Chemistry Department

CHEM 010 - Reactor Seminar

This course provides an introduction to research reactor operations. Specific topics include basic nuclear physics, research reactor operations and applications, radiation safety concepts, and science communication. No background in science or mathematics is necessary.

CHEM 101 - Molecular Structure and Properties

Introduction to the chemist's description and use of light and matter. Specific topics include the interaction of light and matter (spectroscopy), the structure of the atom and the atomic structure of matter, chemical bonds and intermolecular forces, and chemical descriptions of color and solubility.

CHEM 102 - Chemical Reactivity

An introduction to the reactions of atoms and molecules. Specific topics include gas laws, solution phenomena, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, and kinetics.

CHEM 201 - Organic Chemistry I

Introduction to theories describing the structure and reactivity of organic compounds. Theoretical principles are illustrated using computer-based molecular models. Structure, methods of preparation, and reactions of important classes of organic compounds are examined. Laboratory work introduces techniques used in the preparation, purification, and spectroscopic identification of organic compounds.

CHEM 202 - Organic Chemistry II

A continuation of CHEM 201. Structure, methods of preparation, and reactions of important classes of organic compounds will be stressed. Laboratory work includes the preparation, purification, and spectroscopic identification of organic compounds.

CHEM 212 - Inorganic Chemistry

An introduction to inorganic chemistry, including the structure, bonding, and reactions of main-group molecules, transition metal complexes, and organometallic compounds. Laboratory work is focused on scientific inquiry, along with synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of inorganic compounds.

CHEM 230 - Environmental Chemistry

An introduction to the chemistry of natural and polluted environments. Fundamental principles of chemistry are used to understand the sources, reactivity, and fate of compounds in the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Topics include the stratospheric ozone layer, photochemical smog and particulate air pollution, climate change and energy use, water toxics and treatment, and agricultural modification of the surface environment.

CHEM 311 - Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation

An examination of the principles of data acquisition and statistical analysis, chemical equilibria, and the principles and methods of chemical and instrumental analysis. The functions of classical volumetric and gravimetric techniques, along with electronic, optical, and mechanical instrument components and features of their organization into measurement systems, are discussed.

CHEM 315 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory

An exploration of various experimental strategies and techniques in physical chemistry, as applied to inorganic, organic, and/or biochemical problems. Laboratory work includes investigations of energetics, molecular structure, and reaction dynamics requiring the use of large instrument systems and critical analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

CHEM 316 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory: Spectra of Diatomic Molecules

An exploration of various experimental strategies and techniques in physical chemistry, as applied to the study of diatomic molecules. Laboratory work includes investigations of energetics, molecular structure, and/or reaction dynamics requiring the use of large instrument systems and critical analysis and interpretation of experimental data.

CHEM 324 - Advanced Physical Organic Chemistry

An introduction to modern concepts in experimental, computational (molecular modeling), and theoretical methods used to understand foundational interrelationships between structure and reactivity in organic molecules. Topics include chemical structure and reactivity, intermolecular interactions, molecular recognition, photochemistry, pericyclic reactions, and review of applications in state-of-the-art research. Hands-on experience with single-crystal X-ray diffraction will provide additional insight to the analysis of organic molecules.

CHEM 332 - Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

An introduction to statistical mechanics, which provides a bridge between the quantum mechanical description of properties pertaining to microscopic systems and the classical thermodynamic description of properties pertaining to macroscopic systems. An examination of the relations between molecular dynamics, observed rates, and inferred mechanisms of chemical reactions will be included.

CHEM 333 - Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure

An introduction to principles of quantum mechanics and their application to problems in atomic and molecular structure. Meets four days per week to incorporate study of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

CHEM 345 - Advanced Synthetic Chemistry

A study of advanced synthetic methods and design. Topics include methods of building carbon skeletons and changing functional groups as well as strategies for multistep synthesis. Predictive models for selectivity and the use of organometallic reagents will be emphasized. Advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as multidimensional NMR, are discussed as critical tools for structure determination.

CHEM 347 - Advanced Synthesis Lab

An introduction to performing multistep synthesis in the context of a semester-long research project. The course focuses on the use of organometallic reagents, application of selectivity in synthesis, and the use of spectroscopic techniques, such as multidimensional high-field NMR, for structure determination.

CHEM 391 - Structural Biochemistry

An examination of the structure and function of biological molecules, including lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. Areas of study include protein stability and folding, protein-ligand interactions, enzyme kinetics and catalysis, and protein biosynthesis. Special attention will be given to biophysical techniques employed in the characterization of biological molecules.

CHEM 392 - Metabolic Biochemical Homeostasis

This course describes the energetics, bioinorganic, and bioorganic chemistry of the cell as it maintains stable internal conditions despite changes in external conditions. Focus will be placed on the origins and chemical evolution of metabolism, principles of metal ion homeostasis, and the energy-producing pathways: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid oxidation.

CHEM 394 - Biochemical Methods

An introduction to the laboratory techniques commonly used in biochemistry. Experiments demonstrate methods used in the purification and characterization of proteins with attention to a variety of biophysical techniques.

CHEM 403 - Topics in Physical Chemistry

An examination of current topics relating to the use of spectroscopy to study electronic structure, molecular dynamics, and chemical reactivity with an emphasis on the primary literature.

CHEM 470 - Thesis

CHEM 481 - Individual Work in Special Fields