Organic Chemistry

Interdisciplinary Research

The University of Minnesota has a long and rich tradition in the field of organic chemistry. Many of our faculty have received recognition for excellence in research, and our graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves in industrial, academic, and government settings.

Our goal is to provide organic chemistry graduate students with a diversified background, and most importantly, a thorough understanding of the principles. This is accomplished through an excellent offering of formal courses, a vigorous weekly seminar program, and outstanding research opportunities. The expertise of the faculty is wide ranging so that in addition to core courses, we offer a number of courses which explore the cutting edge of research in disciplines like organometallic, polymer, synthetic, bioorganic, physical organic, natural product, and solid-state chemistry.

The breadth of our endeavors is also reflected in the research projects that are underway. A sampling of topics includes: the total synthesis of natural products; the development of new synthetic methods; reaction mechanisms; organometallic chemistry; heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis; studies of biosynthetic pathways; organic photochemistry; organic reactions in the solid state; gas phase ion chemistry; peptide synthesis; molecular electronics; polymer chemistry; and theoretical organic chemistry.

The major portion of your training centers around thesis research, supplemented by a thorough program of courses. It is possible for a graduate student to complete all course work within the first nine months, allowing the student to become deeply involved in research at a very early stage. This arrangement permits maximum accomplishment in the chosen area of research without sacrificing any formal class training. Most students take the three core courses, (Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions, Organic Synthesis, and Physical Organic Chemistry) and three additional courses. Students typically tailor the remainder of their course program to complement and enhance their interests and long-term goals.

Our students use an excellent assortment of high-tech instrumentation. Our resources in infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, laser spectroscopy, computer facilities for theoretical organic, and X-ray crystallography are all state-of-the-art.