Department of Chemistry
Courses
100. Introduction to Contemporary Chemistry
This course introduces the basic concepts of inorganic and organic chemistry and illustrates the role chemistry plays in modern society. Examples are drawn from the fields of environmental science, forensics, materials science, pharmacology, and polymer science. The course is intended for students who do not plan to major in the natural sciences. Three hours of lecture each week and three hours of laboratory every other week.
110. (ENV 110) Chemistry of the Environment
An introductory course focusing on the chemical dimensions of current environmental problems such as global warming, ozone depletion, water and soil contamination, and non-renewable fuel consumption. Fundamental principles of chemical bonding, equilibrium and kinetics are studied as they arise in connection with each environmental issue. Inter-disciplinary aspects are explored to further understand the multiple dimensions of the problems. Intended for students planning to major outside the sciences. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory each week.(Offered annually)
111, 112. General Chemistry I, II
This two-semester sequence focuses on the fundamental principles of chemistry. Key topics are atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, and stoichiometry, with an emphasis on molecules and reactions important in biological systems. Other topics include thermochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, intermolecular forces and states of matter, periodic properties, coordination chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry, biochemistry, and Green Chemistry. Laboratory work is designed to complement lecture material. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Chemistry 111 is a prerequisite for Chemistry 112.(Offered annually)
201, 202. Organic Chemistry I, II
This two-semester sequence is concerned with the molecular architecture and chemical reactivity of a broad spectrum of organic molecules, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, their halogenated derivatives, and molecules containing oxygen and nitrogen, alone or in one or more combinations. Particular emphasis is placed on the structure and function of organic molecules important in biological systems. Heavy emphasis is given to the study of reaction mechanisms. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite. Chemistry 112 or its equivalent. Chemistry 201 is prerequisite for Chemistry 202.(Offered annually)
210. (ENV 210) Environmental Chemistry
A study of the chemical reactions controlling the cycling of both natural chemical species and anthropogenic pollutants in the water, soil, and air environments of our earth system. The chemical processes operating in the natural environment, including acid-base, complexation, redox, photochemical, and biotic degradation phenomena are examined. Intermittently throughout the course, the chemistry underlying current issues of water, soil, and air pollution, focusing on nutrient, metal and organic contaminants are studied. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite. Chemistry 112.(Offered Fall: odd numbered years)
301. Analytical Chemistry
A detailed treatment of simple and complex chemical equilibria with particular emphasis on theoretical aspects of acid-base, oxidation-reduction, complexometric, and precipitation equilibria. Applications of the techniques to inorganic, organic, biochemical, and environmental analysis are covered in the lecture and lab components of the course. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite. Chemistry 112. (Offered annually: Fall)
303. The Chemistry of Biological Compounds
This course, designed for majors and minors in the physical and biological sciences, is concerned with the synthesis and reactivity of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and their precursors. Heavy emphasis is placed on the mechanisms by which the syntheses and transformations occur. Course work involves extensive use of molecular modeling and exposes students to a variety of software packages. Laboratory work is concerned with the synthesis of compounds of biological importance and the examination of their structure and reactivity by chemical and physical means. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite. Chemistry 202.(Offered Fall: odd numbered years)
305. Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics and Chemical Dynamics
Thermodynamics is the study of the behavior matter and the transformation between different forms of energy on a macroscopic scale. Chemical dynamics is the study of the rate at which the macroscopic properties and composition of matter change. These changes can involve either transport properties, such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, and diffusion or chemical kinetics. Some of the chemical kinetics topics covered are rate laws, temperature effects on reaction rates, reaction rate theories, reaction mechanisms, and enzyme catalysis. Applications of chemical thermodynamics and chemical dynamics are drawn from environmental chemistry and biochemistry. Laboratory exercises include determination of thermodynamic properties and kinetics experiments. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite. Chemistry 112, Mathematics 202, and Physics 112. (Offered annually: Fall)
306. Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Quantum chemistry is the application of quantum mechanics to the field of chemistry. Topics included in the discussion of quantum chemistry are the early development of quantum mechanics, quantum mechanical models for molecular vibrations and rotations, and electronic structure of atoms and molecules. Spectroscopy is the study of the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with matter, and is the principle experimental tool used to investigate the predictions made using quantum mechanics. The laboratory exercises include spectroscopy experiments and the use of molecular modeling programs. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite. Chemistry 112, Mathematics 202, and Physics 112.(Offered annually: Spring)
309. (BIO 409) Biochemistry
An examination of living systems at the chemical level. Topics will include structure and function of macromolecules, cellular energetics, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis. A laboratory will be conducted weekly to introduce students to experimental techniques. Prerequisite: Biology 111 and Chemistry 202, or permission from instructor.(Offered annually: Fall)
310. Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Environmentally friendly scientists are increasingly conscious about the need to make chemistry "greener." The goal of this course is to present a different perspective regarding chemistry and its applications in academia and industry worldwide. This course will cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of green and sustainable chemistry. The introduction will include the foundations of green chemistry and sustainability as well as a description of the tools and principles it employs. There will be an in-depth study concerning the evaluation of methods and tools in designing environmentally benign reactions and chemicals. Real-world examples will be used to illustrate the goals of green chemistry. Throughout the semester students will have the opportunity to enhance their writing and oral presentation skills and improve their communication and discussion abilities. Three hours of lecture each week. There is no laboratory. Prerequisites: 1 year of general chemistry and the first semester of organic chemistry.
311. Inorganic Chemistry
This course is an in-depth study of structure and bonding in molecules. Topics include atomic structure, symmetry and bond theory, ionic and covalent bonding, coordination and organometallic chemistry, and catalysis. The laboratory work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of the following: main group compounds, bioinorganic molecules, zeolites, coordination and organometallic complexes used in catalysis. It also introduces green inorganic chemistry, computational chemistry, and metal complexes used in bioinorganic chemistry. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 306. (Offered annually: Fall)
314. Instrumental Methods of Analysis
This course examines instrumental methods based on their selectivity, sensitivity, and detection limits. Instrumental systems are analyzed in terms of electronics, computers, and optics. The following topics are included. molecular and atomic spectroscopy, electroanalytical techniques, and separation techniques. Applications of the techniques to inorganic, organic, biochemical and environmental analysis are covered in the lecture and lab components of the course. The laboratory emphasizes the critical evaluation of data. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 201.(Offered annually: Spring)
353, 354, 453, 454. Chemistry Seminar
Chemistry majors and chemistry faculty participate in the department's weekly seminar program. Each student participant will make oral and written presentations based on current scientific literature and collaborative research they have conducted. Instruction modules will include literature-searching methods, history of chemistry, contemporary problems in the chemical and biochemical sciences, molecular drawing, and modeling and calculation programs. One credit per semester for a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: chemistry major status.(Offered annually)
194, 294, 394, 494. Special Topics in Chemistry
A detailed study of an advanced topic or topics in chemistry chosen on the basis of current student interest and faculty expertise. Special topics to be offered include: Green Chemistry, Heterocyclic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Solid-State Chemistry, Chemistry of Macromolecules, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Electronics Instrumentation. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 306. (Offered annually)
195, 295, 395, 495. On-Campus Research
This course is comprised of a ten-week summer research project guided by a faculty mentor. The student and faculty mentor develop a research project supported by a reading list and involving theoretical, laboratory, or field investigations supervised by the faculty mentor. Participants will produce a final report detailing the findings of their research. The course may be taken twice for credit. Not offered as Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of the mentor. (Offered annually)
403. Advanced Organic Chemistry
A study of mechanisms for organic reactions and reaction rates. Topics to be covered include kinetic methods, effects of structure change on reactivity, isotope effects, reaction rate theory, and methods of determining reaction mechanisms. Laboratory work consists of a course in the identification of organic compounds and mixtures. Both chemical and instrumental methods of structure determination will be used. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 202 and Chemistry 306.
407. Bioinorganic Chemistry
Intended for chemistry and biology majors, especially those intending to pursue careers in the medical profession and in environmental or biomedical sciences. This course involves the identification and understanding of the roles of inorganic elements, especially transition metals, in biological systems. The relationships between structure and function are emphasized. Applications of inorganic complexes as pharmaceuticals are also discussed. Three hours of lecture each week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 202; Chemistry 311 or permission of the instructor.
410. Materials Science
Our lives are influenced by all types of materials in transportation, housing, clothing, communication, recreation, and food production. The development and advancement of societies have been dependent on the ability to use existing materials, produce, manipulate, and select new materials suitable in many technologies that make our existence more comfortable. This course depicts relationships between the processing of a material, its structure, and finally its performance based on its properties in terms of the design, production, and utilization of the material. The overall goal of this course is to become familiar with the selection process that scientists and engineers use when designing a suitable material at a reasonable cost with minimal environmental impact. Three hours of lecture each week. There is no laboratory. Prerequisite: Physical chemistry.
196, 296, 396, 496. Off-campus Research
The course consists of an individual research project chosen by the student in consultation with a faculty mentor. The student will, with the help of the mentor, design a project to be implemented during a one- or two-semester period. The student will conduct an appropriate literature search, carry out the research, and submit a written report by the end of each semester. One-half course credit will be awarded for each semester. One course credit in research may be counted toward the major and the degree. Prerequisite: Permission of the mentor.
190, 290, 390, 490. Internship
197, 297, 397, 497. Independent Study
SCE. Senior Capstone Experience
Chemistry majors fulfill the Senior Capstone Experienceby conducting a yearlong research project in collaboration with a chemistry faculty member and writing a thesis-quality report. Many projects involve synthetic and preparative procedures. All projects involve the application of analytical techniques including the use of the department's research-grade UV-VIS, FTIR, AA, NMR, GC, HPLC, GC-MS, electrochemical analyzer, and polarimeter. Seniors present the results of their project in a poster session that is open to the College community. The Senior Capstone Experience is graded according to the Washington College grading system, which involves the use of letter grades (A-F) that may be modified by a minus or a plus.(Offered annually)
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