The interaction of light with molecules is central to studies of molecular structure and reactivity. This course builds on students’ understanding of molecular structure from the core sequence (CHM 111-CHM 224) to show how many types of light can be used to interrogate molecules and to shed some light on their behavior. The combined classroom/laboratory format allows students to explore light-based instruments in short, in-class exercises as well as in longer, more traditional labs.

The interaction of light with molecules is central to studies of molecular structure and reactivity. This course builds on students’ understanding of molecular structure from the core sequence (CHM 111-CHM 224) to show how many types of light can be used to interrogate molecules and to shed some light on their behavior. The combined classroom/laboratory format allows students to explore light-based instruments in short, in-class exercises as well as in longer, more traditional labs.

Laboratory accompanying CHM 332. This lab investigates the concepts of heat, energy, and entropy in order to explain why chemical processes occur the way they do. Experiments include solution and combustion calorimetry, polymer thermodynamics, equilibrium monitored by NMR, and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 332. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; and MTH 112. Enrollment limited to 12.

Laboratory accompanying CHM 332. This lab investigates the concepts of heat, energy, and entropy in order to explain why chemical processes occur the way they do. Experiments include solution and combustion calorimetry, polymer thermodynamics, equilibrium monitored by NMR, and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 332. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; and MTH 112. Enrollment limited to 12.

Thermodynamics and kinetics: does the contents of this flask react, and if so, how fast? Explores the properties that govern the chemical and physical behavior of macroscopic collections of atoms and molecules (gases, liquids, solids and mixtures thereof). Corequisite: CHM 332L. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; and MTH 112. Enrollment limited to 24.

Synthetic techniques and experimental design in the context of multistep synthesis. The literature of chemistry, methods of purification and characterization with a focus on NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 18.

Synthetic techniques and experimental design in the context of multistep synthesis. The literature of chemistry, methods of purification and characterization with a focus on NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 18.

An examination of modern methods of organic synthesis and approaches to the synthesis of complex organic compounds with a focus on the current literature. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 24.

Polymeric materials are ubiquitous in society and play a vital role in many of the technologies that humans use on a daily basis (e.g., clothing, electronic devices, drug formulations, medical implants). Chemistry is central to the development of new materials for advanced technologies and this course provides an introduction to the fields of polymer chemistry and macromolecular assembly. Discussions include methods and mechanisms in polymer synthesis and assembly, characterization of polymer structure and properties, and applications of polymers.

Lab section. This final course in the chemistry core sequence provides a foundation in the principles of physical and inorganic chemistry that are central to the study of all chemical phenomena. Discussions include quantitative treatment of thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 224. Prerequisites: CHM 111/111L or equivalent. MTH 111 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 16.