Courses

Together we will explore applications of chemistry in our world today. Course topics will focus on an instructor chosen area of chemistry. Students will learn to connect fundamental concepts used to describe atoms and molecules to everyday applications and solutions to global problems.

This course is an introduction to the study of chemical phenomena using an "atoms-first" approach -- starting with atoms and building up to more complex molecules. Students will explore principles of atomic structure, molecular bonding and structure, electronic properties, intermolecular forces in all phases of matter, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics. Core concepts will be taught through active learning, and laboratory investigation will develop skills in foundational quantitative analysis (measurement, stoichiometry, error analysis) and spectroscopy. Cognitive skills in graphical and written presentation of chemistry developed in this course will be built on in subsequent courses. This course satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly.

This course builds on the foundation of molecular structural and electronic properties developed in CHEM 131. Students will be introduced to chemical reactions of inorganic and organic compounds, including acid/base reactions, precipitation reactions and substitution and elimination reactions. In-depth analysis of reaction chemistry will encompass aspects of equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. The principles of conformation and stereochemistry of organic and inorganic molecules, and organic reaction mechanisms will be emphasized. Skills in presentation of scientific data, and experimental design and analysis will be developed and built on in subsequent courses. This course satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 131.

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

This course expands upon concepts in molecular structure and behavior presented in CHEM 131 and CHEM 132 and applies them to the systematic investigation of the reactivity of organic molecules. Students will explore the transformation and reaction chemistry of organic functional groups, including alcohols, aromatics, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives. Reactions are explored with an emphasis on the mechanism of reactivity, and in the context of organic synthesis with a focus on the art of retrosynthetic analysis for complex targets. Laboratory experiments are selected to introduce techniques for the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic compounds discussed in class. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly. Safety glasses required.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 132.

A study of the major chemical processes and molecular species that characterize living organisms. Principles of molecular structure and chemical reactivity from CHEM 131, 132, and 251 will be developed in greater quantitative detail and applied to investigation of the molecular interactions that underlie cellular life. Primary emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationship between the structures of biological macromolecules (particularly proteins) and their functions. Laboratory work will consist of a series of multi-week experiments focused on the isolation and subsequent characterization of active biological macromolecules from living organisms. Offered in the spring only. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 251 and BIOL 210, or consent.

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

A pass/fail course used to track all chemistry and biochemistry majors' completion of the required third-year departmental assessment exam. Earning the required S (pass) in this course entails completion of the assessment exam with a passing score as designated by the department. Required of all majors in the fall semester after completion of CHEM 258.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258.

This course in inorganic chemistry investigates the structural and bonding models of molecules using concepts of symmetry and molecular orbitals. Investigation of reactions and intermolecular forces is done in the context of inorganic substances. The classroom portion includes introduction to and an oral presentation on the primary literature of the discipline while the laboratory portion includes synthesis of molecules and measurement of their properties. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 or consent.

This course will explore the synthesis, structure, composition and function of the polymers (“plastics”) that surround us. We will learn how fundamental chemical and physical properties of polymeric materials are characterized, measured, controlled and utilized in the clothes, cars, smartphones medical devices ever present in our modern life. The topics covered integrate many fundamental concepts in chemistry in a course with practical relevance for majors and minors interested in basic or applied science, sustainability, health, engineering, and emerging technologies. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258, or consent.

A course of quantitative analytical chemistry, based on principles of chemical equilibrium and thermodynamics. The laboratory includes exposure to a range of gravimetric and volumetric methods along with spectroscopic, chromatograhic, and electrochemical techniques for analysis. Three class periods and one laboratory period weekly. Offered fall semester only.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258, or consent.

An examination of the physical properties of chemical systems from both macroscopic and microscopic points of view. Topics include thermodynamics, structure and bonding from a quantum mechanical point of view, an introduction to spectroscopy, and chemical kinetics. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258, MATH 145 and PHYS 121, or consent.

Laboratory (or library) research, in consultation with a member of the chemistry faculty. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of faculty mentor.

Laboratory (or library) research, in consultation with a member of the chemistry faculty. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of faculty mentor.

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

A pass/fail course used to track all chemistry and biochemistry majors' completion of the required senior interview. Earning the required S (pass) in this course entails completing the senior interview in good faith. Students who are not adequately prepared will be required to retake the interview. Required of all senior majors in the spring of senior year.

This course will explore the chemistry and physics behind monolayers and the interfacial phenomena that control the behavior of these single molecule thick films. We will connect what we know about 3D or bulk systems (such as the thermodynamics, intermolecular interactions, and phase behavior) to a 2D surface environment. This course thus reviews and builds on the topics presented in physical chemistry. Our discussion of monolayers and surfaces will also include common measurement techniques. The second part of this course will discuss modern applications of and the use of monolayers (and bilayers) as models to study topics in biophysics and materials science. The specific applications covered will vary with student interest. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.

This course will explore chemical processes and materials science underlying energy conversion processes, with a focus on sustainable approaches. After an overview of the science of climate change and an analysis of current energy practices, the course will focus on renewable sources of electricity, energy storage, and sustainable production of chemical fuels. Throughout, the emphasis will be on the thermodynamics, materials science, catalysis, and (photo) electrochemical processes central to energy use and production. The course will include a semester-long research project that will require students to engage with the primary literature from a variety of sub-disciplines. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.

This course explores the structure and reactivity of organometallic compounds. Organometallic compounds contain one or more covalent bonds between carbon and a metal. The course focuses on compounds of the transition (d-block) metals, a broad family of species which are featured prominently in modern organic synthesis, including pharmaceutical and polymer synthesis. Organotransition metal compounds exhibit modes of reactivity and structure types beyond those encountered in introductory organic chemistry. The use of modern instrumentation to characterize these compounds and their reactivity will be investigated in the classroom and laboratory.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent of instructor.

This course will explore the interface between organic chemistry and the discovery, development, and biological analysis of pharmaceutical targets. Topics will include isolation and optimization of drug candidates; the total synthesis of candidates from discovery to production; analysis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; ethical aspects of drug development and intellectual property; and other topics from current literature. Additional topics may vary depending upon student interest. We will use these topics to further our critical thinking skills towards advanced organic synthesis and method development in application to the pharmaceutical industry. The class will consist of three 50-minute lectures and one three-hour lab weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 251, CHEM 258, and at least one CHEM 300 level course, or instructor consent.

This course will explore the art of modern organic synthesis. This includes learning the chemistry behind current organic techniques and reactions, as well as gaining an understanding of design strategies to achieve complex molecules and functional materials. Students will engage with the synthesis strategies of several key pharmaceutical targets and the motivations for their exploration (drugs design). This class will also explore the fundamental principles governing the properties of modern organic materials, from compostable plastics to flat screen TVs. In addition, throughout this course students will engage in the process of proposal writing, from idea development to finished proposal. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent of instructor.

This advanced course in Chemistry and Biochemistry will explore current topics in the field.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 and at least one 300-level CHEM course.

An in-depth exploration of modern techniques in biochemistry research. The focus will be on how the structure and function of biological macromolecules are investigated with a historical perspective of seminal studies leading to a detailed discussion of the most modern laboratory techniques ind instrumentation. Topics will vary, but may include DNA and protein crystallography, NMR, genomics, proteomics, radiotracers, microarrays, and other topics from the current scientific literature. Three class periods and one three-hour research/writing laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 and at least one CHEM or BIOL class at the 300-level, or consent.

This advanced biochemistry course will explore the metabolic fates of food molecules and how these molecules affect an individual's health and predisposition towards a range of diseases. We will consider concepts of health, diet, and fitness as presented in popular culture as well as investigating their biochemical bases. The class will include a semester-long research project focusing on the interplay of diet, metabolism, and disease and will require students to become conversant with current primary research literature in the field. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 and at least one CHEM or BIOL class at the 300-level, or instructor's consent.

An in-depth exploration of modern topics in the field of nucleic acids. A focus will be on macromolecular structure and intermolecular interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, and the effects of these on biological systems and scientific research. Topics will vary, but may include restriction enzymes, RNA silencing, RNA-directed prokaryotic immunity, riboswitches, and other topics from the current scientific literature. Two class periods and one three-hour laboratory weekly.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.

Laboratory research for qualified seniors working under faculty supervision. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required.

Prerequisite(s): Staff approval.

Laboratory research for qualified seniors working under faculty supervision. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required.

Prerequisite(s): Staff approval.