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The general chemistry sequence, CH 1010-1040, is a unified course in which areas of major importance in chemistry are treated in depth from both the empirical and theoretical viewpoints. Emphasis in the first two terms is on the behavior of matter at the macroscopic level. The principles developed therein are then blended with a treatment of the microscopic aspects of matter, during the third and fourth terms of the sequence, to provide a unified understanding of the behavior of chemical systems. The sequence is designed for science and engineering majors.
The format of each of these terms will include three lectures, one hour of conference and a three-hour laboratory per week. For reasons of safety, contact lenses may not be worn in the chemical laboratories. Individuals who normally wear contact lenses should also have prescription glasses available for use in the laboratory when taking these courses. Prescription glasses meeting ANSI standard Z87.1 will be accepted as affording adequate eye protection in the laboratory. Otherwise, goggles meeting these standards must be used in the laboratory at all times.
Cat. I
This course begins with a brief review of the fundamentals of
chemistry (chemical formulas, the mole concept, chemical equations,
stoichiometric calculations and the "language" of chemistry). The next
topic is the important and timely subject, nuclear
chemistry. Following this is some fundamental inorganic reaction
chemistry and then a discussion of the three phases of matter, gases,
solids and liquids, and the changes that occur between phases.
Recommended background: one year of high school chemistry, one year of
physics, trigonometry, and analytic geometry at high school level.
The focus of this course will be the atomic/molecular view of matter which underlies all of modern chemistry. Very early in the course, students will be introduced to the idea that observation at any scale depends on the interaction of light and matter, and that everything that we claim to know about the atomic/molecular nature of matter is based upon our interpretation of this interaction. The coupling of molecular motion with electomagnetic radiation will be the underlying theme in discussions of infrared, ultraviolet-visible, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, and of x-ray diffraction methods of structural determination. With this background in experimental methods, molecular structure and its importance in influencing properties, reactivity, and utility will be much more readily accepted by students. The course will proceed to a detailed discussion of the solid, liquid, and gas phases of matter, and the conversions and equilibria between them. Important consequences of structural ideas for large-scale and nano-scale engineering, and molecular recognition and replication will be stressed. NOTE: The "X" designation denotes an experimental course. The likelihood of this course being offered again is uncertain.
Cat. I
The discussion of liquids in CH 1010 is extended to the study of
solutions. This is followed by a discussion of chemical equilibrium
and its relationship to chemical thermodynamics. The aim of this area
of study is to be able to predict what chemical processes are
spontaneous. This is then used to understand the chemistry of
sparingly soluble salts and acids and bases.
Reaction energetics and dynamics will be the theme of the second course. The treatment of reaction energetics will be based upon the making and breaking of chemical bonds at the molecular scale. In this way, a consistent thread of molecularity will be followed through the sequence. The traditional approach to reaction enthalpy in terms of standard enthalpy of formation will be replaced by a discussion formulated in terms of standard enthalpy of atomization, which more clearly aligns with a discussion of bond strength. This will enable students to appreciate that a major driving force in chemical reactions is the tendency of atoms to form the strongest bonds. The role of disorder in the bond-shuffling process will be discussed and chemical equilibrium will be interpreted in terms of a balance of driving forces. The course will culminate in a discussion of dynamics at the molecular level, based on the major concept of the Maxwell-Boltzmann description of molecular motion. NOTE: The "X" designation denotes an experimental course. The likelihood of this course being offered again is uncertain.
Cat. I
Having completed a thorough treatment of the macroscopic properties of
matter in CH 1010 and
CH 1020, we now turn to a study of matter at the
microscopic (atomic and molecular) level. CH 1030 begins with the
modern quantum mechanical theory of the electronic structure of atoms
and organization of the modern periodic table of the elements. This
sets the stage for an in-depth look at chemical bonding in both ionic
and covalent compounds and molecular electronic
structure/stereochemistry. The course concludes with the development
of an understanding of intra- and intermolecular forces and their
effects on physical and chemical properties.
Cat. I
The course begins with a detailed survey of the periodic variation of
atomic and molecular properties, such as radii and oxidation
states. Following this we take up electrochemistry and transition
metals and coordination compounds. Both
CH 1030 and
CH 1040 build upon
the foundation of physical chemistry covered in
CH 1010 and CH 1020.
Cat. I
A systematic survey of the major reaction types and functional groups
in organic chemistry. The course will provide a representative
collection of characteristic reactions and transformations of a
variety of types of organic molecules. Most of the examples will be
drawn from aliphatic chemistry. Some theoretical models will be
introduced with a view toward establishing a general overview of the
material.
The course is intended for chemists, chemical engineers, pre-medical
students and all those interested in the biosciences. A familiarity
with the material presented in the general chemistry courses is
assumed.
Cat. I
Modern theories of aromaticity, including a general assessment of
delocalized bonding. The chemistry of some significant functional
groups not surveyed in Organic Chemistry I, and the meaning of acidity
and basicity in organic chemistry, will be more fully explored. The
course will provide an introduction to the systematic synthesis of
polyfunctional organic compounds.
Recommended background includes the topics described under Organic
Chemistry I. The course is intended for chemists, chemical engineers
and bio-science majors.
Cat. I
The course will continue the coverage of aromatic chemistry. New
topics to be introduced include the chemistry of heterocycles,
carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids. Particular attention will be
paid to naturally occurring polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins
and nucleic acids, as well as to industrial polymers.
The course is intended for chemists, chemical engineers and
bio-science majors.
Cat. I
Laboratory experience in the preparation and characterization of
organic substances. The course will also contain sufficient training
in laboratory technique and data handling so that no previous
laboratory experience beyond that of general chemistry will be
assumed. (To be taken concurrently or following studies in organic
chemistry.) Recommended for chemical engineers, pre-medical students,
BB majors, and other nonchemists desiring chemical laboratory
experience. One lecture and three three-hour labs.
The following four courses provide a full-year laboratory program. The purpose of this sequence is to train students in the most essential laboratory techniques, procedures and instrumentation of experimental chemistry. It aims to develop the skills needed for effective work on future chemical laboratory projects such as the Major Qualifying Project. The work of the year develops sequentially.
Cat. I
Emphasis is on quantitative laboratory techniques and manipulations,
as exemplified by quantitative analysis. Gravimetric and volumetric
procedures, and elementary glass blowing. Completion of the
introductory chemistry sequence will be assumed.
Cat. I
The experiments to be performed this term have been chosen to
illustrate important principles and experimental techniques of
physical chemistry. Students will gain experience with many of the
instruments that they are likely to use in any chemical laboratory
setting. These include optical spectrometers, vacuum lines,
electrochemical cells and the bomb calorimeter. Mastery of the
techniques and manipulations emphasized in
CH 2640 will be assumed.
Cat. I
The emphasis in CH 2660 is on basic techniques essential for the
synthesis, isolation, and characterization of inorganic and organic
compounds. These include isolation and purification by solvent
extraction, crystallization, distillation, and chromatographic
techniques, followed by the determination of physical properties and
characterization by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy. Micro-synthetic procedures are introduced. Mastery of
the techniques and manipulations emphasized in
CH 2640 and
CH 2650
would be advantageous.
Cat. I
The synthesis, isolation, and characterization of inorganic compounds
are emphasized. Syntheses of main group compounds, classical
transition metal complexes, and organotransition metal compounds are
included. In addition to reinforcing and building on standard
techniques of synthesis and characterization, several new techniques
are introduced: synthesis under inert atmosphere, measurement of
magnetic susceptibility by NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. Some exposure
to 13C NMR is also provided. The final experiment of the course
requires the student to design a synthesis for a compound selected
from a list provided, based on strategies learned in the course.
Cat. I
The chemistry of the main group elements. Coverage is by bonding,
structure, and reaction type. The introductory material reviews the
properties of atoms. Then the structures of ionic and covalent
compounds are covered in depth. The molecular orbital approach to
covalent bonding is introduced and emphasized. Acid-base and
oxidation-reduction reactions are treated in the context of the
thermodynamics learned in General Chemistry. The donor-acceptor
concept of acids and bases is emphasized, and its wide applicability
illustrated. The final survey of descriptive inorganic reactions is
also firmly based in thermodynamics.
The object of the course is to provide a general understanding of the
diverse chemistry of all of the elements except the transition
metals.
A working knowledge of the material covered in
CH 1010
- CH 1040 is assumed.
Cat. I
The content of this course will be the development of the principles
of classical thermodynamics. The laws of thermodynamics will be
developed by using a series of increasingly complex model systems and
a universal equation of state is formulated which incorporates the
relationships illustrated by these model systems. Using this equation
it will be possible to appreciate that thermodynamic laws are
applicable to all systems of matter, regardless of their
complexity. Finally, the principles developed are applied to problems
of a chemical nature, focusing on predicting the spontaneity of
chemical reactions.
The material in this course will be of greatest interest to those
students enrolled in the basic sciences including biology, chemistry,
and physics, and in applied fields such as chemical engineering,
materials science and biotechnology.
Students should be familiar with the material covered in the freshman
general chemistry and math sequences. Familiarity with differential
equations would be an asset.
Cat. I
An introduction to quantum mechanics with applications to atomic and
molecular species. The course will be developed systematically
beginning with the postulates of quantum mechanics. The Schroedinger
equation will be applied to systems such as the particle in a box, the
rigid rotor, the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. Emphasis
will be given to a quantum mechanical description of multielectron
atoms, molecular bonding and spectroscopy.
This course is normally for students in their third year who have a
solid foundation in elementary physics and differential and integral
calculus.
Cat. I
This course deals in a general way with the interactions between
energy and molecules, and considers how energetic and structural
considerations affect the outcome of molecular interactions. The
manipulation of kinetic data and results is stressed. Selected topics
from both organic and inorganic chemistry are analyzed in terms of
reaction thermodynamics, rates and mechanisms.
Students are expected to be familiar with thermodynamics, equilibria,
reaction rates and the Periodic Table of the elements. The following
three courses, CH 4110,
CH 4120, and
CH 4130, are a three-term
sequence intended to provide a strong emphasis in biochemistry. As
background for this sequence, CH 1010,
CH 1020,
CH 1030,
CH 1040, CH 2310,
CH 2320,
CH 2330 and
BB 1010, or their equivalents, are recommended.
Cat. I
The principles of protein structure are presented. Mechanisms of
enzymatic catalysis, including those requiring coenzymes, are outlined
in detail. The structures and biochemical properties of carbohydrates
are reviewed. Bioenergetics, the role of ATP, and its production
through glycolysis and the TCA cycle are fully considered. Knowledge
of organic chemistry is assumed.
Cat. I
Oriented around biological membranes, this term begins with a
discussion of electron transport and the aerobic production of ATP
followed by a study of photosynthesis. The study of the biosynthesis
of lipids and steroids leads to a discussion of the structure and
function of biological membranes. Finally the membrane processes in
neurotransmission are discussed. CH 4120
is a continuation of CH 4110;
knowledge of the content of
CH 4110 is assumed.
Cat. I
The structure, function and biosynthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins are
the chief topics of this course. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic
systems are examined. The nature of the genome and the genetic code,
the structure and expression of selected genes and the regulation of
genetic expression are emphasized.
Recommended background: prior knowledge of
Cell Biology (BB 2550),
Genetics (BB 2920),
and Biochemistry (CH 4110,
CH 4120).
Cat. II
A discussion of selected modern synthetic methods including additions,
condensations and cyclizations. Emphasis is placed on the logic and
strategy of organic synthesis. This course is intended to follow CH
2330 and competence in elementary organic synthesis is assumed.
This course will be offered in 1996-97 and in alternate years
thereafter.
Cat. II
Complexes of the transition metals are discussed. Covered are the
electronic structures of transition metal atoms and ions, and the
topological and electronic structures of their complexes. Symmetry
concepts are developed early in the course and used throughout to
simplify treatments of electronic structure. The molecular orbital
approach to bonding, first used in CH 3410, is emphasized. The pivotal
area of organotransition metal chemistry is introduced, with focus on
complexes of carbon monoxide, metal-metal interactions in clusters,
and catalysis by metal complexes.
Knowledge of the material in CH 1010
- CH 1040,
CH 2640
- CH 2670,
CH 3410, CH 3530,
and CH 3550 will be assumed.
This course will be offered in 1996-97 and in alternate years
thereafter.
Cat. II
This course deals with how the electronic, translational, rotational
and vibrational energy levels of individual molecules, or of
macromolecular systems, are statistically related to the energy,
entropy, and free energy of macroscopic systems, taking into account
the quantum mechanical properties of the component
particles. Ensembles, partition functions, and Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac,
and Bose-Einstein statistics are used. A wealth of physical chemical
phenomena, including material related to solids, liquids, gases,
spectroscopy and chemical reactions are made understandable by the
concepts learned in this course.
Recommended background: CH 3510 and
CH 3530, or equivalent, and
mathematics through differential and integral calculus.
This course will be offered in 1996-97 and in alternate years
thereafter.
Cat. II
Fundamentals of polymer science and technology based on organic
polymers. The principal mechanisms of polymerization including
radical, ionic and condensation, are covered in
detail. Characterization of polymers by physical means. Mechanical
behavior including bulk and solution properties of polymers. Polymer
syntheses and modifications including block and graft
copolymerization.
Structure, property and end use applications of plastic
materials. Plastics processing, testing and technology. Survey of
commodity plastics as well as engineering resins including their
applications and economic considerations. Presentation of trade and
technical literature in the field.
Expected background for the course: CH 2310 and
CH 2320 or
equivalent.
This course will be offered in 1996-97 and in alternate years
thereafter.