Course Descriptions

CHEM 122 - (3) (Y)
Contemporary Chemistry
By examining what science teaches us about relevant topics such as energy, synthetics, and food, the student develops a sense of the tone, vocabulary, and demarcation of scientific discourse. Independent of, complementary to, and non-overlapping with CHEM 121. Primarily for non-science majors. Three class hours, no laboratory.

CHEM 141, 142 - (3) (Y)
Introductory College Chemistry
Corequisite: CHEM 141L, 142L or CHEM 181L, 182L
Principles and applications of chemistry are developed. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical equations and reactions, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and descriptive chemistry of the elements. For students planning to elect further courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. Three class hours.

CHEM 141L, 142L - (2) (Y)
Introductory College Chemistry Laboratory
Corequisite: CHEM 141, 142, or CHEM 181, 182
Survey of the practice of chemistry as an experimental science, the development of skills in laboratory manipulation, and laboratory safety. Topics include observation, measurement and data analysis, separation and purification techniques, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. Three and one-half laboratory hours, and an optional one-hour laboratory lecture.

CHEM 151, 152 - (3) (Y)
Introductory Chemistry for Engineers
Corequisite: CHEM 141L, 142L, CHEM 151L, 152L, or CHEM 181L, 182L
The principles and applications of chemistry are tailored to engineering students. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical equations and reactions, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. For engineering students, but may be used as a prerequisite for further courses in chemistry. Three class hours.

CHEM 151L, 152L - (1) (Y)
Introductory Chemistry for Engineers Laboratory
Corequisite: CHEM 151, 152
Survey of the practice of chemistry as an experimental science, the development of skills in laboratory manipulation, and laboratory safety. Topics include observation, measurement and data analysis, separation and purification techniques, qualitative and quantitative analysis. Three and one-half laboratory hours. Meets every other week.

CHEM 170, 171 - (1-3) (Y)
Liberal Arts Seminar
A seminar assigned primarily for first and second year students taught on a voluntary basis by a faculty member. Topics vary.

CHEM 173, 174 - (1) (IR)
Preceptorial in Biological Chemistry
Discussion of a current topic in biological chemistry which illustrates the role of various levels of scientific literature. CR/NC basis.

CHEM 181 - (3) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Structure
Prerequisite: A strong background in high school chemistry
First of a four-semester sequence covering the basic concepts of general and organic chemistry (the 180/280 sequence is comparable to the 140/240 sequence but is more rigorous). Establishes a foundation of fundamental particles and the nature of the atom, develops a rationale for molecular structure, and explores the basis of chemical reactivity. Topics include introductory quantum mechanics, atomic structure, chemical bonding, spectroscopy, and elementary molecular reactivity.

CHEM 181L - (3) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Structure Laboratory
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 181
Accompanies CHEM 181. Four laboratory hours plus weekly lecture.

CHEM 182 - (3) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Reactions I
Prerequisite: CHEM 181
Seeks to understand elementary reaction types as a function of chemical structure by emphasizing organic compounds. Topics include acid-base, nucleophilic substitution, oxidation-reduction, electrophilic addition, elimination, conformational analysis, stereochemistry, aromaticity, and molecular spectroscopy.

CHEM 182L - (3) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Reactions I Laboratory
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 182
Accompanies CHEM 182. Four laboratory hours plus weekly lecture.

CHEM 191 - (3) (IR)
Archaeological Chemistry
Prerequisite: High school chemistry or physics
Study of the methods for the discovery, scientific characterization, and preservation of archaeological artifacts; intended for students of archaeology, anthropology, art history and other disciplines dealing with ancient civilizations.

CHEM 210 - (3) (Y)
Introductory Survey of Organic Chemistry
Prerequisites: CHEM 121, 122 or CHEM 141, 142 or CHEM 181, 182
A survey of organic chemistry designed to acquaint the student with the scope of carbon chemistry, its basic principles, and some of its applications. This course is not intended for chemistry majors, nor is it a suitable organic chemistry course for pre-medical students. (Three hours lecture, no laboratory).

CHEM 222 - (4) (Y)
Solution Chemistry
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 141, 142 or 181, 182 and 141L with an A grade in CHEM 141.
Application of the principles of chemical equilibrium to solutions. The laboratory applies classical and instrumental methods to systems involving solubility, ionization, complexion formation, and oxidation-reduction equilibria. Two class hours, four laboratory hours. No credit may be received for CHEM 222 if CHEM 181L, 182L has been taken.

CHEM 241, 242 - (3) (Y)
Organic Chemistry
Prerequisites: CHEM 141, 142 or equivalent. CHEM 281 or CHEM 241 is a prerequisite for CHEM 242; corequisite: CHEM 241L, 242L, or CHEM 281L, 282L
A survey of the compounds of carbon in relation to their structure, identification, synthesis, natural occurrence, and mechanisms of reactions. Three class hours; optional discussions.

CHEM 241L, 242L - (3) (Y)
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Corequisites: CHEM 281, 282 or CHEM 241, 242
Focuses on the development of skills in methods of preparation, purification and identification of organic compounds. One discussion hour, four laboratory hours.

CHEM 252 - (1) (Y)
Biological Chemistry Seminar
Prerequisite: CHEM 241 or CHEM 281
Members of the chemistry department will present seminars on current topics of interest in biological chemistry, often emphasizing research from their own programs. One class hour on credit/no credit basis.

CHEM 281 - (3) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Reactions II
Prerequisites: CHEM 182
A continuation of the exploration of organic reactions and structures begun in CHEM 182. Topics include electrophilic aromatic substitution, nucleophilic aromatic substitution, nucleophilic addition, nucleophilic acyl substitution, organometallic compounds, carbohydrates, lipids, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids.

CHEM 281L - (4) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Reactions II Laboratory
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 281
Accompanies CHEM 281. Six laboratory hours plus weekly lecture.

CHEM 282 - (3) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Prerequisite: CHEM 281
Focuses on the macroscopic properties of chemical systems. Topics include states of matter, physical equilibria, chemical equilibria, thermodynamic relationships, kinetic theory, and electrochemistry.

CHEM 282L - (3) (Y)
Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics Laboratory
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 282
Accompanies CHEM 282. Four laboratory hours plus weekly lecture.

CHEM 341, 342 - (3) (Y)
Physical Chemistry
Prerequisites: CHEM 141, 142 or equivalent, MATH 122, and PHYS 201, 202 or PHYS 231, 232
Introduction to physical chemistry with numerous biological applications. First semester: properties of gases, liquids, and solids; thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; chemical and biochemical equilibrium; solutions; electrochemistry; structure and stability of biological macromolecules. Second semester: chemical kinetics; introductory quantum theory; chemical bonding; spectroscopy and molecular structure; biochemical transport. This course is not intended for B.S. chemistry majors.

CHEM 351, 352 - (1) (Y)
Research Seminar in Biological Chemistry
Participating students and faculty discuss current topics of interest in biological chemistry. Intended for students who are participants in the undergraduate research program. Credit/no credit basis.

CHEM 361, 362 - (3) (Y)
Physical Chemistry
Prerequisites: CHEM 181, 182 or CHEM 222, PHYS 231, 232 and MATH 132

CHEM 361 (First semester): properties of ideal and non-ideal gases, equations of state and kinetic-molecular theory; thermodynamics and statistics; thermochemistry and chemical equilibrium.

CHEM 362 (Second semester): chemical equilibrium, solution properties, electrochemistry, kinetics, elementary quantum theory, spectroscopy, atomic and molecular structure. Intended for B.S. majors in chemistry, for chemical engineers, and for students in related fields.

CHEM 371, 372 - (3) (Y)
Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation
Prerequisites: CHEM 141, 142 or equivalent; corequisite: CHEM 361, 362 or CHEM 341, 342
Execution of laboratory experiments which illustrate important laws and demonstrate quantitative methods of measuring the chemical and physical properties of matter. Four laboratory hours, one class hour.

CHEM 391, 392 - (1) (Y)
Introductory Research Seminar
Introduction to research approaches and tools in chemistry including examples of formulation of approaches, literature searches, research methods and reporting of results. Oral presentations by students, faculty and visiting lecturers. Credit/no credit basis.

CHEM 393, 394 - (1-3) (Y)
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Specialized topics in chemistry not normally covered in formal lecture or laboratory courses. Under the direction of the faculty. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

CHEM 395, 396 - (1-3) (Y)
Introduction to Research
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Introduction to the methods of research in chemistry to include use of the research literature and instruction in basic experimental and theoretical procedures and techniques. Under the direct supervision of faculty. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

CHEM 432 - (3) (Y)
Inorganic Chemistry
Prerequisites or corequisites: CHEM 341, 342 or CHEM 361, 362
A unified treatment of the chemistry of the important classes of inorganic compounds and their reactions with emphasis on underlying principles of molecular structure, symmetry, and bonding theory, including molecular orbital descriptions and reactivity. Three class hours.

CHEM 441 - (3) (Y)
Biological Chemistry I
Prerequisite: One year of organic chemistry
Introduction to the components of biological macromolecules and the principles behind their observed structures. Examines the means by which enzymes catalyze transformations of other molecules, with emphasis on the chemical principles involved. Topics include a description of the key metabolic cycles and pathways, the enzymes which catalyze these reactions, and the ways in which these pathways are regulated. Three class hours.

CHEM 442 - (3) (Y)
Biological Chemistry II
Prerequisites: CHEM 441 or permission of instructor
Course covers three main areas: (1) structure and function of biological membranes; (2) complex biochemical systems and processes, including photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, vision, neurotransmission, hormonal regulation, muscle contraction, and microtubules; and (3) molecular biology, including DNA and RNA metabolism, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and recombinant DNA methodology. Three class hours.

CHEM 451 - (3) (Y)
Biological Chemistry Laboratory I
Prerequisite: CHEM 182L or CHEM 222. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 441 or permission of instructor
Study of the isolation and purification of biological materials. Topics include the chemical properties of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; and the chemical and physical methods used in the characterization and quantitative determination of proteins. One class hour, four laboratory hours.

CHEM 452 - (3) (Y)
Biological Chemistry Laboratory II
Prerequisites or corequisites: CHEM 442 and CHEM 451
Analysis of the physical methods used in studying macromolecules. Experiments include spectroscopic, hydrodynamic, and kinetic methods. Topics include enzyme kinetics and the statistical analysis of data. One class hour, four laboratory hours.

CHEM 471 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Techniques in Chemical Experimentation
Prerequisite: CHEM 371, 372 and CHEM 432
Advanced synthetic techniques in inorganic chemistry are introduced and the products are analyzed and characterized by modern instrumental methods. Four laboratory hours, one class hour.

CHEM 482 - (3) (IR)
Techniques in Organic Chemistry
Prerequisites: CHEM 241L, 242L or 281L, 282L
A study of the theory and practice of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques in organic chemistry. One class hour, six laboratory hours.

CHEM 491, 492 - (1) (Y)
Undergraduate Research Seminar
Corequisite: CHEM 495, 496
Discussion of research approaches, methods and results for students registered in CHEM 495, 496. Oral presentations by students, faculty and visiting lecturers. CR/NC basis.

CHEM 495, 496 - (3) (Y)
Supervised and Original Research in Chemistry
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Original research involving experimental or theoretical chemistry carried out under the direct supervision of faculty. A minimum of nine hours per week, including conferences with research supervisor. Satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

CHEM 511 - (3) (Y)
Organic Chemistry III
Prerequisites: One year of organic chemistry. One year of physical chemistry is recommended
A systematic review and extension of the facts and theory of organic chemistry; including the mechanism of reactions, structure and stereochemistry. Three class hours.

CHEM 516 - (3) (Y)
Organic Chemistry of Selected Biological Compounds
Prerequisites: CHEM 241, 242 or CHEM 281, 282
Traces the biosynthesis of naturally occurring substances from their photosynthetic beginnings to their eventual end as complex natural products. Topics include the major metabolic pathways, important enzyme systems, fatty acids, prostaglandins, terpenes, steroids, vitamins, hormones, alkaloids, pheromones, neuro-transmitters, drug development, vision and brain chemistry, insect-plant-herbivore interactions, and the basis of various human illnesses such as inborn errors of metabolism.

CHEM 521 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Physical Chemistry I
Prerequisites: CHEM 361, 362
Study of introductory quantum mechanics. Topics include the application of group theory to molecular orbital theory; and rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra. Three class hours.

CHEM 522 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Physical Chemistry II
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Study of the laws of thermodynamics and extra-thermodynamic principles; statistical mechanics; theory of reaction rates; and the interpretation of experimental kinetic data. Three class hours.

CHEM 535 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I
Prerequisites: CHEM 432 or permission of instructor
Introduction to the electronic structure of atoms and simple molecules, including basic concepts and applications of symmetry and group theory. The chemistry of the main group elements is described using energetics, structure, and reaction pathways to provide a theoretical background. The emphasis is on applying these concepts to predicting the stability and developing synthetic routes to individual compounds or classes.

CHEM 536 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II
Prerequisites: CHEM 432 or permission of instructor
The electronic structure of compounds of the transition metals is introduced, using ligan field theory and molecular orbital theory. The chemistry of coordination and organometallic compounds is described with emphasis on structure, reactivity, and synthesis. Applications to transformations in organic chemistry and to catalysis are examined.

CHEM 551 - (3) (Y)
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Corequisite: CHEM 341 or CHEM 361 or permission of instructor
Study of the utilization of modern analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis. Includes emission and mass spectrometry, ultraviolet, visible, and infrared absorption spectroscopy, atomic absorption, electrical methods of analysis, chromatography, neutron activation analysis, and X-ray methods. Three class hours.

Continue to: Department of Classics
Return to: Chapter 6 Index