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Chemistry Courses
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 100A GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
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.
CHEM 100AS, CHEM 102AS Supplemental Instruction in CHEM 100A, 102A 1/2
CHEM 100AS and 102AS are reserved exclusively for students who are simultaneously enrolled in Chemistry 100A or 102A. 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.
CHEM 102A GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
A continuation of CHEM 100A. Solution chemistry, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory.
CHEM 161 Introduction to Forensic Science
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.
CHEM 205 Equilibrium and Analytical Chemistry
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.
CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry I
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.
CHEM 211S, 212S Supplemental Instruction in CHEM 211, 212 1/2
CHEM 211S and 212S are reserved exclusively for students who are simultaneously enrolled in CHEM 211 or 212. Course content will be determined by the difficulties that students encounter in the primary courses. The supplemental courses will focus on problem solving along with the course material, study skills, organizational skills, and course review. Students will sign up for each term and receive the one-half credit after completing the second term of the course.
CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry II
A continuation of CHEM 211. Four periods lecture and three periods laboratory.
CHEM 215 Inorganic Chemistry
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.
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.
CHEM 233 Nanochemistry 1/2 or 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. When offered for a full credit, CHEM 233 meets four periods a week for lecture and discussion. When offered as a 1/2 credit course, CHEM 233 meets two periods a week.
CHEM 299A, B, C Seminar Series in Chemistry .0 or 1/2
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.
CHEM 315 Green Chemistry and Catalysis
Building on the pioneering work in catalysis over the past several decades, this course explores how green chemistry is changing the motivation and guiding criteria for 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. Chemical foundations draw on understanding catalytic cycles, catalyst structure, and the fundamental reactions performed by organotransition metal catalysts (oxidation, reduction, bond activation, new bond construction, etc.) Four periods lecture.
CHEM 316 Methods in Organic Synthesis
A survey of modern methods in synthetic organic chemistry. Emphasis on stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, retrosynthetic analysis, and synthesis of natural products. Four periods lecture.
CHEM 317 Synthetic Research Laboratory
Students will pursue a chemical synthesis research project, which is an immersive experience in the process of building new scientific knowledge within chemistry. The laboratory skills continue from the 200-level organic chemistry laboratories and involve advanced synthetic techniques and spectroscopic methods. Students will put the scientific method into practice through conducting literature searches, designing experiments, testing hypotheses, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting results through both informal oral presentations and writing a scientific manuscript. Students may take each version of the course (A: Organic Synthesis, B: Catalysis) for 1.0 credit. Two periods lecture and six periods laboratory.
CHEM 317A Synthetic Research Laboratory- Organic Synthesis
Students will pursue a research project in organic synthesis. Specifically, students will participate in a multi-step synthesis project utilizing modern synthesis reactions, methods of chromatographic purification, and instrumental characterization of products. Throughout the project, air- and moisture-sensitive reagents will be used in an inert atmosphere through the use of a Schlenk line for air sensitive manipulations, which is commonly used in graduate-level and industrial settings, providing students experience with the associated advanced laboratory techniques.
CHEM 317B Synthetic Research Laboratory- Catalysis
Students will pursue a synthetic research project in catalysis. Specifically, students will prepare and characterize a catalyst, and its synthetic precursors, to test a hypothesis related to how catalyst structure may impact its function. Preliminary catalyst testing may also be investigated. Throughout the research project, air- and moisture-sensitive reagents will be used in an inertatmosphere glove box, which is commonly used in graduate-level and industrial settings, providing students experience with the associated advanced laboratory techniques.
CHEM 318 Physical Organic Chemistry
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. Four periods lecture.
CHEM 319 Advanced Synthesis Techniques Laboratory 1/2
This course will introduce students to graduatelevel organic synthesis lab techniques, including, but not limited to: inert atmosphere manipulations, handling of chemicals via syringe and needle, advanced chemical reactions, moisture-sensitive reagents, chromatographic techniques, research-level instrumentation use, and advanced data analysis.
CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I
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.
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.
CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II
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.
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.
CHEM 325 Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Use of advanced analytical instrumentation. Students become familiar with potentiometric, voltammetric, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic techniques. Two periods lecture and six periods laboratory.
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.
CHEM 331 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
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.
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.