Chemistry (CHEM-UA)

Selected principles and applications of chemistry, with emphasis on the fundamental nature of chemistry. Basic course dealing with concepts of atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, solution chemistry, equilibrium, reaction rates, and properties of gases, liquids, and solids.

This course constitutes an introduction to inorganic and physical chemistry for science majors, engineers, and the prehealth professions. Emphasizes the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the theories of atomic structure; stoichiometry; properties of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions; periodicity of the properties of elements; chemical bonding; equilibrium; kinetics, thermodynamics; acid-base reactions; electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The underlying unity of chemistry is a basic theme. Laboratories provide an introduction to basic techniques used in experimental chemistry. Many experiments use a computer interface to provide experience in modern methods of data collection and to allow thorough analysis of experimental results. Proper laboratory procedures, chemical safety rules, and environmentally sound methods of chemical disposal and waste minimization are important components of the course. Experiments are selected to provide illustration and reinforcement of course topics, including manual and automated titrations, basic chromatography, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and colorimetry.

See General Chemistry I and Laboratory (CHEM-UA 125), above. Laboratories are a continuation of CHEM-UA 125, with emphasis on the analysis of quantitative data rather than its collection. Experiments are selected to provide illustration and reinforcement of the topics covered in the course, including solution chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, buffers, solubility, and electrochemistry.

This course is a single-semester accelerated and advanced course for first-year students intending to major in Chemistry or in general in the sciences or engineering. Students enrolling into this course are expected to have completed advanced high school courses in the subject areas of chemistry, math, and physics. The course addresses quantum mechanics in the context of atomic structure, thermodynamics in the context of properties of matter and chemical transformations, and reaction kinetics. The course aims to bolster understanding of the various aspects of chemistry through explorations at a deeper level than in a standard general chemistry course. The course is built around foundational concepts and their application to understanding chemistry broadly. The course is accompanied by an associated laboratory, designed to reinforce lecture topics. The course allows students to proceed faster towards advanced courses in the Chemistry sequence.

This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the mathematical concepts commonly used in chemistry and which are needed for more advanced work including upper-division courses and/or research. Course topics include vectors and matrices, calculus of several variables, basis expansions, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, and an introduction to group theory. Rather than presenting these topics in a highly theoretical manner, however, they are conveyed through the vehicle of and in the context of actual applications to real chemical problems. Concepts are enforced through in-class problem solving as well as weekly problem sets. Students will be encouraged to apply both analytical techniques as well as tools such as Matlab, Mathematica, or high-level programming languages such as Python.

This one-semester course covers topics such as nomenclature, conformations, stereochemistry, chemical reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. Fundamentals of biochemistry are introduced, including carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, peptides, and nucleic acids.

This course constitutes an introduction to the chemistry of organic compounds. The material is presented in the functional group framework, incorporating reaction mechanisms. Topics include structure and bonding of organic materials, nomenclature, conformational analysis, stereochemistry, spectroscopy, and reactions of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, amines, and carbonyl compounds. Multifunctional organic compounds are covered, including topics of relevance to biochemistry, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, and nucleic acids. Laboratories provide training in the basic techniques of the organic chemistry laboratory, including crystallization, distillation, extraction, and other separation techniques, such as column chromatography. Experiments involving the synthesis of organic compounds are introduced, as well as qualitative organic analysis.

This course constitutes a continuation of the study of chemistry of organic compounds. The material is presented in the functional group framework, incorporating reaction mechanisms. Topics include structure and bonding of organic materials, nomenclature, conformational analysis, stereochemistry, spectroscopy, and reactions of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, amines, and carbonyl compounds. Multifunctional organic compounds are covered, including topics of relevance to biochemistry, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, and nucleic acids. Laboratories provide training in the syntheses of organic precursors in high yields and high purity needed for multistep procedures. An extensive research project involving unknown compounds is conducted. The use of IR and NMR spectroscopy is explored.

Emphasizes the theory and structures of covalent bonded materials and develops greater insight into reaction mechanisms, plus the challenges and creativity leading to scientific discovery. This course is designed for students intending to become chemistry and biochemistry majors.

Emphasizes the theory and structures of covalent bonded materials and develops greater insight into reaction mechanisms, plus the challenges and creativity leading to scientific discovery. This course is designed for students intending to become chemistry and biochemistry majors.

An introduction to quantum mechanics--general principles and applications to important model systems. Covers electronic structure of one- and many-electron atoms, theory of chemical bonding in diatomic and polyatomic molecules. Includes principles and applications of molecular spectroscopy--rotational, vibrational, electronic, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Elements of photochemistry are also included.

Continuation of V25.0651. Develops the close connection between the microscopic world of quantum mechanics and the macroscopic world of thermodynamics. Topics include properties of gases, elementary statistical thermodynamics, and thermodynamics of single and multicomponent systems.

This course builds up biomolecules and macromolecular assemblies from atoms and electronic structure using quantum concepts. It then establishes the connection between the microscopic molecular world and the macroscopic world of thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Topics include particles, waves, energy levels, and other quantum concepts, electrons and their spin, atomic and molecular orbitals, chemical bonding theory, spectroscopy, X-ray scattering and electron microscopic, energetic particle therapies, laws of thermodynamics, properties of solutions, chemical and biochemical equilibria, acids and bases, phases and phase coexistence in membranes and organelles, rate laws, reaction kinetics, drug binding kinetics, and diffusion.

Introduction to the principles and practices of experimental methods widely used in analytical and research laboratories. Emphasizes understanding of background physicochemical theory as well as capabilities and limitations of methods and interpretations of data. Covers instrumental methods, such as UV/visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, NMR, and fluorescence, for the systematic characterization of compounds and the use of interfaced computers for data collection and spreadsheet analysis. Studies also include an introduction to computer modeling of molecular properties. Optional experiments include fluorescence studies of protein denaturation and laser studies of excited state kinetics.

This course provides instruction in the use of instruments that are central to modern chemical analyses. The principles that underlie the measurements and the corresponding instrument function are presented. Criteria for the selection of particular instrumental methods are described and the advantages and limitations of specific methods are discussed. The laboratory component of the course provides the opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with a variety of instrumental methods that they will encounter in the laboratory as undergraduates, and later in the work environment or advanced study programs. Lecture and Lab, 4 credits.

Studies of methods in inorganic chemistry that make use of symmetry to describe bonding and spectra of inorganic compounds. Reactions and kinetics are also discussed for inorganic, organometallic, and bioinorganic compounds. Selected topics in main group chemistry are also included.

Provides students with a good basic knowledge of molecular modeling and a computational laboratory workbench for computer-based discovery research. The computer laboratory provides access to cutting-edge molecular modeling techniques and software and a hands-on research experience. From the course, the students would not only develop a practical understanding of computational methods (strengths, limitations, applicability), but also develop competence in applying these computational methods to molecular modeling.

This is a course on a new field of research, which has been growing exponentially since the start of the twenty first century. The field deals primarily with the control of molecular structure on the nanometer scale through programming it by means of DNA secondary structures. The course will consist of a series of lectures by the instructor and then a series of presentations of recent papers in the field. A nascent textbook will be used as appropriate.

Cellular Biochemistry will look specifically at the Biochemistry as it relates to the cell biology of eukaryotic cells. This course will show the relationship if eukaryotic cell compartmentation (organelles) and how this plays a vital role in the control and regulation of the biochemistry of the cell.

Topics may vary by semester. When the topic is Physical Chemistry for Life Science, the course is restricted to Biochemistry and GPH/Chemistry majors only. This course does not satisfy an advanced chemistry elective.

This interdisciplinary field of research seeks to understand and control biological processes at the molecular and structural levels, with an emphasis on the development of chemical reagents and tools. Emphasizes the thought process involved in making new discoveries and the insights gained from these discoveries, and introduces physical organic principles and biophysical spectroscopy methods as necessary. Highlights application of synthetic organic chemistry to develop ligands and inhibitors that regulate biomolecular interactions (including DNA-protein, RNA-protein, and protein-protein interactions) as potential therapeutics.

Introduction to the chemistry of living cells. Topics include structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids; enzyme structure, mechanism and regulation of enzyme activity, and membrane structure and transport; and mechanisms of cellular processes and cellular physiology, including ion channels and pumps, cell motility, and the immune response. The second term emphasizes analysis of basic metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as mechanisms of metabolic regulation and integration.

Continuation of Biochemistry I (CHEM-UA 881), which serves as the prerequisite to this course. Introduction to the chemistry of living cells. Structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids; enzyme structure, mechanism, and regulation of enzyme activity; membrane structure and transport; and mechanisms of cellular processes and cellular physiology, including ion channels and pumps, cell motility, and the immune response. The second term emphasizes analysis of basic metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as mechanisms of metabolic regulation and integration.

Introduction to molecular analysis of biomolecules. Selected experiments and instruction in analytical techniques used in biochemical research, including chromatography, spectrophotometry, and electrophoresis; isolation and characterization of selected biomolecules; kinetic analysis of enzymatic activity; analysis of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions that direct basic biochemical pathways.

This course focuses on an interdisciplinary overview of physical and chemical principles and their applications to modern topics of biochemical, biomedical and biological interest. It emphasizes the basic principles of typical biophysical techniques that are used to study important macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Topics include molecular spectroscopic techniques such as light absorption, fluorescence techniques, optical activity, electrophoresis, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Applications from selected areas of biomedicine and biotechnology are described that include examples focused on biomolecular spectroscopy, single molecule spectroscopy and molecular beacons, DNA technology, and fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging.

This course focuses on structure and theory in organic chemistry with a particular emphasis on the application of stereoelectronic and conformational effects on reaction mechanisms, catalysis and molecular recognition.

In consultation with the director of undergraduate studies, the student selects a faculty member to serve as a tutor for an in-depth exploration of a specific topic in chemistry. As compared with V25.0995, 0996, 0997, and 0998, described below, research is not a necessary component. Discussions with the faculty member take place weekly, and a paper at the end of the semester is required.

Prerequisites: permission of the department and one semester of Advanced Independent Study and Research (CHEM-UA 997 or 998). Restricted to senior chemistry or biochemistry majors with a 3.65 both overall and in the courses required for the major. Required for candidates for the degree with honors. CHEM-UA 995 offered in the fall; CHEM-UA 996 offered in the spring. 2 to 4 credits per term. In consultation with the director of undergraduate studies, the student chooses a faculty member to serve as adviser in an independent program of research in experimental or theoretical chemistry. The student selects an adviser in the spring of the junior year or earlier and undertakes the work that spring, the following summer, and into the senior year. Attendance and participation in a weekly class session is required in the fall. A written progress report, thesis draft, or oral presentation at the end of the fall semester of the senior year is required as specified by the instructor. In the spring, student progress on the senior thesis is guided by weekly meetings with the instructor. Research is completed during the spring term, and the student presents the work at the annual College of Arts and Science Undergraduate Research Conference near the end of the term. The research culminates in the writing of a senior thesis that must be approved by the adviser and the director of undergraduate studies.

Prerequisites: permission of the department and one semester of Advanced Independent Study and Research (CHEM-UA 997 or 998). Restricted to senior chemistry or biochemistry majors with a 3.65 both overall and in the courses required for the major. Required for candidates for the degree with honors. CHEM-UA 995 offered in the fall; CHEM-UA 996 offered in the spring. 2 to 4 points per term. In consultation with the director of undergraduate studies, the student chooses a faculty member to serve as adviser in an independent program of research in experimental or theoretical chemistry. The student selects an adviser in the spring of the junior year or earlier and undertakes the work that spring, the following summer, and into the senior year. Attendance and participation in a weekly class session is required in the fall. A written progress report or oral presentation at the end of the fall semester of the senior year is required. In the spring, student progress on the senior thesis is guided by weekly meetings with the instructor. Research is completed during the spring term, and the student presents the work at the annual College of Arts and Science Undergraduate Research Conference near the end of the term. The research culminates in the writing of a senior thesis that must be approved by the adviser and the director of undergraduate studies.

The research adviser is selected in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Individual study in a selected area tailored to the student's needs insofar as is possible. Independent Study and Research may be used for an internship provided it involves research. Training is provided in current research areas. Requires a written research report at the end of the semester. CHEM-UA 997 is offered in the fall; CHEM-UA 998 is offered in the spring.

Individual study in a selected area tailored to the student’s needs insofar as is possible. Independent Study and Research may be used for an internship provided it involves research. Training is provided in current research areas. Requires a written research report at the end of the semester. CHEM-UA 997 is offered in the fall; CHEM-UA 998 is offered in the spring.

Credits: 0 or 1. Graded Pass/Fail. Requires permission of the department.

Continuation of General Chemistry I and Laboratory (CHEM-UA 125). Laboratories are a continuation of CHEM-UA 125, with emphasis on the analysis of quantitative data rather than its collection. Experiments are selected to provide illustration and reinforcement of the topics covered in the course, including solution chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, buffers, solubility, and electrochemistry.

An introduction to the chemistry of organic compounds, the course is presented in the functional group framework incorporating reaction mechanisms. Topics include structure and bonding of organic materials, nomenclature, conformational analysis, stereochemistry, reactions of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and spectroscopy (IR, NMR, UV/visible, and mass spectroscopy). Laboratory provides training in the basic techniques of the organic chemistry laboratory, including crystallization, distillation, extraction, and other separation techniques such as column chromatography and gas chromatography. Experiments involving the synthesis of organic compounds are introduced as well as those performing qualitative organic analysis.

The aim of the course is to introduce advanced concepts in organic chemistry with particular emphasis on aromatic and carbonyl systems. Some simple aspects of biochemistry including carbohydrates will be discussed. The importance of spectroscopic techniques in organic chemistry will be emphasized. The aim of the labs is to acquire the practical skills of Organic Chemistry and to become familiar with organic laboratory procedures and techniques.

Introduction to the chemistry of living cells. Topics include structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids; enzyme structure, mechanism and regulation of enzyme activity, and membrane structure and transport; and mechanisms of cellular processes and cellular physiology, including ion channels and pumps, cell motility, and the immune response. The second term emphasizes analysis of basic metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as mechanisms of metabolic regulation and integration. Prerequisites include: Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory (CHEM-UA 226) or Majors Organic Chemistry II and LAboratory (CHEM-UA 228).

Individual study in a selected area tailored to the student's needs, insofar as is possible. Training is provided in current research areas. Requires a written progress report at the end of the fall semester and a final research report at the close of the academic year.