Employing Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Laser Light Scattering For a Thermodynamic-Rich Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum

化学（12）差示扫描量热仪（DSC）和激光散射（LLS）分光光度计的收购导致物理化学，生物化学，生物物理化学和独立的研究课程与生物相关，丰富的实验室经验的注入。 LLS和DSC实验改编自教育文献，纳入合成聚合物，蛋白质，核酸，或脂质膜的热力学表征正在实施。 例如，在物理化学课程中，学生使用LLS来确定聚苯乙烯-甲基丙烯酸甲酯聚合物的分子量，并表征其与有机溶剂的相互作用。 DSC用于表征共聚物的玻璃化转变以及磷脂双层相变。 生物化学专业的学生使用DSC和LLS来表征在实验室中分离和纯化的T7聚合酶，并将这些研究与蛋白质的功能属性联系起来。生物物理化学专业的学生使用LLS和DSC在一个独立的，调查的格式来研究核酸双链体形成的热力学及其对离子强度和溶剂质量的依赖。 LLS和DSC仪器也用于与同事和本科生的合作研究。 使用这些仪器可以让学生在应对Bio 2010挑战的同时感到舒适并熟悉热力学。

Chemistry (12)Acquisition of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a laser light scattering (LLS) spectrophotometer is resulting in the infusion of the physical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, and independent research courses with biologically relevant, thermodynamic-rich laboratory experiences. LLS and DSC experiments adapted from the educational literature that incorporate the thermodynamic characterization of synthetic polymers, proteins, nucleic acids, or lipid membranes are being implemented. For example, in the physical chemistry course students use LLS to determine the molecular weight of a polystyrene-methyl methacrylate polymer and characterize its interactions with organic solvent. DSC is used to characterize the glass-transition of the copolymer as well as a phospholipids bilayer phase transition. Biochemistry students use DSC and LLS to characterize T7 polymerase isolated and purified in the lab and relate these investigations to the functional attributes of the protein. Biophysical chemistry students use both LLS and DSC in an independent, investigative format to study the thermodynamics of nucleic acid duplex formation and its dependence on ionic strength and solvent quality. The LLS and DSC instruments are also used in collaborative research with colleagues and undergraduate students. The use of these instruments provides student comfort and familiarity with thermodynamics while addressing the Bio2010 challenge.