Chemistry Courses
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 508 Polymer Chemistry (3)
Polymers represent a large fraction of the materials we interact with on a daily basis. Products as diverse as paints, clothes, soaps and detergents, and contact lenses are all based on polymers. In this course, students will learn what polymers are, how they are made, and how their often complex characteristics can be studied and understood. Due to the applied nature of polymers and polymeric materials, the course will draw on concepts from many other branches of chemistry including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Three lecture meetings per week. Students who receive credit for ACHM408 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 511A Computational Chemistry I (3)
Practical applications of quantum chemical calculations for chemical research. Overview of different levels of molecular orbital theory with case studies highlighting selected applications to organic, inorganic, and biophysical chemistry. Evaluation of each technique's strengths and limitations. Students will be required to complete a computational project based on a project of their choosing in consultation with the instructor. Prior programming experience is not required. Prerequisites: Chm 351 or Phy 440 or by permission of instructor. Students who receive credit for ACHM411 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 511B Computational Chemistry II (3)
Molecular mechanics as a tool in biochemical and biophysical research. Statistical mechanics of equilibrium systems and enhanced sampling techniques in different thermodynamic ensembles will be reviewed. Strengths and limitations of commonly used methods will be explored. Students will be required to complete a computational project based on a project of their choosing in consultation with the instructor.. Prior programming experience is not required, but prior exposure to Linux will be helpful. Note that this course may be taken independently of Chm 511A. Prerequisite: Chm 351or Phy 440 or Phy 460 or by permission of instructor.
Chm 517 Advanced Synthesis Laboratory (3)
Experimental investigation of advanced synthetic methods for the preparation, separation and analysis of inorganic, organometallic and organic compounds with an emphasis on the former two types of materials. The development of skills and understanding for the application of complex procedures and techniques common in current practice, including airless chemistry and catalysis, as well as the exploration and application of modern spectroscopic and diffraction methods, including vibrational, electronic and NMR spectroscopies and powder X-ray diffraction. One lecture and two laboratory periods per week. Prerequisites: AChm 221 and AChm 223. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes. Students who receive credit for ACHM417 cannot receive credit for this course.
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 350 or Chm 444; for Chm 520B - Chm 520A. Students who receive credit for ACHM420 cannot receive credit for ACHM520A.Students who receive credit for ACHM421 cannot receive credit for ACHM520B.
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 class of compounds. Topics will also include the role of organometallic compounds in synthesis, their catalytic behavior, and models of bioinorganic systems. Students registering for this course will be required to make a thirty minute oral presentation on a current, emerging topic from the organometallic chemical literature. Prerequisites: Chm 221; Chm 351 or 445.
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 (3)
Discussion of modern methods of organic structure determination such as multinuclear NMR, 2D-NMR techniques, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Interpretation and correlation of spectral results in order to assign structures of organic, biological, and related molecules. Prerequisites: Chm 221 and 223 and consent of instructor. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes. Students who receive credit for ACHM472 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 532 Mass Spectrometry at the Chemistry-Biology Interface (3)
The goal of this course is to provide the students not only with basic knowledge of ionization techniques and mass analysis, but also with an understanding of the biochemical tools necessary for sample processing and preparation. Many examples of biomedical applications will be discussed in class to illustrate strategies and experimental design. These examples will also provide an overview of what has been done using mass spectrometry in the life sciences and will offer possible indications of which problems may be within reach. Spectra interpretation skills will be developed through discussion of examples in class and through solution of take home problems. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
Chm 533 Electronics for Scientific Instrumentation (3)
The objective of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge and a fundamental understanding of electronics as applied to modern research laboratory. Students will learn the basic principles of key electronic components and circuits, with special emphasis on circuit analysis and design. The properties and applications of major components and modules will be studied, including transducers, amplifier, and digitizers. The fundamental elements of TTL and serial interfacing will be discussed. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Chm 534 Advanced Separation Science - HPCL (3)
This course aims at providing students with fundamental skills and knowledge in advanced separation science, in particular HPLC. The course will enable students to understand, develop and execute analytical protocols involving recent HPLC methodologies and instrumentation. The lecture will consider all common techniques in liquid chromatography such as gradients, normal and reversed phase, gel permeation, ion exchange, bioaffinity, and chiral columns, as well as RI, UV-vis, fluorescent, luminescent, electrochemical, and MS detection. Students will learn by lectures, class activities, and homework assignments how to plan analytical tasks considering the available HPLC techniques in a modern routine laboratory, as well as how to optimize the conditions in order to obtain sufficient analytical performance parameters in terms of selectivity, detection limit, cost, and analysis time. The lab will introduce the students in reverse phase HPLC using RI and UV-vis detection. Practical examples in the lab section will include food and soil analysis considering analytes and separation problems that can only be addressed by HPLC. Graduate students will be expected to make a class presentation. Two lecture and one lab meetings per week. 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)
This course will develop classical and statistical thermodynamics for solving chemical and molecular problems important in modern chemistry research. The specific topics will be: the mathematical and physical underpinnings of the theory, the models to approximate reality, the discussion of the weaknesses of those approximations, and the application of classical and statistical thermodynamics to modern research problems in all flavors of physical chemistry. Prerequisites: Two semesters of undergraduate physical physical chemistry (Chm 350 and 351) and at least three semesters of calculus (through Mat 214) or consent of the 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. Students who receive credit for ACHM436 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 537 Organic Synthesis (3)
The course will focus on the total synthesis of complex organic molecules, such as natural products. Synthetic strategies as well as reaction mechanisms of every step will be discussed. Prerequisites: Chm 417 or 436.
Chm 538 Forensic Trace Metal Analysis (3)
This course aims at providing students with fundamental skills and knowledge in trace metal analysis, in particular for forensic applications. The course will enable students to understand, develop and execute analytical protocols involving recent trace metal analysis methodologies and instrumentation, namely atomic spectroscopies and voltammetry. The lecture will consider all common techniques such as inorganic sample preparation, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AAS, X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation, polarography, and stripping voltammetry. Students will learn by lectures, class activities, and homework assignments how to plan analytical tasks considering the available ICP, AAS, and voltammetry techniques in a modern routine laboratory, as well as how to optimize the conditions in order to obtain sufficient analytical performance parameters in terms of selectivity, detection limit, cost, and analysis time. Three lecture meetings per week. Prerequisite(s): A CHM 226 and 227 or 250 and 251. Students who receive credit for ACHM438 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 539 Introduction to Toxicology (3)
Objective for this course is to provide the students with an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles of toxicology such as the basic chemistry of the toxicants, sources and fate of contaminants in the human organism, and effects of toxicants. While primarily designed for students of analytical chemistry, it is a beneficial course also for students from other backgrounds (biology, forensics, environmental sciences, etc.). Topics to be discussed will include major classifications of drugs as they relate to organ systems or major pathophysiological disease entities. The clinical toxicology section of the course will review the more common toxins, their effects, and appropriate treatments. Three contact hours of lecture meetings per week. Prerequisites: A CHM 342 or 442 or 540A or ABIO 365.
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. Students who receive credit for ACHM442 cannot receive credit for ACHM540A. Students who receive credit for ACHM443 cannot receive credit for ACHM540B.
Chm 541A Biophysical Chemistry I (3)
Foundations of the physical principles and their applications to biochemical systems. Topics include first and second laws of thermodynamics, applications of these to chemical reactions and equilibria, and molecular motion and transport phenomena. Prerequisites: Chm 221, Phy 150, Mat 113 or 119. Students who receive credit for ACHM444 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 541B Biophysical Chemistry II (3)
Foundations of the physical principles and their applications to biochemical systems. Topics include transport phenomena and sedimentation and electrophoresis, chemical and biochemical kinetics, chemical quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Prerequisites: Chm 541A or Chm 444. Students who receive credit for ACHM445 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 544 (Phy 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 (3)
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. One class period two laboratory periods each week. Prerequisites: Chm 221 and 223. Co-requisites: Chm 540A and 540B, Chm 350. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes. Students who receive credit for ACHM446 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 547 Advanced Forensic Chemistry (3)
This course focuses on current topics and analytical methods utilized in today's modern forensic laboratories. Forensic Chemistry will include topics such as, introduction to criminalistics, ethical dilemmas, and computer-assisted data analysis, public speaking on technical and non-technical subjects, as well as courtroom testimony. The course will also include a detailed description of how modern analytical techniques are applied to forensic chemistry. Specifically, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DART, headspace chromatography, TLC, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, immunoassay and electrochemistry will be applied to the fields of forensic drug chemistry and toxicology. The course includes advanced statistical methods such as: chi-square tests, multiple regression and correlation, nonparametric statistics and analytical variances. Three lecture periods per week. May not be taken by students with credit for A CHM 550A or 550B. Prerequisite: A CHM 226, 227, 429, and 431 or permission of instructor. Students who receive credit for ACHM447 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 548 Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab 1 (2)
Applications of the principles and methods discussed in ACHM 547. Experiments chosen for ACHM 548 aid the student in developing a more detailed understanding of quantitative methods. Specifically, students will perform method development in gas chromatography. Students will also perform electrochemical and immunoassay experiments. Statistical analysis of data will be performed. Two 3.5 hour lab periods per week. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes. May not be taken by students with credit for A CHM 450 or 451. Pre- or co-requisite: A CHM 547. Students who receive credit for ACHM448 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 549 Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab 2 (2)
Applications of the principles and methods discussed in A CHM 547 and a continuation of A CHM 548. Experiments chosen for A CHM 549 aid the student in developing a more detailed understanding of quantitative methods as they apply to forensics. Specifically, students will perform method development in solid phase extraction. Students will also perform atomic absorption and GC-MS experiments. This course will culminate in a final project where students will apply what they have learned to independently research a forensic chemistry problem. Statistical analysis of data will be performed. Two 3.5 hour lab periods per week. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes. May not be taken by students with credit for A CHM 550A or 550B. Prerequisite: A CHM 548. Students who receive credit for ACHM449 cannot receive credit for this course.
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 558 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry/Pharmacology (3)
Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary course at the interface of chemistry and pharmacy and is involved with designing, synthesizing and developing pharmaceutical drugs. It will include the following topics: molecular modeling, rational drug design, combinational chemistry, QSAR, and cheminformatics. Prerequisites: Chm 221 and Chm 442. Students who receive credit for ACHM458 cannot receive credit for this course.
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 561 Chemical and Enzymatic Kinetics (3)
Empirical and theoretical treatment of reaction rates and reaction mechanisms; experimental techniques. Emphasis on reactions in solutions, complex reactions, enzyme kinetics, homogeneous catalysis (enzymatic and nonenzymatic), and transition state theory. Prerequisites: Chm 351, Mat 214, Phy 240 and consent of instructor. Students who receive credit for ACHM473 cannot receive credit for this course.
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. This course will include real-time demonstrations and practical crystallographic work, including the opportunity to work on a provided structural experiment or a crystal from an undergraduate research project. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Students who receive credit for ACHM470 cannot receive credit for this course.
Chm 576 Materials Chemistry (3)
Materials constitute an important role in modern society. This course covers materials chemistry from synthesis to properties. Topics include (but are not limited to) semiconductors, metallic alloys, magnetism, optical properties, and energy storage. Prerequisite: Chm 520A. Students who receive credit for ACHM476 cannot receive credit for this course.
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 599 Chemistry Laboratory Rotation (1-3)
First year PhD students will be encouraged to enroll in this course. It is available for MS students. This course consists of rotating in up to two laboratories for successive seven-week periods working on a project or literature search assigned by the respective faculty members. All placements in laboratories will be arranged in consultation with and approved by the course coordinator.
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 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 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 (2-4)
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 (1-3)
Seminar on current research in the field of organic chemistry, and on new applications of organic chemistry. Prerequisite: Enrollment in Chemistry Graduate Program.
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 the requirements for the Ph.D. degree except for their dissertation (advanced to candidacy). Only students engaged in the final stages of dissertation work are permitted to register for this course. Course grading is Load Only and does not yield credit toward the degree.
