Chemistry
Note: This page contains all of the regular courses taught by this department. Not all courses are offered every year. Check the searchable schedule to see which courses are being offered in the upcoming semester.
CHEM 108 Solar Energy
Credit: 0.5 QR
The exigencies of peak oil, global warming, and unsustainable growth in energy consumption have sparked a quest for clean, abundant, renewable energy to replace fossil fuels. This course explores the chemistry of fossil fuels and potential solar-energy alternatives, ranging from biofuels to solar panels to hydrogen. Chemical principles such as reaction stoichiometry, molecular structure, thermochemistry, catalysis, energy quantization, and electrochemistry will be learned in the context of investigating solar radiation, greenhouse gases, photovoltaics, artificial photosynthesis, fuel cells, and the production and storage of hydrogen. This course is a required core course for the Environmental Studies Concentration. This course plus CHEM 109 or CHEM 110 fulfills the 1 unit natural science distribution requirement.
Instructor: Cummings
CHEM 109 Neurochemistry
Credit: 0.5
This course offers a description of the nervous system's structure and function in terms of molecular processes. Topics are developed through lectures, discussions and student presentations. The course begins with a brief introduction to general and organic chemistry, then continues with the following topics: neurocellular anatomy and the biochemistry of cell neurotransmitters and receptors, and the biochemistry of psychoactive drugs and neurological disorders. This course is a required core course for the Neuroscience Concentration, and with CHEM 108 or CHEM 110 fulfills the natural science distribution requirement. No prerequisites.
Instructor: Hemkin
CHEM 110 Environmental Chemistry
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course offers an introduction to the chemical basis of environmental issues and the environmental consequences of modern technology, with particular emphasis on air and water pollution. Topics include fossil fuels, nuclear power and solar energy, ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, pollution and toxicology of heavy metals and pesticides, and environmental impact statements. These topics will be developed through lectures, discussions, and class demonstrations. This course is a required core course for the Environmental Studies Concentration, and with CHEM 108 or CHEM 109 fulfills the natural science distribution requirement. No prerequisites.
Instructor: Hemkin, Keller
CHEM 121 Introductory Chemistry
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental concepts, theories, and methodologies of chemistry. Topics may include stoichiometry, theories of molecular structure and bonding, the periodic table, acid-base chemistry, chemical equilibria, and thermodynamics. This course provides a basis for the further study of chemistry. The format is lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: for first-year students, chemistry readiness test and survey; none for other students.
Instructor: Keller, Hemkin
CHEM 122 Chemical Principles
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course covers a full year of chemistry in one semester, and is designed for students with previous study of chemistry. We will explore and review key principles and methods from both CHEM 121 and CHEM 124. Pre-requistie: Placement exam. Corequisite: CHEM 123.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 123 Introductory Chemistry Lab I
Credit: 0.25 QR
This laboratory course accompanies CHEM 121 and 122 with an introduction to modern experimental chemistry. Laboratory experiments explore inorganic synthesis, molecular structure and properties, and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on laboratory safety, computerized data acquisition and analysis, and the theory of analytical instrumentation. The laboratory work is organized around individual and team projects. Communication skills are developed through proper use of a laboratory notebook. One three-hour laboratory is held per week. Corequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. Juniors and seniors may enroll with permission of department chair.
CHEM 124 Introductory Chemistry II
Credit: 0.5 QR
This lecture-discussion course continues the introductory chemistry sequence started in CHEM 121. We will explore the chemical princles of molecular structure, bonding, reactivity, electrochemistry, kinetics, and intermolecular forces. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or PI.
Biophysical and Medicinal Chemistry section 01
Chemical principles are explored in the context of biomolecules and molecular approaches to medicine.
Current Topics in Chemistry section 02
Chemistry principles are explored in context of current issues in the study or application of chemistry. Topics include: sustainability, molecular neuroscience, environmental chemistry, biomedical technology and renewable energy.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 126 Introductory Chemistry Lab II
Credit: 0.25 QR
This lab is an experimental course to accompany CHEM 124 or 243. One three-hour laboratory session will be held per week. Juniors and seniors may enroll with permission of department chair. Pre-requisite: CHEM 123.
Biophysical and Medicinal Chemistry Lab sections 01, 02, 03
Laboratory experiments involve the application of chemical principles and techniques to systems of biological and medicinal importance. Possible experiments include: synthesis of aspirin, enzyme kinetics, and chromatographic analysis.
Nanoscience Lab section 04
Laboratory experiments involve the synthesis of functional materials, the analysis of their properties, and the assembly of materials into working devices. Possible experiments include: making solar cells, synthesis of nanocrystalline materials, quantum dots, and an independent project.
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I
Credit: 0.5
This lecture course offers a study of the chemical and physical properties of organic compounds. Theoretical principles are developed with particular emphasis on molecular structure and reaction mechanisms. The descriptive aspects of organic chemistry include strategies for synthesis and the study of compounds of biochemical interest.
CHEM 232 Organic Chemistry II
Credit: 0.5
This course is a continuation of CHEM 231. This lecture course offers a study of the chemical and physical properties of organic compounds. Theoretical principles are developed with particular emphasis on molecular structure and reaction mechanisms. The descriptive aspects of organic chemistry include strategies for synthesis and the study of compounds of biochemical interest.
CHEM 233 Organic Chemistry Lab I
Credit: 0.25 QR
This laboratory course introduces fundamental methods of purification such as extraction, distillation, recrystallization, and column chromatography. Experiments include the isolation of a natural product, oxidation and reduction reactions, and an examination of E1 and E2 reactions. Compounds are identified and assessed for purity by melting point determination, refractometry, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Corequisite: CHEM 231.
CHEM 234 Organic Chemistry Lab II
Credit: 0.25 QR
This laboratory course focuses on the chemistry of dienes, carbonyl compounds, and aromatic compounds. New techniques and instrumentation include thin-layer chromatography, Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and 13C magnetic resonance. The focus of the semester is a seven-step convergent synthesis to be conducted in a research-like manner. Prerequisite: CHEM 233 and corequisite CHEM 232.
CHEM 243 Inorganic Chemistry
Credit: 0.5
This course provides a foundation in the principles of structure, bonding, and reactivity in inorganic compounds and materials. We will emphasize the physical properties that make these materials useful in functional devices and biological systems. Possible applications may include semiconductor devices, solar-energy conversion, battery technology, photonic devices, and sensors. Throughout our explorations, we will build models, both metaphorical and mathematical, that guide chemists in the design, use and analysis of materials. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, 124 or 231 or permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 256 Biochemistry
Credit: 0.5
This course is a study of the structure and function of biologically important compounds. Topics include proteins, enzymes, intermediary metabolism, and electron transport with emphasis on thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of biochemical systems. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 232.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 335 Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course presents a study of chemical kinetics and chemical thermodynamics. Specific topics include rate laws and reaction mechanisms, reaction-rate theories, the laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, properties of solutions, and equilibrium. Applications will be drawn from organic, and inorganic chemistry, as well as biochemistry.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 336 Quantum Chemistry
Credit: 0.5 QR
This course presents a study of quantum mechanics as applied to chemistry. Specific topics include general quantum theory; the time-independent Schrodinger equation applied to electronic, vibrational, and rotational energy states; valence bond and molecular orbital theory; and molecular symmetry. This course is offered every other year.
Instructor: Keller
CHEM 341 Instrumental Analysis
Credit: 0.5 QR
Is your water safe? How do you know what compounds are in your water, food, body, and local environment? How do you measure and quantify these compounds? How do you convince yourself that your measurements are valid or invalid? CHEM 341 is a hybrid lecture/laboratory course on the theory and practice of quantitative chemical analysis. Students will apply fundamental principles of measurement, instrument design, and data analysis to instrumental methods. After applying these principles to a sequence of laboratory experiments, students will then develop and evaluate their own instrumental methods. Topics include spectroscopic, electrochemical, and chromatographic methods. According to student interest, additional topics may include environmental analysis, biochemical assays, food quality, and consumer safety.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 370 Advanced Lab: Computational Chemistry
Credit: 0.25
This advanced laboratory course focuses on using computational methods to understand chemistry and biochemistry. Part of the course will concentrate on using these methods to understand and visualize molecular structure, and part of the course will concentrate on using numerical methods to understand the kinetics and mechanisms associated with reaction systems. Computational work will involve both short experiments done individually and a larger research project that will be conducted in conjunction with classmates. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week.
Instructor: Hemkin
CHEM 371 Advanced Lab: Biochemistry
Credit: 0.25
This course is an introduction to fundamental laboratory technicques in biochemistry. The focus of the course is the isolation, purification, characterization and detailed kinetic analysis of alkaline phosphatase from E. coli. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 256.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 372 Advanced Lab: Inorganic
Credit: 0.25
In this laboratory course, students will engage in projects that integrate inorganic synthesis, analytical instrumentation, and physical measurement, focusing on coordination complexes. The course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 234 or permission of instructor.
Instructor: Cummings
CHEM 373 Advanced Lab: Organic
Credit: 0.25
In this laboratory course, students will engage in multiweek, multistep projects that integrate both modern organic synthesis and advanced high-field nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week.
Instructor: Getzler
CHEM 374 Advanced Lab: Spectroscopy
Credit: 0.25
This advanced laboratory course focuses on spectroscopy instrumentation and data analysis. UV-vis, fluorescence, and laser spectroscopies are used to solve research questions involving kinetics, thermodynamics, and molecular structure. Experiments are intended to complement course work in Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 341), Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics (CHEM 335), and Quantum Chemistry (CHEM 336), but these courses may be taken in any order. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week.
Instructor: Keller
CHEM 375 Chemical Research
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Section 01 (.25 unit) Students engage in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The time requirement is at least three hours in lab per week. Students will learn to search the literature and give professional presentations. This course also provides an introduction to scientific writing. More details can be obtained from the department chair.
Section 02 (.5 unit). This section is a prerequisite to Chemistry 497-498 (Senior Honors). The time commitment is six to eight hours per week in lab. Students will learn to search the literature and give professional scientific presentations as well as to write scientifically. More details can be obtained from the department chair.
CHEM 401 Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar
Credit: 0.5
Selected topics in advanced chemistry and biochemistry are explored with an emphasis on reading and discussing current scientific research and literature. Prerequisite: CHEM 234 or permission of the instructor unless otherwise indicated.
Biophysical Chemistry Seminar
Section 01 This seminar focuses on understanding some of the thermodynamics associated with bio-macromolecules like proteins and DNA. We may examine transport processes, the thermodynamics that characterize the intra- and intermolecular interactions, and some of the statistical models that are used to understand folding and structural transitions. (Instructor: Hemkin)
Advanced Organic Chemistry Seminar
Section 02 Selected topics in organic chemistry are covered with an emphasis on advanced spectral methods of identifying organic compounds and modern methods of organic synthesis. (Instructors: Getzler, J. Hofferbeth)
Art and Chemistry Seminar
Section 03 This seminar focuses on understanding some of the relationships between art and chemistry, for example, the chemical basis of pigmentation and the use of chemical techniques to identify works from unknown origins. (Instructor: Hemkin)
Chemical Biology Seminar
Section 04 Chemical biology is a scientific discipline at the interface of chemistry and biology. This seminar explores the applications of chemical techniques to manipulate and investigate biological systems. Using resources including current literature, this course covers the chemical techniques used to understand and treat diseases such as cancer and viral, microbial, and neurodegenerative diseases. (Instructor: Hunsen)
Hydrogen Energy Systems Seminar
Section 05 In the search for abundant, renewable, and carbon-free energy sources, scientists are on a quest to develop inexpensive and renewable methods to produce, store, and use hydrogen fuel. This seminar explores various aspects of hydrogen energy systems, including: the development of a "hydrogen economy" infrastructure; hydrogen production from fossil fuel reforming and from water splitting; solid-state storage materials; hydrogen fuel cell operation and design; and advanced research directions in hydrogen energy. (Instructor: Cummings)
Enzyme Mechanism Seminar
Section 06 Over the past two decades, our collective knowledge base in chemical biology has exploded. One powerful approach to organizing this enormous body of information is to recognize that nature is bound by the same principles that govern chemistry. Students will explore the mechanistic logic behind biological pathways and examine the technical aspects of how reasonable enzyme mechanisms are determined. (Instructor: J. Hofferberth)
Emerging Techniques in Biological Chemistry
Section 07 Recent advances in biotechnology have had a huge impact on the ability to detect and analyze micro- and nano-size biomolecules with greater accuracy. This literature-based course will look at several emerging techniques and instrumentation that are being used to advance research in topics such as protein dynamics, single molecule detection, and metabolic engineering in areas that range from neuroscience to biofuels. (Instructor: Rouhier)
Advanced Biochemistry
Section 08 We will explore the molecular details of key metabolic pathways, biological signaling, and molecular transport machinery.The topics discussed will be valuable to students on a trajectory toward careers in life science research and medicine. Students will engage the primary literature to explore current research related to the topics discussed. This course will dovetail with and extend the topics taught in Biochemistry CHEM 256.Prerequisite: CHEM 256 (Instructor: Hofferberth, Rouhier)
CHEM 475 Chemistry Research Seminar
Credit: 0.25
This is a required course for all chemistry majors, including those involved in independent research. The course covers topics relating to chemistry research. Weekly meetings will involve (1) searching chemistry literature, (2) analyzing primary research articles, and (3) discussing ethics, trends, funding, and other issues relating to chemistry research. During the semester, students will give written and oral presentations of primary research articles. Prerequisite: senior standing.
Instructor: Staff
CHEM 493 Individual Study
Credit: 0.25-0.5
Individual study in chemistry is intended to supplement, not take the place of, coursework. For that reason, such study cannot normally be used to fulfill requirements for the major. Typically, an individual study will count as .25 unit of credit, yet it may be designated .5 unit in special cases.
To enroll in an individual study, a student must identify a member of the Chemistry Department willing to direct the project and obtain the approval of the department chair. At a minimum, the department expects a student to meet regularly with his or her instructor for at least one hour per week.
CHEM 497 Senior Honors
Credit: 0.5
The emphasis is on independent research in collaboration with a faculty mentor, culminating with a thesis that is defended orally to an outside examiner.