechanism for transition metal-containing metallo-enzymes. Prerequisite: 004:170 or equivalent. |
|
004:215 Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Imaging (3) |
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/catalog/CollegeofLiberalArtsandSciences/Chemistry.html
Structure, dynamics of biomolecules and their optical spectroscopy; ultrasensitive fluorescence spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, optical activity and circular dichroism, time-resolved spectroscopy. Prerequisites: 004:111, 004:112, and 004:171. |
|
004:229 Advanced Organic Synthesis (3)
|
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses/
Preparation of complex organic compounds. Prerequisite: 004:172. |
|
046:148 Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics (3) |
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses
Kinetics of drug absorption, distribution, and elimination, including development of mathematical models. Prerequisites: two semesters of calculus and one semester of statistics, or consent of instructor. |
046:229 Advanced Pharmacokinetics and
Pharmacodynamics (3) |
|
046:275 Perspectives in Biocatalysis |
|
099:120 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I(3) |
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses
Structures of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and their participation in cellular transport, catalysis, oxidative reactions; first course of two-semester sequence that concludes with 099:130. Prerequisites: two semesters of general chemistry and one of organic chemistry. Recommended: 002:010, 002:011, and an additional organic chemistry course. |
|
099:130 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (3) |
|
099:140 Experimental Biochemistry (4) |
|
099:226 Enzyme Kinetics and Bioorganic Mechanisms (2) |
|
099:241 Biophysical Chemistry I (3) |
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses
Quantitative analyses of biochemical systems; application of thermodynamics, equilibria, spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography to study of structure and function of macromolecules. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite: one year of biochemistry. Recommended: course in physical chemistry. |
|
099:242 Biophysical Chemistry II (3) |
|
071:207 Neuropharmacology |
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses/
Biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, and pharmacology of ionotropic and metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels, neuronal excitability, and synaptic transmission. Offered fall semesters. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisites: 072:153 and 156:201, or equivalents. |
|
071:209 Receptors and Signal Transduction (3) |
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072:153 Graduate Physiology (4) |
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072:220 Cell Biology I (3) |
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072:225 Cell Biology II (3) |
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002:171 Molecular Genetics (4) |
|
061:188 Microbial Biotechnology |
https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses/
Industrially relevant microbiology; molecular biology, fermentation, cell culture, downstream processing; overview of industrial organisms; processes to make enzymes, bulk chemicals, antibiotics; safety, economic, regulatory aspects. Prerequisite: 061:157 with a grade of C or higher. |
|
061:210 Advance Prokaryotic Molecular Biology(3) |
|
061:170 Microbial Genetics (3) |
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061:260 Microbial Physiology (3) |
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052:149 Polymer Science and Technology(3) |
|
052:108 Introduction to Biochemical Engineering (3) |
|
052:222 Advanced Biochemical Engineering (3) |
|
052:220 Biotechnology and Extremeophiles (3)
|
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052:280 Engineering Aspects of Animal Cell Culture (3) |
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Graduate College Requirements: A minimum of 72
credit hours must be completed to satisfy the graduate college requirements.
Of these, the Division requires students to complete a minimum of
30 credits of didactic coursework including a 1 credit hour course
(650:270) titled “Responsible Conduct in Research”. The
remaining 42 credit hours may be elected as either research credits
or additional course work. For a complete listing of graduate college
requirements and rules review the Manual of Rules and Regulations.
|
MNPC Seminars: Students will register each semester
and be required to give two seminars (one literature based in year
two and one final dissertation seminar described below). A separate
guideline describes preparation for the literature based seminar (Appendix
I).
|
Comprehensive Pre-Doctoral Exam: Following the
completion of two years and a minimum of 24 credits of didactic coursework,
students will schedule to take a pre-doctoral comprehensive exam.
With the help of their advisor, the student will select a committee
of five MNPC Professors that will administer the exam as described
in appendix II. Upon completion of the written exam, students will
immediately schedule the oral exam and prepare according to the guidelines
described in appendix II.
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Post comprehensive: After completing the plan of
study (at least 72 credit hours) and the comprehensive exam, the students
may register for continuous registration for 2 credits per semester
until completion of their thesis and defense, typically near the end
of year four to five.
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Data Session and Thesis Defense: With the help
of the division secretary, students will schedule their thesis committee
of four MNPC faculty and one external (outside of the College of
Pharmacy) member for a data session during years 3 or 4, at a time
that is approximately one year prior to their final defense. Data
sessions will include a 2 hour progress report to seek the scientific
advice and approval of the committee. During these sessions, the
student should prepare a brief written summary, present research
results and clearly explain the immediate and final goals of their
project.
The defense will be a formal public 45 minute presentation, scheduled
as a regular MNPC seminar if possible, during which the student
will present the details of their thesis research. Following the
public presentation the student and thesis committee will meet in
a closed door session to ask more detailed questions. |
| Appendix I
Guidelines for Student Seminars in MNPC
Graduate students are required to register for and attend MNPC
seminar each semester. Students attending seminar will register
for 1 credit and be graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory ("S/U")
based on attendance and participation. Students are required to
present two seminars during their Ph.D. program. The student should
register for 2 credits during either Fall or Spring semester of
their second year. A second and final seminar will be given as part
of their public defense of the thesis, usually in year four or five.
Prior to the beginning of the second year, the seminar coordinator
will convene a meeting of all second-year students. At this meeting
the seminar coordinator will review the guidelines with students
and direct the student to schedule a tentative date. This date should
be considered flexible because of the occasional difficulty in scheduling
outside speakers. The seminar coordinator will assign three faculty,
including the student's dissertation advisor, to assist the student
in selecting a seminar topic, assign grade (A-C) and critique the
students performance. All faculty attending the seminar will complete
a grade sheet (attached).
The first seminar will be given on a topic unrelated to the student's
research. Approximately one month prior to the seminar date, the
student should select three potential topics based on three current
research articles. The title, reference and a brief summary of the
articles will be emailed to the student's seminar committee. The
committee will communicate its preference to the student's dissertation
advisor who will instruct the student on the preparation of slides
and on proper speaking technique.
Students will also prepare a detailed five page double space summary
that includes the hypotheses, the major scientific findings, chemical
structures or diagrams, a brief conclusion and additional references.
The seminar abstract must be distributed to the faculty one week
in advance of the seminar presentation and should be distributed
to the audience at the time of presentation.
Appendix II
The Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry
Comprehensive Predoctoral Examination
GENERAL: Comprehensive predoctoral examinations
include a written and an oral testing process. This document details
aspects of both types of exam.
A. WRITTEN PREDOCTORAL EXAMINATION
1. The examination committee
The examination committee shall serve for both written and oral
portions of the predoctoral exam. The committee shall consist of
the student's major professor, and four other faculty members from
the Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry division. Students
shall select the four other members of the examining committee.
The final composition of the committee must receive approval of
the major professor.
2. Selection of a Proposal Topic Before Taking the Written
Exam
Selection of a proposal topic (vide infra) must be completed before
the student sits for the written examination.
3. The examination
The written predoctoral exam shall normally be administered twice
each year -- during the Spring and Fall semesters. The exam is usually
scheduled for Saturday beginning at 8:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM.
The exam will consist of a total of eight (8) questions submitted
by the examining committee. Each question will be worth ten (10)
points. Three committee members will submit two questions each,
while two committee members will provide one question each for the
examination. The major professor shall assign members of the examining
committee to prepare one or two questions, and students will be
informed of this decision.
Students must answer all questions on the exam. Faculty members
will grade their specific questions, and the results will be communicated
to the major professor. The results of the exam will be discussed
at a meeting of the examining committee as soon as possible -- usually
within one week of the exam.
4. Written Exam Results
Students may be recommended for "pass" or "fail".
Students passing the written examination may begin the process of
assembling a proposal for the oral portion of the predoctoral exam.
Students who fail the written examination may petition to retake
the written predoctoral examination at the next regularly scheduled
exam time. Upon failing the exam for a second time, a student will
no longer be enrolled in the MNPC graduate program.
B. THE ORAL EXAMINATION
For the oral examination, the MNPC Division uses a Proposal Format.
The purposes of the oral examination are: to provide a forum in
which the student can demonstrate abilities to respond to questions
and to "think on her/his feet"; and to provide a didactic
experience in the preparation of a scholarly grant proposal.
1. Rules for the NIH-Format Proposal:
Rules governing the construction of the NIH Proposal Format are
given below.
a. Writing of the proposal should be started only after the predoctoral
written examination has been satisfactorily completed.
b. Students are charged to complete the Proposal and to submit
it to the committee within 45 days after completion of the written
examination.
c. Proposals should describe a level of quality and quantity of
work to be conducted by a Ph.D. in Medicinal and Natural Products
Chemistry
d. Students failing to submit a Proposal within the 45 day period
following completion of the written examination requirement may
be required to retake the written examination.
2. Mechanism:
a. Before taking the written predoctoral exam, students will suggest
two or three possible Proposal topics to their faculty advisor.
The faculty advisor will assist the student in choosing a suitable
topic. Selection of the proposal topic should be completed before
the student sits for the written examination.
b. Faculty advisors will supply the appropriate NIH grant application
forms and instructions, and they should assist the student with
regard to budgetary information and mechanical aspects of the Proposal
-- but not in any aspect of the substance of the proposal.
c. Proposals must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to
the proposal defense date.
d. Students will arrange for defense of the Proposal by choosing
a date, time and room convenient to the examining committee -- and
by informing the examining committee in writing of the examination
schedule, and preparing (at least 3 wks in advance) all necessary
Graduate College Forms for the Plan of Study and Comprehensive Exam.
e. Upon completion of the oral examination, discussion of good
and bad points of the Proposal will be transmitted to the student
by the major professor.
3. Format (Written):
Specific instructions for proposal preparation as described in
the most recent edition of NIH form PHS 398 must be strictly adhered
to. The following modifications to these instructions will apply:
a. pg 2 - DESCRIPTION - This is one of the most important sections
of any proposal. The allotted space should be completely filled
with a thorough and carefully-written description of the project.
b. Sections of the Proposal are suggested to have the following
lengths:
-Specific Aims - 1 page or less
-Background & Significance - 3 pages
-Research Design & Methods - 5-7 pages
c. The proposal should be designed for completion of the proposed
work within a two-year project period.
d. The student should assume that he/she is employed as an Assistant
Professor in the Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry,
and that the facilities and equipment at the University of Iowa
are available for her/his use.
e. A detailed budget must be presented according to NIH guidelines.
This includes use of the appropriate budgetary percentages for institutional
overhead, and fringe benefits.
f. Proposals are considered to be the property of student authors.
As such, they will be treated in a confidential manner.
3. Format (Oral):
a. In general, no oral review of the project will be made by the
student.
b. Examinations typically last 1.5 - 2 hours.
c. Students may be questioned on any aspect of the Proposal. Subjects
for questioning by examining committee members will not necessarily
be limited to the Proposal per se.
4. Results of the Oral Exam
After the examination period has been completed, members of the
examining committee will meet to determine whether the student has
passed or failed. Students passing the examination will be informed
by the major professor that he/she has successfully completed the
MNPC predoctoral examination.
Students may receive a conditional pass recommendation in which
they may be required to redraft all or a portion of the proposal.
Students failing the oral examination may petition to retake the
oral examination at a time acceptable to the examining committee
but no earlier than four months following the first oral examination.
They may be required to rewrite the proposal, or to write a new
proposal on a different topic.
Students failing the oral examination twice will not be permitted
to enroll further in the MNPC graduate program.
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