Graduate Bulletin

Courses in Chemistry

Chm 501 Short Topics in Chemistry (1)

Short, intensive course examining the emerging trends in chemistry. New information emerging from recent studies will be stressed.

Chm 507 (Atm 507) Atmospheric Chemistry (4)

Chemical kinetics and photochemical principles of atmospheric transformation processes; mechanisms of polluted and clean trophospheres; chemical constituents of natural and polluted atmospheres, transient species, gas- and liquid-phase reactions; fate of chemical constituents in the atmosphere; quantitative basis for the understanding complex chemical interactions of the atmospheric environment. Graduate project required.

Chm 508 Survey of Polymer Chemistry (3)

Structure, synthesis, and morphology of polymers; polymerization reactions; molecular weight determination; introduction to thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties; design of polymers, graft, and copolymers; processing and selected applications including adhesion, coatings, and films. A term paper is required. Prerequisite: Chm 340B or consent of instructor.

Chm 511A Computer Applications in Chemistry (3)

Introduction to microcomputing in chemistry: principles of microcomputers, programming; programming using BASIC/TURBOBASIC, instrumental interfacing and the use of commercially available microcomputer programs related to chemistry. Writing an original program with a chemical application required. Prerequisite: Chm 340A or its equivalent or consent of instructor.

Chm 511B Computer Applications in Chemistry (3)

Introduction to workstation operating systems with emphasis on UNIX. An overview of computational chemistry and molecular modeling methods. Applications to data-base searching, drug design and structure activity relations. Writing an original program with a chemical application required. Prerequisite: Chm 340A or its equivalent or consent of instructor.

Chm 517 Advanced Synthesis Laboratory (2)

Experimental investigation of advanced synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds including their separation and analysis. The development of skills and understanding for the application of complex procedures and methods common in current practice. Prerequisite: Chm 217B.

Chm 520A,B Inorganic Chemistry (3,3)

Bonding and reactivity in inorganic systems including ionic solids, metals, covalent molecules, and coordination complexes; acid-base chemistry; descriptive chemistry of the elements and their compounds. Chm 520B includes main group chemistry, transition metal complexes, organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and bioinorganic chemistry. Chm 520A and 520B each require a term paper in addition to examinations. Prerequisites: For Chm 520A - Chm 340B; for Chm 520B - Chm 520A.

Chm 522 Organometallic Chemistry (3)

A systematic study of the compounds containing a carbon-metal or carbon-metalloid bond. Emphasis will be placed upon the interaction of metal fragments with organic ligands, the structural types, and chemical reactivity of this calls of compounds. Topics will also include the role of organometallic compounds in synthesis, their catalytic behavior and models of bioinorganic systems. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Chm 524 Seminar in Chemistry (1)

Searching the chemical literature; techniques and practice in oral technical presentation.

Chm 525A Physical Organic Chemistry I (3)

Topics in physical organic chemistry, including electronic structure, stereochemistry, and conformational analysis. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Chm 525B Physical Organic Chemistry II (3)

Organic reaction mechanisms with emphasis on the theoretical and experimental tools used in their elucidation. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Chm 526 Experimental Methods of Organic Structure Determination (2)

Discussion of modern methods of organic structure determination such as multinuclear NMR, 2D-NMR techniques, IR and Mass Spectrometers. Coverage of interpretation of the spectral results obtained. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Chm 535A Advanced Physical Chemistry (3)

Introduction to quantum chemistry and selected topics in spectroscopy including NMR, CD, Vis-UV, EPR, IR, Fluorescence. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Chm 535B Advanced Physical Chemistry (3)

Selected topics in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and chemical kinetics. . Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Chm 536 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3)

Organic chemistry at an advanced level, including introduction of theoretical background and application in synthesis. Prerequisite: Chm 216B.

Chm 540A,B Comprehensive Biochemistry (3,3)

Chemical characteristics of living matter, amino acids, polypeptides and proteins, supramolecular assembly and membrane structure; enzyme mechanisms and kinetics; bioenergetics and the chemistry of metabolism; electron transport and other transports across membranes; biosynthesis, storage, and expression of genetic information. Additional assignments will be required, including a term paper and oral delivery. Prerequisite: Chm 216B or consent of instructor.

Chm 541A,B Biophysical Chemistry for Biochemical Science (3,3)

Foundations of the physical principles and their application to chemical systems. Topics include: thermodynamics, general kinetics, enzyme kinetics, transport phenomena, quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and macromolecular conformation. Two term papers per semester required on specific contemporary research topics. Suited for non-chemistry graduate students lacking background in physical chemistry. Prerequisites: For Chm 541A: Two semesters introductory general chemistry, two semesters calculus, two semesters calculus-based physics, organic chemistry, and introductory biochemistry recommended; for Chm 541B: Chm 541A.

Chm 544 Theory and Techniques of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry (3)

Comprehensive study of the physical chemistry of biopolymers; structure- confirmation-function interrelations, including systematic coverage of theoretical and experimental aspects of such topics as solution thermal dynamics, hydrodynamics, and optical and magnetic characteristics. Prerequisites: One year of biochemistry and one year of physical chemistry.

Chm 546 Chemical Biology Laboratory (2)

The lab will provide the basics for protein purification, protein characterization, and DNA manipulation through the use of chromatographic, electrophoretic, and spectroscopic tools of biochemistry and biophysics. The lab is for graduate students who will be doing research in biochemical and biophysical sciences. More advanced preparative procedures and additional literature searching will be expected. Pre-requisites: Chm 221 and 223. Pre- or co-requisites: Chm 540A and 540B, Chm 350.

Chm 550A Advanced Forensic Chemistry (3)

This course combines a series of advanced seminars, lectures, laboratories, and individualized laboratory exercises which focuses on current topics and methods of analyses used in forensic laboratories. Seminars in Forensic Chemistry will include topics such as: Introduction to Criminalistics, Ethical Dilemmas, and Computer Assisted Data Analysis. Lecture and laboratory courses will include: Microscopy, Drug Chemistry, Questioned Documents, Toxicology, Latent Prints, Trace and Firearms/Tool-marks. Students will gain "hands-on" experience with various analytical methods currently being used in forensic laboratories including chromatography (TLC, GC, GC/MSD), Visible/UV and Fluorescence Spectrophotometry, Infrared Spectrometry, Mass Spectrometry. Various separation/extraction techniques such as: SPE (solid phase extractions) and liquid/liquid extractions will also be covered. One lecture and two laboratory periods each week. Prerequisites: Chm 430, consent of the instructor.

Chm 550B Advanced Forensic Chemistry (3)

Continuation of Chm 550A. This course combines a series of advanced seminars, lectures and laboratories in Forensic Chemistry. Topics such as: public speaking on technical and non-technical subjects, as well as courtroom testimony, will be covered. Lecture and laboratory topics will include DNA in Forensics, Quantitative Methods in Drug Chemistry and Toxicology, as well as Advanced Statistical Methods. One lecture and two laboratory periods each week. Prerequisite: Chm 550A.

Chm 554 Structure and Dynamics of Nucleic Acids (3)

Static and dynamic structural features of genetic material. Concepts of structural integrity and flexibility as applied to DNA and RNA. Structure and recognition of single and double stranded nucleic acid molecules. Protein-nucleic acid interactions and their role in the expression of genetic information. Intercalatimutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Prerequisite(s): Chm 216B, Chm 347, or Chm 440B or consent of instructor.

Chm 559 Quantum Chemistry (3)

The quantum theory of chemical bonding and structure; abinitio, empirical and semi-empirical methods of approximation including: self-consistent field, Hartree-Fock theory, configuration interaction, Huckel theory, expanded Huckel theory and NDO methods. Prerequisite: Chm 340 or its equivalent.

Chm 560 Chemical Thermo-dynamics (3)

Examination of the laws of thermodynamics; application of the laws to chemical and biochemical systems. Topics include: states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical equilibrium, phase changes and equilibrium, the nature and descriptions of solutions. Prerequisite: Chm 340A or its equivalent or consent of instructor.

Chm 561 Chemical Kinetics (3)

Empirical and theoretical treatment of reaction rates and reaction mechanisms; experimental techniques. Emphasis on gas phase reactions, reactions in solutions, complex reactions, homogeneous catalysis (enzymatic and nonenzymatic) and chain reactions. Prerequisite: Chm 340 or its equivalent or consent of instructor.

Chm 562 Molecular Spectroscopy (3)

Introduction to the basic principles of optical spectroscopy including the following topics: radiation-matter interactions, atomic theory and spectroscopy, electronic structure and bonding in diatomic molecules, rotations and vibrations of diatomic molecules, and electronic spectra of diatomic molecules. Prerequisite: Chm 340A,B or consent of instructor.

Chm 563 Particle-Solid Interactions (3)

A survey of basic phenomena encountered in the interaction of atomic particles with a solid and of their underlying physical principles. Topics include stopping power and particle beam methods for materials characterization, modification, and removal such as backscattering and channeling, ion implantation, and sputtering.

Chm 565 A & B Applied Spectroscopy (3) (3)

Theory and laboratory practice in NMR, ESR, Fluoroscence and Laser spectroscopy in part A. In part B, the theory and laboratory proctice in IR, Mass spectroscopy Raman, Visible-UV spectroscopy and ORD/CD will be covered.

Chm 570 Crystallography (3)

The geometry and structure of crystalline solids, and methods of importance in their investigation. Internal and external symmetry properties as a consequence of atomic types and bonding possibilities: lattice types and space groups, x-ray diffraction, and optical techniques. Open to chemistry and physics majors, and others with consent of instructor.

Chm 580A,B Forensic Drug Chemistry Practicum (4,4)

A faculty and field-instructor supervised practicum in a professional laboratory setting where qualified students will have the opportunity to apply forensic chemistry methods, techniques, and analyses. Students pursuing a M.S. degree in Applied Chemistry with a Forensic Chemistry Concentration may apply to the Department of Chemistry for permission to enroll in this course. Admission to the Forensic Drug Chemistry Practicum course will be dependent upon the acceptability of the candidate to the Department of Chemistry and the host institution or agency. The student will be tested and certified in stages on their knowledge of the various experimental techniques and equipment that they have encountered. A written certified record of the work performed by the student will be the end product of the practicum. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the course is limited in number and is therefore, determined in advance on a competitive basis. Application to the practicum course must be at least six months in advance of the beginning of the proposed program.

Chm 625 Advanced Organic Synthesis (3)

The tools and tactics of organic synthesis at an advanced level discussed within the framework of theoretical, structural, and mechanistic principles. Prerequisite: Chm 525A,B or consent of instructor.

Chm 626 Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (3)

Selected topics from the current literature of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: Chm 216 and 340.

Chm 632 Special Topics in Biochemistry (1-3)

Selected topics from the current biochemical literature. Prerequisites: Chm 440A,B and Chm 540A,B.

Chm 634 Bioenergetics (3)

Recent advances in studies of biological electron transport and energy transduction. Mechanisms of phosphorylation and related processes from molecular basis of chemistry. Prerequisite(s): Chm 540A,B and 340A, or consent of instructor.

Chm 635 Proteins (3)

Structural properties of proteins and polypoptides as related to their function; chemical synthesis of polypeptides; chemical modification of protein structure; enzyme active site reagents. Prerequisite:

Chm 540A (corequisite is Chm 540B) or consent of instructor.

Chm 636 Enzymology (3)

The kinetics of enzyme reactions. Mechanisms of organic catalysis and current research methods of enzymology. Prerequisite(s): Chm 635 and 340B, or consent of instructor.

Chm 644 Chemical Statistical Thermodynamics (3)

Fundamentals of classical and quantum statistical mechanics. The calculation of thermodynamic properties of ideal gases, crystals and ideal rubber elasticity. An overview of cooperative systems and their phase transitions. An introduction to topics in transport theory. Prerequisite: Chm 340 or its equivalent or consent of instructor.

Chm 646 Chemistry of Coordination Compounds (3)

Chemistry of coordination compounds in the light of modern theory. Formation and stability of complex ions, mechanisms of reactions of complex ions, metal carbonyls and nitrosyls, and organometallic complexes of transition metals. Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry (Chm 216, 420, 340).

Chm 647 Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (3)

Selected topics from the current literature of inorganic chemistry. Prerequisite: Chm 420 or consent of instructor.

Chm 648 Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (1-3)

Selected topics from the current literature of physical chemistry. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Chm 660 Research Updates in Organic Chemistry (1-3)

Presentation of current research in organic chemistry by graduate students in coordination with a faculty advisor. Students will provide an update on research results and salient issues in research group meeting format. Meetings will include extensive discussion of methods and findings and research team members and faculty advisor will offer research project feedback.

Chm 661 Research Updates in Inorganic Chemistry (1-3)

Presentation of current research in inorganic chemistry by graduate students in coordination with a faculty advisor. Students will provide an update on research and salient issues in research group meeting format. Meetings will include extensive discussion of methods and findings and research team members and faculty advisor will offer research project feedback.

Chm 662 Research Updates in Physical Chemistry (1-3)

Presentation of current research in physical chemistry by graduate students in coordination with a facultyadvisor. Students will provide an update on research results and salient issues in research group meeting format. meetings will include extensive discussion of methods and findings and research team members and faculty advisor will offer research project feedback.

Chm 663 Research Updates in Biochemistry (1-3)

Presentation of current research in physical chemistry by graduate students in coordination with a facultyadvisor. Students will provide an update on research results and salient issues in research group meeting format. meetings will include extensive discussion of methods and findings and research team members and faculty advisor will offer research project feedback.

Chm 664 Research Updates in Analytical Chemistry (1-3)

Presentation of current research in physical chemistry by graduate students in coordination with a facultyadvisor. Students will provide an update on research results and salient issues in research group meeting format. meetings will include extensive discussion of methods and findings and research team members and faculty advisor will offer research project feedback.

Chm 680 Internship in Applied Chemistry – Organic (3)

A faculty and field instructor supervised experience in an industrial and/or state/federal laboratory where the primary activity is organic chemistry. In this environment students will use methods, techniques and analyses commonly employed in a laboratory conducting organic chemistry. Enrollment is limited to students in the MS in Applied Chemistry degree program who are concentrating in organic chemistry. A written statement from the field supervisor that the student’s work was satisfactory and a written report from the student describing in general terms the work that was performed will be required for grading. (It is understood that in most cases the student may be conducting proprietary research, hence a general description will be acceptable.) Prerequisites: Admission to the Masters in Applied Chemistry program and permission of the host institution and the instructor of record. This course may be taken three times for credit.

Chm 681 Organic Chemistry Seminar (2)

Seminar on current research in the field of organic chemistry, and on new applications of organic chemistry. These seminars are presented in public lectures by visiting scientists. Prerequisite: Chm 436 or consent of instructor.

Chm 685A,B (Phy 855A,B) Seminar in Chemical Physics (2,2)

Lecture-discussion presented by faculty and graduate students on current literature in their field. Same as Phy 855A and B. Offered jointly with the Department of Physics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Chm 689 Faculty Research Seminar (1-3)

Seminar on current research activities, presented by departmental faculty, advanced postdoctorals, and visiting scientists. Prerequisite: Enrollment in chemistry graduate program.

Chm 698T Review of Chemical Literature (2-8)

Detailed search of a current topic in the research literature and reported in a written critical review. Prerequisite: Consent of chair.

Chm 699 Chemical Research (3-6)

Original experimental and theoretical research problems. Prerequisite: Consent of the department chair.

Chm 699T Chemical Research (3-6)

Original experimental and theoretical research problems with the research reported in a formal thesis. Prerequisite: Consent of the department chair.

Chm 810 through Chm 813 Doctoral Research

Research in chemistry for students working beyond the master's degree level. A student registering for this course indicates the portion of the total semester-load devoted to it by listing an appropriate number of 'load equivalent units' instead of credits. Residence credit earned in this course becomes applicable upon satisfactory completion of all other requirements established for the Ph.D. in chemistry. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair or student's advisory committee.

Chm 810 Biochemistry Research (2-15)

Chm 811 Organic Chemistry Research (2-15)

Chm 812 Physical Chemistry Research (2-15)

Chm 813 Inorganic Chemistry Research (2-15)


Chm 814 Analytical Chemisty Research (2-15)

Research in chemistry for students working beyond the master's degree level. Residence credit earned in this course becomes applicable upon satisfactory completion of all other requirements established for the Ph.D. in chemistry.

Chm 899 Doctoral Dissertation (1)

Ph.D. students may enroll in this course if they have completed all requirements except the dissertation. Only students engaged in the final stages of dissertation work are permitted to register for this course. This course does not yield credit toward the degree.