Chemistry

Two four-hour courses in introductory chemistry. These courses cover fundamental laws and theories: the atom and its construction, the nature of the chemical bond, stoichiometry, phases of matter, solution chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, electrochemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Three lectures plus one two-hour laboratory per week in the fall, and three lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week in the spring. Prerequisites: two years of high school mathematics plus high school chemistry are recommended. 

Two four-hour courses in introductory chemistry. These courses cover fundamental laws and theories: the atom and its construction, the nature of the chemical bond, stoichiometry, phases of matter, solution chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, electrochemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Three lectures plus one two-hour laboratory per week in the fall, and three lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week in the spring. Prerequisites: two years of high school mathematics plus high school chemistry are recommended. 

Two four-hour courses in the general field of organic chemistry including reaction and preparations of both aliphatic and aromatic compounds, functional group approach to reactions, and the theoretical relationship of electronic structure to mechanisms. The laboratory will emphasize preparative methods. Designed for preprofessional students in allied health fields, as well as for students working in this field of concentration. Three lectures plus one laboratory period per week. CHM 303 is a prerequisite for CHM 304.

Two four-hour courses in the general field of organic chemistry including reaction and preparations of both aliphatic and aromatic compounds, functional group approach to reactions, and the theoretical relationship of electronic structure to mechanisms. The laboratory will emphasize preparative methods. Designed for preprofessional students in allied health fields, as well as for students working in this field of concentration. Three lectures plus one laboratory period per week.

A course devoted to the study of stereochemistry, mechanisms, multi-step syntheses and newer synthetic methods. Characterization of compounds will utilize spectroscopic methods. Emphasis is placed on recent and current developments in organic chemistry. Periodical literature is employed in addition to textbooks. Three lectures per week; some laboratory work may be required.

The theory, principles and practices of analytical chemistry involving statistical analysis, equilibria, acid-base chemistry, complexation, oxidation-reduction, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. Quantitative determinations using gravimetric analysis, titrations (acid-base and complexiometric), and spectrophotometry are a part of the laboratory portion of this course. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory per week. 

An in-depth examination of techniques used to separate and analyze mixtures. Topics examined include gas and liquid chromatography, solid-phase extraction, dialysis and electrophoresis. Particular emphasis will be placed on liquid chromatography (ion chromatography, size exclusion, reversed-phase, normal-phase, affinity and chiral separations) and capillary electrophoresis (free solutions, gels, micellar and isoelectric focusing). Lecture with lab. 

Introduces an integrated analysis of the chemical structure, dynamic mechanisms, and cellular functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Topics will include enzymology, molecular biology, metabolism, and methodological theory. 

Detailed study of advanced topics in cellular signaling and metabolism. This course will focus on hormonal control mechanisms, signal transduction pathways, and enzyme mechanisms related to the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and the degradation and biosynthesis of sugars, fatty acids, amino acids and nucleotides. There will be an emphasis on understanding the primary literature and recent advances in the field of biochemistry. Three lectures per week. 

In this laboratory course, students will engage with methods and instrumentation common to research in biochemistry. Students will learn to modify protein sequences, express and purify proteins, and assess the function of proteins through kinetic and thermodynamic assays. Students will also design and implement an independent research project culminating in a primary literature-style paper based on their findings.

Students will meet in small groups with their faculty research mentors. Students will give presentations on background information, lab techniques, and previous research relevant to their research interests. They will formulate and write a research proposal with the aid of their faculty mentor and peer group, and will serve as critical reviewers of their peers' presentations and/or proposals. They will also attend several senior thesis presentations (CHM 575) and presentations by invited speakers from industry and academia. To be taken in the spring of the junior year by all biochemistry and chemistry majors. 

Exempt from tuition overload charges. 

A study of thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular structure and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on biological applications. The concepts of energy, enthalpy, entropy, chemical equilibrium, kinetics of complex reactions, dynamics of microscopic systems, chemical bonding, non-covalent interactions, optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance will be covered in some detail, and the discussion will center on the importance of these concepts in the life sciences. Three lectures per week. 

An advanced treatment of chemical principles. Topics include quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, origin of spectra, molecular orbital theory, computational chemistry, laser spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory period per week. 

A continuation of CHM 502. Topics include statistical thermodynamics, first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, molecular motion, chemical kinetics, photochemistry, and reaction dynamics. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory period per week. 

This course will expand on topics introduced in CHM 502 and 503. Course content will vary with each offering and will depend on the interests of enrolled students. Possible topics to be covered include computational chemistry, surface chemistry, advanced group theory and crystallography, advanced spectroscopy and nuclear chemistry. Three lectures per week; some laboratory work may be required. 

A course that includes lecture and laboratory work in basic electronics, flame atomic emission and absorption spectroscopy, UV-Vis and IR molecular absorption, luminescence methods, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrochemical analysis, and liquid and gas chromatography. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week. 

Students will be provided information and guidance about writing and editing a successful senior thesis and giving an effective oral presentation on their research. More broadly, through readings, presentations, and discussions, students will be expected to reflect on their scientific knowledge and experience in the context of ethical, social, and philosophical considerations and implications. A variety of topics may be covered, including attributes of good science, ethics in science, faith and science, responsibilities of scientists in society, and the limitations of science. Students will submit an essay on a theme from the course (e.g., the place of science within the traditional liberal arts). They will also attend presentations by invited speakers from industry and academia. Students seeking Departmental Honors or an ACS-certified degree will compose an initial draft of their senior thesis. To be taken in the fall of the senior year by all biochemistry and chemistry majors.

Exempt from tuition overload charges. 

Each student will critically review the thesis of another member of the class (peer review). They will make necessary revisions to their own senior theses after peer review and review by their faculty research mentors. They will also give a formal oral presentation of their research to the department, and attend presentations by invited speakers from industry and academia. Each student will also serve as a mentor to a junior who is preparing a presentation for CHM 475. To be taken in the spring of the senior year by biochemistry and chemistry majors who are seeking Departmental Honors or an ACS-certified degree.

Exempt from tuition overload charges. 

Laboratory and/or literature research in advanced chemistry, designed to develop independent research skills through the guidance of a research mentor on a specific chemical problem.