This course is an introduction to experimental and theoretical approaches to the determination of the structure of atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds. Classroom work provides background in the theory of atomic and molecular structure and an introduction to quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.

An introduction to the study of molecules of high molecular weights with emphasis on synthetic rather than naturally occurring polymers. Topics include polymerization, structures, molecular weight determination, molecular weight distribution, chain configurations, rubber elasticity, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions.

This course is a hands-on practicum, intended to introduce students to the practice of modern physics research. Depending on student interest, topics include external research seminars by practitioners in the field, training in oral and written scientific communication, presentation and interpretation of research results, scientific modeling, and hands-on experimental skills. Research projects are an integral part of this course; credit will be apportioned in relation to the intensity of the project.

A continuation of Chemistry 202 that addresses the chemistry of aromatic compounds, the carbonyl group, and a number of other functional groups. Examples drawn from compounds of biological interest. The laboratory includes organic synthesis and the identification of unknown compounds by chemical and spectroscopic means.