This course provides the theoretical basis for chemistry and related subjects, emphasizing thermodynamics, equilibrium, and chemical kinetics. Laboratory includes a combination of experimental methods for data collection using instrumentation and scientific computing for the analysis of collected data. Three 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.
Every Fall
This course is the second of a two-semester sequence in physical chemistry covering quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics. The laboratory includes a heavy computational component along with experimental methods for data collection using instrumentation so as to compare theoretical and experimental results. Three 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.
Every Spring
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.
Every Fall
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.
Every other Fall, odd years
This is a one-semester course in medicinal chemistry. The first part of this course 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. Other course activities provide students with an introduction to project development/design, analysis of current disciplinary literature, and training in several types of scientific writing.
Every Spring
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.
Every other Fall, even years
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.
Every Spring, even years
This course is an introduction to some of the important concepts in Polymer Chemistry and Materials Science. The objectives of this chemistry/engineering course is to build the foundations for understanding the basic scientific and engineering principles used in the polymer industry. Topics will include: a historical perspective into polymer science, polymer synthesis (step, chain, and ring opening), structure-property relationships, molecular weight distribution, conformation and morphology correlations, application based design, and manufacturing/processing techniques. In the lab portion of the class, the chemical, mechanical, optical, thermal, spectroscopic, and environmental properties of polymer materials will be characterized using a variety of instrumental techniques.
Every other Interim
This course explores advanced topics in physical chemistry through the lens of materials chemistry and surface science. Materials chemistry focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of macromolecular compounds with unique properties. Topics in this course include crystal growth and nucleation, crystal structure, crystallography, surface chemistry, physisorption and chemisorption, photochemistry, band theory, nanomaterials, and relevant instrumentation. This course will require students to actively engage in the foundational and contemporary literature within the field. In the lab portion of the class, students will synthesize and characterize various materials and report their physical and chemical properties in accordance with ACS journal styles.
Every other Spring, odd years
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. Additional fees may apply.
Permission of the Instructor
Every Fall and Spring
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
Every Falll, Interim, and Spring