Research in the field of organic chemistry of natural products takes three paths. Chemical research in each of these areas is coupled to biological testing. Research involving isolation and synthetic chemistry requires the student to develop expertise in separation techniques, such as the several methods of chromatography, and spectrometric identification of molecules. These courses will include either the one-year sequence in physical or organic chemistry of polymers and such additional courses as the student and advisor consider necessary. Special topics in a spectrum of polymer fields are offered or can be arranged in consultation with the faculty.
Research is an essential component of any graduate degree program in polymer chemistry.
See our facilities list for detailed information. Ultrastructure study facilities include X-ray diffraction equipment and several scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Chromatographic equipment includes instrumentation for analytical and preparative liquid and gas chromatography. Baker Laboratory is fully equipped for the use of radioisotopes in research with its own separate radioisotopes lab. Scintillation counters, a multichannel analyzer, and a cobalt-60 irradiation source are available.