CHEM 4110 Chemical Systems I (3 Credits)
Advanced discussion of modern concepts of organic chemistry; bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453 and equivalent of one year of physical chemistry.
CHEM 4120 Chemical Systems II (3 Credits)
Interpretation of trends in the chemistry of the elements in terms of orbital interactions. Most examples will be taken from the third row transition metals and the boron and carbon groups. Prerequisites: CHEM 2131, CHEM 4310 and CHEM 4110.
CHEM 4130 Chemical Systems III (3 Credits)
Advanced-level physical biochemistry course intended for advanced-level undergraduates and graduate students. Focuses on kinetic, thermodynamic and dynamic aspects of biopolymers; delineates the relationship of these properties to the mechanism and function of biological macromolecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 3811, CHEM 3812, CHEM 3813, CHEM 3610 or the equivalent.
CHEM 4220 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3 Credits)
This course explores advanced instrumentation and emerging topics in analytical chemistry beyond the core concepts covered in CHEM 3210. It emphasizes cutting-edge techniques ranging from miniaturization, multidimensional separations, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and data-driven approaches like chemometrics and machine learning. Real-world applications in environmental science, omics (metabolomics/proteomics), and forensics will be used to contextualize analytical challenges and solutions. Students will gain experience designing analytical strategies and interpreting complex datasets.
CHEM 4310 Structure and Energetics I (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of quantum chemistry, and introduction to symmetry and molecular structure of small and large systems. Prerequisite: one year of physical chemistry.
CHEM 4320 Structure and Energetics II (3 Credits)
Computational methods in chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 4310, one year of physical chemistry.
CHEM 4410 Atmospheric Chemistry (3 Credits)
The concepts of equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetics, and photochemistry will be applied to understanding atmospheric processes. Covers urban air pollution in detail with focus on primary pollutants. Also covers stratospheric chemistry with focus on ozone chemistry and the chemistry of climate change. Prerequisites: (CHEM 2270 and CHEM 2453) OR CHEM 2240.
CHEM 4411 Aquatic Chemistry (3 Credits)
This course covers both theoretical and applied concepts in aquatic chemistry, specifically as they relate to natural waters, and build on those covered in General Chemistry (CHEM 1010 and CHEM 1020) as well as Quantitative Chemical Analysis (CHEM 2270). In-depth treatments of acid-base, reduction and oxidation (redox), complexation, dissolution and precipitation and adsorption reactions will be given. Connections to both the atmosphere and lithosphere, including the weathering processes, are made, and will include application of fundamental chemical concepts that contribute to the water quality of surface and ground waters.
CHEM 4412 Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology (3 Credits)
A survey of environmental toxicology concepts: animal testing, dose-response data, epidemiology, risk assessment. The course includes ecotoxicology, focusing on the alteration of biological and chemical systems beyond the simple response of an individual to an environmental chemical. Prerequisites: CHEM 2270 and CHEM 2453.
CHEM 4413 Aerosol Science (3 Credits)
CHEM 4413 is an introductory course that presents fundamental concepts associated with atmospheric aerosols in both natural and human environments. The course will focus on the sources, behavior, and effects of atmospheric aerosols, or particulate matter (PM) within the contexts of the natural environment and climate, human health, and industrial applications. The course will provide an overview of the chemical and physical characteristics of particulate matter and measurement methods, including chemical reactions that lead to aerosol formation and transformation. Examples and demonstrations will discuss applications to medical science, public health, clouds and climate, air pollution, colors in the sky, the built environment, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, and many other topics that stimulate curiosity. Aerosols affect almost every aspect of the environment and human health and are an important part of countless industrial processes or commercial products. The course is designed to provide a background to students interested in further study or careers broadly in (a) the environmental sciences, (b) medical or health sciences, or (c) many chemical or other scientific or engineering fields where aerosol processes are involved.
CHEM 4610 Physical Chemistry I (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of thermodynamics, including phase and reaction equilibria, properties of solutions, and electrochemistry needed for advanced study in life sciences and for Physical Chemistry II and III. May be taken for graduate credit by nonchemistry majors. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453, calculus and physics.
CHEM 4620 Physical Chemistry II (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of quantum chemistry, including theories of atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 4610.
CHEM 4621 Physical Chemistry III (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: CHEM 4620.
CHEM 4705 Topics in Biochemistry (3,4 Credits)
This course is meant to be an introduction to reading and understanding biochemistry primary literature. Students will also learn about grant writing and leading scientific discussions. Required reading will be primary biochemistry literature, with further reading to be discussed individually with discussion leaders and prior to the final grant writing assignment.
CHEM 4811 Biochemistry - Proteins (3 Credits)
Protein structure and function, starting with the building blocks and forces that drive the formation of protein structure and the basic concepts of protein structure, and continuing with enzyme catalysis, kinetics, and regulation. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453 or instructor permission.
CHEM 4812 Biochemistry-Membranes/Metabolism (3 Credits)
This course discusses the structure and function of biological molecules including lipids, carbohydrates, and lipid-bound proteins. In addition, this course covers concepts like bioenergetics and metabolic pathways. Students will be required to read and evaluate primary literature relevant to the course and write a literature review article.
CHEM 4813 Biochemistry-Nucleic Acids (3 Credits)
Molecular processes underlying heredity, gene expression and gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453 and CHEM 3811.
CHEM 4831 Advanced Protein Biochemistry (3 Credits)
This advanced biochemistry course provides fundamental insights into the chemistry and physics of proteins. It will investigate how amino acids form proteins with highly complex three dimensional structures and how these structures mediate function. Topics will range from protein folding to enzyme kinetics and will emphasize basic principles. We will examine key research articles and their contribution to our current understanding of proteins. The course bridges the gap between the research literature and introductory Protein-Biochemistry. Students will learn how to extract important information out of primary research articles and how to place this information into the larger context of protein science.
CHEM 4900 Chemistry Seminar (0 Credits)
A weekly presentations of research in progress and of current literature by outside speakers. faculty and graduate students.
CHEM 4980 Internship-Graduate (0 Credits)
The work will have a well-defined chemistry or biochemistry component that will enhance the student’s understanding of the field and provide hands-on real-world experience.
CHEM 4991 Independent Study (1-10 Credits)
CHEM 4995 Independent Research (1-10 Credits)
CHEM 5991 Independent Study (1-10 Credits)
CHEM 5995 Independent Research (1-10 Credits)
