The focus of this course is to prepare students for their Chemistry Ph.D. candidacy exam & to develop appropriate written & oral communication skills. Each student will prepare several written abstracts & make oral presentations for the class in a format that largely mimics the candidacy exam. Students are required to attend departmental seminars & colloquia to expand their knowledge of current experimental and theoretical frontiers in science.

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.

Presents the analytical and physical science opportunities from the study of biosystems in engineered microsystems

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.

Introduces students to a range of professional development tools & information that may be helpful over their careers. Safety in the laboratory, ethics in science & teaching, career planning, job opportunities/trajectories in academe, industry, & national laboratories, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, interactions with federal funding agencies, curriculum vitae/resume writing, & effective written & oral communication skills are covered.

Student continues to build on their knowledge of the methods of research including the use of research literature and instruction in more advanced experimental and theoretical procedures and techniques. Students can conduct their research within the Dept of Chemistry or in a related science with approval. Under the supervision of faculty but may work closely with a Post-Doc or graduate student.

Food plays an important role in nearly every culture. We will discover the importance of chemistry & culture for various cooking processes such as boiling, baking, roasting, pickling, & frying. We will spend time thinking about cultures across the globe as well as local food cultures. We will also explore how chemical compounds like proteins, acids, sugars, and carbohydrates, influence the taste, texture, and aroma of foods.

This course will challenge you to interrogate, refine, & articulate your own values & beliefs as they apply to a professional life in the sciences in general & chemistry in particular. Well start with some straightforwardly unethical scenarios to build a framework of analysis. This will allow us to dive into both historical & current ethical issues in Chemistry (broadly defined) to broaden your perspectives and engage multiple points of view.

Introduces the methods of research that include use of the research literature and instruction in basic experimental and theoretical procedures and techniques. Students can conduct their research within the Dept of Chemistry or in a related science with approval. Under the supervision of faculty but may work closely with a Post-Doc or graduate student.

Student continues to build on their knowledge of the methods of research including the use of research literature and instruction in more advanced experimental and theoretical procedures and techniques. Students can conduct their research within the Dept of Chemistry or in a related science with approval. Under the supervision of faculty but may work closely with a Post-Doc or graduate student.