Courses

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a wide variety of courses for majors and non-majors. View the graduation requirements for the Chemistry major and the Biochemistry majors. Also, view the departmental course offerings below or the current academic year Course Offerings by Block. Please stop by the departmental office if you have questions about course schedules, requirements, or any other questions.
CH100 Studies in Chemistry: Selected topical areas, such as forensic science, materials science, environmental science, history of chemistry, chemistry and art, or nutritional, medicinal and consumer chemistry taught at the introductory level from a chemical perspective. Intended for (but not typically limited to) non-science majors, these courses will usually include moderate lab or fieldwork and independent or group research projects. Some topics may give Scientific Inquiry and Natural Science Lab credit. 1 or 2 units - Department

1 unit - Brasuel
CH104 Topics in Chemistry: Selected topics in chemistry taught at the introductory level. units.

.5 unit - Daugherty

CH107 General Chemistry I: Emphasizes the basic principles of atomic structure, periodic properties, molecular structure and bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor or 2yrs HS Algebra & 1yr HS Chemistry.

1 unit - Bowman, Brasuel, Clayton, Daugherty, Fahrenkrug, Harris, Meyer

CH108 General Chemistry II: Emphasizes kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and solution chemistry of acid-base and redox reactions. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 107.

1 unit - Bowman, Brasuel, Clayton, Fahrenkrug, Harris, Meyer

CH113 Art and Alchemy-Investigating the Origins of Chemistry

(Not offered 2020-21)

Prerequisite: First Year Experience Course, Must take Studies in Natural Science 109 for credit.

1 unit

CH117 General Chemistry I with Environmental Emphasis

(Not offered 2020-21)

1.5 units

CH148 Physics and Chemistry by Experimentation

(Not offered 2020-21)

Prerequisite: First Year Experience Course.

1 unit

CH149 Physics and Chemistry by Experimentation

(Not offered 2020-21)

Prerequisite: First Year Experience Course. Must take Physics 148 block 1 for credit.

1 unit

CH199 Computational Chemistry: An examination of the tools available for studying models of chemical systems. FORTRAN programming, Evolution Algorithms, Neural Networks, Molecular Modeling software, and Computer Graphics will all be introduced. This is a project based course with topics chosen to match the level of individual students' chemistry backgrounds. (Not offered 2020-21).

Prerequisite: Mathematics 128.

.5 unit

CH201 Introduction to Chemical Research: An introduction to research design and mentored use of scientific equipment. Students will complete lab safety and ethics training. Disciplinary-based literature research and interpretation will be emphasized as part of the research process. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook or appropriate data records, analyze and interpret data, and produce a final scientific report. 1 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 107, Chemistry & Biochemistry 108.

1 unit - Department

CH202 Investigations in Chemistry: Independent experimental practice research in areas such as biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, catalysis, analytical chemistry and environmental chemistry performed in affiliation with a staff member. A total of three units of Investigations may be taken for credit. Extended format course.

.5 unit

CH204 Foundational Concepts in Organic Chemistry: This class will deepen understanding of basic concepts important for success in organic chemistry: Lewis structures, hybridized atomic orbitals, VSEPR theory, resonance structures, and acid-base chemistry. An introduction to drawing and interpreting three-dimensional bond-line representations of organic molecules will also be provided

.5 unit - Harris, Vaghoo

CH210 Environmental Chemistry: A focus on the thermodynamics and kinetics of pollutants in the air, water, and soil, as well as some toxicology. Statistical methods and the analysis of environmental samples using instrumental methods as well as techniques in chemical waste treatment are covered. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 250 or (Chemistry & Biochemistry 108 & (Biology 208 or Geology 130 or Geology 140)).

1 unit

CH241 Analytical/Bioanalytical Chemistry: Quantitative and qualitative techniques applied to univariate analytical, bioanalytical and/or environmental problems. Basic techniques of separation, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry are introduced through studies of chemical speciation and the activity of chemicals in aqueous solution and guided projects tailored to students' interest areas. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 108 and a 200 level science course.

1 unit - Brasuel, Fahrenkrug

CH250 Structures of Organic Molecules: Basic concepts necessary for understanding chemical reactions. Nomenclature, structure, physical properties and spectroscopy of simple organic molecules. Fundamentals of thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 108.

1 unit - Dounay, Grover, Kisunzu, Vaghoo

CH251 Reactions of Organic Molecules: Characteristic reactions of common organic functional groups. Mechanisms, rates and equilibria. The course depends heavily on concepts developed in 250. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 250.

1 unit - Dounay, Kisunzu, Vaghoo

CH266 Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry: A concise introduction to the major principles of physical chemistry (quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics). Also, provides the mathematical and physical foundations for these subjects and preparation for CH366 or CH367. Laboratory included. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.)

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 108 and Mathematics 129.

1 unit - Meyer

CH275 Foundations of Inorganic: Atomic structure, models and theories of bonding, bond types underlying metals, semiconductors, ionic solids and materials. Lewis acid-base interactions, coordination complexes, associated reaction mechanisms, and other aspects of transition metal chemistry. Atomic-level origins of special material properties such as ferromagnetism and electroluminescence.

Prerequisite: Chemistry 107, 108.

1 unit - Bowman, Clayton

CH296 Special Topics in Chemistry: Selected by the student with the advice of the instructor. Class and laboratory arranged. No more than six of these courses, i.e., 1.5 units, can be counted toward graduation. Only a total of three units of Investigations in Chemistry and Special Topics in Chemistry combined can be counted toward graduation.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

.25 unit

CH300 Topics in Chemistry or Biochemistry: This course provides opportunity for topical work. No more than three units of Investigations, Topics, and Advanced Topics may be taken for department credit.

1 unit - Department

CH301 Mentored Research in Analytical Chemistry: Research on an on-going project in the laboratory of the professor. Students will read discipline-specific literature and contribute to research design. Students will learn experimental design and execution, as well as troubleshooting skills. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1.0 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 201, Chemistry & Biochemistry 241.

1 unit - Brasuel, Fahrenkrug

CH302 Mentored Research in Inorganic Chemistry: Research on an on-going project in the laboratory of the professor. Students will read discipline-specific literature and contribute to research design. Students will learn experimental design and execution, as well as troubleshooting skills. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 201, Chemistry & Biochemistry 275.

.5 to 1 unit - Bowman, Clayton

CH303 Mentored Research in Biochemistry: Research on an on-going project in the laboratory of the professor. Students will read discipline-specific literature and contribute to research design. Students will learn experimental design and execution, as well as troubleshooting skills. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit. (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 201, Chemistry & Biochemistry 382.

1 unit - Daugherty, Grover

CH304 Mentored Research in Organic Chemistry: Research on an on-going project in the laboratory of the professor. Students will read discipline-specific literature and contribute to research design. Students will learn experimental design and execution, as well as troubleshooting skills. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 251.

1 unit - Dounay, Kisunzu, Vaghoo

CH305 Mentored Research in Physical Chemistry: Research on an on-going project in the laboratory of the professor. Students will read discipline-specific literature and contribute to research design. Students will learn experimental design and execution, as well as troubleshooting skills. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 366 or Chemistry & Biochemistry 367.

1 unit - Meyer

CH342 Introduction to Instrumental Methods: The principles and theory of modern instrumental analysis taught through topics selected from electrochemistry, spectroscopy and chromatography. The design and analysis of optimized experiments will be illustrated through research-oriented topics that also teach the instrumental methods being emphasized.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 241 or Chemistry & Biochemistry 345 & Physics 242 (Chemistry & Biochemistry 365, Chemistry & Biochemistry 366, or consent of instructor.

1 unit - Brasuel, Fahrenkrug

CH351 Synthesis of Organic Molecules: Application of structural concepts and functional group reactions to the synthesis of organic compounds. Factors in the design of multistep syntheses such as functional group transformation, elaboration of carbon chains, protecting groups and reaction stereochemistry. Examples from the literature of laboratory syntheses of complex molecules such as steroids, alkaloids and pharmaceuticals will be examined. Laboratory included. Research projects requiring novel syntheses are a major component of this course. Students are required to propose multi-step syntheses and then work to complete proposed syntheses in the laboratory. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 251.

1 unit - Dounay, Kisunzu, Vaghoo

CH352 Physical Organic Chemistry: Application of thermodynamics and kinetics to the study of organic reaction mechanisms. Elucidation of mechanisms via the use of molecular orbital theory, isotope effects, substituent effects and linear free-energy relationships, solvent effects, characterization of reactive intermediates, gas-phase chemistry and computations. Laboratory included. (Either 351 or 352 will count as the advanced organic chemistry requirement for the chemistry major, or as an elective for the biochemistry major. The two courses, however, are not the same and both can be applied toward graduation requirements.) (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 250, 251 & 366.

1 unit

CH365 Biophysical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and dynamics as applied to living systems and biopolymers. Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria and chemical potential as a driving force in biological reactions. Measurement and interpretation of rate behavior in biochemical systems. Diffusion, osmotic pressure and sedimentation. Laboratory focusing on biophysical experiments and error analysis included. (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 108, Physics 241, Mathematics 128.

1 unit

CH366 Chemical Equilibrium and Kinetics: Topics in physical chemistry dealing with the bulk properties of energy and matter. These topics include the properties of real and ideal gases, the laws of thermodynamics and their application to chemical systems, phase and chemical equilibria, and chemical kinetics. Laboratory included. Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 266 or consent of instructor. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.)

1 unit - Meyer

CH367 Quantum and Statistical Mechanics: Topics in physical chemistry dealing with quantum behavior and elementary statistical mechanics. These topics include analyzing spectroscopic data and computational approaches to quantum-mechanical systems. Laboratory included. Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 266 or consent of instructor. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.)

1 unit - Meyer

CH382 Biochemistry I: An introduction to modern biochemistry using fundamental chemical principles in the study of complex natural systems. Topics covered are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, bioenergetics, enzymology, and metabolism with an emphasis on interrelationships between metabolic pathways and regulation. Laboratory included. Limited to 16 students.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 251.

1 unit - Daugherty, Grover

CH383 Biochemistry II: Study of nucleic acids organization and structure, DNA replication and transcription, RNA processing and protein biosynthesis, and the regulation of gene expression. A special emphasis on the use of the original literature. Laboratory included. Limited to 16 students.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 382.

1 unit - Daugherty, Grover

CH395 Chemistry Tutoring Practicum: This course is designed for students who wish to tutor general and organic chemistry. It includes methods for improved listening skills, assessing student content knowledge, teaching problem solving, and conceptual analysis. Methods used in the course include peer tutoring, experiential exercises, journal writing, and supervised tutoring. The class is recommended for those students desiring chemistry department payment for tutoring.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 250 or consent of instructor.

.25 to 1 unit

CH396 Special Topics in Chemistry: Selected by the student with the advice of the instructor. Class and laboratory arranged. No more than six of these courses, i.e., 1.5 units, can be counted toward graduation. Only a total of three units of Investigations in Chemistry and Special Topics in Chemistry combined can be counted toward graduation.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

.25 unit

CH398 Computational Modeling of Chemical Reactions: The course will examine computer assisted modeling of molecules and reactions of interest for organic, inorganic, and biochemistry. Model systems will include molecular mechanics, quantum theory based semi-empirical, ab initio Hartree-Fock, and density functional methods. Requires Spartan Student® software and a laptop, either Windows® or Intel®-based Mac®. 0.25 unit (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: Students purchase the Spartan software as their 'text' for this course. Department has laptops available for students who do not have their own for this course.

.25 unit

CH400 Advanced Topics in Chemistry: This course provides opportunity for advanced topical work. Topics will vary from year to year. No more than three units of Investigations, Topics and Advanced Topics may be taken for department credit. (Not offered 2018-19).

1 unit

CH401 Advanced Mentored Research in Analytical Chemistry: Complete an on-going research project that was initiated in CH301. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 301.

1 unit - Brasuel, Fahrenkrug

CH402 Advanced Mentored Research in Inorganic Chemistry: Complete an on-going research project that was initiated in CH302. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 302.

.5 to 1 unit - Bowman, Clayton

CH403 Advanced Mentored Research in Biochemistry: Complete an on-going research project that was initiated in CH303. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 303.

1 unit - Daugherty, Grover

CH404 Advanced Mentored Research in Organic Chemistry: Complete an on-going research project that was initiated in CH304. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 304.

1 unit - Dounay, Kisunzu, Vaghoo

CH405 Advanced Mentored Research in Physical Chemistry: Complete an on-going research project that was initiated in CH305. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook, or appropriate data records, and analyze and interpret data. An ACS style paper is required upon completion of the block, in which their data is summarized and future experiments are proposed. Research at this level may contribute to research presented in CH490: Senior Seminar. 1 unit

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 305.

1 unit - Meyer

CH410 Medicinal Chemistry: An introduction to medicinal chemistry with a focus on current approaches toward the design of new drugs and optimization of their pharmacological, metabolic, and toxicological profiles. Principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and organic chemistry will be applied to the interpretation, analysis, and critique of recent primary medicinal chemistry literature. An overview of the drug discovery, development, and approval process will include case studies of recently approved drugs. 1 unit. (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 382.

1 unit - Dounay

CH452 Topics in Advanced Organic Chemistry: One of the following topics will be investigated in both the literature and the laboratory: (1) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; (2) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy; (3) Mass Spectrometry/Gas Chromatography; (4) Spectroscopic Methods in Structure Determination. Extended-format course. (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Chemistry & Biochemistry 367 & 351.

.5 unit

CH467 Spectroscopy and Quantum Mechanics: The detailed interpretation of molecular structure and spectra. Quantum theory and chemical statistics are applied to the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with molecules. Laboratory included. (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: consent of instructor or Chemistry & Biochemistry 367 & Mathematics 203.

1 unit

CH475 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry: Application of fundamental inorganic reactions and bonding models to the detailed study of topics such as, but not limited to, coordination compounds, organometallic compounds, ionic compounds, metal clusters, inorganic polymers, bioinorganic reactions and single-molecule magnets. Emphasis on characterization of inorganic molecules/materials and analysis of spectroscopic data, as well as the use and analysis of primary literature. Laboratory included.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 250, Chemistry & Biochemistry 275 or consent of instructor.

1 unit - Bowman, Clayton

CH476 Topics in Transition Metal Chemistry: One of the following topics will be investigated in both the literature and the laboratory: (1) Electronic Spectra; (2) Magnetic Properties; (3) Biochemical Aspects; (4) Metal Cluster Compounds; (5) Ligand Substitution Reactions; (6) Electron Transfer Reactions. Extended-format course. (Not offered 2018-19).

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 475.

.5 to 1 unit - Bowman

CH480 Advanced Metabolic Pathways: Investigation of the regulation and energy transductions in protein metabolism and cholesterol synthesis, with emphasis on integration of material with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Special emphasis will be on presentation of scientific literature related to inborn errors of metabolism. Laboratory included.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 382.

1 unit - Daugherty

CH490 Senior Seminar: An adjunct course spread out over the whole year in which guest lecturers and juniors and seniors present their independent research (either literature or laboratory) to the department in both oral an poster disciplinary presentation formats.. One semester required in the senior year for both chemistry and biochemistry majors.

Prerequisite: Required for Chemistry Majors.

.5 unit - Department

CH495 Special Topics in Chemistry: Selected by the student with the advice of the instructor. Class and laboratory arranged. No more than six of these courses, i.e., 1.5 units, can be counted toward graduation. Only a total of three units of Investigations in Chemistry and Special Topics in Chemistry combined can be counted toward graduation.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

.25 to 1 unit

CH499 Senior Thesis: A thesis topic to be chosen by student with advice from a member (or members) of the department. Upon presentation of thesis proposal by the student, department faculty will authorize or deny registration in 499.

Prerequisite: consent of department.

.5 to 1 unit - Department

show all / hide all

Report an issue - Last updated: 08/12/2021