Courses Offered
3. General Chemistry
08W, 09W: 10; Laboratory: Arrange
An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including chemical stoichiometry; the properties of gases, liquids, and solids; solutions; chemical equilibria; and an introduction to thermodynamics. Chemistry 3 is intended for students whose preparation in science and mathematics may be inadequate for Chemistry 5. The course moves at a more moderate pace and emphasizes those topics which are essential as preparation for further work in chemistry and for medical school. The laboratory work emphasizes physical-chemical measurements, quantitative analysis, and synthesis.
Students enroll initially in Chemistry 5, and enrollment in Chemistry 3 is then by invitation only based on secondary school background, CEEB scores, and performance in mathematics during the fall term. Students who successfully complete both Chemistry 3 and Mathematics 2 or 3 will be eligible to enroll in Chemistry 6.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 1 or 3. Students who have taken Mathematics 1 as a prerequisite for Chemistry 3 must take Mathematics 2 concurrently with Chemistry 3. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
5-6. General Chemistry
5. 07F: 10 08W: 9L, 10 08F: 10 09W: 9L, 10; Laboratory: Arrange
6. 08S, 09S: 9L, 10; Laboratory: Arrange
An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including chemical stoichiometry; the properties of gases, liquids, and solids; solutions; chemical equilibria; atomic and molecular structure; an introduction to thermodynamics; reaction kinetics; and a discussion of the chemical properties of selected elements. The laboratory work emphasizes physical-chemical measurements, quantitative analysis, and synthesis.
An outline of topics for review of secondary school background in preparation for college general chemistry is available from the Department of Chemistry.
Students who are eligible to receive advanced placement credit for Chemistry 5-6 may not enroll in Chemistry 5-6 or Chemistry 10 for credit without permission of the Department. Advanced placement credit for Chemistry 5-6 will be withdrawn for students who subsequently enroll in Chemistry 5-6 or Chemistry 10.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 3 (or Mathematics 1 and 2). Students who wish to take Mathematics 2 concurrently with Chemistry 5 must consult with a Chemistry 5 instructor. Chemistry 5, or Chemistry 3, and Mathematics 2 or 3 are prerequisites for Chemistry 6. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
7. First-Year Seminars in Chemistry
Consult special listings
10. Honors First-Year General Chemistry
07F, 08F: 10; Laboratory W or Th 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Chemistry 10 is a general chemistry course for students with a strong background in chemistry and mathematics who may have an interest in majoring in the sciences. The course will cover selected general chemistry topics important for higher level chemistry courses. These include thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, quantum mechanics, and bonding. Laboratory work will emphasize physico-chemical measurements and quantitative analysis.
Chemistry 10 is open only to first-year students and enrollment is limited. Admission is by satisfactory performance on a general chemistry proficiency test given during Orientation. Adequate mathematics preparation, equivalent to Mathematics 3, is also required. Chemistry 10 is offered in the fall term and is the prerequisite equivalent to Chemistry 5/6. Students who successfully complete Chemistry 10 will also be granted credit for Chemistry 5, if they have not already been granted such credit.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory performance on the general chemistry proficiency test and credit for Mathematics 3 or equivalent. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
41. Biological Chemistry
08S, 09S: 12; Laboratory M, Tu, W or Th 2:00-6:00 p.m.
This course is a one-term introduction to biochemistry presented from a chemical perspective. This course is intended for chemistry majors and will be divided into three sections, using specific examples to demonstrate and stress the role and integration of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry as applied to biochemical processes. Laboratories cover chemical methods applied to biological chemistry problems.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 52, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for Biology 40, 77, or 78 are not eligible to receive credit for Chemistry 41. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
51-52. Organic Chemistry
51. 07F, 08S, 08F, 09S: 11; Laboratory Tu,W or Th 2:00-8:00 p.m.
52. 08W, 08X, 09W: 11; Laboratory Tu,W or Th 2:00-8:00 p.m.
A two-term introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The lectures deal with the preparation, properties, and reactions of most of the important classes of organic compounds. There is considerable stress upon reaction mechanisms and some attention is given to naturally occurring substances of biological importance.
The laboratory work will introduce the student to experimental techniques and instrumental methods including several types of chromatography and spectroscopy, organic synthesis, and the systematic identification of organic compounds.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 6 (or 10), or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
57-58. Organic Chemistry
57. 07F, 08F: 11; Laboratory: M 2:00-8:00 p.m.
58. 08W, 09W: 11; Laboratory: M 2:00-8:00 p.m.
A two-term introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds intended primarily for students planning a chemistry major or career of research in a chemically-related science (including medical science). The laboratory work is similar to, but slightly more research-oriented than, the laboratory work in Chemistry 51-52. It introduces the student to experimental techniques and instrumental methods (including chromatographic techniques and NMR, IR and UV spectroscopy) through application to synthesis, identification of organic compounds, and individual projects. Enrollment in Chemistry 57-58 is limited.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 6 (or 10), and permission of instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
61. Basic Physical Chemistry I
08S, 09S: 11; Laboratory M or Th 2:00-6:00
An examination of the laws of classical thermodynamics, followed by applications to the properties of gases, liquids, and solids, as well as to solutions, phase, and chemical equilibria. Kinetic theory of gases at equilibrium. Laboratories cover physical chemistry techniques drawn from these areas. Students will normally elect either the Chemistry 61-62 sequence or the Chemistry 71-72 sequence. Chemistry 61 may not be selected in conjunction with either Chemistry 71 or Chemistry 72.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 6 (or 10) and Physics 13 (or 15, or Physics 3 and 4) and Mathematics 8, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
62. Basic Physical Chemistry II
07F, 08F: 12; Laboratory M or Tu 2:00-6:00
Topics in chemical reaction kinetics and the application of quantum mechanics to chemical bonding and spectroscopy. Laboratories cover physical chemistry techniques drawn from these areas. Students will normally elect either the Chemistry 61-62 sequence or the Chemistry 71-72 sequence. Chemistry 62 may not be selected in conjunction with either Chemistry 71 or Chemistry 72.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 61 and Chemistry 64, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
63. Environmental Chemistry
08X: 9L; Laboratory Th 2:00-6:00
A study of the chemistry of current environmental problems and potential solutions. The course will deal with such topics as atmospheric chemistry, chemicals and cancer, and the chemistry of resource management. A few laboratory experiments emphasizing modern methods of instrumental analysis for substances in the environment will be included in the course.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 51 or 57, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: TLA.
64. Basic Inorganic Chemistry
08W, 09W: 9L; Laboratory Th or F 2:00-6:00
A study of bonding, structure, physical and chemical properties, and chemical reactions of inorganic compounds. Examples will be drawn from main group and transition metal compounds.
The laboratory will involve preparations of inorganic compounds which illustrate appropriate experimental techniques for syntheses and manipulations, and methods for characterization of inorganic compounds using instrumental methods.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 51 or 57, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
67. Physical Biochemistry
08W, 09W: 11; Laboratory W 2:00-6:00
Chemistry 67 covers the structural and chemical properties of proteins and nucleic acids, including ligand binding, enzymatic catalysis, the structural basis and functional significance of protein-nucleic acid recognition, and protein folding. The course also covers the application of physical and spectroscopic techniques, including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, microscopy, fluorescence and circular dichroism, to the study of biological macromolecules. The laboratory introduces these experimental methods in the study of proteins.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 41, Chemistry 62 or 72, and Chemistry 52 or 58, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
71. Macroscopic Physical Chemistry
08W, 09W: 11; Laboratory M or Th 2:00-6:00
An examination of the fundamental laws of classical thermodynamics is followed by applications to the properties of gases, liquids, and solids, as well as to solutions, phase and chemical equilibria, surface phenomena and electrochemistry. The accompanying laboratory work in this course and that in Chemistry 72 and 73 is largely instrumental.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 6 (or 10), Mathematics 13, and Physics 13 (or 15, or Physics 3 and 4), or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
72. Microscopic Physical Chemistry I
08S, 09S: 11; Laboratory M or Th 2:00-6:00
An examination of the fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics and their application to simple model systems such as the linear harmonic oscillator and a confined particle, and to atomic and molecular structure. Application of quantum theory to electronic, vibrational, rotational, and magnetic resonance spectroscopies.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 64 and Chemistry 71, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
73. Microscopic Physical Chemistry II
07F, 08F: 11; Laboratory W or Th 2:00-6:00
Chemical kinetics: experimental and theoretical aspects of the study of the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions. Photophysical and photochemical kinetics. Kinetic theory of gases. Transport phenomena. Introduction to statistical mechanics and chemical reaction dynamics.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 72, or permission of the instructor. Supplemental course fee required. Dist: SLA.
87. Undergraduate Investigation in Chemistry
All terms: Arrange
An original and individual investigation with associated literature study in one of the fields of chemistry under the supervision of a member of the staff. Students electing the course will carry out preliminary reading during the preceding term and normally participate in a weekly colloquium. Open to qualified majors and minors, normally seniors, with permission of the Chair. The course may be elected more than once, but may be counted only once in satisfying the minimum major requirements. It may be elected for the last term in residence only if elected previously, or if the student has been doing research outside of this course.
Students electing the course write a report and take an oral examination at the end of the term in which they last elect the course.
Prerequisite: sufficient training in the area of chemistry to be investigated, and permission of the Chair. Chair and Staff of the Department.
90. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallic Chemistry (Identical to Chemistry 130)
09S: 10 Offered in alternate years
A study of the structure, bonding, and chemical properties of organometallic compounds of the main group and transition elements. Applications to organic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis will be discussed, and organometallic compounds of the lanthanide and actinide elements may also be discussed.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 64, or permission of the instructor. Dist: SCI.
91. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry: Catalysis (Identical to Chemistry 131)
07F: 10 Offered in alternate years
The role of metals in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, with an emphasis on mechanisms of catalytic reactions. Applications to industrial processes, organic synthesis, and asymmetric synthesis will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 90, or permission of the instructor. Dist: SCI.
92. Inorganic Biochemistry (Identical to Chemistry 132 and Biochemistry 132)
08S: 10 Offered in alternate years
The role of metal ions in biological systems. Topics include metal ion transport, storage, and interaction with proteins and nucleic acids; metalloproteins involved in oxygen transport and electron transfer; metalloenzymes involved in activation of oxygen and other substrates; and medicinal, toxicity, and carcinogenicity aspects of metals; as well as inorganic model chemistry of bioinorganic systems. Several physical methods are introduced, and their application to current research on the above topics is considered.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 64, and Chemistry 41 or Biology 77, or permission of the instructor. Dist: SCI.
93. Physical Organic Chemistry (Identical to Chemistry 151)
07F: 9L Offered in alternate years
Modern theories of organic reaction mechanisms, particularly the use of physical-chemical principles to predict the effect of changing reaction variables, especially reactant structures, on reactivity. The structure, stability, and reactivity of carbanions and carbocations, as well as SN1 and SN2 reactions, are discussed.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 52 or 58, or permission of the instructor. Dist: SCI.
102. Quantum Chemistry
08S: Arrange
An introduction to the quantum mechanics of molecular systems. Approximate methods for calculating the electronic structure of molecules are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on molecular orbital methods at the empirical, semi-empirical, and ab-initio levels. Evaluation of such methods for studies of molecular geometry, conformational problems, thermochemical data, and spectroscopic parameters is presented. Other topics considered include the electronic structure of hydrogen bonded systems and of excited states. Methods which include the effects of electron correlation are briefly outlined.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 72 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
106. Molecular Structure and Spectra
09W: Arrange
A study of optical spectroscopy including selected topics from amongst point group theory, vibrational spectra of polyatomic molecules, electronic and vibronic spectra of molecules and rotational spectra. May be offered on tutorial basis.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 72 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
108. Chemistry of Macromolecules: Physical Properties and Characterization
09S: Arrange
An introduction to the physical chemistry of macromolecules. Light scattering and other characterization techniques; thermodynamic and transport properties of macromolecular solutions. Structure-property correlations in amorphous and crystalline polymers.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 71, or Chemistry 61 and permission of the instructor.
109. Chemistry of Macromolecules: Synthesis and Characterization
09W: Arrange
An introduction to the chemistry of organic polymers. The basic classes of polymerization will be discussed, with attention to kinetic and mechanistic details. Special emphasis will be placed upon living polymerization techniques and their application toward architectural control. Additional content will include, as time permits, topics of current interest such as: polymers in organic synthesis, polymeric assemblies and biomimetic/bioconjugate polymers. For selected topics, key articles from the chemical literature will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 52 or 58, or permission of the instructor.
123. Graduate Toxicology (Identical to Pharmacology and Toxicology 123)
08W: Arrange Offered in alternate years
This course is open to graduate, medical and advanced undergraduate students. It provides an introduction to toxicology as a discipline, with a focus on the molecular basis for toxicity of chemicals in biological systems. Major topics include: principles of cell and molecular toxicology, xenobiotic metabolism, molecular targets of cellular toxicity, genetic toxicology, chemical carcinogenesis, immunotoxicology, neurotoxicology, clinical toxicology, and quantitative risk assessment.
Faculty lectures and discussion. Prerequisite: Undergraduate or graduate biochemistry, or permission of instructor.
124. Analytical Chemistry and Inorganic Instrumental Analysis (Identical to Earth Sciences 124)
09W: Arrange Offered in alternate years
This course is directed towards graduate students planning to use inorganic chemical analysis in their thesis work. The lectures and seminars focus on the theory and application of modern instrumental analysis and analytical chemistry. The theoretical backgrounds for a number of inorganic instrumental analytical methods are given, and examples of their application to problems of interest for analytical chemists working in the fields of earth science, chemistry, biology and environmental science are presented. The lectures cover ion chromatography, electrochemistry, atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma optical emission and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The theory and concepts of analytical chemistry are provided along with statistical tools, uncertainty calculations and data treatment methods useful in analytical chemistry.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 5 and Chemistry 6 or permission of instructor.
130. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallic Chemistry (Identical to Chemistry 90)
09S: 10 Offered in alternate years
A study of the structure, bonding, and chemical properties of organometallic compounds of the main group and transition elements. Applications to organic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis will be discussed, and organometallic compounds of the lanthanide and actinide elements may also be discussed.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 64, or permission of the instructor.
131. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry: Catalysis (Identical to Chemistry 91)
07F: 10 Offered in alternate years
The role of metals in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, with an emphasis on mechanisms of catalytic reactions. Applications to industrial processes, organic synthesis, and asymmetric synthesis will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 90, or permission of the instructor.
132. Inorganic Biochemistry (Identical to Chemistry 92 and Biochemistry 132)
08S: 10 Offered in alternate years
The role of metal ions in biological systems. Topics include metal ion transport, storage, and interaction with proteins and nucleic acids; metalloproteins involved in oxygen transport and electron transfer; metalloenzymes involved in activation of oxygen and other substrates; and medicinal, toxicity, and carcinogenicity aspects of metals; as well as inorganic model chemistry of bioinorganic systems. Several physical methods are introduced, and their application to current research on the above topics is considered.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 64, and Chemistry 41 or Biology 77, or permission of the instructor.
137. Methods of Materials Characterization (Identical to Physics 128 and Engineering Sciences 137)
09S: 2A Offered in alternate years
This survey course discusses both the physical principles and practical applications of the more common modern methods of materials characterization. It covers techniques of both microstructural analysis (OM, SEM, TEM, electron diffraction, XRD), and microchemical characterization (EDS, XPS, AES, SIMS, NMR, RBS and Raman spectroscopy), together with various scanning probe microscopy techniques (AFM, STM, EFM and MFM). Emphasis is placed on both the information that can be obtained together with the limitations of each technique. The course has a substantial laboratory component, including a project involving written and oral reports, and requires a term paper.
Prerequisite: Engineering Sciences 24, or permission of the instructor.
140. Chemistry Research Colloquia
All but summer terms: W 4:00-5:00 p.m., Th 10:30-noon
Colloquia presented to the Department of Chemistry by scientists and educators in the chemistry profession on Thursdays, and by graduate students and others conducting research in chemistry and allied fields on Wednesdays as needed. The course is required of all graduate students in chemistry in each term. The course is not open for credit to undergraduates. The staff.
151. Physical Organic Chemistry (Identical to Chemistry 93)
07F: 9L Offered in alternate years
Modern theories of organic reaction mechanisms, particularly the use of physical-chemical principles to predict the effect of changing reaction variables, especially reactant structures, on reactivity. The structure, stability, and reactivity of carbanions and carbocations, as well as SN1 and SN2 reactions, are discussed.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 52 or 58, or permission of the instructor.
152. Advanced Organic Synthesis and Mechanisms
08W: Arrange
Consideration of organic chemical reactions at an advanced level. Current knowledge concerning synthetic methods, reaction mechanisms, reactive intermediates, conformational analysis, and biosynthesis is discussed in the context of modern organic chemistry.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 151, or permission of the instructor.
153. Chemistry of Natural Products
08S: Arrange
A survey of the application of modern synthetic methods to the total synthesis of natural products. Coverage will include retrosynthetic analysis and synthetic planning and an overview of the preparation of a wide variety of important natural products. Emphasis will be placed on student problem-solving in the context of the synthesis of complex molecules.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 152, or permission of the instructor.
157. Topics in Advanced Organic Chemistry
08S: Arrange
Treatment at an advanced level of one or more areas of organic chemistry. The subject matter may vary from offering to offering; accordingly, the course may be taken for credit more than once.
Offered on a tutorial basis to qualified students.
159. Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds
09S: Arrange
An introduction to the chemical, physical, and spectroscopic properties of heterocyclic compounds. Coverage will include reactions, synthesis, stereo-chemistry, and unusual rearrangements. Attention will also be given to natural product synthesis and to heterocycles of biological interest.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
161. Topics in Advanced Biophysical Chemistry
09W: Arrange
Treatment at an advanced level of one or more areas of biophysical chemistry. The subject matter varies from offering to offering; accordingly the course may be taken for credit more than once.
Offered on a tutorial basis to qualified students.
256. Graduate Instruction in Teaching
07F, 08F: Arrange
A course in the methodology and practice of chemistry teaching at the undergraduate college level. Topics such as laboratory supervision and safety, grading issues, special needs students, lecturing and tutoring techniques, exam preparation, and the teacher/student relationship will be discussed through readings, class discussions, and student presentations. This course is a prerequisite to the supervised undergraduate teaching requirement for the Ph.D. degree in chemistry.
Required of entering graduate students. This course is not open for credit to undergraduates. Milde, Veale.
257. Supervised Undergraduate Teaching in Chemistry
All terms: Arrange
Teaching in chemistry undergraduate courses under the supervision of a faculty member. Normally students enrolled in this course teach alongside faculty in undergraduate instructional laboratories. This course is open only to graduate students; it may be elected for credit more than once.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 256 or previous teaching experience in undergraduate chemistry courses. Chair and staff of the Department.
260-264. Graduate Research Colloquium in Chemistry
All but summer terms: Arrange
This course is available to graduate students during each term of residence, except for the summer term. An essential element of scientific training is in the critical analysis and communication of experimental research in an oral format. Evaluation will be based on quality of the work, quality of critical analysis, and on presentation style, including effective use of audiovisual materials. All enrolled students will make oral presentations that describe work from the current literature or their own research. Normally these series meet weekly. This course is not open to registration by undergraduates. The staff.
Chemistry 260, Organometallic Chemistry
Chemistry 261, Materials Chemistry
Chemistry 262, Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Chemistry 263, Bioinorganic Chemistry
Chemistry 264, Biophysical Chemistry
297. Graduate Investigation in Chemistry A
All terms: Arrange
An original and individual experimental or theoretical investigation beyond the undergraduate level in one of the fields of chemistry. This course is open only to graduate students; it may be elected for credit more than once. This course carries one course credit and should be elected by students conducting research and also electing two or more other graduate or undergraduate courses. Chair and staff of the Department.
298. Graduate Investigation in Chemistry B
All terms: Arrange
An original and individual experimental or theoretical investigation beyond the undergraduate level in one of the fields of chemistry. This course is open only to graduate students; it may be elected for credit more than once. This course carries two course credits and should be elected by students electing only departmental colloquia in addition to research. Chair and staff of the Department.
299. Graduate Investigation in Chemistry C
All terms: Arrange
An original and individual experimental or theoretical investigation beyond the undergraduate level in one of the fields of chemistry. This course is open only to graduate students; it may be elected for credit more than once. This course carries three course credits and should be elected by students conducting research exclusively in any one term. Chair and staff of the Department.