CHEM - Chemistry

Principles of inorganic chemistry are covered including atomic structure, chemical bonds, states of matter, chemical reactions and nature of compounds, solutions, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, electrolytes, nuclear processes and applications of the laws of physics where applicable.

This lab illustrates the principles studied in CHEM 10100. Required of students registered for CHEM 10100.

This class is a continuation of CHEM 10100.

This lab illustrates the principles studied in CHEM 10300. Required of students registered in CHEM 10300.

This course is a survey of principles of organic and biochemistry, particularly as they relate to the health sciences. Areas studied include aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols and ethers, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and enzymes. The courses is required of Nursing majors.

This introduction to Chemistry for students in the humanities, social sciences or communication arts presents some of the findings from the wide variety of fields in Chemistry to people who have remained isolated from these developments.

This course introduces students to some common chemical hazards, as well as to the EPA, OSHA, NFPA and other federal and state agencies regulating these hazards.

This course for non-majors focuses on the basic concepts of Chemistry as applied to the environment.

IAI: P1 902

For non-majors this course introduces elementary topics in Chemistry with applications in society.

The general course is based on physical principles, with an emphasis on kinetic theory and elementary thermodynamics as applied to gas behavior, heats of reaction and bond energy. Concepts covered include elementary quantum mechanics as applied to spectral phenomena, periodicity and bonding theory.

IAI: P1 902

This course provides a study of quantitative applications of topics covered in CHEM 11000.

IAI: P1 902L

The Chemistry of Mind-Altering Drugs course explores how drugs influence the human mind and describes the chemistry of psychoactive drugs, including substances of abuse. Separate chapters are dedicated to alcohol and tobacco, while other chapters include narcotics, sedative-hypnotic drugs, psychotherapeutic drugs, stimulants such as cocaine, caffeine and amphetamines/methamphetamines, marijuana, hallucinogens and over-the-counter drugs. Pharmacology and physiology of drug use are explored, as well as motivations for drug use, drugs and the law, substance abuse treatment and drug prevention and education.

Students explore solution theory, electrochemistry and redox theory, chemical equilibrium, acid-base theories, elementary chemical kinetics, radiochemistry and transition metal complexes.

This laboratory stresses quantitative aspects of topics treated in CHEM 11500.

The general course is based on physical principles, with an emphasis on kinetic theory and elementary thermodynamics as applied to gas behavior, heats of reaction and bond energy. Concepts covered include elementary quantum mechanics as applied to spectral phenomena, periodicity and bonding theory. Students also explore solution theory, electrochemistry and redox theory, chemical equilibrium, acid-base theories, and elementary chemical kinetics.

This course provides the student with an overview of the two semester sequence.   Concepts covered include elementary quantum chemistry, periodicity, bonding theory, solution chemistry, electrochemistry, redox theory, chemical equilibrium, acid-base theories, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

This overview of organic chemistry that covers all of the primary families and their functional groups, some members in each family, and some basic reactions that are of interest in each family.

This course is designed to introduce students to the chemical aspects of criminal investigation and analytical practices used in gathering evidence found at a crime scene. Studies will include the chemistry of and instrumentation used in drug identification, arson, ballistics, paint, fiber, glass, and other evidence that can be identified from chemical residue.

IAI: P1 902

This course provides a laboratory experience and quantitative applications of the concepts and topics learned in the lecture course CHEM 12200.

IAI: P1 903L

This integrated presentation of organic chemistry emphasizes the theoretical and mechanistic aspects of organic reactions. Topics covered include carbonium ion, free radical and carbene intermediates, Sn-l, Sn-2, E-l and E-2 mechanisms and stereochemistry.

This lab applies the principles stressed in CHEM 23000.

Students explore spectroscopy and the mechanistic approach to functional group chemistry; interpretations of N.M.R., UV, visible and IR spectra; and the chemistry of alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, esters, ethers, aryl halides and various bi-functional compounds.

This lab applies the subjects and principles stressed in CHEM 23500.

This course explores the structure, bonding, and physical properties of organic materials and introduces the nomenclature of organic chemistry. It focuses specifically on the structure, properties, bonding, stereochemistry, reactions, and reaction mechanisms of carbon-based molecules. It covers functional group transformations useful for chemical synthesis, bonding, and structure of organic molecules, and the identification of organic compounds using these properties. Applications of organic chemistry principles to multi-step organic synthesis for the preparation of novel materials, polymers, and relevant macromolecules will be discussed.

The laboratory course deals with the application of concepts stressed in the Accelerated General Chemistry (CHEM 11700) and Accelerated Organic Chemistry (CHEM 22700) courses.

This course explores the structure, bonding, and physical properties of organic materials and introduces the nomenclature of organic chemistry. This course focuses specifically on the structure, properties, bonding, stereochemistry, reactions, and reaction mechanisms of carbon based molecules.

This course provides the presentation of physical theories and the practice of the most common spectroscopic techniques used for identification and quantitation of chemical systems. Topics include atomic and molecular spectroscopies; UV-VIS, IR, AA, NMR, and Fluorescence.

This course builds upon the material covered in CHEM 23000.  It covers functional group transformations useful for chemical synthesis, bonding and structure of organic molecules, and the identification of organic compounds using these properties.  Applications of organic chemistry principles to multi-step organic synthesis for the preparation of novel materials, polymers, and relevant macromolecules will be discussed.

The course provides an introduction to the synthesis of organic compounds as well as methods of purification, and identification of organic compounds.  Laboratory topics include recrystallization, melting points; distillations; extractions; chromatography; spectroscopic techniques; radical chain reactions, elimination and addition reactions; electrophilic substitution; and oxidation and reduction reactions. 

Students explore the entire periodic table of elements to better understand physical and chemical principles of metal ions and inorganic chemistry. This course builds on the concepts learned in general chemistry while introducing students to advanced topics in solid state chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, and metal complexation.

An opportunity for students to work with faculty members on problems of basic research.

This course is intended to give an overview of the research process and focus strongly on scientific communication.  Topics covered include research ethics, scientific method and the experimental process, literature searches and literature reviews, scientific writing (journals, proposals, abstracts), and presentation skills.  This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement for the Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry Concentration, or Biochemistry (Bachelor of Science) major.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to theories on gases, physical transformations, chemical equilibrium, phase diagrams, mixtures, electrochemistry, and the laws of thermodynamics (See PHYS 33100).

This lab applies theories and principles emphasized in CHEM 30000.

Biophysical Chemistry will explore the applications of physical chemistry to probe the structure, function, and reactivity of biological systems.  More specifically this course applies the theories of gases, physical transformation, chemical equilibrium, phase diagrams, mixtures, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and the laws of statistical thermodynamics to biological and supramolecular systems.  The approach seeks to derive phenomena in biological systems in terms of either the molecules that make up the system or the supra-molecular structure of the system.

This lab applies the theories, principles, and techniques emphasized in CHEM 30200, namely theories of gases, physical transformation, chemical equilibrium, phase diagrams, mixtures, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and the laws of statistical thermodynamics to biological and macromolecular systems.

A continuation of CHEM 30000, this course covers Quantum theory, atomic structure, spectroscopy, statistical mechanics and kinetics.

This lab applies theories and principles emphasized in CHEM 30500.

A continuation of CHEM 30200, this course covers kinetics, quantum theory, atomic structure, spectroscopy, photochemistry, photobiology and macromolecules.

This lab applies the theories and principles emphasized in CHEM 30700, namely kinetics, quantum theory, atomic structure, spectroscopy, photochemistry, photobiology and macromolecules

Students learn about the equilibrium theory as applied to analytical procedures in acid-base systems, oxidation-reduction processes, solubility, and complexation phenomena.

This lab provides a study of the theory and practice of quantitative separations and analyses including training in volumetric and gravimetric techniques in the four areas specified in CHEM 32000.

Instrumental methods of analysis are studied in the context of the physical theories underlying their application to chemical systems. Other topics covered include: infrared, UV-visible, x-ray and atomic absorption spectroscopy; electrometric methods of analysis; and N.M.R., gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Students practice the physical methods of analysis in several of the areas specified in CHEM 32500.

Advanced spectroscopic theory and instrumental methods are studied and applied in the context of chemical systems. Topic covered in CHEM 23200 are expanded and other topics covered include chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, and x-ray absorption and diffraction.

Students explore the sources, fundamental principles, reactions, transport, effects and fate of chemicals in water and waste water. Sources of energy and energy alternatives are studied, together with problems of hazardous waste and possible remediation approaches.

Students apply the principles stressed in CHEM 34000.

A continuation of CHEM 34000, the course studies the sources, reactions, transport, effects and fate of chemicals in the atmosphere, as well as solid waste and soil environments. Advanced laboratory techniques are examined in order to understand how various chemicals involved in pollution of water, air and soil environments are analyzed.

Students apply the principles stressed in CHEM 34200.

This seminar gives students the opportunity to explore contemporary topics in Chemistry/Biochemistry though literature research and class presentations and by attending seminars and colloquia.  This seminar will also develop the research project proposal that will be conducted in the Capstone Project course.

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

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 PHYS 41000).

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 1 lecture (CHEM 40500). 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 2 lecture (CHEM 40700). 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 1.   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 spectrometry (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.

This course explores mechanisms of polymerization reactions, the molecular weight distributions of products, the principles, limitations and advantages of the most important methods of molecular weight determination, the relationship of physical properties to structure and composition, the correlations of applications with chemical composition, and the applications of polymer chemistry to coatings.

This course explores the fundamentals of colloid interactions between surfaces, particles, and surfactants as well as the principles of self-assembly. Application of the principles of surface and colloidal chemistry to technologies involving particulate dispersions, emulsions, aerosols, wetting, flocculation, separation, and stabilization will also be discussed.

The course covers principles, theory and practice of polarized light microscopy (PLM) useful for particle and materials characterization and identification. The identification of particles using the polarized light microscope has a variety of applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

This course provides the practical experience to independently operate the polarized light microscope (PLM).

Raman Microspectroscopy is a powerful laboratory tool for analysis of unknowns using their spectrum, and has a variety of applications within the field of chemistry.

This course provides the practical experience to independently apply skills learned in Raman Microspectroscopy to unknown samples.

The modern laboratory has, as one of its principal investigative instruments, the microscope. Some materials require special handling and preparation prior to examination. This course covers particle isolation, manipulation and mounting in preparation for microscopic examination. These techniques permit the use of a variety of microscopes with applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

This course provides the practical experience to independently prepare samples for their examination using a variety of microscopes.

The modern laboratory has, as one of its principal investigative instruments, the scanning electron microscope. This course covers foundation, theory and use of scanning electron microscopes. The scanning electron microscope has a variety of applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

This course provides the practical experience to independently operate the scanning electron microscope (SEM).

The modern laboratory has, as one of its principal investigative instruments, the infrared microscope. The infrared microscope has a variety of applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

This course provides the practical experience to independently operate the Infrared Microscope (FTIR).

The modern laboratory has, as one of its principal investigative tools, the analysis of unknowns using their spectrum. Spectral analysis has a variety of applications within the field of chemistry. The course explores techniques to determine unknown molecular structures from infrared spectra.

This course provides the practical experience to independently interpret spectral data from unknown samples.

The course utilizes microscopy and other methods to identify over 60 white powder samples.

The course provides the practical experience to independently identify unknown samples of over 60 white powders.

This course covers problem-solving techniques in capturing and documenting macroscropic and microscopic observations using scientifically acceptable methods.

This course covers problem-solving techniques in capturing and documenting macroscopic and microscopic observations using scientifically acceptable methods.

The course covers problem-solving techniques in identifying crime scene trace evidence.

The course provides the practical experience to independently identify crime scene trace evidence.

EDS is an analytical technique to determine the elemental or chemical characterization of unknown samples. This course covers those techniques with applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

This course provides the practical experience to independently analyze samples for their elemental composition and chemical characterization. This course covers those techniques with applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

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

The modern laboratory has, as one of its principal investigative instruments, the scanning electron microscope. The scanning electron microscope has a variety of applications within the fields of biology and chemistry.

This course provides the practical experience to independently operate the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to achieve high quality images.

The Forensic Fiber Identification course offers techniques for the identification of natural and man-made fibers.

The course utilizes microscopy (SEM/EDS) to identify forensic samples of gunshot residue.

This course provides the practical experience to independently identify forensic samples of gunshot residues.

This course provides the practical experience to independently identify forensic samples of natural and man-made fibers.

This course provides the practical experience to independently identify animal and human hair for forensic analyses.

The course covers the problem-solving techniques in identifying bomb scene evidence.

This course provides the practical experience to independently identify bomb scene evidence.

The course utilizes microscopy couples with sample isolation, preparation and analytical analysis of small particle contaminates.

This course provides the practical experience to independently interpret samples of contaminants from pharmaceutical products.

The course utilizes microscopy to identify paint materials for conservation professionals.

This course provides the practical experience to independently interpret samples of paints from artwork or architecture.

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.