CHEMISTRY (CHE)

This course aims to prepare students who have not completed general and organic chemistry for upper-level biology courses, especially BIO 370 General Physiology. Topics covered include atoms and molecules, properties and concentration of solutions, acids and bases, thermodynamics, kinetics, and basic organic chemistry with an emphasis on biological and healthcare-related examples.

This course is designed for non-majors to better understand the chemistry that they interact with in their everyday lives. Even though chemistry has a constant and ubiquitous impact on our lives, most people are unaware of the science behind the products that they use every day. Emphasis will be on the connection between fundamental chemical properties and concepts and the student’s everyday lives. Topics will be organized around the chemistry seen in different household areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and garage. Two or three integrated lecture-laboratory sessions per week.

The chemistry of organic compounds (the compounds of carbon) is studied. The topics include covalent bonding, molecular structure, and resonance; constitutional, geometric, and optical isomerism; the reactions of organic compounds through their functional groups; the nucleophilic, electrophilic, and free radical reaction mechanisms; and spectroscopy. These theoretical and practical principles are applied to the solution of such organic chemical problems as structure determination, chemical synthesis of desired molecules, the effect of structure on properties, and the biological roles of organic molecules. This full-year course meets the needs of students who expect to pursue graduate studies in natural sciences and also of those who plan to enter professional schools.

This special topics course will explore an area of chemistry using the literature, and if appropriate, a cross-disciplinary approach. The course will allow the students and faculty an opportunity to investigate areas of chemistry that are not part of the regular curriculum.

Directed study within an internship program. The student will be expected to keep a journal detailing the internship. The student will also be expected to write a paper (usually approximately 10 pages in length) summarizing an area related to the internship experience. An evaluation by the on-site supervisor will be considered when determining the grade. The student will be required to have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 to enroll.

An intensive study of the structure and interconversions of matter in its several states. Intra- and inter-molecular forces, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics, and statistical and quantum mechanics are considered.

A study of the major methods of chemical analysis, including statistics in evaluating the error associated with measurements, the systematic treatment of acid-base equilibria, introductory electrochemistry and spectrophotometry, and the theory of separations (chromatography). Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.

A study of the structure and properties of the elements and their compounds. Topics covered are atomic structure, periodic relationships, molecular bonding, acid-base systems, and coordination compounds. Laboratory work focuses on the interaction between experiment and theory in understanding and predicting chemical phenomena. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.

A specialized knowledge of chemistry is needed in order to identify, understand, and solve environmental problems. This course will be an in depth study of the chemistry of environmental issues and pollutants. Students will learn the mechanisms of important chemical reactions, as well as relevant analytical techniques related to environmental chemistry. In the lab, students will combine field work, analytical chemistry, and remediation techniques during their investigation of environmental problems.

The major classes of biochemicals, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are studied with particular attention to the relationship between their chemical structures and biological functions. Specific topics include (but are not limited to) biocatalysis, receptors, membrane structure, metabolism, biosynthesis, and energy production.

A detailed study of current chemical bonding theories and characterization techniques. Topics covered include molecular symmetry, molecular orbital theory, and computer molecular modeling. Molecular characterization with electronic, vibrational, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies is addressed. Laboratory work includes molecular modeling, NMR, UV/Visible, and IR Spectroscopy. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.

The study of the theory of instrumental methods of analysis and their application in the laboratory. Topics include computers in data collection and management, UV-vis, IR, AA, fluorimetry, and electrochemical methods. In addition, NMR and mass spectrometry are covered in the lecture. Two lectures and one laboratory period per week.

Natural and synthetic medicines are investigated with attention to their fate in a living organism: absorption, distribution, and elimination; dose-response and time-response relationships of drugs; and the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity. The biochemistry of several diseases (probably including AIDS) will be examined to learn different ways that chemicals can be used to interfere with the course of a disease.

An advanced course surveying modern organic chemistry. Topics include synthetic methods, mechanistic analysis, isotope effects, pericyclic and photochemical reactions, and electron transfer. Several case studies will be used to illustrate these topics. Three lectures per week.

The student researches specified areas of Chemistry under the guidance of faculty members for oral presentation and defense before the class. Written papers are submitted for final review. Offered upon sufficient demand.

Directed study and research in some aspect of chemistry. Open to students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least six courses in chemistry or other science. Offered by arrangement with a faculty member.