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Physical
Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
at Michigan has grown dramatically over the last decade, expanding
cutting edge areas of single molecule spectroscopy, atomic scale
imaging, solid state NMR, X-ray spectroscopies, and femtosecond
dynamics. The inclusive nature chemistry as a central science and
the importance of a firm theoretical foundation leads to exploration
in a diverse range of areas. selection of these are described below.
Faculty
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Kinetic
rate landscape (left) of an RNA enzyme (right) analyzed by single
molecule microscopy (background image). |
Biophysical
Chemistry
Biophysical
Chemistry seeks to measure, describe and explain physical phenomena
in biological systems at the molecular to supramolecular level.
Research in Biophysical Chemistry is highly interdisciplinary in
nature uses a wide variety of spectroscopic techniques on a broad
selection of biological systems including both proteins and nucleic
acids. At Michigan, particular interests include: Single-molecule
and ensemble fluorescence enzymes; Microscopy of RNA enzymes and
nano-devices; Solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR).
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STEM
image of silver nanoprisms on silicon beads. |
Surface & Nano-Science
The chemistry
of surfaces and interfaces is profoundly important in modern science
and engineering. Current research in the Chemistry Department involves
developing molecularlevel understanding of interfaces of prime importance
in modern catalytic and electronic materials, biological systems,
and drug delivery. Selected examples include the role of surfaces
in novel chemotherapy agents, interactions between proteins and
polymer surfaces related to biocompatibility of polymers and marine
biofouling, membrane protein structure and polymer adhesion, crystallization
phenomena in two and three dimensions, hydrocarbon oxidation on
metal surfaces, and surface science of chemical sensors. The state-of-the-art
techniques applied include sum frequency generation vibrational
spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy,
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface infrared spectroscopy,
low-energy electron diffraction, mass spectrometry, confocal and
resonance laser trapping microspectroscopy, and fluorescence yield
near-edge spectroscopy. spectroscopy of RNAs, peptides, proteins,
and membranes; X-ray absorption spectroscopy of metallo-enzymes;
Mass spectrometric analysis of protein expression in normal and
diseased cells; Intracellular chemical dynamics; And computer simulations
of complex systems.
Theoretical
Chemistry
Theoretical
and computational tools have been playing an increasingly important
role in shaping modern chemistry. The research of groups in the
department focuses on establishing and applying the theoretical
and computational framework which is necessary for making progress
in a wide range of cutting edge problems. Highlights of ongoing
research projects include: (1) Applying advanced electronic structure
methods, such as timedependent density-functional theory (TDDFT)
to the understanding of photochemical processes in biologically
(e.g. protein ligand photo-dissociation) and material-science (e.g.,
molecular electronics) relevant processes (2) Classical molecular
dynamics and Monte-Carlo simulations of biologically important systems
such as DNA-protein complexes and ribosomal RNA; (3) Understanding
of the mechanism and regulation of enzymes via Quantum Mechanics
Molecular Mechanics (QMMM) calculations; (4) Development of data-mining
techniques for drug design and other pharmaceutical applications;
(5) Simulation of quantum molecular dynamics in condensed phase
systems; (6) Theory of single molecule kinetics and spectroscopy.
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Topoisomerase
complex used in computer simulations of DNA supercoil relaxation;
The protein (in green), binds to DNA (blue bases, red backbone),
nicks one of its strands and rotates it around the other. |
Spectroscopy
Modern spectroscopies
provide powerful tools for studying and manipulating chemical reactions,
for investigating molecular materials, and for probing nano-scale
systems. Research at the University of Michigan ranges from the
study of atmospheric reactions, where physical conditions cover
extreme ranges of pressure and temperature, to the use of the worlds
smallest light source for optical and spectral imaging on the nanometer
scale. Spectroscopic methods of characterization are used in the
study of non-crystalline materials including photo-conducting polymers,
inorganic-organic composites, molecular aggregates and nanoparticulates.
Femtosecond
Optics
Femtosecond
lasers have many applications in chemistry. At Michigan
lasers in molecular systems, a processes ultrafast
are used to investigate chemical reactions condensed
phase where rel xation on time scales control dynamics;
to investigate energy and charge transport in novel
organic materials, potential candidates for light-emitting
devices, artificial light harvesting to control chemical
reactions the interaction designer light pulses having
precisely controlled phase and amplitude optical
limiters and the molecular
system.
Life in Ann
Arbor
The
University of Michigan offers a rich intellectual
environment. Opportunities for research and collaboration
in physical chemistry are enhanced by top-ranked
programs in engineering, physics, applied physics,
and biophysics. The University is located in Ann
Arbor, a small city of 110,000 which combines the
comfort and charm of a college town with the vivid
cultural life of a large city.
Further Information
For
more information about specific research interests see www.umich.edu/~michchem/faculty/discipline.html
or contact a faculty member directly:
For questions
regarding admission see www.umich.edu/~michchem/graduate/
or contact: Department of Chemistry, chemAdmissions@umich.edu
Phone: Toll Free
1-888-999-CHEM (1-888-999-2436) or 734-764-7278
FAX: 734-647-4865
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