Course Descriptions

Degrees and Programs Index


Chemistry

CHEM 075 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Introduction to Chemical Sciences (3+0)

Units of measurement, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, metabolism, radioactivity, oxidation-reduction reactions, solutions, acids and buffers. For the non-science major.


CHEM 100X (4 Credits) Fall, Spring
Chemistry and the Modern World (3+3) n

Fundamentals of chemistry with an emphasis on the impact of chemistry and the chemical industry on society and the environment. May be used to fulfill part of the natural science requirement . For non-science majors. Laboratory fee: $35.00.


CHEM 103X (4 Credits) Fall
Basic General Chemistry (3+3) n

Fundamentals of chemistry including historical and descriptive aspects as well as basic mathematical concepts. Fulfills the laboratory part of the natural science requirement and prepares the student for CHEM 105X. Laboratory fee: $35.00. Note: This course satisfies elective credit only. (Prerequisite: Placement or concurrent enrollment in DEVM 105 or higher.)


CHEM 104X (4 Credits) Spring
Beginnings in Biochemistry:
A Survey of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (3+3) n

Fundamentals of chemistry as applied to biological systems. Bridges the gap between a general chemistry course and biochemical concepts of other health-related sciences. Recommended for health-science degree candidates and non-science majors interested in the central role of chemistry in life. May be used to meet the general laboratory science requirement or for preparation for CHEM 105X. Laboratory fee: $35.00. (Prerequisite: CHEM 103X or consent of instructor.)


CHEM 105X (4 Credits) Fall, Spring
CHEM 106X
General Chemistry (3+3) n

CHEM 105X-106X, together, constitute the standard one-year engineering and science-major general chemistry course with laboratory. CHEM 105X: Measurements, calculations, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions and related energy changes. CHEM 106X: Reaction kinetics, equilibrium (including acids and bases), nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, chemistry of the elements and an introduction to organic and biochemistry. Laboratory fee: $35.00. (Prerequisites: For CHEM 105X: high school algebra, high school chemistry or CHEM 103X, or consent of instructor. For CHEM 106X: C grade or better in CHEM 105X.)


CHEM 122 (1 Credit) Fall
Contemporary Chemistry Seminar (1+0) n

Chemistry that impacts daily life. Topics include the chemistry of gold mining, chemical reactions in the kitchen, air pollution, and cutting-edge research chemistry. Includes field trips.


CHEM 202 (3 Credits) Spring
Basic Inorganic Chemistry (2+3) n

Basic principles of inorganic chemistry and descriptive chemistry of the elements presented through lecture and laboratory exercises. Laboratory includes investigation of chemical properties, synthesis, characterization and analysis. Laboratory fee: $35.00. (Prerequisite: CHEM 106X or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 212 (3 Credits) Fall
Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis (3+0) n

Aqueous chemical equilibrium as applied to chemical analysis, separations, spectrophotometry, potentiometry, and factors considered in the analytical approach. (Prerequisites: CHEM 106X; MATH 107X or equivalent.)


CHEM 300W (3 Credits) Fall
Research Ethics (3+0)
(Cross-listed with BIOL 300W)

Introduction to the ethical values seen in scientific research and medicine. Presents important theories of values and ethics. Examines dilemmas of doctors, scientists and research administrators. Topics include: authorship, data alteration, animal and human experimentation, and whistle blowers. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)


CHEM 313 (2 Credits) Fall
Chemical Analysis of Dynamic Systems (1+4) n

Introduction to modern methods of chemical analysis for the solution of specific environmental or biochemical problems. Focus on planning efficient experiments, assuring reliable results, and specific operations done in the lab. Laboratory experiments are multi-week projects requiring bench chemistry and instrumental methods. Collaborative groups are used in the laboratory and in writing laboratory reports. Laboratory fee: $35.00. (Prerequisites: CHEM 106X. Co-requisite CHEM 212 or junior standing.)


CHEM 321 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
CHEM 322
Organic Chemistry (3+0) n

A systematic study of the more important functional groups of carbon compounds, including their mechanisms of reaction, methods of synthesis, and physical and spectroscopic properties. (Prerequisite: CHEM 106X for CHEM 321; CHEM 321 with C grade or better for CHEM 322; or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 324 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Organic Laboratory (1+8) n

A laboratory designed to illustrate modern techniques of isolation, purification, analysis, and structure determination of covalent, principally organic, compounds. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Co-requisite: CHEM 322.)


CHEM 331 (3 Credits) Fall
CHEM 332 3 Credits Spring
CHEM 332 3 Credits SpringPhysical Chemistry (3+0) n

CHEM 331: Principles of thermodynamics with applications to phase equilibria, solutions, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry. CHEM 332: Kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. (Prerequisites: CHEM 106X, MATH 202, PHYS 104 or 212 or permission of the instructor; CHEM 331 for CHEM 332.)


CHEM 402 (3 Credits) Fall
Inorganic Chemistry (3+0) n

Application of physical chemistry to the study of the elements and their compounds. Bonding, periodic properties and coordination chemistry. (Prerequisite or Co-requisite: CHEM 332.)


CHEM 406 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Atmospheric Chemistry (3+0)
(Stacked with CHEM 606)

Chemistry of the lower atmosphere (troposphere and stratosphere) including photochemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, box modeling, biogeochemical cycles, and measurement techniques for atmospheric pollutants; study of important impacts to the atmosphere which result from anthropographic emissions of pollutants, including acid rain, the "greenhouse" effect, urban smog, and stratospheric ozone depletion. (Prerequisites: CHEM 332 or equivalent or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 408 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Global Chemical Cycles (3+0)
(Stacked with CHEM 608)

Discussion of the current understanding of global chemical cycles and the uncertainties associated with our knowledge. Examines experimental techniques used to investigate chemical cycles on a global scale. Recent scientific literature is critically reviewed to help provide an understanding of the uncertainties and difficulties involved in quantifying global scale cycles. Includes the interaction and exchange of chemicals between the atmosphere and earth's surface (both land and ocean), chemical reservoirs, and the implications for global change. (Prerequisites: CHEM 105X and CHEM 106X; MATH 200; or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 412 (3 Credits) Fall
Instrumental Analytical Methods (3+0) n

Theory, capabilities and limitations of instruments used in chemical analysis. Subjects include chromatography, mass spectrometry, potentiometry, optical spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. (Prerequisite: CHEM 212; Co-requisite: CHEM 331.)


CHEM 413W (3 Credits) Spring
Analytical Instrumental Laboratory (1+6) n

Quantitative instrumental measurements with atomic and molecular absorption spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography and potentiometry. Laboratory fee: $35.00. (Prerequisites: CHEM 212, 331, 412.)


CHEM 418W (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Developmental Biology (3+3) n
(Cross-listed with BIOL 418W)

Morphological and molecular aspects of the development of multicellular organisms, with emphasis on the regulation of morphogenesis. Laboratory involves team-based research focusing on fundamental aspects of vertebrate embryo development. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X, 106X, 210 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


CHEM 434W (3 Credits) Fall
Instrumental Methods in Physical Chemistry (1+6) n

A modern laboratory course with three major components: 1) experiments related to concepts learned in CHEM 331 and 332 including, but not limited to, spectroscopy, conductance, and diffusion; 2) computer use in problem solving, data analysis, and word process; and 3) technical writing with emphasis on preparation of papers for publication. Laboratory fee: $35.00. (Co-requisite: CHEM 332.)


CHEM 445 (4 Credits) Spring
Molecular Evolution (3+3)
(Stacked with CHEM 645 and BIOL 645 and cross-listed with BIOL 445)

The study of structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Laboratory fee: $100.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362.)


CHEM 451 (3 Credits) Fall
General Biochemistry (3+0)

Chemistry of biomolecules with emphasis on the bioenergetics and control of metabolic pathways via regulation of specific enzymes. (Prerequisite: CHEM 322; CHEM 331 recommended or permission of the instructor.)


CHEM 452W (3 Credits) Spring
Biochemistry Laboratory (1+6)

Experimental manipulation and observation of enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids, using chromatographic, spectroscopic, electrophoretic, and other techniques. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Prerequisite: CHEM 324 and 451.)


CHEM 453O/2 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Molecular Biology (3+3)
(Stacked with CHEM 653 and BIOL 653 and cross-listed with BIOL 453O/2)

Provides in-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362 or CHEM 321 or BIOL 303, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


CHEM 456 (3 Credits) Spring, As Demand Warrants
Advanced Biochemistry (3+0)

A lecture course where the students will study selected advanced topics in biochemistry and molecular biology. (Prerequisite: CHEM 451.)


CHEM 461 (4 Credits) Spring
Cell Biology (3+3) n
(Stacked with BIOL 661 and CHEM 661 and cross-listed with BIOL 461)

Principles of structure and function of eucaryotic cells. Molecular and cellular aspects of internal organization of cells and their integration in a multicellular community including cytoskeleton, energetics, vesicular traffic, signaling, cell division cycle, DNA replication and transcription, protein translation, adhesion, cancer and cell death. Laboratory involves team-based research to address fundamental aspects of cell biology. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 362 or concurrent enrollment, CHEM 321 or concurrent enrollment, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2000-01.)


CHEM 481 (1 Credit) Fall, Spring
CHEM 482O
Seminar (2+0)

Introduction to the techniques and style of technical oral presentation generally accepted by professional chemists. Class will meet two hours per week, the first hour in closed session, the second, open to the public. CHEM 481: Seminar attendance and participation in observing and critiquing presentations by graduate students, chemistry faculty, and their peers is required. CHEM 482: Preparation of a 40 minute presentation to be delivered twice, first, to others in the course in the closed session for critiquing and suggestions for improvement and later, in the open seminar for evaluation by all. Note: Oral communication intensive credit is earned upon successful completion of CHEM 482. (Prerequisite: For CHEM 482: CHEM 481.)


CHEM 488 (1 - 6 Credits) Fall, Spring
Undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry Research (0+1 - 6)

Advanced research topics from outside the usual undergraduate laboratory offerings. The student will be required to make presentations and turn in a final report. Research areas range from atmospheric chemistry to molecular biology. A substantial level of chemistry or biochemistry background is assumed. Laboratory fee: $35.00.


CHEM 601 (3 Credits) Fall
Introduction to Atmospheric Science (3+0)
(Stacked with ATM 401 and cross-listed with ATM 601)

Introduction to atmospheric science includes the thermodynamics and dynamics of properties of constituent gases, energy and mass conservation in the atmosphere, internal energy and entropy in dry and moist processes, water vapor in the atmosphere, static and conditional stability, non-internal equations of motion, hydrostasis, geostrophy. Chemistry discussion includes thermodynamic equilibrium and kinetic processes in the atmosphere, role of photolysis and gas phase oxidation processes, heterogeneous chemistry, origin of ozone layer, fundamentals of biogeochemical cycles: (e.g. CO2); Radiation discussion includes solar and terrestrial radiation, major absorbers, radiation balance, radiative equilibrium, radiative-convective equilibrium, basics of molecular, aerosol, and cloud adsorption and scattering. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing.)


CHEM 602 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3+0)

Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry. Topic Areas: solid state chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, X-ray diffraction, thermodynamic aspects, physical methods, unusual oxidation states, etc. Variable content. May be repeated for credit. (Prerequisite: CHEM 402 or 431.)


CHEM 606 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Atmospheric Chemistry (3+0)
(Stacked with CHEM 406)

Chemistry of the lower atmosphere (troposphere and stratosphere) including photochemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, box modeling, biogeochemical cycles, and measurement techniques for atmospheric pollutants; study of important impacts to the atmosphere which result from anthropographic emissions of pollutants, including acid rain, the "greenhouse" effect, urban smog, and stratospheric ozone depletion. (Prerequisites: CHEM 332 or equivalent or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 608 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Global Chemical Cycles (3+0)
(Stacked with CHEM 408)

Discussion of the current understanding of global chemical cycles and the uncertainties associated with our knowledge. Examines experimental techniques used to investigate chemical cycles on a global scale. Recent scientific literature is critically reviewed to help provide an understanding of the uncertainties and difficulties involved in quantifying global scale cycles. Includes the interaction and exchange of chemicals between the atmosphere and earth's surface (both land and ocean), chemical reservoirs, and the implications for global change. (Prerequisites: CHEM 105X and CHEM 106X; MATH 200X; or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 612 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Chemometrics (3+0)

Strategies and methods used by analytical chemists to maximize the chemical information content of data obtained in chemical measurements (i.e. chemometrics). Methods include univariate and multivariate approaches. Topics include the design of experiments, sampling, instrumental calibration and prediction, robust statistical methods, data preprocessing and pattern recognition. Emphasis on examples in optical spectroscopy, field analytical chemistry and iterative investigations. (Prerequisites: CHEM 332, 412 or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 621 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Enzymology and Bio-Organic Chemistry (3+0)

A lecture course emphasizing applications of the methods and concepts of physical organic chemistry to enzyme-catalyzed reactions. (Prerequisite: CHEM 451).


CHEM 622 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Biosysthesis of Plant Natural Products (3+0)

Focus on three major pathways of plant secondary metabolism: terpene, shikimate and acetogenic pathways. Includes discussion of offshoots of these pathways to various classes of alkaloids. Use of stable and radioisotopes in conjunction with modern NMR spectroscopy and kinetic isotope effects will be stressed. (Prerequisite: CHEM 322.)


CHEM 631 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Environmental Fate and Transport (3+0)

Examination of the physical properties that govern the behavior, fate and transport of contaminants released into the environment. Topics include air-water partitioning and exchange, organic solvent-water partitioning, diffusion, sorption, chemical and biological transformation reactions, and modeling concepts.


CHEM 632 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Molecular Spectroscopy (3+0)

Application of quantum mechanics to molecular bonding and spectroscopy. Topics include: applications of lasers to probe chemical reactivity, photochemistry, and the detection of trace compounds in mixtures. Variable content. May be repeated for credit. (Prerequisite: CHEM 332.)


CHEM 645 (4 Credits) Spring
Molecular Evolution (3+3)
(Cross-listed with BIOL 645)

Structure, function and evolution of hereditary molecules (nucleic acids). Laboratory fee: $100.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362 or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 653 (4 Credits) Alternate Fall
Molecular Biology (3+3)
(Stacked with CHEM 453O/2 and BIOL 453O/2 and cross-listed with BIOL 653)

Provides in-depth coverage of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene function, including the applications of recombinant DNA technology to the biological sciences. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Prerequisite: BIOL 362 or CHEM 321 or BIOL 303, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


CHEM 654 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Protein Structure and Function (3+0)

Contemporary topics in peptide and protein biochemistry. Topics include peptide synthesis, protein modification, comparative aspects of structure, protein engineering, enzyme and receptor function as well as molecular modeling. (Prerequisite: CHEM 451.)


CHEM 655 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology (3+0)

The thrust of the course is toward environmental biochemistry where the environment is broadly defined to include the home, the workplace and lifestyle, as well as the great out-of-doors. A major focus will be on those general properties and principles which determine how poisonous (toxic) various chemicals are. Major natural and synthetic chemicals in the environment of developed and developing countries will be reviewed. (Prerequisite: CHEM 451.)


CHEM 660 (3 Credits) Spring
Chemical Oceanography (3+0)
(Cross-listed with MSL 660)

An integrated study of the chemical, biological, and physical processes that determine the distribution of chemical variables in the sea. The distribution of stable and radioisotopes are used to follow complex chemical cycles, with particular emphasis on the cycles of nutrient elements. The chemistry of carbon is considered in detail. The implications of the recently explored mid-ocean ridge vent system to ocean chemistry are examined. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 661 (4 Credits) Spring
Cell Biology (3+3)
(Stacked with BIOL 461 and CHEM 461 and cross-listed with BIOL 661)

Principles of structure and function of eucaryotic cells. Molecular and cellular aspects of internal organization of cells and their integration in a multicellular community including cytoskeleton, energetics, vesicular traffic, signaling, cell division cycle, DNA replication and transcription, protein translation, adhesion, cancer and cell death. Laboratory involves team-based research to address fundamental aspects of cell biology. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 362 or concurrent enrollment, CHEM 321 or concurrent enrollment, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2000-01.)


CHEM 663 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Photosynthesis (3+0)
(Cross-listed with BIOL 663 and MSL 663)

Integrated analysis of photosynthesis. Processes to be addressed include gene expression, protein transport, membrane biogenesis, pigment synthesis, electron transport, regulation of enzyme activity, photon absorption and excitation energy transfer. Current data on environmental control of photosynthetic processes, from gene expression through photosynthetic competence, will be analyzed. (Prerequisites: CHEM 451 and MSL 650 or permission of instructor.)


CHEM 673 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Microbial Biochemistry and Bioenergetics (3+0)
(Cross-listed with MSL 673)

Course seeks to develop a working knowledge of energy transduction in biological systems. Particular emphasis will be on the molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of transmembrane potentials and solute flux and how microorganisms use these processes to control their environment.


CHEM 688 (0 - 1 Credit) Spring
Biochemical and Molecular Biology Seminar (1+0)

A seminar on various topics related to biochemistry and molecular biology including discussions of recent literature and research results.


CHEM 692 (1 Credit) Fall, Spring
Seminar (1+0)

CHEM 698 (1 - 8 Credits) Fall, Spring
Research (0+1 - 8)

Graded Pass/Fail.