CHEM - Chemistry

This course provides students who plan future studies in forensic science technology, chemical sciences or chemical engineering a firm grounding in the quantum mechanical description of molecules, as well as a critical set of insights into thermochemical reasoning. The quantum mechanical focus will be on key model systems, notably the 1- and 2D particle-in-a box, the rigid rotor, the harmonic oscillator and hydrogen atom.

This course is a comprehensive course intended for science majors. Topics covered include the basic structure and reactions of biological compounds (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids), the digestion and absorption of nutrients, bioenergetic principles, and catabolic and anabolic metabolism of major biochemicals in the human body. The laboratory exercises include classic techniques in isolation, purification and assay of proteins, enzymes (and kinetics), carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids as well as polypeptide and polynucleotide sequencing and synthesis.

This course is an in-depth examination of the chemistry and mathematical underpinnings connected to classical chemical calculations and wet chemical methods that form the foundation of modern quantitative chemistry. Using only a balance, buret and various classical volumetric devices, students will develop skills and understanding of gravimetric, titrimetric, complexometric, argentometric and redox methodologies.

A rigorous and hands-on exposure to the fundamental thinking, hardware, and techniques common to instrumental analysis as performed in a modern chemical laboratory. The following methods are emphasized: visible, ultraviolet, and infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption methods, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and gas and high pressure liquid chromatography. A survey of microscopy, calorimetry, and selected electronic and electrical concepts to instrumentation will also be included.

A one-semester course with lab intended to provide engineering students the background chemical knowledge needed to communicate effectively with colleagues, develop manufacturing methods, and solve industrial problems related to chemistry. Topics include: atomic theory, bonding, stoichiometry, acid-base chemistry, oxidation-reduction, gases, and nuclear chemistry.

A program designed to provide an opportunity for pursuit of topics of chemistry beyond the scope of traditional courses. Investigations may be theoretical or experimental and may be pursued by individuals or groups of students. Instruction may be by independent study or formal lectures and/or laboratory sessions. Course may be repeated for a maximum of four hours credit.

Structure, preparation, properties and reactions of ethers, epoxides, aromatics, arenes, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid derivatives, phenols; carbanion reactions; electrophilic aromatic substitutions; reactions of alpha, beta-unsaturated compounds. Common organic laboratory preparations will be taken up including substitution, elimination, oxidation, and reduction reactions. Products will be analyzed using both traditional physical methods (polarimetry, boiling point, melting point) as well as infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography.

Structure, preparation, properties and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, alcohols, dienes; reaction mechanisms, free radicals, carbocations; conjugation and resonance; stereochemistry; infrared interpretation. Common organic laboratory techniques and introduction to extended synthesis will be covered in the laboratory.

This course is a continuation of Chemical Principles I and is intended for physical science and engineering majors. Those basic concepts from the first semester are applied to more complex aspects of chemistry which include the states of matter, solutions, thermodynamics, equilibrium, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. In addition, the course is designed to have more out-of-class activities related to these topical areas which are completed by a team of students.