Note: Sequencing rules in effect for many Math courses prohibit students from earning credit for a lower numbered Math course after receiving credit for a higher numbered Math course. Sequencing rules are included in the course descriptions of applicable courses.
Chemical Engineering
CHE 673 - Chemical Process Safety
(3 units)Inherently safe design, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, toxicology, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, pressure relief design, fugitive emissions, dispersion modeling, safety and health regulations, accident investigation.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Sources and quantification of air pollution; effects of air pollution; relevant statutory regulations; contemporary air pollution control technologies; system design; dispersion modeling.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Introduction to bioengineering principles and application to engineering processes. Topics include cell growth, industrial fermentation, pharmaceutical processing, waste treatment, mass transfer, bioreactor design and control.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Spring - Even Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(1 to 3 units)Individual problems in chemical engineering.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
CHE 700 - Applied Mathematics in Chemical Engineering
(3 units)Application of ordinary and partial differential equations, transforms, the calculus of finite differences and numerical methods in chemical engineering problems.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Characterization of particles and particulate systems; packing of granular solids; powder mechanics and hopper design; interparticle forces; bulk powder processing, including conveying, communition, and storage.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Principles of polymerization, including: step, radical, emulsion and chain polymerization. Topics related to polymerization are: reaction kinetics, equilibrium considerations, molecular weight distribution, and crosslinking.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Spring - Even Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Selected topics in contemporary process control research including: nonlinear control model-based control schemes, multivariable control, intelligent modeling algorithms.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Complex reaction rates and networks; catalytic processes; gas-solid reactions; batch, plug flow, perfectly mixed flow reactor equations; stability and analysis; homogeneous and heterogeneous models; fluidized bed reactors.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
CHE 760 - Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
(3 units)Advanced treatment of thermodynamics with application to dynamic, equilibrium, and near equilibrium systems. Measurements, derivative properties, equations of state, activity-coefficient models, reaction equilibria.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Introduction to statistical thermodynamics with applications to metallurgy and chemical engineering. (CHE 762 and MSE 762 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Advanced concepts in theoretical and applied fluid and heat dynamics involving steady state, transient and cyclic phenomena in chemical and metallurgical engineering.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Multicomponent diffusion, mass transport models, advanced concepts in analysis and design of continuous and multistage separation processes, advanced topics including recent literature.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Spring - Even Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Fundamental theories and applications of heterogeneous catalysis; adsorption isotherms, catalyst characterization, mass transfer limitations on reaction rates, development of kinetics and reaction models.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(1 to 3 units)Guest speakers, faculty, or students will make presentations and discuss research topics. (CHE 790 and MSE 790 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(1 to 4 units)Specialized study in any of the subjects pertaining to chemical engineering. Subject matter may be arranged after conference with faculty member and department chair.
Maximum units a student may earn: 8
Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(1 to 3 units)Course is used by graduate programs to administer comprehensive examinations either as end of program comprehensive examinations or as qualifying examinations for doctoral candidates prior to being advanced to candidacy.
Grading Basis: S/U Only Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(1 to 6 units)Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(1 to 24 units)For majors in the chemical engineering doctoral program only.
Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(1 to 4 units)Provides access to faculty for continued consultation and advisement. No grade is filed and credits may not be applied to any degree requirements. Limited to 8 credits (2 semester) enrollment. For non-thesis master’s degree students only.
Grading Basis: S/U only Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. 2. design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data. 3. understand research methodology.
(3 units)Introductory chemistry with emphasis on impacts on human society, environmental issues, energy sources, and life processes. Includes four laboratory experiments.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the Core Math requirement or SAT score of 610 or revised SAT score of 630 or ACT score of 27 or Accuplacer EA score of 80 and CL 84 or Corequisite. Corequisite(s): MATH 126 or MATH 127 or MATH 128 or MATH 176 or MATH 181.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply the scientific method by stating a question, performing experiments and/or analyzing a data presentation. 2. name and identify common inorganic and organic compounds. 3. use the Periodic Table of Elements to make predictions about chemical properties. 4. discuss how chemistry relates to everyday life and societal issues.
(3 units) CO4Fundamentals of chemistry including reaction stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, states of matter, and thermochemistry. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 121, CHEM 121A, or CHEM 201.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Core Curriculum Mathematics requirement (MATH 127 or higher is recommended) or Corequisite(s): MATH 127 or higher and CHEM 121L.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. appraise and assess how chemistry applies to everyday phenomena. 2. identify salts, acids, and bases from their molecular formulas, and describe the relationship between the structure of a molecule and its chemical and physical properties. 3. identify the subatomic particles of an atom, their charges and relatives masses. 4. balance chemical equations and compute stoichiometric relationships including limiting reagents, molarity, titrations, dilutions and thermochemical equations. 5. predict periodic trends in atomic and ionic size, ionization potential and electronegativity. 6. draw Lewis structures for p-block molecules and their three-dimensional representation. 7. use the ideal gas law to calculate pressure, volume, and temperature relationships. 8. explain various intermolecular forces within a chemical system.
(1 unit) CO4LLaboratory experiments to accompany CHEM 121A. Credit not allowed in both CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Core Curriculum Mathematics requirement (MATH 127 or higher is recommended) or Corequisite(s): MATH 127 or higher; CHEM 121A.
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. assess and determine the connection between the hands-on laboratory material and the material discussed in the lecture course (CHEM 121A). 2. explain the relationship between the structure of a molecule and its chemical and physical properties. 3. apply knowledge and skill to laboratory techniques, including the proper and safe use and handling of glassware, the techniques and processes common to many scientific labs, standard methods for recording observations and data, performing accurate quantitative measurements. 4. analyze and interpret experimental results, derive chemical properties from experimental data, and develop appropriate and accurate conclusions. 5. articulate and follow ethical principles in the laboratory context.
(3 units) CO4, CO9Fundamentals of chemistry including solutions, kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and properties of inorganic and organic compounds. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 122A, CHEM 122R, or CHEM 202.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. perform calculations and apply concepts related to chemical equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry. 2. explain the general differences that exist between strong acids/bases and weak acids/bases. 3. explain the properties of solutions, identify the factors affecting solubility, and calculate solution concentration. 4. identify and explain the role of chemistry with respect to societal and global issues. 5. evaluate the relationship between chemical structure and chemical reactivity of compounds.
(1 unit) CO4L, CO9Laboratory experiments to accompany CHEM 122A. Credit not allowed for both CHEM 122 and CHEM 122L.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121A and CHEM 121Land completion of Core Curriculum Mathematics requirement (MATH 127 or higher is recommended) or Corequisite(s): MATH 127 or higher and CHEM 122A.
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. practice safe laboratory and waste management techniques as they apply to the general chemistry laboratory setting. 2. follow a guided inquiry experimental procedure, interpret experimental results, and draw reasonable conclusions. 3. perform stoichiometric calculations for chemical reactions. 4. convert between units using dimensional analysis. 5. identify the connection between the material taught in the lecture course and the material covered in the laboratory. 6. articulate and follow ethical principles in the laboratory context.
CHEM 201 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers I
(4 units) CO4LPrinciples of chemistry including stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, kinetic theory of gases, solutions, equilibrium, and thermochemistry. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 121, CHEM 121A, CHEM 121R, or CHEM 201.
Prerequisite(s): ACT Math score of 28 or SAT Math score of 630 or revised SAT Math score of 650. Corequisite(s): MATH 181. Recommended Preparation: One year high school chemistry.
Units of Lecture: 3 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain and apply foundational theories/laws of chemistry including, but not limited to: the atomic theory of matter, gas laws, the first law of thermodynamics, kinetic molecular gas theory, and basic quantum theories. 2. perform calculations relevant to the chemical sciences including, but not limited to, problems involving: chemical stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, and thermochemistry. 3. perform basic manipulations relevant to a chemical laboratory. 4. formulate hypotheses based on scientific laws and theories, collect data/evidence relevant to these hypotheses, reach conclusions based on the collected evidence, and defend those conclusions. 5. articulate and follow ethical principles in the laboratory context. 6. connect chemical principles to real-world problems and issues of societal and technological importance.
CHEM 202 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers II
(4 units) CO4L, CO9Principles of chemistry including thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, nuclear chemistry, metals and non-metals, coordination compounds, and properties of inorganic, organic, and biological molecules. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 122A, CHEM 122R, or CHEM 202.
Units of Lecture: 3 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. assign oxidation states, balance and apply concepts of free energy to redox equations. 2. identify different types of acids and bases. 3. solve problems in aqueous equilibrium and acid/base chemistry, and apply concepts of free energy to the equilibrium reactions. 4. explain how temperature, pressure and other atmospheric conditions affect reaction equilibria and kinetics. 5. describe the fundamental properties of solids, liquids and gases and phase transformations between them. 6. have a working knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, such as titrations and pH measurements. 7. articulate and follow ethical principles in a laboratory context. 8. connect chemical principles to real-world problems by analyzing scientific data related to a problem of societal or technological concern.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. interpret IUPAC names of organic compounds, draw correct structures from names and vice versa, and differentiate between isomers (structural, geometric, or stereoisomers). 2. recognize different bonding concepts including resonance and formal charges and use these concepts to predict structure and reactivity of simple organic compounds. 3. identify an organic transformation as a substitution, addition, elimination, oxidation-reduction, or acid-base reaction. 4. predict products, reagents, or starting materials in simple acid-base, substitution, addition, and oxidation-reduction reactions applied to alkyl halides, alkenes and alkynes, oxygen-containing functional groups such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids, and nitrogen-containing functional groups such as amines. 5. draw and/or complete arrow-pushing mechanisms for reactions of simple to moderate complexity. 6. apply organic structural and reactivity concepts to molecules of biological importance and complexity.
(1 unit)Techniques employed in the preparation, separation and identification of organic compounds. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 220L, CHEM 345, or CHEM 347.
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. safely handle laboratory glassware, equipment, chemicals, and generated waste in accordance with waste disposal and safety regulations. 2. practice basic laboratory techniques used for the preparation, purification, separation, and identification of organic compounds such as recrystallization, distillation, extraction, chromatography, and melting point determination. 3. apply laboratory techniques to single-step organic transformations. 4. use knowledge of organic chemistry theory to explain reaction outcomes. 5. measure and record experimental data such as mass, melting point, or retention factor, and calculate reaction metrics such as percent yield, percent recovery, and atom economy. 6. articulate and follow ethical principles in the laboratory context.
(3 units)Introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds; functional groups; relationships among molecular structure, properties, and reactivity; and biological relevance. For life and environmental sciences majors. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 220A, CHEM 241, or CHEM 341.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. draw correct organic structures from names, including IUPAC and common, and vice-versa, including stereochemistry, and demonstrate ability to distinguish isomers. 2. identify and explain different bonding concepts including hybridization, resonance and formal charges. 3. apply simple principles of thermodynamics, kinetics and acid-base behavior to organic reactions. 4. predict products, reagents, and starting materials in standard substitution, elimination, and addition reactions applied to alkyl halides, alkenes and alkynes, correctly utilizing arrow pushing mechanisms, and applying stereo- and regioselectivity concepts. 5. interpret simple proton NMR spectra.
(3 units)Continuation of CHEM 241, with emphasis on additional functional groups, fundamental reaction mechanisms, and biomolecules. For life and environmental sciences majors. Credit not allowed in both CHEM 242 and CHEM 342.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. predict aromaticity in simple molecules and predict aromatic substitution products. 2. identify oxygen-containing organic functional groups including alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids, and follow their transformations through oxidation-reduction, addition and substitution reactions. 3. identify nitrogen containing functional groups including amines, amides, and nitriles through correct prediction of their structures, properties, and simple reactions. 4. interpret simple IR spectra of organic molecules. 5. demonstrate correct use of arrow-pushing mechanisms for standard multistep organic reactions. 6. apply organic structural and reactivity concepts to fundamental molecules of biological importance.
(1 to 3 units)Independent study of a special problem, research and/or assigned readings in chemistry. Credit not allowed toward Chemistry major or minor except with departmental permission.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of a selected topic in an area of chemistry. 2. formulate and solve problems in a selected topic of chemistry. 3. communicate verbally or in writing about aspects of a selected topic of chemistry. 4. discuss the relationship of a selected topic in an area of chemistry to society.
(3 units)Research Methods is a required course in the NevadaTeach sequence. The course provides prospective science teachers with an understanding of how the scientific enterprise works. (BIOL 303, CHEM 303 and PHYS 303 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the three.)
Prerequisite(s): NVTC 101; NVTC 102; completion of Silver Core Natural Sciences requirement; Junior standing. Recommended Preparation: MATH 181; a college-level statistics course.
Units of Lecture: 2 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. create their own experiments to answer scientific questions. 2. identify sources of systematic and random errors and design experiments to reduce them. 3. use probes and computers to gather and analyze data. 4. use statistics to interpret experimental results and deal with sampling errors. 5. treat human subjects in an ethical fashion.
Units of Lecture: 2 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 2 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. employ analytical principles and methods when solving problems. 2. communicate the concepts and results of lecture and laboratory topics orally and in writing. 3. execute proper laboratory techniques when applying analytical methods to quantitative analysis of chemical substances, especially for accurate and precise measurements. 4. interpret recorded data from analyses utilizing statistical methods and discriminate between sound and unsound interpretation of data. 5. describe the role of analytical chemistry in modern society including environmental and biomedical contexts, and evaluate the impact of precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of chemical analyses in environmental or physiological contexts.
CHEM 341 - Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals I
(3 units)Detailed treatment of organic molecules, simple functional groups, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, introductory synthesis, and spectroscopy. For chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and other pre-professional majors. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 220A, CHEM 241, or CHEM 341.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. draw correct organic structures from names and vice-versa, including stereochemistry, and distinguish isomers. 2. identify and explain different bonding concepts including resonance and formal charges. 3. apply fundamental principles of thermodynamics, kinetics and acid-base behavior to organic reactions. 4. predict products, reagents, and starting materials in substitution, elimination, and addition reactions applied to alkyl halides, alkenes and alkynes, correctly utilizing arrow pushing mechanisms, and applying stereo-, chemo-, and regioselectivity concepts. 5. devise simple multi-step organic syntheses. 6. predict organic structures from proton and carbon NMR spectroscopy experiments.
CHEM 342 - Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals II
(3 units)Continuation of CHEM 341, with emphasis on complex functional groups, detailed reaction mechanisms, multistep syntheses, and molecules relevant to biology and materials science. Credit not allowed in both CHEM 242 and CHEM 342.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 341, or CHEM 241 with a grade of “A” or “B”.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. predict aromaticity in molecules and aromatic substitution products. 2. identify oxygen-containing organic functional groups including alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids, and follow their transformations through oxidation-reduction, addition and substitution reactions. 3. identify nitrogen containing functional groups including amines, amides, and nitriles through correct prediction of their structures, properties, and reactions. 4. interpret IR and UV/visible spectra of organic molecules. 5. demonstrate correct use of arrow-pushing mechanisms for complex multistep organic reactions involving multiple functional groups and including simple pericyclic reactions. 6. apply organic structural and reactivity concepts to molecules of biological importance and complexity.
(2 units)Introduction to laboratory techniques, synthetic methods, identification of organic compounds. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 220L, CHEM 345, or CHEM 347.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 242 or CHEM 342. Restricted to non-chemistry majors; Chemistry majors should enroll in CHEM 347.
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 2 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. safely handle laboratory glassware, equipment, chemicals, and generated waste in accordance with waste disposal and safety regulations. 2. maintain a laboratory notebook according to course guidelines and report results in a scientific laboratory report. 3. practice basic laboratory techniques used for the preparation, purification, and separation of organic compounds and apply the laboratory techniques to single- and multi-step organic transformations. 4. use instrumentation such as gas chromatographs, polarimeters, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers for the identification of organic compounds and interpret data acquired from these instruments. 5. correlate organic chemistry theory with experimental outcomes. 6. use experimental data to calculate reaction metrics such as yield and atom economy. 7. articulate and follow ethical principles in the laboratory context.
CHEM 347 - Laboratory Techniques of Organic Chemistry I
(2 units)Laboratory techniques and principles of the synthesis, purification, and characterization of organic compounds. For chemistry and other pre-professional majors. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 220L, CHEM 345, or CHEM 347.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 242 or Corequisite. Corequisite(s): CHEM 341.
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 2 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. safely handle laboratory glassware, equipment, chemicals, and generated waste in accordance with waste disposal and safety regulations. 2. maintain a laboratory notebook according to course guidelines. 3. practice basic laboratory techniques used for the preparation, purification, and separation of organic compounds and apply the laboratory techniques to single-step organic transformations. 4. use instrumentation such as gas chromatographs, polarimeters, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers for the identification of organic compounds and interpret data acquired from these instruments. 5. use experimental data to calculate reaction metrics such as yield and atom economy. 6. correlate organic chemistry theory with experimental outcomes. 7. locate current and archival chemical literature and then report literature information and experimental results in the quality and form of a scientific journal article. 8. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice.
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 2 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. safely handle laboratory glassware, equipment, chemicals, and generated waste in accordance with waste disposal and safety regulations. 2. maintain a laboratory notebook according to course guidelines. 3. practice basic laboratory techniques used for the preparation, purification, and separation of organic compounds and apply the laboratory techniques to single- and multi-step organic transformations. 4. use instrumentation such as gas chromatographs, polarimeters, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers for the identification of organic compounds and interpret data acquired from these instruments. 5. correlate organic chemistry theory with experimental outcomes. 6. use experimental data to calculate reaction metrics such as yield and atom economy. 7. use chemical information resources such as journals and search engines to conduct a literature search, organize and synthesize the information retrieved with experimental results, and report results in the quality and form of a scientific journal article. 8. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice, sourcing literature information without plagiarism, and crediting collaborators.
(1 to 3 units)Laboratory or lecture course in area not covered in other courses. Credit allowed toward chemistry major or minor with departmental permission only.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of a specialized topic in an area of chemistry. 2. formulate and solve problems in a specialized topic in an area of chemistry. 3. communicate verbally or in writing about aspects of a specialized topic in chemistry. 4. discuss the relationship of a specialized topic in chemistry to society.
(3 units)Fundamental principles including thermodynamics, phase equilibria, non-ideal systems, electrochemistry, and introductory statistical mechanics. Credit not allowed in both CHEM 421 and CHEM 425.
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. derive relationships among physical and chemical properties using thermodynamics concepts and the laws of thermodynamics. 2. apply state functions including energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs energy, and Helmholtz energy to analyze systems and processes. 3. apply thermodynamic relationships to chemical and physical systems, including heat engines, chemical reactions, phase equilibria, and electrochemical systems. 4. explain the behavior of ideal gases, real gases, and supercritical fluids and the phase equilibria of single- and multi-component systems through quantitative relationships. 5. determine the reaction order, half-life, and time-dependence of reactant and product concentrations from a reaction rate law expression. 6. derive a rate law from a multistep chemical reaction mechanism.
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply the Schrödinger Equation to quantum mechanical models such as particle-in-a-box, harmonic oscillator, and rigid rotor. 2. explain and apply the postulates of quantum mechanics, interpret wavefunctions, including using wavefunctions to calculate probabilities and expectation values. 3. interpret and apply the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the variational principle, and the superposition principle. 4. apply quantum mechanical principles to explain the electronic structure of the hydrogen atom, polyelectronic atoms, and small molecules and their electronic, rotational, and vibrational spectra and other physical propertiesStudents will be able to utilize statistical mechanics to derive thermodynamic properties from quantum mechanical descriptions of molecules.
Units of Lecture: 1 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 2 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. conduct experiments to quantify thermodynamic, kinetic, and spectroscopic phenomena following experimental protocols and safety guidelines. 2. quantitatively analyze the results of experiments using theoretical relationships and models. 3. evaluate and report the experimental uncertainty of quantitative measurements. 4. interpret the results of experiments in terms of physical chemistry concepts. 5. report results of experiments in the quality and form of a scientific journal article. 6. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators.
(2 units)Training in laboratory techniques provided by experimental verification of the principles of physical chemistry. Topical focus is on chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 423 or 424.
Units of Lecture: 1 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. conduct experiments to quantify thermodynamic and kinetic phenomena following experimental protocols and safety guidelines. 2. quantitatively analyze the results of experiments using theoretical relationships and models. 3. evaluate and report the experimental uncertainty of quantitative measurements. 4. interpret the results of experiments in terms of physical chemistry concepts. 5. report results of experiments in the quality and form of a scientific journal article. 6. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators.
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain behavior of chemical and biological systems using the laws of thermodynamics. 2. apply concepts of chemical equilibrium and kinetics in chemistry and biology. 3. explain and apply the basics of quantum mechanics and quantum chemistry to atomic and molecular systems. 4. interpret simple microwave, IR, UV-Vis, EPR, and NMR spectroscopic data. 5. explain the mechanisms of photochemical and photobiological reactions.
(3 units)Atomic structure; types of bonding; relationships among molecular structure and symmetry, physical properties, and reactivity of the elements and their compounds.
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. draw and explain advanced Lewis structures for compounds of p-block elements that depict the correct number of valence electrons and the correct spatial arrangements of atoms. 2. identify and explain coordination geometries and diastereoisomerism. 3. draw d orbital splitting diagrams to determine high and low spin configurations and to predict magnetic properties. 4. describe the nature of the metal-ligand interaction using simple orbital diagrams. 5. calculate electron count as it pertains to the 18-electron rule. 6. draw orbital diagrams for bonding interactions of common organometallic ligands. 7. construct and explain the electronic structure of transition metal complexes. 8. explain and apply the fundamentals of symmetry and group theory.
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. research a specific compound, or a family of compounds, to propose a synthetic route for isolation of this compound. 2. use a Schlenk line to synthesize oxygen- and moisture-sensitive products. 3. use various spectroscopic techniques to fully characterize coordination compounds. 4. maintain a laboratory notebook following scientific best practices. 5. write complete research reports in the format of a manuscript for publication. 6. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators.
Units of Lecture: 1 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 2 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. research a specific compound, or a family of compounds, to propose a synthetic route for isolation of this compound. 2. perform advanced manipulations of apparatus relevant to a synthetic chemistry laboratory, use a Schlenk line to synthesize oxygen- and moisture-sensitive products. 3. characterize chemical compounds using modern spectroscopic techniques. 4. maintain a laboratory notebook following scientific best practices. 5. communicate findings in a format consistent with the scholarly standards of the chemical sciences. 6. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. describe basic properties of the lanthanides. 2. articulate the concepts of coordination chemistry of the lanthanides and apply them to separation chemistry. 3. explain the metallurgy of rare earth mining. 4. describe the current mining and purification methods of rare earth mining.
(3 units) CO9, CO13Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. This course will provide an in-depth introduction to Green Chemistry and engineering.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain how Green chemistry and sustainability relates to problems of societal concern. 2. describe how Green chemistry and sustainability developments affect society, the environment, and economic development. 3. analyze a process and identify how it may be made more environmentally friendly/sustainable/green. 4. integrate, synthesize, and apply knowledge of the relationship between science and technology and societal issues in both focused and broad interdisciplinary contexts. 5. make connections between previous coursework and integrate with green chemistry and sustainability concepts. 6. demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate to others the concepts learned in the course. 7. analyze and compare chemical/industrial processes based on their relative “greenness”.
(3 units)Organic reactions not generally covered in introductory courses in organic chemistry. Emphasis on both synthetic utility and reaction mechanisms.
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. identify and compare steric, electronic, and stereoelectronic effects. 2. analyze the stereochemistry of molecules and assign correct configurations. 3. evaluate and explain carbocation stability and reactivity in classic and non-classical cationic systems. 4. contrast thermodynamic and kinetic control in reactions, and explain and apply primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects, transition-state theory, Curtin-Hammett principle, Hammett plots, and the Hammond postulate. 5. evaluate addition and elimination reactions and predict and explain reaction outcomes by drawing clear “arrow-pushing” mechanisms along with the regio-, stereo-, and chemoselectivity of these reactions. 6. evaluate and explain substitution and thermal isomerization reactions by drawing clear arrow-pushing mechanisms and the regio-, stereo-, and chemoselectivity in these reactions. 7. evaluate and explain pericyclic reactions (cycloadditions, electrocyclizations, and sigmatropic rearrangements) and propose their mechanisms, using the concepts of aromaticity and Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) theory.
(2 units)Constitutional and stereochemical structure from spectroscopic methods (mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet).
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. determine the structure of molecules exhibiting first-order NMR spectra. 2. determine molecular formula from MS, NMR, combustion analysis, and other data. 3. use NMR, IR, and UV-Vis to identify functional groups. 4. apply concepts of topicity and magnetic equivalence. 5. identify and explain higher order NMR spectra and determine the structure of molecules exhibiting non-first-order NMR spectra. 6. determine the structure of complex molecules using 2D NMR methods. 7. recognize and apply the relationship between field strength, nuclear properties, chemical shift, and coupling constants. 8. evaluate the applications of spectroscopic determinations of organic molecules in environmental or biomedical contexts, and explain their impact on societal or technological issues.
(1 to 2 units) CO14Laboratory identification of unknown organic compounds using spectroscopic instruments (IR, NMR, UV, mass spectrometry); microtechniques; separation of mixtures (GLC, TLC, HPLC).
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. practice methods of natural product isolation and advanced synthesis. 2. operate hands-on the GC-MS, HPLC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis, IR, and other instruments. 3. work in a laboratory without stepwise instructions. 4. improve scientific writing through preparing laboratory reports. 5. prove de novo the structure of organic molecules from real data. 6. discriminate between sound and unsound interpretation of data and employ cogent reasoning methods in the examination of experimental results.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain concept of polymer molecular weight and distribution. 2. analyze polymer molecular weight distributions. 3. distinguish and predict the differences between step and chain polymerizations. 4. rationalize polymer topologies. 5. identify polymers and polymerization chemistries. 6. connect between structure and properties of polymers. 7. read recent polymer literature and articulate concepts.
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain behavior of chemical systems using quantum mechanical principles. 2. discuss how atoms and molecules are described within a quantum mechanical framework. 3. apply concepts of quantum mechanics to chemical bonding, spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics. 4. determine the types of molecular transitions and motions resulting in simple microwave, infrared, UV-Vis, and other spectroscopies.
CHEM 451 - The Elementary Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules
(3 units)Elementary physical chemistry and physical characterization methods applicable to synthetic and biological macromolecules in solution and in the bulk phase.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. describe the physical chemical properties of macromolecular systems at an advanced level. 2. predict properties of macromolecular systems from molecular parameters. 3. characterize the properties of macromolecular systems from experimental data.
(3 units)Critical examination of the process of quantitative chemical measurement entailing a systematic treatment of instrument design and instrumental methods.
Units of Lecture: 2 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain basic instrumentation concepts. 2. demonstrate instrumentation skills through performing laboratory experiments. 3. communicate laboratory results effectively in written and oral form. 4. use basic diagnostic methods of laboratory instrumentation. 5. interpret recorded data with standard statistical methods including noise analysis. 6. describe in detail examples of instrumentation utilized in current chemical research. 7. employ statistical methods and analytical reasoning to discriminate between sound and unsound interpretation of data. 8. evaluate the impact of the precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of instrumental analytical methods in their application in environmental or biomedical context and the resulting impact on societal problems, including trace chemical analysis and false positives.
(1 to 3 units)Intensive study of a special problem. Credit allowed toward chemistry major or minor with departmental permission only.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. summarize current research in a main area of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, or physical. 2. identify and use the basic materials and resources needed to carry out an independent study project. 3. communicate a plan for independent study with a faculty mentor and peers.
(3 units)Selected advanced topics from the various disciplines of chemistry not covered by other course offerings and of current interest.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Prerequisite(s): Must have department/instructor consent.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of an advanced topic in an area of chemistry. 2. formulate and solve problems related to an advanced topic in chemistry. 3. communicate verbally or in writing about aspects of an advanced topic in chemistry. 4. discuss the relationship of an advanced topic of chemistry to society and to specialized research interests.
(3 units) CO13, CO14Original directed research in chemistry culminating in an oral presentation and written thesis.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 102; CH 201 or CH 202 or CH 203 or CH 212; three years of college chemistry; permission of instructor; Junior or Senior standing.
Units of Independent Study: 3 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. integrate quantitative reasoning and critical analysis and use of information to formulate and carry out a research project. 2. synthesize information and techniques from previous coursework across disciplines to identify and use the basic materials and resources needed to carry out a research project. 3. communicate the results of Senior Thesis I research orally and in writing following the standards of scholarly articles in Chemistry. 4. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators and standards for co-authorship.
Units of Independent Study: 3 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. perform chemical research using established chemical research methods. 2. explain the relationship of chemical principles with their area of research. 3. communicate the results of Senior Thesis II research in writing, following the standards of scholarly articles in Chemistry, and through oral presentation. 4. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators and standards for co-authorship.
(3 units)Atomic structure; types of bonding; relationships among molecular structure and symmetry, physical properties, and reactivity of the elements and their compounds.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. draw and explain advanced Lewis structures for compounds of p-block elements that depict the correct number of valence electrons and the correct spatial arrangements of atoms. 2. identify and explain coordination geometries and diastereoisomerism. 3. draw d orbital splitting diagrams to determine high and low spin configurations and to predict magnetic properties. 4. describe the nature of the metal-ligand interaction using simple orbital diagrams. 5. calculate electron count as it pertains to the 18-electron rule. 6. draw orbital diagrams for bonding interactions of common organometallic ligands. 7. construct and explain the electronic structure of transition metal complexes. 8. explain and apply the fundamentals of symmetry and group theory.
(3 units)Advanced laboratory techniques used in inorganic and organic synthesis. Credit allowed in only one of CHEM 432 or CHEM 435.
Units of Lecture: 1 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 2 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. research a specific compound, or a family of compounds, to propose a synthetic route for isolation of this compound. 2. perform advanced manipulations of apparatus relevant to a synthetic chemistry laboratory, use a Schlenk line to synthesize oxygen- and moisture-sensitive products. 3. characterize chemical compounds using modern spectroscopic techniques. 4. maintain a laboratory notebook following scientific best practices. 5. communicate findings in a format consistent with the scholarly standards of the chemical sciences. 6. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including professional standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators.
CHEM 637 - Separation Chemistry and Metallurgy of the Rare Earths
(3 units)Coordination chemistry of rare earths relevant to separation and purification and metallurgy of these elements.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. describe basic properties of the lanthanides. 2. articulate the concepts of coordination chemistry of the lanthanides and apply them to separation chemistry. 3. explain the metallurgy of rare earth mining. 4. describe the current mining and purification methods of rare earth mining.
(3 units)Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. This course will provide an in-depth introduction to Green Chemistry and engineering.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain how Green chemistry and sustainability relates to problems of societal concern. 2. describe how Green chemistry and sustainability developments affect society, the environment, and economic development. 3. analyze a process and identify how it may be made more environmentally friendly/sustainable/green. 4. integrate, synthesize, and apply knowledge of the relationship between science and technology and societal issues in both focused and broad interdisciplinary contexts. 5. make connections between previous coursework and integrate with green chemistry and sustainability concepts. 6. demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate to others the concepts learned in the course. 7. analyze and compare chemical/industrial processes based on their relative “greenness”.
(3 units)Organic reactions not generally covered in introductory courses in organic chemistry. Emphasis on both synthetic utility and reaction mechanisms.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. identify and compare steric, electronic, and stereoelectronic effects. 2. analyze the stereochemistry of molecules and assign correct configurations. 3. evaluate and explain carbocation stability and reactivity in classic and non-classical cationic systems. 4. contrast thermodynamic and kinetic control in reactions, and explain and apply primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects, transition-state theory, Curtin-Hammett principle, Hammett plots, and the Hammond postulate. 5. evaluate addition and elimination reactions and predict and explain reaction outcomes by drawing clear “arrow-pushing” mechanisms along with the regio-, stereo-, and chemoselectivity of these reactions. 6. evaluate and explain substitution and thermal isomerization reactions by drawing clear arrow-pushing mechanisms and the regio-, stereo-, and chemoselectivity in these reactions. 7. evaluate and explain pericyclic reactions (cycloadditions, electrocyclizations, and sigmatropic rearrangements) and propose their mechanisms, using the concepts of aromaticity and Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) theory.
(2 units)Constitutional and stereochemical structure from spectroscopic methods (mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet).
Units of Lecture: 2 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. determine the structure of molecules exhibiting first-order NMR spectra. 2. determine molecular formula from MS, NMR, combustion analysis, and other data. 3. use NMR, IR, and UV-Vis to identify functional groups. 4. apply concepts of topicity and magnetic equivalence. 5. identify and explain higher order NMR spectra and determine the structure of molecules exhibiting non-first-order NMR spectra. 6. determine the structure of complex molecules using 2D NMR methods. 7. recognize and apply the relationship between field strength, nuclear properties, chemical shift, and coupling constants. 8. evaluate the applications of spectroscopic determinations of organic molecules in environmental or biomedical contexts, and explain their impact on societal or technological issues.
(1 to 2 units)Laboratory identification of unknown organic compounds using spectroscopic instruments (IR, NMR, UV, mass spectrometry); microtechniques; separation of mixtures (GLC, TLC, HPLC).
Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. practice methods of natural product isolation and advanced synthesis. 2. operate hands-on the GC-MS, HPLC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis, IR, and other instruments. 3. work in a laboratory without stepwise instructions. 4. improve scientific writing through preparing laboratory reports. 5. prove de novo the structure of organic molecules from real data. 6. discriminate between sound and unsound interpretation of data and employ cogent reasoning methods in the examination of experimental results.
(3 units)Synthesis, characterization, morphology, bulk and solution properties of polymers; polymerization mechanisms.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain concept of polymer molecular weight and distribution. 2. analyze polymer molecular weight distributions. 3. distinguish and predict the differences between step and chain polymerizations. 4. rationalize polymer topologies. 5. identify polymers and polymerization chemistries. 6. connect between structure and properties of polymers. 7. read recent polymer literature and articulate concepts.
(3 units)Selected topics including quantum chemistry, kinetics, molecular spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain behavior of chemical systems using quantum mechanical principles. 2. discuss how atoms and molecules are described within a quantum mechanical framework. 3. apply concepts of quantum mechanics to chemical bonding, spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics. 4. determine the types of molecular transitions and motions resulting in simple microwave, infrared, UV-Vis, and other spectroscopies.
CHEM 651 - The Elementary Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules
(3 units)Elementary physical chemistry and physical characterization methods applicable to synthetic and biological macromolecules in solution and in the bulk phase.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. describe the physical chemical properties of macromolecular systems at an advanced level. 2. predict properties of macromolecular systems from molecular parameters. 3. characterize the properties of macromolecular systems from experimental data.
(3 units)Critical examination of the process of quantitative chemical measurement entailing a systematic treatment of instrument design and instrumental methods.
Units of Lecture: 2 Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain basic instrumentation concepts. 2. demonstrate instrumentation skills through performing laboratory experiments. 3. communicate laboratory results effectively in written and oral form. 4. use basic diagnostic methods of laboratory instrumentation. 5. interpret recorded data with standard statistical methods including noise analysis. 6. describe in detail examples of instrumentation utilized in current chemical research. 7. employ statistical methods and analytical reasoning to discriminate between sound and unsound interpretation of data. 8. evaluate the impact of the precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of instrumental analytical methods in their application in environmental or biomedical context and the resulting impact on societal problems, including trace chemical analysis and false positives.
(1 to 3 units)Intensive study of a special problem. Credit allowed toward chemistry major or minor with departmental permission only.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. summarize current research in a main area of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, or physical. 2. identify and use the basic materials and resources needed to carry out an independent study project. 3. communicate a plan for independent study with a faculty mentor and peers.
(3 units)Selected advanced topics from the various disciplines of chemistry not covered by other course offerings and of current interest.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of an advanced topic in an area of chemistry. 2. formulate and solve problems related to an advanced topic in chemistry. 3. communicate verbally or in writing about aspects of an advanced topic in chemistry. 4. discuss the relationship of an advanced topic of chemistry to society and to specialized research interests.
CHEM 700 - Supervised Teaching in College Chemistry
(1 unit)Methods and creative approaches for teaching chemical science to undergraduates.
Grading Basis: S/U only Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. effectively deliver through classroom presentation fundamental chemical concepts to undergraduate students in a laboratory setting. 2. practice and enforce laboratory safety guidelines including those required by EH&S, enabling the student to react accordingly in the event of a laboratory emergency. 3. prepare quizzes for the undergraduate chemistry laboratories that effectively assess the conceptual learning achieved by undergraduate chemistry students.
(1 unit)Practical training on the major instrumentation used in research.
Maximum units a student may earn: 3
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. identify and use the applications and basic principles of the chemical instrumentation and/or software vital to chemistry research. 2. demonstrate safety practices regarding laboratory and chemical storage. 3. Work independently, responsibly, and efficiently to solve problems occurring in a laboratory setting. 4. perform routine laboratory procedures safely and efficiently.
(3 units)Atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure; applications of group theory to inorganic spectroscopy.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. apply group theoretical techniques to chemical problems involving chemical bonding and spectroscopy. 2. describe chemical bonding in inorganic molecules using modern theoretical concepts. 3. explain the fundamental processes for various spectroscopic techniques, as applied to electronic absorption, vibrational, electron paramagnetic resonance, and other spectroscopies.
(3 units)Survey of the chemistry of the less familiar elements including the lanthanides and actinides with emphasis on periodic correlations.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. give an overview of the current research in lanthanide and actinide chemistry. 2. describe the state-of-the-art applications of materials containing lanthanides and actinides. 3. read, present, and discuss primary literature in the area of lanthanides and actinides. 4. describe and explain the spectroscopic and magnetic properties of compounds containing lanthanides and actinides.
(3 units)Synthesis, properties and reactivity of organometallic compounds; applications to organic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis with an emphasis on mechanisms.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall - Even Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. count valence electrons for organometallic compounds. 2. describe bonding in organometallic compounds. 3. explain fundamental organometallic processes, such as ligand substitution, oxidative addition, reductive elimination, migratory insertion, and elimination. 4. apply knowledge of fundamental reaction processes to catalysis. 5. analyze organometallic reaction mechanisms based on experimental data.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of a specialized area of inorganic chemistry or organometallic chemistry. 2. formulate and solve problems in a specialized area of inorganic chemistry or organometallic chemistry at an advanced level. 3. discuss the relationship of a specialized area of inorganic chemistry or organometallic chemistry in the broader context of the field and to their own research interests.
(3 units)Survey of reactions of value in synthesis.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain methods used at the graduate level for the synthesis of alcohols, alkyl halides, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, amines, carbonyl compounds, ethers and thiols, and apply them to the synthesis of complex organic molecules. 2. explain the uses of protective groups for alcohols, amines, and carbonyl compounds and apply them to the synthesis of complex organic molecules. 3. explain methods for oxidation and reduction, and their functional group selectivities, and apply them to the synthesis of complex organic molecules. 4. explain aromatic substitution reactions and cyclization methods for making 3-6 membered rings and apply them to the synthesis of complex organic molecules. 5. explain the regioselectivities and stereoselectivites of various reactions and apply them to the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of organic structure elucidation of complex molecules. 2. elucidate the structures, including relative stereochemistry, of organic molecules from the combination of 2-D and 1-D NMR experiments and complex coupling constant analysis. 3. predict the spectra and other experimental properties of complex organic molecules based on their structures. 4. elucidate the structures of polymeric and oligomeric molecules using advanced techniques in mass spectrometry. 5. Students will be able to quantify experimental outcomes using spectroscopic analysis of complex mixtures.
(3 units)Elementary quantum mechanics including molecular orbital theory, Huckel theory, aromaticity, and orbital symmetry rules; molecular mechanics calculations; reaction mechanisms.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of theoretical organic chemistry at an advanced level. 2. apply quantum-mechanical concepts to problems in organic chemistry. 3. formulate and solve advanced problems in theoretical organic chemistry. 4. apply computational chemistry to problems in organic chemistry. 5. discuss the relationship of theoretical organic chemistry in the broader context of organic chemistry.
(3 units)Topics of current interest in organic chemistry.
Maximum units a student may earn: 6
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of a specialized area of organic chemistry or bioorganic chemistry at an advanced level. 2. formulate and solve advanced problems in a specialized area of organic or bioorganic chemistry. 3. discuss the relationship of a specialized area of organic or bioorganic chemistry in the brader context of the field and to their own research interests.
CHEM 744 - Stereochemistry and Conformational Analysis
(3 units)Stereoisomerism, molecular symmetry, chirality, optical activity, torsional isomerism, conformations of cyclic and acyclic molecules, stereoselectivity and stereospecificity, chiral discrimination, stereochemical methods.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of topicity and chirality of organic molecules. 2. describe molecular stereochemistry using precise definitions of stereochemical vocabulary. 3. articulate the differences and interplay between conformation and stereochemistry. 4. quantify the kinetic and thermodynamic factors that dictate conformational preferences and stereocontrol.
(3 units)Concepts for planning and evaluating multi-step synthesis of complex molecules, natural products and pharmaceuticals.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. independently design and present a synthetic plan or strategy for synthesizing organic molecules. 2. articulate in writing or verbally and critically analyze differences between synthetic strategies reported in the chemical literature. 3. articulate the general rules of relative reactivity and apply these rules to the design of synthetic routes. 4. explain the concepts of umpolung, synthons, synthetic equivalents, and stereocontrol and use them in planning organic syntheses. 5. describe the basic principles of retrosynthetic analysis and apply them to designing synthetic strategies.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain fundamental concepts of a specialized area of the physical chemistry discipline. 2. formulate and solve problems in a specialized area of physical chemistry. 3. discuss the relationship of a specialized area of physical chemistry in the broader context of physical chemistry and to individual research interests.
(3 units)Rate processes, factors influencing reaction rates and the correlation of kinetics and mechanisms of reaction.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. determine the behavior of reaction systems with basic and complex mechanisms using analytical, approximation, and numerical methods. 2. analyze and compare the kinetics of reactions occurring in the gas-phase, on surfaces, and in solution, including multicomponent systems, radical chain reactions, and catalytic reactions. 3. relate features of the potential energy surface to the kinetics and dynamics of a reaction. 4. apply collision theory, scattering theory, and statistical rate theory to the kinetics and dynamics of reactions.
(3 units)Theory and application of spectroscopic methods as a probe of molecular structure and dynamics.
Units of Lecture: 3 Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain and apply rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy of molecules in gas and condensed phase at an advanced level. 2. predict spectra from molecular properties. 3. determine molecular properties from experimental spectra.
(3 units)Molecular approach to the study of fundamental thermodynamic energy relationships.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Spring - Even Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. demonstrate fundamental understanding of connection between microscopic properties of atoms and molecules, and macroscopic properties of gases, liquids and solids. 2. predict behavior of real gases, liquid and solids using simple models of statistical mechanics. 3. calculate partition functions for classical and quantum model systems. 4. calculate thermodynamic properties, equilibrium constants, and reaction rate constants from partition functions. 5. apply concepts of statistical mechanics to explain different types of phase transitions.
(3 units)Intensive study of the general aspects of quantum mechanics and its application to chemistry.
Units of Lecture: 3 Offered: Every Fall - Even Years
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. explain and apply fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics at an advanced level. 2. apply the tools of quantum mechanics to solve advanced problems. 3. describe and analyze atomic, molecular, and physical systems in terms of quantum mechanical principles.
Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project. 2. communicate a plan for research study with a mentor. 3. communicate research results and findings both orally and in writing. 4. analyze experimental results based upon trends in data.
(1 unit)Seminars led by faculty and students to introduce research areas and initiate thesis and dissertation research. For first year graduate students.
Maximum units a student may earn: 2
Grading Basis: S/U only Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. analyze chemical literature and research seminars thoughtfully and critically. 2. communicate advanced chemistry concepts in writing in a clear and concise manner. 3. explain ethical principles in a scientific context.
(1 unit)Presentations on research topics of interest in chemistry.
Maximum units a student may earn: 4
Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. read and analyze chemical literature thoughtfully and critically. 2. communicate chemistry concepts and original research orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner. 3. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators.
(1 unit)Report of professional quality, based on experience and independent study or investigation. Required for the Master of Science degree under Plan B.
Grading Basis: S/U only Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. perform and demonstrate an understanding of chemical research methods. 2. demonstrate an understanding of the chemical principles related to their area of research. 3. synthesize literature results on a selected research topic with new insights. 4. communicate the results of their Professional Paper in writing and in oral presentation. 5. articulate and follow ethical principles in a scientific context, including standards of laboratory practice, the communication of literature research without plagiarism, and the crediting of collaborators.
(1 to 6 units)Maximum units a student may earn: 12
Offered: Every Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. summarize current research and critically review the literature pertaining to a research project. 2. identify and use the applications and basic principles of the chemical instrumentation and/or software vital to chemistry research. 3. communicate a plan for independent study with a mentor and peers. 4. communicate research results and findings both orally and in writing.
(1 unit)Presentation of original research in Inorganic chemistry.
Maximum units a student may earn: 8
Grading Basis: S/U only Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. summarize current research and critically review the scientific literature pertaining to a research topic in the area of inorganic or organometallic chemistry. 2. lead an informal discussion of a research topic in inorganic or organometallic chemistry. 3. discuss current research issues and problems in inorganic or organometallic chemistry with mentors and peers.
(1 unit)Presentation of original research in Organic Chemistry.
Maximum units a student may earn: 8
Grading Basis: S/U only Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. summarize current research and critically review the scientific literature pertaining to a research topic in the area of organic or bioorganic chemistry. 2. lead an informal discussion of a research topic in organic or bioorganic chemistry. 3. discuss current research issues and problems in organic or bioorganic chemistry with mentors and peers.
(1 unit)Presentation of original research in Physical chemistry.
Maximum units a student may earn: 8
Grading Basis: S/U only Units of Lecture: 1 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. summarize current research and critically review the scientific literature pertaining to a research topic in the area of physical chemistry, chemical physics, or physical/analytical chemistry. 2. lead an informal discussion of a research topic in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or physical/analytical chemistry. 3. discuss current research issues and problems in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or physical/analytical chemistry with mentors and peers.
(1 unit)Course is used by graduate programs to administer comprehensive examinations either as an end of program comprehensive examination or as a qualifying examination for doctoral candidates prior to being advanced to candidacy.
Grading Basis: S/U only Units of Independent Study: 1 Offered: Every Fall and Spring
Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. illustrate mastery of subject matter and related literature through an oral and written exam or paper in their primary field of inquiry.