spring 2026

New Course Spring 2026: MICRBIO 4800 – Advances in Microbial Biotechnology

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Offered in Spring 2026.
Schedule: Tues & Thurs, 12:45pm – 2:05pm
Instructor: Dr. Kou-San Ju
Prereq: MicrBio 4100; or BioChem 4511 or 5613; or PHR 3200.

Interested in biotechnology, applied microbiology, or drug discovery?

This lecture course will cover topics in applied microbial biotechnology, biocatalysis, and chemical biology. The origins of modern biotechnology, impact of microbial chemicals, and significant developments in biotechnology will be discussed.

Learn about:

  • Recombinant DNA technologies
  • Metabolic engineering & synthetic biology
  • Applied genomics
  • Applications of vaccines & antibodies
  • Industrial enzymes & biocatalysis
  • Natural product discovery & engineering
  • Advances in chemical biology

If you have questions about the course, please email Dr. Ju at ju.109@osu.edu.

Apply to be a BIOCHEM 4511 TA in Spring 2026

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Application Deadline: November 21, 2025

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is currently accepting applications for BIOCHEM 4511 TA positions for Spring 2026. A TA position provides the opportunity to improve your knowledge of biochemistry, gain teaching experience, and help students.

In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Completed Biochem 5613 AND Biochem 5614 with an A or A- (preferred) by the end of Fall 2025.
  • Cumulative GPA > 3.2
  • Enrolled in classes during Spring 2026
  • No other paid monthly student appointment during Spring 2026 (this includes paid research)

Appointment details are as follows:

  • Salary: $14/hour
  • Hours: 10-12/week
  • Responsibilities: attend course lectures; teach up to two recitation sections; grade assignments and prepare for teaching responsibilities; 1 office hour/week; proctor all exams; attend training and TA meetings

Training will take place during the first week of classes. Each UG TA will be paired with an experienced GTA mentor to facilitate their work.

If you are interested, please complete the BIOCHEM 4511 TA Application.

Applications and schedules are due by 11:59 pm on November 21, 2025. Hiring decisions will be made by early-mid December.

Please contact Dr. Jane Jackman at jackman.14@osu.edu with any questions.

Internship Opportunity: R&D Intern with Hexion, Inc.

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ASC Career Success has recently been connected with Hexion, a global leader in adhesives and responsible chemistry. They have recently announced the relocation of their Global R&D headquarters to Dublin, OH, and as such, they are very eager to connect with students and recent alumni of Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio State regarding internship and career opportunities.

They are currently seeking candidates for a Research & Development (R&D) Internship based in Springfield, Oregon, with a flexible start date. The team is hoping to fill the role as soon as possible; however, they also understand that most candidates will only be available after the current fall semester. When Hexion’s new Dublin campus opens in summer 2026, it is expected that the intern will relocate back to Columbus.

The opportunity is open to current students and recent alumni in Chemistry or related fields. Because they know that timing and relocation may make it challenging to find a candidate, the hiring team is very flexible regarding the intern’s technical background. At this stage, the most important qualities are problem-solving ability and teamwork.

Check out the online job posting to learn more and apply.

Course Spotlight: Chem 5240 – Introduction to Protein Modeling

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Man protein modeling on computer

Offered in Spring 2026.
Schedule: MWF, 1:50pm – 2:45pm
Instructor: Dr. Richard Spinney
Prereqs: CHEM 2510 (Organic Chemistry I)

Students will have an opportunity to explore the theories and methods of molecular modeling and computational chemistry in CHEM 5240: Introduction to Protein Modeling.

The course allows students to get hands-on experience with computational chemistry software, using molecular mechanics, and modeling dynamic systems (molecular dynamics) as applied to large biological molecules such as proteins. The course focuses on the application of modern modeling techniques, rather than the mathematical formulation, used to solve current problems in biochemistry and pharmacology. The course runs like a workshop with extensive computer time using modern protein modeling software.

Course Spotlight: CHEM 5430 – Carbohydrate Chemistry

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Offered in Spring 2026.
Schedule: Tues & Thurs, 9:35am – 10:55am
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Callam
Prereqs: CHEM 2520 or 2620 or 2920

Course Objective:

The main objective of this course is to help students gain a better understanding of glycoscience. Participants will develop a working knowledge of the synthesis, conformation, and biological importance of carbohydrates and oligosaccharides. The course focuses on concepts and skills that advance understanding of organic chemistry when applied to carbohydrates and organic molecules. It is designed to support the development of scientific problem-solving skills and the application of organic and biochemistry principles to new situations.

Course Topics:

  • Weeks 1-3: Structure and Conformation
  • Weeks 3-6: Reactions of Carbohydrates, Protecting Group Strategies and Functional Group Interconversions
  • Weeks 6-8: Reactions at the Anomeric Center
  • Weeks 8-10: Chemical Glycoside Synthesis
  • Week 11: Spectroscopy of Carbohydrates
  • Weeks 12-14: Modern Applications, Biosynthesis Methods, Enzymatic Synthesis Methods, Biological and Chemical Applications

Evaluation and Grading:

2 midterm exams, take-home quizzes, literature reviews, and a synthesis project.

DOE Office of Science: Spring 2026 Internships

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The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 term of the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program. The application deadline is October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Through SULI, undergraduate students and recent graduates:

  • Delve into science and technology careers at the DOE national laboratories.
  • Gain new knowledge, skills, and professional experience to further their educational and career goals.
  • Work directly with national laboratory scientists, engineers, and technical professionals.
  • Contribute to cutting-edge projects that support the DOE mission, including new frontiers in artificial intelligence, quantum, nuclear energy and technology, critical minerals and materials, and fusion science and engineering.

SULI is open to full-time undergraduate students or recent graduates within two years of receiving their bachelor’s degree or associate degree. The program is stipend-based and offered three times annually in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

A workshop will be held on August 14, 2025, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT. This workshop will introduce the program, including the application process and strategies for submitting a compliant application. Register for the workshop on the SULI website.