Fall 2024
- CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGR -
• 415 Polymers (UGRD)Broad introduction to polymer science and technology, including polymer chemistry (major synthetic routes to polymers), polymer physics (solution and melt behavior, solid-state morphology and properties), and polymer engineering (overview of reaction engineering, melt processing, and recycling methods).
Instructors: Richard A. Register
Cross listed classes: CHM 415 | MSE 425
• 421 Green and Catalytic Chemistry (UGRD)Cross listed classes: CHM 415 | MSE 425
This course will use green chemistry and engineering principles to assess the catalytic production of fuels and chemicals. Historical context for current processes will be given to contrast available routes for conversions using alternative, more sustainable feedstocks, and processes. These case studies will also serve as platforms for the fundamentals of heterogeneous acid and metal catalysis, including techniques of catalyst synthesis and characterization, as well as an understanding of how reactions occur on surfaces.
Instructors: Michele L. Sarazen
Cross listed classes: CHM 421 | ENE 421
Cross listed classes: CHM 421 | ENE 421
- CHEMISTRY -
• 201 General Chemistry I (UGRD)CHM 201 (Fall) and CHM 202 (Spring) comprise an overview of Chemistry. This sequence serves as the entry level course for concentrators in Chemistry, and for other sciences requiring General Chemistry as a prerequisite. This sequence is also well suited for premedical students. The goal of General Chemistry is to enhance our understanding of our surroundings through a study of matter at the molecular scale. Topics in CHM 201 include chemical reactions, equilibrium, energy and entropy, quantum theory, atomic structure, and chemical bonding.
Instructors: Corey Clapp | Sonja A. Francis | Michael H. Hecht
• 207 General Chemistry: Applications in Modern Technology (UGRD)An introductory course with examples drawn from materials science, engineering and environmental impact. Basic concepts of chemistry are introduced: stoichiometry, reaction types, equilibria, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and chemical bonding. These concepts are applied in discussions of the structure, reactions, and properties of technologically important processes and materials: metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and polymers. CHM 207 is designed as a one term introduction to chemistry; however, it may be coupled with CHM 202 to satisfy the one-year general chemistry requirement for STEM and pre-health fields of study.
Instructors: Andrew B. Bocarsly | Sonja A. Francis | Robert P. L'Esperance | Ana Mostafavi
• 250 Chemistry Research Experience I (Non-Credit) (UGRD)The Chemistry Research Experience sequence provide sophomore students with an in lab research experience. The sequence comprises two semesters with CHM 250 as a prerequisite for CHM 251, a credit bearing P/D/F course. Students will gain an introduction to chemical research within the laboratory of a chemistry faculty mentor. Students are expected to spend 6 hours per week engaged in research and attend weekly meetings as outlined by the mentoring faculty. At the end of the semester, students will present an oral presentation summarizing their results.
Instructors: Robert P. L'Esperance | Susan K. VanderKam
• 301 Organic Chemistry I: Biological Emphasis (UGRD)This course is designed as the first part of a three-semester sequence, CHM 301, 304, and MOL 345. CHM 301 will introduce the principles of organic chemistry, including structures, properties and reactivity of organic compounds. The emphasis will be on bonding and structure, structural analysis by spectroscopy and mechanisms of organic reactions. Examples will be taken from biology when appropriate to illustrate the principles. For a complete presentation of the subject, the course should be followed by CHM 304 in the spring.
Instructors: Sandra L. Knowles | Robert P. L'Esperance | Erin E. Stache
• 305 The Quantum World (UGRD)An introduction to quantum mechanics for students interested in its relevance to chemistry, emphasizing fundamental and conceptual understanding. Topics include wave mechanics, eigenvalue problems, the Schrödinger equation, the uncertainty principle, quantum tunneling, and treatment of various model quantum systems from the free particle to the hydrogen atom. Fundamental principles will be connected to modern research topics including spectroscopy, electronic structure calculations, photochemistry, nanoscience, and quantum information.
Instructors: Alice Kunin | Marissa L. Weichman
• 337 Organic Chemistry: Bioengineering Emphasis (UGRD)A one-semester introduction to the organic chemical reactions of greatest biological importance. Covers organic mechanisms underlying fundamental metabolic reactions and introduces engineering approaches for analyzing networks of such reactions. For biology or engineering students, this course is an alternative to the standard two-semester organic chemistry sequence (CHM 301 and 304). Satisfies the organic
chemistry requirement for MOL and CBE, but not for CHM majors. Provides appropriate background for subsequent studies in biochemistry.
Instructors: Sandra L. Knowles | Joshua D. Rabinowitz
• 371 Experimental Chemistry (UGRD)Four compulsory laboratory exercises explore the breadth of topics in chemistry. The
compulsories include inorganic synthesis, physical characterization, spectroscopy, and
computational chemistry. Incorporated into these experiments are analytical methods,
quantitative methods, and instrumental methods. Students have access to state-of-the-art
equipment. Proper lab technique and data management are also part of the learning
experience. The once-per-week lecture component supplements the hands on experience
in the lab. Grading considers pre-lab preparation, engagement, and lab technique as well
as lab report submissions.
Instructors: Michael T. Kelly | Chia-Ying Wang
• 373 Analytical Methods and Experimental Design (UGRD)The overarching goal of this course is to learn the art of designing experiments for
independent inquiry. We introduce fundamental principles of modern analytical
methods such as spectroscopy and chromatography. Students learn
about instrumental methods that employ these concepts and how to interpret data
collected using these techniques. Discussion includes statistical treatment of data using
standard methods for proper reporting of information with precision, accuracy, and
uncertainty.
Instructors: Michael T. Kelly | Chia-Ying Wang
• 411 Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity (UGRD)Structural principles and bonding theories are discussed for various classes of main group inorganic and transition metal coordination compounds. The topics include an introduction to group theory, vibrational spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory, electronic structure of d-orbitals, and ligand field theory. Additional topics will include reactions of coordination compounds and organometallic species, kinetic mechanistic analysis, and homogeneous catalysis systems.
Instructors: Susan K. VanderKam
• 500A Responsible Conduct of Research in Chemistry (Half-Term) (GRAD)Discussion and evaluation of the role professional researchers play in dealing with the reporting of research, responsible authorship, human and animal studies, misconduct and fraud in science, intellectual property, and professional conduct in scientific relationships. Participants are expected to read the materials and cases prior to each meeting. Successful completion is based on regular attendance and active participation in discussion. This half-term course is designed to satisfy federal funding agencies' requirements for training in the ethical practice of scientists. Required for graduate students and post-docs.
Instructors: Michael T. Kelly
• 500B Responsible Conduct of Research in Chemistry (Half-Term) (GRAD)Discussion and evaluation of the role professional researchers play in dealing with the reporting of research, responsible authorship, human and animal studies, misconduct and fraud in science, intellectual property, and professional conduct in scientific relationships. Participants are expected to read the materials and cases prior to each meeting. Successful completion is based on attendance at all course meetings and active participation in discussion. This half-term course is designed to satisfy federal funding agencies requirements for training in the ethical practice of scientists. Required for graduate students and post-docs.
Instructors: Michael T. Kelly
• 500C Responsible Conduct of Research in Chemistry (Half-Term) (GRAD)Discussion and evaluation of the role professional researchers play in dealing wtih the reporting of research, responsible authorship, human and animal studies, misconduct and fraud in science, intellectual property, and professional conduct in scientific relationships. Participants are expected to read the materials and cases prior to each meeting. Successful completion is based on regular attendance and active participation in discussion. This half-term course is designed to satisfy federal funding agencies' requirements for training in the ethical practice of scientists. Required for chemistry graduate students/post-docs.
Instructors: Michael T. Kelly
• 501 Basic Principles of Quantum Mechanics (GRAD)Basic quantum mechanical concepts at a rigorous level appropriate for graduate students in experimental and theoretical physical chemistry, applied physics and engineering. Topics include: (i) mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics and operators in time-independent and time-dependent quantum theory; (ii) exactly soluble systems: single spin, harmonic oscillator and hydrogen atom; (iii) time-independent perturbation theory; (iv) the variational theorem; (v) time-dependent perturbation theory with selected applications; (vi) indistinguishable particles.
Instructors: Herschel A. Rabitz | Joseph E. Subotnik
• 503 Introduction to Statistical Mechanics (GRAD)Prediction of the structure and properties of equilibrium and nonequilibrium states of matter. Topics include Gibbs ensembles; microscopic basis of thermodynamics; Boltzmann statistics; ideal gases; Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics; models of solids; blackbody radiation; Bose condensation; conduction in metals; virial expansion; distribution functions; liquids; structural glasses; sphere packings and jamming; computer simulation techniques; critical phenomena; percolation theory; Ising model; renormalization group methods; irreversible processes; Brownian motion; Fokker-Planck and Boltzmann equations.
Instructors: Roberto Car | Salvatore Torquato
Cross listed classes: CBE 524 | MSE 514
• 522 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (GRAD)Cross listed classes: CBE 524 | MSE 514
A detailed examination of bonding and structure in transition metal complexes and crystalline solid materials are undertaken. Group Theory is introduced on an advanced level. A variety of modern physical methods are discussed in this context. Chemical reactivity, including ligand substitution reactions, charge transfer reactions and photochemical processes, are investigated based on electronic structure considerations. Basic physical properties of solid materials are discussed in context to their electronic structure. Examples are drawn from the current literature.
Instructors: Leslie M. Schoop
Cross listed classes: MSE 592
• 530 Synthetic Organic Chemistry (GRAD)Cross listed classes: MSE 592
A mechanism-based course on organic synthesis for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students who wish to learn chemical synthesis of organic compounds. Course deals with various classical and modern synthetic methodologies. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding scope, limitations, and selectivity based on the mechanism, with the goal to understand fundamental principles underlying each synthetic method. The knowledge and perspective acquired in this course is expected to provide sufficient foundation to understand and use the research literature in organic synthesis.
Instructors: Jose B. Roque | Erik J. Sorensen
• 532 Mechanistic and Physical Organic Chemistry (GRAD)This course covers the fundamentals of physical organic chemistry to provide the students with a thorough understanding of chemical reactivity. Within the framework of organic reaction mechanisms, the class discusses a number of topics, including the essence of structure and bonding, the nature of reactive intermediates, and the use of kinetic measurements and isotopic labeling studies to decipher chemical mechanisms. Grades are based on problem sets, a mid-term, and a final exam.
Instructors: Todd K. Hyster
• 538 Topics in Biological Chemistry: Chemical Tools to Study Biological Systems (GRAD)This class emphasizes the use of chemical approaches to investigate and manipulate biological processes at the biochemical, the cellular, and the organismal level. The purpose is to provide chemical biologists with modern chemical methods. The class then discusses how these methods can be applied to study different biological problems, highlighting important questions in biology. Typically a paper from the current literature will be presented and discussed by the students each class. Grades are based on problem sets, a midterm exam, a literature presentation, and a research proposal.
Instructors: Christopher J. Chang | Michelle C. Chang | Tom Muir
- GEOSCIENCES -
• 363 Environmental Chemistry: Chemistry of the Natural Systems (UGRD)Covers topics including origin of elements; formation of the Earth; evolution of the atmosphere and oceans; atomic theory and chemical bonding; crystal chemistry and ionic substitution in crystals; reaction equilibria and kinetics in aqueous and biological systems; chemistry of high-temperature melts and crystallization process; and chemistry of the atmosphere, soil, marine and riverine environments. The biogeochemistry of contaminants and their influence on the environment will also be discussed.
Instructors: Satish C. Myneni
Cross listed classes: CHM 331 | ENV 331
Cross listed classes: CHM 331 | ENV 331
- INTEGRATED SCIENCE CURRICULUM -
• 231 An Integrated, Quantitative Introduction to Life Sciences I (UGRD)The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC.
Instructors: Jennifer Claire Gadd-Reum | Thomas Gregor | Martin Helmut Wühr | Ben Xinzi Zhang
Cross listed classes: MOL 231 | CHM 231 | PHY 231
• 232 An Integrated, Quantitative Introduction to Life Sciences I (UGRD)Cross listed classes: MOL 231 | CHM 231 | PHY 231
The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC.
Instructors: Brittany Adamson | Michael A. Skinnider | Martin Helmut Wühr
Cross listed classes: MOL 232 | CHM 232 | PHY 232
Cross listed classes: MOL 232 | CHM 232 | PHY 232
- MOLECULAR BIOLOGY -
• 345 Biochemistry (UGRD)Fundamental concepts of biomolecular structure and function will be discussed, with an emphasis on principles of thermodynamics, binding and catalysis. A major portion of the course will focus on metabolism and its logic and regulation.
Instructors: Frederick M. Hughson
Cross listed classes: CHM 345
Cross listed classes: CHM 345
- MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGR -
• 512 Phase Transformations in Materials: Theory and Simulation (GRAD)This course focuses on the theory and simulation of phase transformations in materials. Through a combination of traditional lectures and several computational projects, the physics of nucleation, growth, and coarsening behavior of both solid-like and liquid-like multicomponent materials are explored. Computational approaches covered in the class include Langevin equations, Monte Carlo and enhanced sampling methods, thermodynamic integration, Cahn-Hilliard model, and the diffuse interface (phase field) method.
Instructors: Mikko P. Haataja | William M. Jacobs
Cross listed classes: CHM 511
• 518 Fundamentals of Quantum Materials and Their Applications (GRAD)Cross listed classes: CHM 511
Exploring the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering, this course delves into the fundamentals of quantum materials and their pivotal role in advancing technologies, particularly quantum computing. Emphasizing interdisciplinarity, it equips students with the knowledge to tackle future challenges in materials science and engineering. Covering key concepts, techniques, and applications of quantum materials, the course addresses critical questions and topics within this emerging field. Special focus is given to the various synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and potential of these materials in technological innovations.
Instructors: Robert Joseph Cava
Cross listed classes: CHM 518
Cross listed classes: CHM 518
- QUANTITATIVE COMPUTATIONAL BIO -
• 515 Method and Logic in Quantitative Biology (GRAD)Close reading of published papers illustrating the principles, achievements, and difficulties that lie at the interface of theory and experiment in biology. Two important papers, read in advance by all students, will be considered each week; the emphasis will be on discussion with students as opposed to formal lectures. Topics include: cooperativity, robust adaptation, kinetic proofreading, sequence analysis, clustering, phylogenetics, analysis of fluctuations, and maximum likelihood methods. A general tutorial on Matlab and specific tutorials for the four homework assignments will be available.
Instructors: Ned S. Wingreen
Cross listed classes: PHY 570 | EEB 517 | CHM 517 | MOL 515
Cross listed classes: PHY 570 | EEB 517 | CHM 517 | MOL 515