Course Descriptions

CHEM 100 Foundations in Chemistry (1)
An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including nomenclature of chemical compounds, stoichiometry and gas laws, with special attention paid to the use and manipulation of mathematical relationships applied to chemical concepts. This course serves to prepare those students with little or no chemistry background for Chemistry 101. Three periods lecture, one period laboratory. Prereq : first-year or sophomore standing, or permission of the instructor; Staff

CHEM 101 General Chemistry I (1)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, solids, liquids, gases, and chemical calculations. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory. MNS; QL; Staff

CHEM 101S -CHEM 102S Supplemental Instruction in Chemistry 101 or 102 (1/2)
These courses are reserved exclusively for students who are simultaneously enrolled in Chemistry 101 or 102. Course content will be determined by the difficulties that students encounter in the primary course; ranging from algebra review and dimensional analysis to assistance in understanding major chemical concepts. Prereq : Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 101 for 101S or CHEM 102 for 102S; Staff

CHEM 102 General Chemistry II (1)
A continuation of CHEM 101. Solution chemistry, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory. MNS; Prereq : CHEM 101; QL; Staff

CHEM 161 Introduction to Forensic Science (1)
The analysis of crime scenes and criminal evidence using methods of scientific analysis has evolved into a vital segment of the criminal justice system. This course will serve as an introduction to these scientific techniques, ranging from classic fingerprinting methods to modern methods of DNA analysis. Coverage of the scientific approach will be augmented by discussions of legal implications and admissibility of evidence, along with reviews of relevant case studies. MNS; Prereq : CHEM 101 or 1 year of high school chemistry; L.Welch;

CHEM 205 Equilibrium and Analytical Chemistry (1)
An introduction to the modern quantitative techniques of analysis in chemical systems. Topics include traditional quantitative techniques as well as chromatography, spectroscopy, and lasers. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory. Prereq : CHEM 102; QL; L.Welch;

CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry I (1)
Structures, reactions, physical and chemical properties of aliphatic and aromatic compounds and their functional groups. The laboratory covers classical and modern techniques of preparation, separation, and identification. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory. Prereq : CHEM 102; D.Cermak;

CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry II (1)
A continuation of CHEM 211. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory. Prereq : CHEM 211; W; D.Cermak;

CHEM 215 Inorganic Chemistry (1)
A thorough introduction to the world of inorganic chemistry, with emphasis on chemical properties, and periodic relationships. Topics include binary compounds, organometallics, transition metal complexes, solution chemistry, inorganic polymers and clusters, and solid state chemistry. The laboratory emphasizes the synthesis and instrumental characterization of inorganic compounds. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory. Prereq : CHEM 102; W; T.Clayton;

CHEM 220 Environmental Chemistry (1/2 or 1)
Pollution problems are in the news every day. The government continues to set ever more stringent guidelines for pollutants. But how are the small amounts of these chemicals measured? This course answers that question by focusing on the analytical procedures used to monitor these regulated pollutants and the improvements that will be necessary as government controls become tighter. When offered for a full credit, CHEM 220 meets three periods a week plus lab. When offered as a 1/2 credit course, CHEM 220 meets two periods a week. Prereq : CHEM 205; Cross Listing : ENVS 220; L.Welch;

CHEM 233 Nanochemistry (1)
An introduction to the emerging interdisciplinary science of nanochemistry, which explores basic chemical strategies applied to the design and synthesis of nanomaterials. Chemical control of the size and shape of nanomaterials, established through 'self-assembly', is linked to novel chemical and physical properties exhibited by nanomaterials. In turn these properties, such as conductivity, magnetism and photonics, are utilized in functional electronic devices like photodetectors, LEDs and chemical sensors. Students will encounter novel concepts through a variety of readings and classroom experiences including lecture, discussion, group work and presentations. Four periods lecture/discussion. Prereq : CHEM 102; T.Clayton;

CHEM 248 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)
Prereq : Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

CHEM 273 Chemistry and Society (1)
A pragmatic approach to chemistry for non-science majors. Basic problem solving (e.g. stoichiometry, half-lives, etc.) and laboratory experiences will accompany this overview of how chemistry influences human life. Topics covered include consumer products, environmental concerns, drugs, radioactivity and energy. Three periods lecture, one period laboratory. MNS; Prereq : sophomore standing; Not open to students having credit in any Knox Chemistry course; Staff

CHEM 275 Chemistry and Environmental Policy (1)
A lecture/discussion course with emphasis on how environmental chemistry influences environmental policy. Topics include but are not limited to: atmospheric chemistry, acid rain, and the Clean Air Act. Three periods lecture/discussion. MNS; Prereq : CHEM 101 or ENVS 101 or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing : ENVS 275; M.Crawford;

CHEM 295 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)
Courses offered to students in special areas of Chemistry not covered in the usual curriculum.Staff

CHEM 299A , B, C Seminar Series in Chemistry (.0)
The purpose of this course is to expose students to the full range of chemical ideas and practices from academic, industrial, and governmental perspectives. Students will attend seminars by invited speakers, chemistry faculty, and chemistry majors each term. Students will sign up for each term and receive the one-half credit after completing the spring term. Prereq : sophomore standing; Repeatable for up to 1.5 credit; Staff

CHEM 316 Methods in Organic Synthesis (1)
A survey of modern methods in synthetic organic chemistry. Emphasis on stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, retrosynthetic analysis, and synthesis of natural products. Four periods lecture. Prereq : CHEM 212; D.Cermak;

CHEM 317 Advanced Organic Laboratory (1)
This laboratory course is designed to further the student's technical ability in the organic chemistry laboratory. The laboratory builds on the experiences encountered in the 200-level laboratory course sequence, and involves aspects of advanced synthetic techniques as well as advanced physical methods. Additionally, the course includes experiments which involve the use of air- and moisture-sensitive reagents, techniques which are common in graduate-level and industrial settings, and provides our graduates a head start in these situations. One period lecture and six periods laboratory. Prereq : CHEM 212; D.Cermak;

CHEM 318 Physical Organic Chemistry (1)
Lecture, discussion and problem solving in physical organic chemistry. Emphasis on kinetics, molecular orbital theory, structure and thermodynamics as they lead to our understanding of organic reaction mechanisms and molecular stability. Prereq : CHEM 212 and CHEM 321, or permission of the instructor; Staff

CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I (1)
An introduction to thermodynamics and quantum chemistry. The macroscopic behavior of matter as embodied in thermodynamics and kinetics is correlated with the microscopic model of matter based on atomic-molecular theory. Four periods lecture. Prereq : CHEM 212 and MATH 152; QL; M.Crawford;

CHEM 321A Chemical Laboratory Principles I (1/2)
Basic skills in the acquisition of quantitative physical chemical data and error analysis. Emphasis on computer use. Experiments from the behavior of gases, thermodynamics, and kinetics. One lecture and five periods laboratory. Prereq : concurrent enrollment in CHEM 321; M.Crawford;

CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II (1)
An introduction to quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. The detailed consequences of quantum theory are examined in the light of the molecular model. Four periods lecture. Prereq : CHEM 321; M.Crawford;

CHEM 322A Chemical Laboratory Principles II (1/2)
The use of various spectroscopies to gather data on properties of molecules. One lecture period plus five periods laboratory. Prereq : CHEM 321A or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 322; M.Crawford;

CHEM 325 Instrumental Methods of Analysis (1)
Use of advanced analytical instrumentation. Students become familiar with potentiometric, voltammetric, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic techniques. Two periods lecture and six periods laboratory. Prereq : CHEM 205, CHEM 321, and CHEM 321A; L.Welch;

CHEM 328 Chemical Instrumentation (1/2 or 1)
An advanced survey of instrumental techniques used for the characterization of chemical systems and quantitative analyses. Methods for trace analysis included. When offered as a full credit course, CHEM 328 meets three periods a week plus a weekly laboratory exercise. When offered as a 1/2 credit course, CHEM 328 meets twice a week. Prereq : CHEM 205 and CHEM 321; or permission of the instructor; L.Welch;

CHEM 331 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (1)
The application of symmetry and group theory to chemical bonding as described by molecular orbital theory. The structure and bonding of organometallic and coordination complexes is explicitly linked with chemical reactivity and physical properties. Four periods lecture and three periods discussion. Prereq : CHEM 321; T.Clayton;

CHEM 348 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)
Prereq : Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

CHEM 395 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)
Courses offered to students in special areas of Chemistry not covered in the usual curriculum. Special topics courses may be initiated by groups of students or by the staff. For specific topics covered, consult the registration sheet. Staff

CHEM 395A (1)
Building on the pioneering work in catalysis over the past several decades, this course explores how green chemistry is changing the motivation for new reaction design. Green chemistry design principles include atom economy and waste minimization, use of catalysts vs. stoichiometric reagents, energy efficiency, and decreased use of toxic reagents and solvents. Foundations draw on organometallic structure and the fundamental reactions performed by organotransition metal catalysts (oxidation, reduction, new bond construction, etc.) Prerequisite: CHEM 212.

CHEM 399 Presentation Skills in Chemistry (1/2)
The preparation and experience of giving an oral presentation in a manner that is consistent with the Chemistry discipline will be addressed. Students may make use of one of the following for their seminar: an in-depth literature review, a research project at the 350 level, or an Honors project. The poster format for presentation will also be taught and students will be required to prepare a poster. Prereq : junior standing; O; Staff

CHEM 400 Advanced Studies (1/2 or 1)
See College Honors Program. Staff