Chemistry

Studies the theory and application of instrumental techniques in solving organic structural problems. Topics include ultraviolet and infrared absorption spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, rotatory dispersion, and circular dichroism.

For students interested in the properties & phenomena of atomic, molecular, & nanoscale matter. The foundational ideas of quantum mechanics are introduced & tools for exact & approximate solutions of the Schrodinger Equation are developed. Model systems, such as particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, hydrogen ion & molecule, crystalline solids, as well as time-dependent phenomena, such as spectroscopy, tunneling, and scattering.

This course provides an introduction to statistical mechanics for graduate students or highly advanced undergraduates. The course begins with a review of thermodynamics and an introduction to the fundamental assumptions of equilibrium statistical mechanics, continues on to examine both non-interacting and interacting systems of interest, and finally introduces the basic concepts of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.

Introduces the practice and theory of modern chemical kinetics, emphasizing reactions occurring in gases, liquids, and on catalytic surfaces. Develops basic principles of chemical kinetics and describes current experimental and analytic techniques. Discusses the microscopic reaction dynamics underlying the macroscopic kinetics in terms of reactive potential energy surfaces. Develops statistical theories of reactions that simplify the description of the overall reaction dynamics. Includes the transition state theory, Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory for unimolecular reactions, Kramers' theory, Marcus electron transfer theory, and information theory. Presents current topics from the literature and illustrates applications of basic principles through problem-solving exercises. Prerequisite: Undergraduate physical chemistry or instructor permission.

Soft materials are indispensable in everyday life & modern technology, forming the basis of numerous products, such as detergents, paints, plastics, personal care products, foods, clays, plastics, and gels. We will use statistical mechanical methodology to develop a basic theoretical description of the most important classes of soft matter materials: polymers, colloids, liquid crystals, surfactants, gels, glasses, and biological active matter.

Theory and applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Topics include theoretical principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, practical aspects of experimental NMR, solution and solid-state NMR, overview of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP).

Includes basic theoretical principles of modern molecular spectroscopy, including microwave, infrared, Raman, visible, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Gas-phase systems will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CHEM 5210 or Instructor Permission

This interdisciplinary course will introduce advanced undergraduates and graduates to molecules and their chemistry in different sources throughout the universe. Topics include gas-phase and grain-surface reactions, astronomical spectroscopy, laboratory experiments, and astrochemical modeling.

Introduces the electronic structure of atoms and simple molecules, including basic concepts and applications of symmetry and group theory. The chemistry of the main group elements is described using energetics, structure, and reaction pathways to provide a theoretical background. Emphasizes applying these concepts to predicting the stability and developing synthetic routes to individual compounds or classes. Prerequisite: CHEM 4320 or instructor permission.

Introduces the electronic structure of compounds of the transition metals using ligan field theory and molecular orbital theory. Describes the chemistry of coordination and organometallic compounds, emphasizing structure, reactivity, and synthesis. Examines applications to transformations in organic chemistry and to catalysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 4320 or instructor permission.

Covers mathematical language which describes symmetry and focuses on its application to inorganic chemistry, determination of point groups, use of character tables, and construction of MO theory diagrams. This will be followed by application of these concepts to spectroscopic methods, e.g. Absorption, IR, Raman, NMR, magnetism, and EPR, etc. The material is intended to cover the theory and interpretation of standard spectroscopic techniques.

Covers an introduction to nanomaterials and to physical methods for nanomaterials characterization; synthesis, surface modification and assembly nanomaterials; and magnetic, optical and catalytic properties of nanomaterials. The course also highlights the importance of the design of nanomaterials for modern energy, environmental and biomedical applications.

Discusses the principles of main-group element chemistry with a focus on synthesis, structure, reactivity, and applications. This course is intended to provide sufficient background knowledge of the topics and techniques used in this field so that students should be able to understand and critically evaluate the current main-group literature. Prerequisite: undergraduate general and organic chemistry or instructor permission.

Expose students to the emerging advances in chemistry and materials science that underpin technologies for energy conversion, storage and distribution and to place these in a real world context that reflects a rudimentary exposure to regulatory and economic facts controlling energy technology development and will emphasize concepts in "green chemistry and green engineering practices" that are emerging with global focus on sustainable technology.

Covers topics of electrode kinetics, electron transfer theory, electrical double layer, diffusion, and other modes of mass transport. A broad range of electrochemical methods, techniques and instrumentation will be covered. The course also highlights the emerging applications of the electrochemistry for catalysis, energy storage and conversion, and advanced environmental and analytical technologies.

This one-semester undergraduate/graduate course will focus on the modern applications of X-ray diffraction techniques in crystal and molecular structure determination. The class will also include powder diffraction and its application in X-ray structure analysis.

Covers physical methods for characterizing structure, composition, & surface chemistry of inorganic nanomaterials. Methods discussed include electron & probe microscopies, X-ray techniques, vibrational spectroscopies, & UV-visible spectroscopy. We will explore the use of these & other techniques across ex situ, in situ, & operando conditions for the determination of structure-function relationships & reaction mechanisms.

Introduces the components of biological macromolecules and the principles behind their observed structures. Examines the means by which enzymes catalyze transformations of other molecules, emphasizing the chemical principles involved, and describes key metabolic cycles and pathways, the enzymes that catalyze these reactions, and the ways in which these pathways are regulated. Three class hours (Y) Prerequisites: One year of biochemistry; one year of organic chemistry; one semester of thermodyanmics.

Covers three main areas: (1) the structure and function of biological membranes, (2) complex biochemical systems and processes, including photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, vision, neurotransmission, hormonal regulation, muscle contraction and microtubules, and (3) molecular biology, including DNA metabolism, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression and recombinant DNA methodology. Three class hours,. (Y) Prerequistes: CHEM 7430 or permission of instructor.

Topics include principles of image formation; methods for sample preparation and chemical labeling; photophysics of fluorescent proteins and organic dyes; and computational image analysis and data processing.Recommended prerequisites: Calculus II or higher, Introduction to Biology. Required prerequisites: CHEM 1420, 1620 or 1810.

introduces the theory and practice of common techniques at the interface of chemistry and biology. Topics will include cloning, protein expression and purification, enzyme activity assays, basic small molecule synthesis and purification, and maintaining a laboratory notebook

Discusses the principles & commonly used techniques in chemical biology. The text will be used as a mechanism to introduce fundamental concepts through lecture and explored in further detail using the primary literature. The goal is to gain an appreciation for the detailed understanding of biological processes that can be afforded through chemical approaches. We will strive to eradicate the often irrational and unfounded fear of all things "bio".

Selected topics in advanced biochemistry developed to the depth required for modern research

New course in the subject of chemistry.

Provide science graduate students interested in an academic career with training in teaching at the postsecondary level. Specifically, the course is intended to introduce instructional practices that have been empirically demonstrated to enhance students' learning & attitudes toward science & their associated learning theories. To provide students with opportunity to develop teaching philosophy & implement, & receive feedback on a unit & lecture.