This course provides the theoretical basis for chemistry and related subjects, emphasizing thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, and reaction dynamics. Laboratory includes varied and diverse methods of measurement and computational techniques. Four hours of lecture-discussion and four hours of laboratory per week. CHEM 301 is the physical chemistry foundation requirement for the American Chemistry Society Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.
Chem 117 or Chem 120; Math 152. Chem 242 and Phys 222 strongly recommended.
This course is a follow-up to CHEM 301. It covers quantum chemistry, reaction dynamics, spectroscopy and statistical mechanics. The laboratory will be concerned with several experiments in physical chemistry with emphasis on various spectroscopic measurements and application of a variety of computational software for quantum calculations. Four hours of lecture-discussion and four hours of laboratory per week. CHEM 301 and 302 are the physical chemistry foundation requirement for the American Chemical Society Chemistry major.
This is a one-semester, foundational course in biochemistry intended for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Lecture topics covered in this course fall into three general areas: (1) structure, function, and reactivity of biological macromolecules, (2) cellular metabolism and metabolic cycles, and (3) the central dogma of molecular biology. Laboratory is intended to expose students to a variety of biochemical techniques and applications.
This course focuses on instrumental methods of analysis. The lecture is devoted primarily to instrument design and the advantages and disadvantages of that design. Laboratory is emphasized and centers on method development projects. Two hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week.
This is a one-semester course in medicinal chemistry. The first part of this course covers introduces students to the field of medicinal chemistry and covers fundamental topics and concepts relating to the properties, design, metabolism, and modeling of pharmaceutical drugs. The remainder of the course is devoted to the major classes of therapeutic drugs with an emphasis on categorizing physiological effects with functional groups and binding site stereochemistry. Laboratory provides students an introduction to computational modeling, experimental design, exploration of drug properties, and the synthesis and evaluation of biologically-active molecules.
Advanced topics in organic chemistry, including spectroscopy, mechanisms and synthesis (including natural products) are covered. Emphasis varies. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
This course explores advanced topics in Inorganic Chemistry including atomic structure, covalent structures, group theory, molecular orbital theory, acid-base principles, solid-state chemistry, transition elements and coordination chemistry, bonding theories, spectroscopy, mechanisms, organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and bioinorganic chemistry. Laboratory exercises will focus on the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds using instrumentation. Three hours of lecture, four hours of laboratory per week.
The structure and properties of macromolecules will be considered. Methods of synthesis and analysis of these polymers will be treated in some detail. Industrial processes for the preparation and manufacture of some important commercial polymers will be included.
Advanced topics in physical chemistry with emphasis on advanced quantum chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, spectroscopy, quantum dynamics, matter-electromagnetic radiation interaction, nuclear dynamics beyond the Born-Oppenheimer regime and lasers. This course is typically problem oriented, and will use computer resources extensively, including some computer programming. Students may take this course with interests in chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Consult the department chair for a listing of available opportunities. Plans for an internship must be made well in advance of the term in which the internship is to be carried out.
Permission of the Instructor
This course offers the opportunity to engage in experimental research with a faculty mentor. One credit hour will require four hours of laboratory work per week for the semester plus a comprehensive report, a departmental seminar, and if appropriate a presentation at a scientific meeting. This course designation is normally not used to replace a traditional course.
Permission of the Instructor