CHEM 113-114. General Chemistry I and II. Fundamental concepts and principles common to the various branches of chemistry with emphasis on basic inorganic chemistry. This includes descriptive chemistry which deals in a systematic way with the more important elements and the structures, properties and reactions of their compounds. A balance between experiment and theory, between quantitative and qualitative aspects of the course material and between rigor and simplification is sought. Laboratory work emphasizes learning basic techniques, learning to manipulate and interpret numerical data and learning the relationship between experimental measurement and chemical theory through guided, independent work by the student. Primarily for students majoring in the natural sciences. Prerequisite: high school chemistry. 4 lecture-recitation and 3 laboratory hours for two semesters. 8 credits.
CHEM 197. Early Research Experience in Chemistry. Freshmen chemistry majors or minors can begin an early research experience in chemistry under faculty direction if they receive a grade of B+ or higher in CHEM 113, a grade of B or higher in CHEM 113L, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Permission of the faculty member with whom the student wishes to perform research, and permission of the chemistry department chair, must also be obtained. Freshmen may not begin research in their first semester. 3 laboratory hours per week. 1 credit.
CHEM 241-242. Organic Chemistry I and II. A study of elemental carbon and the properties, structures, reactions and syntheses of carbon compounds. Nomenclature, structure determination by spectrometric methods, reactions mechanisms and the relationship between structure and reactivity are among the topics covered along with the application of principles to the descriptive aspects of the subject. Laboratory work involves the synthesis of organic compounds, physical property measurements, separation and purification techniques, and the use of spectroscopic methods for compound identification. Prerequisite: CHEM 114. 3 lecture, 1 laboratory recitation, and 3 laboratory hours for two semesters. 8 credits.
CHEM 243. Analytical Chemistry. An application of the principles of equilibrium, electrochemistry and spectrophotometry of quantitative chemical analysis. The laboratory utilizes gravimetric, volumetric, potentiometric, and spectrophotometric methods of analysis with an emphasis on the technique required to produce accurate and precise results. Prerequisite: CHEM 114. 2 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 4 credits.
CHEM 244. Instrumental Analysis. The theory and practice of quantitative chemical analysis using instrumental techniques. Topics include the theory of operation, data interpretation, and practical applications of important spectroscopic, chromatographic and electrochemical methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 243 and approval of the department chairperson is required. 3 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 5 credits.
CHEM 252. Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences. An introduction to the basic principles, theories, techniques and methods of physical chemistry, but without the usual mathematical precision and rigor. Laboratory work emphasizes the quantitative acquisition of experimental data by classical and instrumental methods. Prerequisites: CHEM 114, Math 122, and permission of the department. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits.
CHEM 296-297. Sophomore Research in Chemistry Sophomore chemistry majors or minors may engage in an independent research project under faculty direction if they have achieved a B+ or higher in all chemistry lecture courses, a B or higher in all chemistry laboratory course, and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Permission of the faculty member with whom the student wishes to perform research, and permission of the chemistry department chair, must also be obtained. 6 laboratory hours per week. 2 credits.
CHEM 351. Chemical Information Science. An introduction to the methods of chemical information retrieval and display. While hand-searching of library materials is covered, CD-ROM and on-line computer searching will be emphasized. Sources of chemical information on the Internet will be explored. Students will become familiar with both 2-D and 3-D molecular drawing and visualization software, and the interface of these programs with presentation and Internet packages. 1 lecture and 1 library/computer practicum per week. 1 credit. (Alternate years: offered 1998-99)
CHEM 357-358. Physical Chemistry I and II. The fundamental principles and theories underlying the science of chemistry by employing logic and mathematical rigor toward their derivation and development. These principles are applied to a large variety of physical-chemical systems. Major topics include the physical behavior of matter and the role of intermolecular forces in governing that behavior; the four laws of thermodynamics; the reversibility and irreversibility of physical and chemical change; chemical kinetics; and distribution functions. The laboratory emphasizes the proper acquisition and interpretation of experimental data and its communication via the laboratory report. Prerequisites: CHEM 1 14, Math 130, Physics 112; concurrent: Math 231. 3 lecture and 4 laboratory hours for two semesters. 10 credits.
CHEM 359. Qualitative Organic Analysis. The application of the principles of organic chemistry in the separation and identification of organic compounds. Classical and spectrometric methods will be utilized to determine properties and structure of these compounds which will aid in their identification. Prerequisite: CHEM 242. 2 hours lecture-recitation (CHEM 359 - 1 credit); 3 laboratory hours (CHEM 359L - 1 credit).
CHEM 373. Advanced Organic Chemistry. Selected topics in Organic, Medicinal or Biochemistry. The choice of topics will be made by the instructor, depending on the mutual interests of the instructor and the students. Prerequisite: CHEM 242 and permission of the department chairperson. Alternate year course. Three lecture hours. 3 credits.
CHEM 396-397. Junior Research in Chemistry. Junior chemistry majors or minors may undertake a chemical research project under faculty direction if they have achieved an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in all chemistry classes taken to date, and an overall GPA of 2.7 or higher. Permission of the faculty member with whom the student wishes to perform research must also be obtained. 6 laboratory hours per week. 2 credits.
CHEM 471. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. The properties and reactivity of inorganic compounds will be explained in terms of molecular symmetry, group theory, and molecular orbital theory. Sections on coordination and organ metallic compounds will highlight synthesis, reactivity trends and recent advances. In the second half of the course, there will be a significant emphasis on the preparation, characterization, and properties of solid state inorganic compounds. Laboratory work will involve the synthesis, purification, and characterization of inorganic compounds. Inert atmosphere, high temperature, high pressure, and glassblowing techniques will be acquired. The laboratory will place an emphasis on the synthesis and properties of inorganic solid state materials. This laboratory is required for American Chemical Society Certification, but not for graduation with a chemistry major. 3 lecture hours and 4 laboratory hours. 5 credits.
CHEM 475. Advanced Analytical Chemistry. Selected topics in Analytical Chemistry. The choice of topics will be made in accord with the mutual interests of the instructor and students. Possible categories include forensic chemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry and other analytical methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 244 or CHEM 252 and permission of the department chairperson. Alternate year course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
CHEM 476. Chemistry of Materials. The course will focus on the relationship of structure to physical properties, with an emphasis on those properties of practical interest. Methods of materials preparation, along with the principles behind the design of materials will be discussed. Among the classes of materials examined will be crystalline solids, polymers, glasses, catalysts, and composites. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
CHEM 477. Advanced Physical Chemistry. Selected topics in Physical Chemistry. Basic concepts in quantum mechanics and statistical thermodynamics are introduced and their application to atomic and molecular spectroscopy as well as theoretical kinetics are examined. The Schrödinger method of quantum mechanics is utilized and a variety of physical and chemical systems, including the hydrogen atom and many-electron atoms, are treated to illustrate this approach and its limitations. Prerequisites: Physics 112, Math 240, CHEM 358 and permission of the department chairperson. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
CHEM 479. Introduction to Theoretical Chemistry. The application of quantum mechanics to theories of chemical bonding and to the interpretation of spectroscopic data. The chemical application of group theory to bonding and dynamics in organic and inorganic compounds is emphasized. Permission of the department chairperson required. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
CHEM 493-494. Senior Colloquium. The reading and synthesis of current research in the chemical literature. The student must prepare two seminars, one each semester, in two different areas of Chemistry. These seminars are presented orally to the department faculty and students. The student is expected to answer questions based on material learned in completed courses but pertinent to the seminar topic. All senior chemistry majors must attend seminars given by other students and visiting speakers. Required for all chemistry majors. No credit. Pass/Fail.
CHEM 496-497. Senior Research in Chemistry. A problem-orientation in which the student, under the supervision of a chemistry department faculty member, engages in an experimental or theoretical research project. The research requires the student to use advanced concepts as well as a variety of experimental techniques and instruments and develop new chemical knowledge that might be publishable. The interrelationship between laboratory work and literature searching is emphasized. A detailed written report describing the research must be submitted to the department chairperson upon completion of the course. Permission of the department chairperson required; open only to senior chemistry majors. A combined total of 10 laboratory hours and library work per week is required. Can be substituted for CHEM 471 laboratory and can be taken for one or two semesters. 3 credits per semester.
PHYS 111. General Physics I. Classical Physics, Mechanics and Heat. Prerequisite: MATH 122 or concurrent enrollment in MATH 129 or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours, 1 problem hour and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits.
PHYS 112. General Physics II. Classical Physics: Electromagnetism, optics; introduction to Modern Physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 111 or permission of the chairperson. 3 lecture hours, 1 problem hour and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits.
PHYS 231. General Physics III. Introduction to modern physics: special relativity, quantum physics, waves and particles, and atomic and nuclear physics. Prerequisites: MATH 130 and PHYS 112 or permission of the chairperson. 3 lecture-recitation hours and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits.
PHYS 233. Electronics. Introduction to basic electronic circuits and devices. Major emphasis on solid state circuitry. Topics include AC-DC circuits and electrical measuring devices; power supplies; amplifiers; oscillators; operational amplifiers; switching and timing devices. Prerequisite: PHYS 112 or permission of the chairperson. 3 lecture-recitation hours and 3 laboratory hours. 4 credits.
PHYS 320. Advanced Laboratory in Physics. Experiments in classical and modern physics. Prerequisites: PHYS 231, MATH 231, or permission of chairperson. 6 laboratory hours per week. 2 credits.
PHYS 350. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. Classical thermodynamics, zeroth, first, second and third law of thermodynamics and their applications (law of mass action, heat engines, refrigerators, heat pumps, etc.), kinetic gas theory, and introduction to statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: MATH 240 and PHYS 231 or permission of chairperson. 3 credits.
PHYS 410. Solid State Physics. Topics will include: crystal structure; wave propagation; mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic properties; free electron theory; band theory and Brillouin Zones; imperfections in solids and applications (e.g., semiconductors, transistors, superconductivity). Prerequisite: PHYS 231 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
PHYS 440. Quantum Mechanics. Topics include black body radiation, wave and particle phenomena, dynamical operators, the Schrödinger equation and its applications, the Heisenberg formulation, the hydrogen atom, perturbation theory and its applications. Prerequisites: PHYS 231 and MATH 440 or permission of the chairperson. 3 credits.
PHYS 450. Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Atomic spectra, electronic structure of atoms, X-rays, scattering, nuclear models, elementary particles. Prerequisites: PHYS 231, PHYS 440, and MATH 240 or permission of the chairperson. 3 credits.
PHYS 490. Special Topics. A forum for a variety of current topics in physics. Students will be expected to supplement the traditional classroom work with additional research material in order to become familiar with the selected topic. As this course is offered to those students pursuing a minor in physics, the topics can be chosen to augment several major programs depending upon demand. Permission of the department chairperson is required. 3 credits.
PHYS 497. Independent Study in Physics. Advanced projects in a specialization area of physics under the supervision of a Chemistry or Physics faculty member. Senior status required; open to juniors with the permission of the department chairperson. 3 credits.