CHEM5630 (Nucleic Acid Chemistry) course reviews and ratings at Northeastern (NEU). Compare professors with RateMyProfessor reviews.
Offers a broadband introduction to the field of nucleic acid chemistry. Nucleic acids are vital for biology, but their roles have been greatly expanded beyond storage of genetic information. The breadth of utility of nucleic acids stems from a precise understanding of their structures, modern means to synthesize and modify them, and the ability for nucleic acids to engage with varieties of enzymes/proteins and other synthetic/biological systems. Foundational topics include nucleic acid structure, physicochemical properties, syntheses of nucleosides/nucleotides/oligonucleotides, chemical modification of nucleic acids, methods to manipulate and analyze nucleic acids (e.g., PCR, sequencing, and electrophoresis). Advanced topics include nucleic acid therapeutics (e.g., siRNA, antisense technology, CRISPR, and aptamers); DNA damage and repair; and DNA for materials science (e.g., DNA nanotechnology).
Data updated October 2026.