Chemistry Courses

The Chemical World

A topical discussion of the science of chemistry and its relationship to our everyday lives. While no previous knowledge of chemistry is required, this course does involve the use of chemical formulas and such basic math as algebra and scientific notation. (Spring)

Principles of Chemistry I

An introduction to chemistry for science majors and other students who require a thorough grounding in the principles of chemistry. Topics treated include the atomic-molecular theory of matter, stoichiometry, states of matter, chemical nomenclature, energetics of chemical and physical processes, solutions, periodic properties, VSEPR, molecular orbital theory and chemistry of familiar elements. Note: Credit may not be obtained for both CHEM 101 and 123.

Principles of Chemistry I – Honors

Principles of Chemistry II

Principles of chemical and physical equilibrium, liquids and solids, elementary thermodynamics, electron and proton transfer reactions, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics and a further study of the periodic properties of the elements. (Fall/Spring/Summer)

Principles of Chemistry – Honors

Introductory Chemistry Lab I

Companion course to CHEM 102, intended for all students who require two or more years of chemistry. (Fall/Spring/Summer)

Scientific Glass Blowing Lab

Introduction to General Organic and Biochemistry I

A two-semester chemistry course intended for students preparing for health sciences. Topics include atomic-molecular theory, properties of the elements, bonding and molecular structure, solutions, elementary organic chemistry, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. (Fall/Summer) Recommended Preparation: A working knowledge of elementary algebra is required

Introduction to General Organic and Biochemistry II

Continuation of CHEM 123. (Spring/Summer)

General Organic and Biochemistry Lab

A companion laboratory course to CHEM 124. This course, together with CHEM 123 and 124, will complete the chemistry requirement for nurses, dental hygienists, physical therapists and others in health-related sciences,with the exception of premed and predental students. (Spring/Summer)

Training in Experimental Chemistry (Cooperative Education)

This course cannot be applied to the requirements of the major in chemistry. It does, however, provide a mechanism whereby a student intending to pursue a career in chemistry may acquire academic credit for training obtained while employed outside of the university. The number of credits assigned, which may not exceed three per semester, is based upon the instructor’s assessment of the scientific level of the employment and its contribution to the professional development of the student. The grade assigned is based upon a report written by the student and the instructor’s appraisal of the student’s performance.

Analytical Chemistry

A lecture-laboratory course covering the theory and practice of quantitative chemical analysis. The emphasis is on homogeneous and heterogeneous equibilibria involved in gravimetric and volumetric methods. Introduction to instrumental techniques includes potentiometry, spectrophotometry and chromatographic separations. (Fall/Spring)

Physical Chemistry I

A lecture course covering the laws of thermodynamics, with emphasis on their application to chemical systems. Topics considered include thermochemistry, equations of state, physical and chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics and the theory of rate processes. (Fall)

Physical Chemistry II

Continuation of CHEM 301. Topics considered include molecular structure and bonding, interpretation of spectra, and introductory quantum and statistical mechanics. (Spring)

Physical Chemistry for the Biochemical Sciences

This course is designed to familiarize students with the qualitative and quantitative concepts of physical chemistry as they apply to biochemical systems and macromolecules. Approximately one-third of the course will be devoted to topics in thermodynamics, kinetics, and spectroscopy. Topics considered include general equilibrium thermodynamics emphasizing biochemical applications, ligand binding, biological oxidation-reduction reactions, membranes, colligative properties and transport properties, kinetics including elementary rate laws, reaction mechanisms and activated processes, and relaxation and enzyme kinetics, and an introduction to quantum chemistry, electronic structure and bonding, and molecular spectroscopy (including vibrational, electronic and magnetic spectroscopy). The use of modern instrumentation will be discussed throughout the course. (Spring)

Advanced Laboratory I.

Laboratory exercises encompassing experimental problems in physical, inorganic, synthetic and instrumental analytical chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of data, the techniques of measurement and computer-interfaced instrumentation. (Fall)

Advanced Laboratory II.

Continuation of CHEM 311L. (Spring)

Organic Chemistry I

The chemistry of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, including bonding, stereochemistry and reactions of functional groups. Reaction mechanisms, synthetic methods and characterization of organic molecules. (Fall/Spring)

Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

Companion laboratory course to CHEM351. (Fall/Spring)

Organic Chemistry II

Continuation of CHEM 351. (Spring/Summer)

Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Companion laboratory class to CHEM 352 and continuation of CHEM 351L. (Spring/Summer)

Ethics and Integrity in Scientific Research

Individuals involved in contemporary scientific research have ethical responsibilities for their conduct. The goal of this course is to provide studentsconsidering a career in scientific research with an appropriate framework for establishing appropriate scientific integrity. Various topics relevant to scientific integrity, including defining, handling and responding to fraud and misconduct; peer review; obligations and rights of students and mentors; ethical conduct in animal and human experimentation; ownership of data; reagents; and intellectual property, authorship and conflict of interest will be presented and discussed. Specific research situations and examples of past ethical violations will be used to illustrate appropriate ethical standards.

Seminar in Chemistry

In this course, the problem of lead poisoning will serve as a focal point to develop perspective, insight and retrospection into an important societal problem. The course will be presented as a series of seminars that cover in-depth the many facets of lead and lead poisoning. Some of the topics include the chemistry of lead, its history, toxicology, ecology, legal and political ramifications, and its remediation. The culmination of the course will be the student projects, which will meld their knowledge, interpretation of lecture material and personal experience.

Tutorial Projects in Chemistry

Independent study supervised by a faculty member. The course is intended for students who wish to study topics in chemistry not covered by the regular course offerings. One credit hour is equal to a minimum of four hours of work in the laboratory per week. Chem 399 may be taken for a maximum of 3 credits and may only be taken once. A maximum of eight credits from the combination of BIOL 398, 399, 499, CHEM 399 and 499 may be applied toward the 120 credits for graduation.

Chemical and Statistical Thermodynamics

Basic methods of classical and statistical thermodynamics developed at a level appropriate for first-year graduate students and advanced undergraduates. (Spring)

Inorganic Chemistry

Basic theoretical concepts of inorganic chemistry, including a study of the periodic table, the elements and their physical and chemical properties. Several theories of bonding are discussed, as well as the mechanisms of inorganic reactions, coordination chemistry and the chemistry of transition metals. (Fall)

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Lab

The course skills that will be emphasized in the course are anaerobic synthesis and advanced characterization methods. These methods will be applied to inorganic complexes important in biological/medicinal inorganic chemistry and nanomaterials. This interdisciplinary course aims to combine traditional inorganic chemistry concepts/methods with areas of inorganic chemistry not covered in lower-level courses.

Bioinorganic Chemistry

Intended for senior-level undergraduates and graduate students, this course focuses on the role and function of metals in biology. Topics include metalloenzyme mechanisms, spectroscopy and use of metals in medicine. Recommended Preparation: CHEM 405 or CHEM 437

Quantum Chemistry

Introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics and their application to chemical systems. Topics include the postulatory basis of quantum mechanics; approximate methods; vibrational, rotational, electronic, nuclear magnetic and electron spin spectroscopy; atomic structure; the chemical bond, valence bond; and molecular orbital theory.

Statistical Mechanics and Theory of Rate Processes

Introduction to statistical mechanics and theoretical aspects of absolute reaction rate theory. Major topics include statistical definition of entropy; compounding of systems; combinational problems; the methods of Gibbs; quantum statistics; partition functions; applications to equilibrium states of gases, solids and liquids; and partition formulation of the theory of absolute reaction rates.

Computer Applications in Chemistry

The course is designed to help develop an appreciation and understanding of how to write a computer program to solve problems related to chemical research. Fundamentals of electronic chemical structure calculations. This is not a theory course, but a practical course in which programming techniques, data handling, and online computational tools are discussed. (Fall)

Chemistry of Proteins

An advanced treatment of the chemistry of proteins and protein-containing supramolecular structures. The topics include isolation and purification of proteins, structure of proteins and relation of structure to biological function.

Advanced Biochemistry

The topics presented would not normally be covered in any other biochemistry course and may include an advanced treatment of enzyme kinetics with emphasis upon two-substrate systems, allosteric control mechanisms, replication and transcription, and the biochemistry of specialized tissues.

Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids

A survey of nucleic acid structure and function, with emphasis on chemical aspects. Topics will include DNA and RNA structure, packaging of nucleic acids, chemical and physical properties of nucleic acids, proteins and enzymes of DNA replication, fidelity of nucleic acid synthesis, biochemistry of DNA recombination, enzymology of transcription and RNA processing.

Biochemistry of Complex Carbohydrates

Structure and function of the carbohydrates of glycoprotiens, glycolipids, proteoglycans and bacterial polysaccharides; carbohydrates as informational macromolecules; decoding by lectins; biosynthesis; structure; engineering of glycoproteins; bacterial adhesion; and virulence and tumor antigens.

Comprehensive Biochemistry I

The first semester of a two semester sequence providing a thorough introduction to the principles of modern biochemistry. Major topics include enzyme kinetics and the structures and properties of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. (Fall)

Biochemistry Laboratory

Modern methods of biochemical research. Laboratory experiments are designed to provide experience in working with biologically active materials and familiarity with standard biochemical techniques. These include spectrophotometry; chromatography; isotope tracer techniques; ultra-centrifugation; enzyme kinetics; and isolation, purification and characterization of proteins, nucleic acids and subcellular organelles. Two laboratory sessions per week.

Comprehensive Biochemistry II

Continuation of CHEM 437. Includes metabolic pathways and selected topics in nucleic acid and membrane chemistry. (spring)

Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules

Introduction to the physical chemistry of macromolecules. Emphasis is placed on the development of broad general concepts applicable to the study of synthetic and biological macromolecules. Topics considered include determination of molecular weight and molecular weight distributions; conformational properties of high polymers; and thermodynamics and transport properties of polymer solutions, polyelectrolytes and polymerization processes. Techniques such as sedimentation analysis, light scattering, osmometry and viscometry are discussed.

Physical Biochemistry

Structural determination of proteins and nucleic acids in the solid state and in solution. Transitions between and stability of secondary and tertiary structure. Ligand binding and association processes. Interpretation of spectra, titration curves and multi-component equilibria, hydrodynamic properties and fluorescence polarization.

Molecular Spectroscopy and Biomacromolecules

Team-taught course covering theory and applications of advanced spectroscopic techniques used to study the structure and function of biomacromolecules (polysaccharides, DNA, coenzymes and cofactors). Aspects of modern Fourier Transform NMR, including one- and two-dimensional methods (COSY, NOESY,TOCSY) will be presented. Principles of mass spectrometry and examples of the potential, limitations and applications of electron impact; desorption ionization; high-resolution tandem-mass spectrometry and interfaced chromatography mass spectrometry will be discussed. Theory and applications of other spectroscopic techniques, including molecular vibrational (raman, resonance raman and infrared), electron spin resonance (ESR) and laser fluorescence spectroscopies also will be presented. Recommended Preparation: CHEM 301

Molecular Modeling In Biochemistry

Survey of theoretical methods for simulation of biopolymer conformation. Energy maps, energy minimization and molecular dynamics simulation. Influence of solvents. Applications to proteins, nucleic acids, etc. Calculations using the CHARMm code.

Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds

An in-depth survey of the properties, reactions and synthesis of heterocyclic compounds containing the heteroatoms of oxygen, sulfur and/or nitrogen. The course will consist of lectures based on readings from monographs and current literature.

Mechanisms of Organic Reactions

Advanced general treatment of the study of organic reaction mechanisms, with emphasis on the development of broad principles governing various organic reactions. Description of metastable intermediates such as carbonium ions, carbanions, carbenes and free radicals, kinetic effects in relation to structure, conformational analysis and stereochemistry.

Mechanisms of Organic Reactions

Advanced general treatment of the study of organic reaction mechanisms, with emphasis on the development of broad principles governing various organic reactions. Description of metastable intermediates such as carbonium ions, carbanions, carbenes and free radicals, kinetic effects in relation to structure, conformational analysis and stereochemistry.

Physical Organic Chemistry

Introduction to theoretical aspects of organic chemistry. Molecular orbital approximations, linear-free energy relationships, general theory of acid-base catalysis, medium effects and isotope effects.

Organic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids

A survey of organic chemical principles governing structure, properties and reactions of nucleic acids, including synthesis of nucleic acid bases, nucleosides,nucleotides and polynucleotides, and their important synthetic analogs possessing antiviral and antitumor properties. Study of reactivity of nucleic acid building blocks,including addition and substitution reaction, ring-openings and rearrangements, hydrolysis of glycosidic and phosphodiester bonds, and photochemical reactions.Study of primary structure, acid-base property, tautomerism and conformation ofnucleic acids. Review of secondary structure, base-pairing and -stacking interactions, helical structure, stability, conformation, denaturation, renaturationand cross-linking.

Introduction to Biomedicinal Chemistry

A survey of principles and methods of drug design, including modern rational approach aided by computers, disease models, natural products, analogue synthesis and pharmacophore identification; physicochemical principles of drug action, including solubility, partition coeffeicents, surface interactions, stereochemical, electronic and quantum chemical factors, chemical bonding and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR); receptor concept of drug action, including nature, definition, characterization, models and classical theories of receptor function; mechanisms of drug action, including development, inhibition and regulation; drug distribution, metabolism and inactivation, including bioavailability, biotransformations, chemical and metabolic stability, pharmacokinetic variability and design of prodrugs; case studies selected from a list of antitumor, analgetic, antimicrobial, anticholinergic, antiadrenergic, psychoactive and cardiovascular drugs; and current status of and future impact on drug development, including protein therapeutics, gene therapy, antisense drugs, cytokines and drug resistance.

Total Synthesis of Natural Products

The course will cover the total syntheses of selected natural products from animal, plant, marine, bacterial and fungal sources, including vitamins, alkaloids, hormones, terpenoids and antibiotics. Both historically significant total syntheses of landmark, such as those of cholesterol, morphine, strychnine and vitamin B12, as well as the more modern total syntheses, such as those as taxol, bleomycin and enediyne antibiotics, will be elaborated. Students who opt to take the course for graduate credits (CHEM 657) will be required to write an additional term paper and/or make an oral presentation on the total synthesis of a selected natural product.

Total Synthesis of Natural Products

The course will cover the total syntheses of selected natural products from animal, plant, marine, bacterial and fungal sources, including vitamins, alkaloids, hormones, terpenoids and antibiotics. Both historically significant total syntheses of landmark, such as those of cholesterol, morphine, strychnine and vitamin B12, as well as the more modern total syntheses, such as those as taxol, bleomycin and enediyne antibiotics, will be elaborated. Students who opt to take the course for graduate credits (CHEM 657) will be required to write an additional term paper and/or make an oral presentation on the total synthesis of a selected natural product.

Advanced Instrumental Methods of Analysis

A lecture-laboratory course covering the theory, instrumentation and applications of modern instrumental techniques. Advantages and limitations of different instrumental methods are discussed using selected topics of environmental, pharmacological and toxicological analysis. Laboratory experiments include polarography and pulse voltammetry, anodic stripping analysis, potentiometry with ion-selective electrodes, flame and electrothermal atomic absorption, UV-VISspectrophotometry, capillary gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Spring)

Mass Spectrometry at the Chemistry-Biology Interface

Primary mass spectrometric methods for the structural characterization and functional investigation of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, etc. will be covered. Sequencing, identification of post-translational modifications, proteome application and functional investigations of biomolecules will be discussed using a problem based approach.

The relationship between the chemical properties of toxic chemicals, e.g., chlorinated hydrocarbons, metals, drugs, solvents and naturally occurring toxicants and their genotoxic effects, are systematically examined. Topics covered include biotransformations, dose-response and statistical considerations, chemical air pollution, pharmacokinetics, chemical mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, analytical procedures, geo-chemistry of environmental pollution, radiation toxicology and combinations of chemicals.

Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms

The mechanism of enzyme action will be examined with emphasis on three-dimensional structure of enzymes, chemical catalysis, methods of determining enzyme mechanisms, stereochemistry of enzymatic reactions, detection of intermediates, affinity labels and suicide inhibitors, transition stateanalogs, energy relationships, evolutionarily “perfect” enzymes, genetic engineering and enzymes and use of binding energy in catalysis. Instruction will be in both lecture and seminar format, with emphasis on recent literature.

Special Topics in Chemistry

This course is intended for senior science students. Both format and topics may vary.

CHEM 499 (1.00 – 3.00)