400

Students study quantum chemistry, including the vector model of the atom; spectroscopic terms and states; transition metal complexes stereochemistry, spectral properties, magnetochemistry and reactions studied in the light of relevant bonding theories. The class also covers compounds of main group elements, with an emphasis on physical methods of investigation.

A study of physical organic chemistry, this course emphasizes reaction mechanisms, reaction kinetics, stereochemistry and physical principles.

This course discusses of the current topics in organic chemistry.  Lab reports and/or research papers may be required.

Students explore the properties of atomic nuclei, including radioactivity and nuclear decay, nuclear reactions, penetration of a potential barrier by the alpha particle, Fermi's theory of beta decay, modern ideas of the structure of the nucleus, theories of low and intermediate energy-induced nuclear reactions, the deuteron problem and nucleon-nucleon scattering. (See 17-410.)

This course focuses on the nature, production and applications of radioactivity. Topics include radioactive decay processes, types of radioactive decay, atomic nuclei, interactions with matter and radiochemical instrumentation.

The focus of this course is on major classes of molecules found in the living cells: water, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. The course explores concepts of organic and physical chemistry as they apply to biological molecules. The organic functional groups that define the structures and determine the chemical and physical properties of the biomolecules and their building blocks are described. The concept of "structure determining the function" of biomolecules is explored. Emphasis is on the concepts of thermodynamics: entropy, enthalpy and the free energy as they apply to protein folding, ligand binding, the mechanism of enzyme catalysis and enzyme kinetics.

This is a laboratory course to accompany Biochemistry I lecture (03-405). This course introduces students to the methods used to design and run controlled experiments with proper standards. Experiments focus on techniques used in the purification and characterization of the different biological molecules mainly proteins, carbohydrates and lipids such as chromatography and spectroscopy. Experiments also focus on different aspects of enzyme methodology and enzyme kinetics.

This course focuses mainly on bioenergetics and metabolism. Bioenergetics is the quantitative study of energy conversions in biological systems following the laws of thermodynamics. The focus is on the chemical reactions of the central metabolic pathways which are common to all forms of life. These pathways involve multienzymatic reactions that result in the degradation and synthesis of the different biological molecules at steady state conditions. The role of ATP and its production through glycolysis, citric acid cycle, Beta oxidation, urea cycle, oxidative deamination, transamination, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation is explored in detail. The analysis of the control and integration of these pathways are also described. Emphasis is on energy coupling of reactions in biological systems and the thermodynamic properties of the reactions such as entropy (delta S), enthalpy (delta H) and free energy (delta G) and how they determine reaction spontaneity. The students will also be instructed in critical reading and analysis skills of original scientific, biochemical articles.

This is a laboratory course to accompany Biochemistry II lecture (03-407). New techniques are introduced. Students are expected to work independently in designing and preparing all reagents needed for the experiments. Experiments include the application of techniques such as chromatography, UV spectroscopy, immunoassays, electrophoresis, DNA fingerprinting, and NMR spectroscopy to analyze and characterize biological molecules. During the second half of the semester, students are expected to design and perform experiments for a research project.

This course includes detailed investigation of current topics in forensic chemistry and forensic science.   Topics include arson and explosives investigation, drug analysis, the analysis of paint and gunshot residue, and questioned documents analysis.   Students will also learn the basics of crime scene procedures, chain-of-custody, quality assurance, courtroom testimony, laboratory accreditation, and analyst certification. This course will include three hours of lecture per week along with a three hour weekly laboratory

The second semester course will build on topics learned in Advanced Forensic Chemistry I.   students will explore the principles of forensic identification analysis and comparison of biological evidentiary samples such as blood, semen, saliva, and other biological samples and tissues.   The course will include electrophoresis, DNA extraction procedures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA typing, sex and race determination, methods of DNA analysis and detection, and other topics.   This class will include three hours of lecture per week along with a three hour weekly laboratory.

This course will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field of trace analysis. Students will learn about sample acquisition and the analysis of trace organic pollutants using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectometry (GC-MS) techniques. These techniques will then be applied in the identification of unknown trace compounds. Statistical methods will be covered in the evaluation of experimental errors. This course will also cover governmental regulatory limits along with the methods for monitoring and enforcing these limits.

Students will explore the principles of toxicology, environmental problems, testing procedures, and governmental regulations. The toxicology and subsequent treatment of exposures to major drug categories, industrial chemicals, household consumer products, and drugs of abuse will be covered. The course will also cover the characterization and handling of physical evidence collected at the scene of a fire or explosion.

This course may include any number of different advanced techniques for the synthesis, purification, and characterization of inorganic, organic, organometallic, or biochemical compounds.   Students may also study the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive and water-sensitive organometallic compounds and transition metal complexes.   Complexes will be analyzed using a variety of instrumental methods.

An opportunity for students to work with faculty members on problems at an advanced level. Lab reports and/or research papers may be required.

In this course, students carry out a major project or set of topically-linked smaller projects from proposal through data collection and data analysis to dissemination. Capstone projects may be experimental, computational, or pedagogical depending on the students’ interests and emphasis within the major.  Students present their Capstone Project results in a written journal-style article, an oral presentation, and a poster.  This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement for the Chemistry/Biochemistry (Bachelor of Science) major.

This course is designed to provide students with a supervised experience. A written report is required. Students wishing to enroll in this course should see the instructor. Approximately 70 clock hours are required for every semester hour credit.

An opportunity for students to investigate a current topic in the chemical literature. The findings will be organized in a term paper and presented to the department.

Subject matter of a specialized nature is covered in detail.  Lab reports and/or research papers may be required.

Students undertake advanced study in Chemistry under the supervision of a departmental faculty member.