Academic Bulletin Chemistry - Course Descriptions - 2012-13

A survey course designed for non-science concentrators which considers the historical and philosophical developments in chemistry, as well as the application of chemical principles to physical phenomena and social issues. Topics include the development of the atomic theory of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, the chemistry of life (organic and biochemistry), and nuclear energy. Some elementary mathematics will be used. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Partially fulfills the College laboratory science requirement, but cannot be combined with CHE 111 to complete the laboratory science requirement. This course does not satisfy requirements for the chemistry major or minor.

A study of topics of current interest in chemistry. Topics and prerequisites will vary and will be announced prior to registration. Does not count towards the chemistry major or minor; however it will count towards the 11 course maximum. Does not count towards the laboratory science distribution requirement. One-half or one course credit, either or both semesters.

The introductory course for science concentrators. Topics include atomic theory, stoichiometry, thermo chemistry, equilibrium, gas laws, states of matter, solutions, atomic structure, and acid/base chemistry. The laboratory, which emphasizes the basic principles discussed in lecture, includes significant synthetic and analytical work. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisite: Freshmen must have a MAT 111 placement or higher to enroll in this course.

This is the second course in chemistry for most science concentrators (chemistry majors and minors, and pre-health students). Topics include detailed considerations of chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium and electrochemistry; the molecular orbital theory of chemical bonding; and main group and transition metal chemistry. The laboratory will feature experiments in calorimetry, electrochemistry, quantitative analysis, descriptive inorganic chemistry, and a multi-week inorganic synthesis project. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the spring semester.

Prerequisite: CHE 111.

A study of the structure and reactions of simple organic compounds. Included as topics are molecular conformations, stereochemistry, and a discussion of some types of modern spectroscopic techniques. The laboratory work emphasizes techniques frequently used by the organic chemist, including distillation, crystallization, sublimation, chromatography and spectroscopy. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisite: CHE 111.

Electron microscopes employ a focused beam of highly energetic electrons to examine sample morphology and topography on a very fine scale. This information is essential to the characterization of a wide range of biological and inorganic specimens including microorganisms, cells, crystals, metals, microelectronics, and nanomaterials. The initial classroom portion of this course focuses on fundamental topics in instrument design, applications, limitations, and sample preparation methods. Subsequent laboratory work involves hands-on instrument training and a substantial microscopy project.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior major in chemistry/physics.

Characteristic reactions and syntheses of organic molecules will be covered in this course. Spectroscopic techniques not covered in CHE 221 will also be surveyed. Emphasis is placed on the utility of organic chemistry in today’s world; class discussions and laboratory work will present many biologically interesting illustrations. Also included is an introduction to the use of the chemical literature. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: CHE 221

An integrated survey of the application of instrumental methods (chromatography, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy) to the analysis of chemical systems. Statistical methods of data analysis will also be covered. Extensive use is made of examples taken from the current literature. The laboratory emphasizes instrumental methods of separation and analysis. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: CHE 211.

An introduction to quantum mechanics through the study of exactly soluble models of chemical significance is followed by a statistical mechanical development of chemical thermodynamics. Topics include the postulates of quantum mechanics, the Schrodinger equation, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, equations of state, partition functions, laws of thermodynamics, and the thermodynamics of ideal and non-ideal solutions. The laboratory applies concepts studied in lecture and emphasizes laboratory report writing skills. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisites: CHE 211, PHY 112 or 113, MAT 112.

Basic chemical concepts such as intermolecular forces, equilibria, energetics, and reaction mechanisms will be used to study biological systems. The class will be divided into three major foci: biomolecular structures, metabolism, and information transfer. The laboratory will familiarize students with common biochemical techniques and will integrate current areas of biochemical research. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered spring semesters. 

Prerequisites: CHE 211 or 321.

Topics covered vary from year to year. Examples of recent topics include: advanced synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and physical organic chemistry. Offered either fall or spring semester.

Prerequisite: CHE 321.

A laboratory-oriented presentation of various advanced concepts in chemical instrumentation. Experiments dealing with basic analog and digital electronics will stress measurement techniques and the construction and testing of simple, yet useful, circuits. The use of laboratory computers will be considered, with emphasis on data collection (interfacing) and manipulation. These topics are then integrated into discussion and experiments dealing with instrumental analysis (electrochemistry, spectroscopy). Individual projects will involve the construction/characterization of analytical instruments. One discussion and one laboratory each week. Offered occasionally.

Prerequisite: CHE 331.

A survey of the periodic table emphasizing the applications of modern structural principles, kinetics, and thermodynamics to inorganic systems. Descriptive treatment of selected elements and families included. Three lectures each week. The laboratory experiments emphasize the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive compounds. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisites: CHE 211 and 351.

An advanced study of quantum mechanics beyond 351, including molecular structure, group theory, molecular spectroscopy and advanced concepts in chemical bonding. It is very important that students who are interested in attending graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry take this course. Laboratory experiments reflect topics discussed in lecture. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: CHE 351.

This course offers further study of special topics in physical chemistry beyond the topics covered in Chemistry 351 and 451. Examples of recent topics include chemical kinetics, molecular spectroscopy, computational quantum mechanics, and lasers in spectroscopy and chemistry. Laboratory experiments reflect topics discussed in lecture. Offered spring semesters.

Prerequisite: CHE 451.

Topics vary from year to year. Examples of recent topics include: the chemistry of cancer, determining structures of biomolecules, the RNA world, fermentation and brewing, and the mechanisms of enzyme action.

 Prerequisites: Vary with each individual topics; watch for course announcement prior to pre-registration.

This capstone course for the biochemistry major will use primary literature to examine DNA replication, transcription, and translation on a molecular level, and will include a primary literature research project. Offered fall semesters.

Prerequisite: CHE 361

Focused study of topics of current chemical interest for advanced students; topics vary from year to year and are announced prior to registration for each semester.

Prerequisites: Vary with each individual topic; watch for course announcement prior to pre-registration.

Individual laboratory or library research projects under the supervision of individual faculty on selected problems for qualified students. Students must have prior consent of the supervising faculty member and department chair to enroll in this course.

Individual laboratory or library research projects under the supervision of individual faculty on selected problems for qualified students. Students must have prior consent of the supervising faculty member and department chair to enroll in this course.