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Chemistry

Professors. Robert A. Flowers, II, Ph.D. (Lehigh), chair, Danser Distinguished Faculty Chair in Chemistry; Ned D. Heindel, Ph.D. (Delaware), Howard S. Bunn Professor of Chemistry; Steven L. Regen, Ph.D. (M.I.T.), University Distinguished Professor; Keith J. Schray, Ph.D. (Penn State).

Associate professors. Gregory S. Ferguson, Ph.D. (Cornell); Natalie Foster, Ph.D. (Lehigh); Tianbo Liu, Ph.D. (SUNY at Stony Brook); James E. Roberts, Ph.D. (Northwestern).

Assistant professors. K. Jebrell Glover, Ph.D. (California-San Diego); Kai Landskron, Ph.D. (Ludwig Maximillians-Munich); David T. Moore, Ph.D. (UNC-Chapel Hill); Marcos M. Pires, Ph.D. (Purdue); Damien Thévenin, Ph.D. (Delaware); Dmitri V. Vezenov, Ph.D. (Harvard).

Professors of Practice. Rebecca S. Miller, Ph.D. (Duke), graduate administrator; R. Sam Niedbala, Ph.D. (Lehigh).

Active emeriti. Kamil Klier, Ph.D. (Czechoslovak Academy of Science, Prague); Daniel Zeroka, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania).

Chemistry is a versatile subject area and the pursuit of a career in chemistry can be a most intellectually satisfying experience. No other basic science touches and shapes as many aspects of modern society as does chemistry. The study of chemistry has provided solutions to complex problems and has improved the quality of all phases of human life from soft contact lenses and synthetic blood to longer-lasting paint and alternative fuels. A particular strength of this department is in surface and interface chemistry, which bridges many areas of modern science and technology.

Chemists at all levels of education find a market for their skills and knowledge in many employment areas. Chemists provide the technical backbone for the manufacturing industries (pharmaceuticals, plastics, paper, semiconductor electronics technology, and agriculture), for service industries (clinical and forensic laboratories, academe, environmental protection, and information science) and for governmental positions in regulatory agencies and in science policy analyses. Many chemists are employed in nontraditional areas, such as patent law, insurance underwriting, sales, product management, journalism, and even banking.

The alluring challenge of chemistry inspires many bachelor degree recipients to study for advanced degrees within the discipline of chemistry and in other areas, as well. Chemistry or biochemistry is the strongest preparation for graduate studies or for professional school in the health-related disciplines (medicine, pharmacology, and biochemistry), and for other science programs (materials science, polymers, biotechnology, environmental studies, and mineralogy).

The study of chemistry opens doors to satisfying careers, to a stimulating view of the world, and to a professional life in which one’s natural tendency to ask “Why?” can lead to personally rewarding endeavors. The undergraduate curriculum in chemistry contains many of the prerequisites for biology, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, molecular biology, physics, and chemical engineering. This allows students to transfer credits among these majors through the sophomore year.

Chemistry students have the opportunity to design their undergraduate curricula for specialization in a variety of fields through the ChemFlex curriculum.

The ChemFlex Curriculum

The Department of Chemistry offers degrees in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences have three options: the B. S. in Chemistry, the B. A. in Chemistry, and the B. S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. In addition we offer an interdepartmental B. S. in Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Biological Sciences. For students in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences we offer the B. S. in Chemistry.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, the traditional degree certified by the American Chemical Society is offered; the B. S. degree in the College of Engineering is very similar to the certified degree. All B. S. programs have a Common Chemistry Core and similar collateral science requirements. These programs are pre-professional in nature, and students planning to attend graduate school in chemistry or an allied science should elect the B. S. program in the college to which they have been admitted. The traditional B. A. Program in the College of Arts and Sciences is not a pre-professional program and may be elected by students who do not plan to do graduate work in chemistry or allied sciences but who desire a stronger background in chemistry than is provided by a chemistry minor.

In addition to the traditional certified B. S degree and B. A. degree, the B. A. and B. S. Chemistry programs in the College of Arts and Sciences feature an alternative flexible curriculum, called ChemFlex, which enables a student to concentrate in a specific area. The concentrations possible for the B. S. are Physical/Analytical, Polymers, and Materials. The B. A. has two areas of concentration: Business and the Health Professions. All concentrations in ChemFlex share a Common Chemistry Core; all students complete the core and then follow one of two paths (Path A or Path B) as outlined in the following lists.

Students may transfer from a B. S. program to a B. A. program easily, but the reverse is more difficult. Students in a B. A. program who make the decision to attend graduate school in chemistry or allied sciences can achieve a minimum preparation for this transition by electing Chemistry 307: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry.

Department Modern Language and Literature Requirement.

The modern foreign language requirement is met by one of three options: 1. Completion of the second semester of a modern foreign language; 2. Certification of language equivalent to this level taken in high school; 3. Substitution of six credits of science electives. If science electives are chosen, the non-science distribution requirement must still be met.

Degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences

In the College of Arts and Sciences the Chemistry Department offers three degrees: a B.S. in Chemistry, a B.A. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry with an interdepartmental B.S. Biochemistry degree with the Department of Biological Sciences. The ChemFlex Curriculum allows the flexibility for a student to develop a concentration in a specific area if he/she wishes to do so. The specific concentrations are noted in the following Table.

Table: ChemFlex Curriculum Overview

Specialization Requirements

B.S. Chemistry (ACS)

B.S. Chemistry Analytical/Physical

B.S. Chemistry Polymers

B.S. Chemistry Materials

{*, a, **} required for the above

B.A. Chemistry

B.A. Chemistry Business

B.A. Chemistry Health Professions

{*, a or b, **} required for the above

B.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry {*, a or b, **}

B.S. Biochemistry (interdepartmental degree) {*, a or b, **}

* Common Chemistry Core

** Courses required for specific concentration

a Path A

b Path B

With regard to the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, the pharmaceutical industry is focused on exploring the biochemistry of disease and designing or finding drugs to cure or ameliorate disease. Biochemists, organic chemists, biologists, and chemical engineers collaborate to achieve this end. The majority of chemists hired today go into the pharmaceutical industry. The B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a chemistry degree option which focuses on core chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology to prepare students for careers in this field. Since it is a highly interdisciplinary field it requires the breadth of knowledge offered by this degree program.

Freshman chemistry courses

The freshman courses CHM 30 and CHM 40 have similar course content. If both courses are taken, only credit for CHM 40, the more advanced course, will be awarded.

Common Chemistry Core

*Other writing intensive courses may be substituted with the approval of the advisor but any substitute course should have a science focus.

**CHM 301 may be substituted by any course having a major presentation component with the approval of the major advisor.

Collateral requirements

Path A

Path B

Specializations

B.S. Chemistry (ACS certified Degree)

Common core, Path A, and the following

***See list of choices which follows.

Advanced Chemistry Elective Requirement

One 3-credit course selected from the following:

B.S. Chemistry - Analytical/Physical Concentration

Common core, Path A, and the following

B.S. Chemistry - Polymers Concentration

Common core, Path A, and the following

B.S. Chemistry - Materials Concentration

B.A. Chemistry

Common core, Path A or B and the following:

B.A. Chemistry - Business Concentration

Common core, Path A or B, and the following:

B.A. Chemistry - Health Professions Concentration

Common core, Path A or B, and the following:

Additional courses in BioS are recommended.

B.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Common core, Path A or B, and the following:

***MATH 12 may be substituted by any statistics course.

Model Roster When Path A is Followed

freshman year (29-30 credits)

sophomore year (32 credits)

Engr 1 or CSE 12 Engineering Computations (3) or Survey of Computer Science (3)

distribution requirements - free electives (9)

Note that some concentrations would insert courses such as MATH 12, BIOS 41/42 (B.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry), ECO 1 (B.A.-Business), etc.

junior year/senior year (30-32 credits)

Student will need to meet with major advisor in order to formulate courses to be taken.

Model Roster When Path B is Followed

freshman year (29-30 credits)

sophomore year (30 credits)

Note that some concentrations would insert courses such as MATH 12, BIOS 41/42 (B.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry), ECO 1 (B.A.-Business), etc.

junior year/senior year (30-32 credits)

Student will need to meet with major advisor in order to formulate courses to be taken.

B.S. Degree in Chemistry, College of Engineering & Applied Science

Summary of Requirements

Model Roster

freshman year (30-31 credits)

A student should follow the normal freshman year in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and observe the following note.

Note: It is recommended that, where possible, students planning to major in chemistry take Chemistry 40 in the fall semester and Chemistry 41 in the spring semester of the freshman year. For such students the elective in the spring semester is displaced to a subsequent semester. The Chemistry 30/31 sequence may be substituted.

sophomore year, first semester (17 credits)

(See details in introduction)

sophomore year, second semester (15 credits)

junior year, first semester (16-17 credits)

junior year, second semester (15 credits)

senior year, first semester (14 credits)

senior year, second semester (14 credits)

*See list of choices for the advanced chemistry elective requirement under the B.S. degree in chemistry/College of Arts and Sciences.

**This becomes a free elective if the advanced chemistry elective requirement was taken in the fall of the senior year.

Five-Year Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs

Five-year programs may be arranged for students to receive B.S. or B.A. degrees and the M.S. degrees in chemistry with a concentration in one of several fields of chemistry (inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, polymers, and biochemistry).

B.S. in Biochemistry

An interdepartmental B.S. in Biochemistry major is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty in both Chemistry (Schray) and Biological Sciences (Lowe-Krentz and Iovine) serve as advisors depending on student interest. Majors should be declared in the Department of Biological Sciences. Please see the section on Biochemistry for details of the major.

Minor in Chemistry

A minor in chemistry may be achieved by completing the following requirements:

Necessary pre- or co-requisites for the above would be CHM 30 or 40 and MATH 21.

Students who wish to minor in chemistry but whose major program requires any of the above courses may achieve the minor with substitutions approved by the department chair.

Undergraduate Courses in Chemistry

CHM 5. Chemistry and National Issues (3)

For majors other than science and engineering. Chemistry and current controversies. The atmosphere: global warming, ozone depletion, pollution. Water pollution and treatment. Energy generation and side effects. Health: chemicals of life, drugs, carcinogens, personal care. Materials: natural and synthetic. Food: production and preservation. Chemistry: benefits and liabilities. (NS)

CHM 30. Introduction to Chemical Principles (4) fall-spring

An introduction to important topics in chemistry: atomic structure, properties of matter, chemical reactions, energy, structure and bonding in organic and inorganic compounds, chemical equilibrium. The course features a lecture tightly linked to a three-hour studio experience that combines laboratory work and recitation. (NS)

CHM 31. Chemical Equilibria in Aqueous Systems (4) fall-spring

A study of the theoretical basis and practical applications of equilibria in aqueous solutions, including acid-base, precipitation-solubility, metal-ligand, oxidation-reduction and distribution equilibria. Introduction to chemical thermodynamics, spectrophotometry, potentiometry and chromatography. The laboratory work emphasizes the qualitative and quantitative analysis of equilibria in aqueous media. Prerequisite: CHM 30, MATH 21, 31 or 51. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. (NS)

CHM 40. Concepts, Models and Experiments I (4) fall

A first-semester course in chemistry for students planning to major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or other chemistry-related fields. Chemical and physical properties, structures, bonding concepts, and quantitative analysis. Laboratory includes synthesis, separation and analysis procedures; computer applications to chemistry. Three lectures, one laboratory. (NS)

CHM 41. Concepts, Models and Experiments II (4) spring

Continuation of Chemistry 40. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 40 and Math 21, 31 or 51 or departmental consent. (NS)

CHM 110. Organic Chemistry I (3) fall

Systematic survey of the typical compounds of carbon, their classification, and general relations; study of synthetic reactions. Prerequisite: CHM 30 or 40. (NS)

CHM 111. Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1) fall

Preparation of pure organic compounds. Modern techniques of characterization. Prerequisite: CHM 110 previously or concurrently. (NS)

CHM 112. Organic Chemistry II (3) spring

Continuation of CHM 110. Prerequisite: CHM 110. (NS)

CHM 113. Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1) spring

Continuation of Organic Chemistry Laboratory I. Prerequisite: CHM 111 previously; CHM 112 previously or concurrently. (NS)

CHM 177. Introduction to Research (1-2) fall-spring

For advanced freshmen and sophomore chemistry majors. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. (NS)

CHM 194. Physical Chemistry for Biological Sciences (3) spring

The principles and applications of physical chemical concepts to systems of biological interest, including the gas laws, thermodynamics of metabolic reactions, colligative properties, electrochemical equilibria, reaction kinetics and enzyme catalysis, and transport of macromolecules and viruses. Prerequisite: CHM 31 or 41. (NS)

CHM 201. Technical Writing (2)

Principal types of written communications used by professional chemists including informative abstracts, research proposals, progress reports, executive summaries for nonchemist decision makers and proper written experimental procedures, tables, schemes and figures. Prerequisite: junior standing in chemistry major or consent of the department chair. (ND)

CHM 250. Special Topics (1-3)

Selected topics in chemistry. May be repeated for credit when different topics are offered. (NS)

CHM 301. Chemistry Seminar (1)

A course designed for seniors will involve the literature research of a topic of the student’s choosing followed by a 35 minute oral presentation to the class and professor. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (NS)

CHM 307. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3) spring

Introduction to transition metal complexes; theories of bonding; kinetics and mechanisms of transition metal complex reactions; selected aspects of organometallic chemistry; bioinorganic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 194 or 341. (NS)

CHM 312. (CHE 312, MAT 312) Fundamentals of Corrosion (3) fall

Corrosion phenomena and definitions. Electrochemical aspects including reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics, Pourbaix diagrams, kinetics of corrosion processes, polarization and passivity. Non-electrochemical corrosion including mechanisms, theories and quantitative descriptions of atmospheric corrosion. Corrosion of metals under stress. Cathodic and anodic protection, coatings alloys, inhibitors, and passivators. Prerequisite: MAT 205 or CHM 342. (NS)

CHM 332. Analytical Chemistry (3) fall

Theory and practice of chemical analysis. Principles of quantitative separations and determinations; theory and application of selected optical and electrical instruments in analytical chemistry; interpretation of numerical data, design of experiments, solute distribution in separation methods. Prerequisites: CHM 31 and 110. (NS)

CHM 334. Advanced Chemistry Laboratory I (3) fall

Exploration of synthetic methods and analysis techniques for inorganic and organic compounds. Determination of product structures and quantitative analysis using modern chemical analysis techniques, including NMR, GC-MS, GC, HPLC, FT-IR, and XPS. Prerequisite: CHM 110, 111, 112, 113 and pre- or co-requisite: CHM 332 (NS)

CHM 335. Advanced Chemistry Laboratory II (3) spring

Content related to CHM 334. Prerequisite: CHM 110, 111, 112, 113, 332 and 334.

CHM 336. Clinical Chemistry (3) spring

Applications of analytical chemistry to clinical problems. Discussion of methods in common use and the biochemical/medical significance of the results. Prerequisites: CHM 332 and 112. (NS)

CHM 337. (MAT 333), (EES 337) Crystallography and Diffraction (3)

Introduction to crystal symmetry, point groups, and space groups. Emphasis on materials characterization by Xray diffraction and electron diffraction. Specific topics include crystallographic notation, stereographic projections, orientation of single crystals, textures, phase identification, quantitative analysis, stress measurement, electron diffraction, ring and spot patterns, convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED), and space group determination. Applications in mineralogy, metallurgy, ceramics, microelectronics, polymers, and catalysts. Lectures and laboratory work. Prerequisite: MAT 203 or EES 131 or senior standing in chemistry. (NS)

CHM 341. Molecular Structure, Bonding and Dynamics (3)

Nature of chemical bonding as related to structure and properties of molecules and extended systems. Quantum chemistry of atoms and molecules applied to chemical transformations and spectroscopic transitions. Symmetry analysis and selections rules. Interpretation of electronic, vibrational and rotational spectra. Prerequisites: CHM 31 or 41, Phy 13 or 21, Math 22 or 32. (NS)

CHM 342. Thermodynamics and Kinetics (3)

Development of the principles of classical and statistical thermodynamics and their application to chemical systems. In classical thermodynamics emphasis will be on systems in which composition is of major concern: solutions, chemical and phase equilibria. Kinetic theory of gases; chemical reaction kinetics; chemical reaction dynamics. Prerequisite: CHM 31 or 41, Phy 13 or 21, Math 22 or 32. (NS)

CHM 343. Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2)

Laboratory studies that illustrate and extend the various fields of study in experimental physical chemistry as discussed in CHM 341 and CHM 342. Prerequisite: CHM 194 or CHE 210 or prerequisite CHM 341 and co-requisite CHM 342. This course fulfills the junior year writing course requirement in CAS. (NS).

CHM 350. Special Topics (1-3)

Selected advanced topics in chemistry. May be repeated for credit when different topics are offered. (NS)

CHM 358. Advanced Organic Chemistry (3) fall

Reaction mechanism types and supporting physical-chemical data. Classes of mechanisms include elimination, substitution, rearrangement, oxidation-reduction, enolate alkylations, and others. Prerequisite: one year of organic chemistry. (NS)

CHM 371. (BIOS 371) Elements of Biochemistry I (3) fall

A general study of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biological substances and their importance in life processes. Protein and enzyme chemistry are emphasized. Prerequisite: one year of organic chemistry. (NS)

CHM 372. (BIOS 372) Elements of Biochemistry II (3) spring

Dynamic aspects of biochemistry: enzyme reactions including energetics, kinetics and mechanisms, metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, photosynthesis, electron transport mechanisms, coupled reactions, phosphorylations, and the synthesis of biological macromolecules. Prerequisite: CHM 371 and BIOS 41 or consent of the instructor. (NS)

CHM 375. Research Chemistry Laboratory (1-3) fall-spring

An introduction to independent study or laboratory investigation under faculty guidance. Prerequisite: consent of faculty research supervisor. (NS)

CHM 376. Advanced Research Chemistry Laboratory (1-6) fall-spring

Advanced independent study or laboratory investigation under faculty guidance. Prerequisite: 3 credits of CHM 375. Consent of faculty research supervisor. May be repeated for credit. (NS)

CHM 377. (BIOS 377) Biochemistry Laboratory (3) fall

Laboratory studies of the properties of chemicals of biological origin and the influence of chemical and physical factors on these properties. Laboratory techniques used for the isolation and identification of biochemicals. Prerequisite: CHM 371, previously or concurrently, and BIOS 41 or consent of the instructor. (NS)

CHM 378. (BIOS 378) Biochemical Preparations (1-3) spring

A laboratory course involving the preparation or isolation, purification and identification of chemicals of biological origin. Prerequisites: CHM 377 and 372, previously or concurrently. (NS)

CHM 388. (CHE 388, MAT 388) Polymer Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory (3)

Techniques include: free radical and condensation polymerization; molecular weight distribution by gel chromatography; crystallinity and order by differential scanning calorimetry; pyrolysis and gas chromatography; dynamic mechanical and dielectric behavior; morphology and microscopy; surface properties. Prerequisites: CHM 342 and 110. (NS)

CHM 391. (CHE 391) Colloid and Surface Chemistry (3)

Physical chemistry of everyday phenomena. Intermolecular forces and electrostatic phenomena at interfaces, boundary tensions and films at interfaces, mass and charge transport in colloidal suspensions, electrostatic and London forces in disperse systems, gas adsorption and heterogeneous catalysis. Prerequisite: CHM 342 or equivalent. Chaudhury. (NS)

CHM 392. (CHE 392) Introduction to Polymer Science (3) spring

Introduction to concepts of polymer science. Kinetics and mechanisms of polymerization; synthesis and processing of polymers, characterization. Relationship of molecular conformation, structure and morphology to physical and mechanical properties. Prerequisite: CHM 342 or equivalent. (NS)

CHM 393. (CHE 393, MAT 393) Physical Polymer Science (3) fall

Structural and physical aspects of polymers (organic, inorganic, natural). Molecular and atomic basis for polymer properties and behavior. Characteristics of glassy, crystalline and paracrystalline states (including viscoelastic and relaxation behavior) for single- and multi-component systems. Thermodynamics and kinetics of transition phenomena. Structure, morphology and behavior. Prerequisite: one year of physical chemistry. (NS)

CHM 394. (CHE 394) Organic Polymer Science I (3) spring

Organic chemistry of synthetic high polymers. Polymer nomenclature, properties, and applications. Functionality and reactivity or monomers and polymers. Mechanism and kinetics of step-growth and chain-growth polymerization in homogenous and heterogenous media. Brief description of emulsion polymerization, ionic polymerization, and copolymerization. Prerequisites: one year of physical chemistry and one year of organic chemistry. (NS)

Graduate Programs in Chemistry

The department of chemistry offers graduate studies leading to several advanced degrees. Master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in chemistry may be obtained by study and research in any appropriate area of chemistry.

The following information on admissions, proficiency examinations and other policies applies to both the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in chemistry.

Admission to graduate study in chemistry assumes that a student has met, or is willing to meet though further study, minimum undergraduate requirements for a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. This would include (beyond two semesters of introductory chemistry) two semesters of organic chemistry, two semesters of physical chemistry, two semesters of analytical chemistry and one semester of inorganic chemistry. A promising student whose degree is in a field related to chemistry (e.g., biology, chemical engineering) may be admitted to graduate study in chemistry provided that any deficiencies in basic chemistry preparation are made up in the first year of graduate study, noting that some of the courses required for this may not carry graduate credit.

The chemistry department administers proficiency examinations at the advanced undergraduate level in analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry to all regular graduate students at the time of matriculation. Each student is required to take three examinations. Information regarding material to be covered on these examinations will be sent to each student several months in advance of matriculation. It is expected that each student will prepare diligently for these tests. A student who performs well on one or more of these tests has an opportunity to take advanced level and special topics courses at an earlier than normal time and may in fact begin graduate research during the first year. A Ph.D. candidate must show proficiency in three areas and an M.S. candidate in two areas within the first year in residence. A student who fails one or more of the proficiency examinations will meet with Professor Miller, faculty graduate administrator, to determine an appropriate course of action in light of the exam performance, projected major and degree aspiration. Two optional routes are available for demonstration of proficiency. (1) The student through self-study and auditing of appropriate courses may prepare for a retaking of a proficiency examination at the beginning of the second semester in residence. (2) Alternatively, the student may enroll in appropriate 400 level courses during the first year in residence. A grade of B- or better in an appropriate 400 level course will be considered equivalent to passing the proficiency examination in that area. Courses taken as a means of demonstrating proficiency will be acceptable for the M.S. or Ph.D. graduate program.

The Master of Science in Chemistry degree requires a total of 30 credits, and may be obtained by one of three options: 1) a minimum of 30 course credits, 2) a minimum of 27 course credits and a 3 credit literature review paper (taken under CHM 421, Chemistry Research), or 3) a minimum of 24 course credits and 6 credits of experimental research (CHM 421). Each option requires a minimum of 18 credits at the 400 level (15 of which must be in chemistry) and one credit of CHM 481 (Seminar). There are no other specifically required courses for the M.S. degree, allowing each student to design a curriculum that fits their needs and interests. Normally, work for the master’s degree can be completed in 18 calendar months of full-time study.

Completion of a doctor of philosophy degree program normally requires a minimum of four years fulltime work after entrance with a bachelor’s degree. There are few specific course credit requirements for the Ph.D.; however, approved degree programs generally have at least 24 hours of course work (including any applied toward a master’s degree) and 6 credits of research. Thus, the program consists of approximately one-third formal course work and two-thirds independent study and research. There is a two-credit seminar requirement (CHM 481). After Ph.D. proficiency has been established and the research advisor selected (this must be done by the end of the first year in residence), the major hurdles are the doctoral examination in the student’s area of concentration. This exam must be passed by the end of 2 1/2 years of residence. If this hurdle is surmounted, the remaining time is spent completing (and ultimately defending) the dissertation research under the guidance of the research advisor and the dissertation committee.

Current Research Projects

Current research projects of interest are listed below.

Analytical Chemistry. NMR studies of organic solids and polymers; electrochemical reduction and oxidation mechanisms of organic compounds; development of novel immunoassays.

Biochemistry. Membrane protein interactions; structural characterization of membrane proteins; production of membrane proteins; biophysical characterization of membrane proteins; medicinal assay development; medical diagnostics; cryogenics; microfluids; biomaterials; multidrug resistance; drug delivery.

Inorganic Chemistry. Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of transition metal complexes and nanoparticles; coordination chemistry and molecular self-assembly at metal surfaces; electrochemistry at metal and metal-oxide electrodes; synthesis and characterization of mesoporous solids from transition metal and main-group element precursors; applications of mesoporous solids for carbon sequestration; formation of multilayered thin films of inorganic and organic-inorganic hybrid materials; and application of lanthanide catalysis in organic synthesis.

Materials and Polymer Chemistry. Inorganic and organometallic chemistry in the synthesis of thin-film materials; synthesis at and dynamics of polymer interfaces; acoustic, optical, permeability, dielectric and mechanical behavior of thin films; laser light scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering studies on polymer solutions; polyelectrolytes and ion-containing solutions; nanofabrications in polmer systems; organic-inorganic hybrid solid state materials; synthesis and characterization of novel mesoporous materials.

Organic Chemistry. Synthesis of medicinal agents, correlation of molecular structure with pharmacological behavior; chemical models for biochemical reactions; chemistry of monolayers and organized molecule assemblages; drug carriers; synthetic ion conductors; Langmuir-Blodgett films; organometallic reaction mechanisms; organofluorine chemistry; protein folding and renaturation; molecular recognition; calorimetry; electrochemical studies of electron transfer reactions.

Physical Chemistry. Chemistry at surfaces and interfaces of catalysts, alloys, electrodes, thin films, and biosensors using an array of surface sensitive methods; spectroscopic ellipsometry, scanning probe and electron microscopy, angle resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemistry; exploration of complex solution systems using light scattering techniques; physical chemistry of polymer solutions and colloidal suspensions; novel behavior of solutions and self-assembly of nanoscopic hydrophilic macro-ions and biomolecules; intermolecular interactions in soft matter; single-molecule force spectroscopy; chemical force microscopy; cryogenic spectroscopy; reaction mechanisms in catalysis by metal nanoclusters; theory including ab initio DFT calculations for molecular systems and interpretation of optical, IR, and Raman spectra.

Major Instrumentation

Chemistry research spans all areas: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical. Special equipment available for graduate research in chemistry is as follows.

Research facilities – LC/MS/MS, GC-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, HPLCs, GCs, ultracentrifuges, cold rooms, cell disintegrator, zone and disc electrophoresis apparatus, column chromatograph, autoclave, freezers (-80C), rotary vaporator, Milli-Q water purification system, shaking heated water baths, spectropolarimeter with circular dichroism capability. Cell culture facilities – complete with optical microscopes having fluorescent and photographic capabilities. Catalysis facility – fully automated high pressure reactors with on-line gas chromatographs. Electron optical facilities – transmission electron microscopy with x-ray fluorescence analysis capability, scanning electron microscope, and scanning electron microprobe. Gas chromatographs. Liquid chromatographs – high performance for analytical and preparative work. NMR spectrometers – 300 MHz for both solids and solutions, and 500 MHz for solutions. Photochemistry equipment – lamps and filters for selected wavelength work. Polarographs, chronopotentiometers, electrophoresis apparatus, electrochemical impedance, electrochemical scanning tunneling microscope, potentiostats, and rotating disk electrode. Portable data interface (8-channel 50 KHz), digital readout polarimeter, Vibron elastoviscometers, differential refractometer.

Spectrometers – UV/visible double beam automated, fluorescence, UV/visible/near IR, Fourier transform IR with diffuse reflectance, photoacoustic and attenuated reflectance capability, and GC mass spectrometers. Surface analysis facilities – rotating anode high-sensitivity high-energy resolution ESCA with imaging capability (ESCA is equipped with automated angular data acquisition). Surface science facility – Low energy electron diffraction (LEED), photocorrelation spectroscopy for submicron particle analysis. Ellipsometer, contact angle capabilities, gas adsorption apparatus (BET), atomic force microscope, instructional scanning tunneling microscope, and light scanning. Microcalorimeter (flowing with UV and refractive index detectors), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

Graduate Courses in Chemistry

CHM 400. First Year Graduate Student Seminar (0) fall

First year graduate student seminar course and introduction to research. Topics include: research opportunities in the department, introduction to instrumentation facilities, ethics in science, use of library facilities, effective teaching methods.

CHM 403. Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (1-3)

Topics of contemporary interest in inorganic chemistry. This course may be repeated when a different topic is offered. Prerequisite: CHM 307 or equivalent.

CHM 405. Organometallic Chemistry (3)

The chemistry of compounds containing carbon to metal bonds. Among topics covered are the following: organic compounds of the representative elements from Group I to IV; the chemistry of ferrocene and related pi-bonded organometallic complexes; metal carbonyl and nitrosyl complexes; dioxygen and dinitrogen complexes; organic synthesis utilizing organometallic catalysts.

CHM 407. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3) spring

Introduction to transition metal complexes; theories of bonding; kinetics and mechanisms of transition metal complex reactions; selected aspects of organometallic chemistry; bio-inorganic chemistry. Prerequisite: one semester of physical chemistry, CAS graduate student status.

CHM 421. Chemistry Research (1-6)

Research in one of the following fields of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, polymer, biochemistry.

CHM 423. Bio-organic Chemistry (3)

An examination of biochemistry on the basis of organic chemical principles. Emphasis on reaction mechanisms of biochemical transformations and methods for elucidation of these mechanisms, i.e., kinetics, isotope effects, exchange techniques, inhibition studies, substrate analog effects and organic model studies. Prerequisite: CHM 358 or equivalent.

CHM 424. Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (3)

Principles of drug design, structureactivity relationships in antibacterial, antimalarial, antiinflammatory and psychoactive drugs; synthesis and modes of action of pharmacologically active agents radioactive pharmaceuticals. Prerequisite: CHM 358 or equivalent.

CHM 425. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs 1: Drug Discovery to Approval (3)

Coverage includes the stages of the drug approval process and how these relate to the laboratory activities that provide the scientific basis of the New Drug Application (NDA). Lectures treat drug discovery, chemical process development of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and pharmaceutical process development of the drug product. Regulatory issues in screening and testing, the management of the preclinical trials, and the management of clinical trials will be covered.

CHM 428. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs 2: Biomarkers for Pharmaceutics and Diagnostics: Laws and Regulations (3)

Regulations have set in motion the use of Biomarkers as a key element for pharmaceutical development. Biomarkers similar to Diagnostic markers will become a method to demonstrate safety and efficacy of experimental drugs during human trials. This course will review the history of Biomarker and Medical Device law/regulations in the United States. It will also define the current scientific requirements for Biomarkers to meet new regulations. Case studies will provide examples for the use of Biomarkers in pharmaceutical development as well as Design Controls, Quality System Regulations, Manufacturing Requirements for Diagnostic testing technologies.

CHM 430. Chemical and Biochemical Separations (3)

Theory and applications of equilibrium and nonequilibrium separation techniques at both the analytical and preparative levels. Solvent and buffer extractions, chromatographic separations (e.g., thin layer, partition, gas liquid, gel filtration, ion exchange, affinity, supercritical fluid), electrophoretic separations (e.g., gel, capillary, isoelectric focusing, immunoelectrophoresis), centrifugal separations (e.g., differential, velocity sedimentation, density gradient) and other separation methods (e.g., dialysis, ultrafiltration). Examples will focus on biological applications.

CHM 431. Contemporary Topics in Analytical Chemistry (1)

Discussion of the current literature in analytical chemistry, including spectroscopy, separations, and electrochemistry. Students find current papers and lead discussions. May be repeated for credit.

CHM 432. Chemometrics (3)

Mathematical and statistical methods for experimental design, calibration, signal resolution, and instrument control and optimization.

CHM 434. Advanced Topics in Spectroscopy (3)

Fundamentals of interactions of electromagnetic radiation with matter: electronic, vibrational, scattering based spectroscopies, instrumentation and signal processing. Advanced applications to the analysis of molecular structure and chemical processes including surface analysis, time-resolved spectroscopies, and ultrasensitive spectroscopic techniques.

CHM 436. Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry (1-3)

Topics of contemporary interest in analytical chemistry. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is offered.

CHM 437. (BIOS 437) Pathophysiological Chemistry (3)

Biochemical basis of human diseases involving abnormal metabolism of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Emphasis on the correlation of the clinical presentation of disease processes seen as physiological dysfunctions with clinical laboratory methods. Lectures, student presentations, and clinical case discussions. Prerequisite: One semester of biochemistry.

CHM 438. Analytical Chemistry (3) fall

Theory and practice of chemical analysis. Principles of quantitative separations and determinations; theory and application of selected optical and electrical instruments in analytical chemistry; interpretation of numerical data; design of experiments; solute distribution in separation methods. Prerequisite: CAS graduate student status.

CHM 441. Chemical Kinetics (3) alternate years

A study of kinetic processes. Phenomenological chemical kinetics; order, mechanism effect of external variables on rate. Theories of the rate constant. Relation between thermodynamics and kinetics. Applications to selected systems such as unimolecular decompositions, molecular beams and diffusion-limited processes. Prerequisite: one year of physical chemistry.

CHM 442. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs 3: Analytical Methods, Validation, and Data Manipulation (3)

A review of the FDA guidance and common industry practices. A presentation of the more user-friendly and higher accuracy analytical methods, which are supplanting traditional analyses. Lectures will cover the eight fundamentals of analytical method validation: accuracy, linearity, precision, limits of detection, selectivity, limits of quantification, specificity, and ruggedness of method. In addition, the student will be taught what to do when the results do not meet the Acceptance Criteria. Lectures also cover evaluation of data streams for supporting conclusions.

CHM 443. (MAT 443) Solid-State Chemistry (3)

Crystal structure, diffraction in crystals and on surfaces, bonding and energy spectra in solids dielectrics, surface states and surface fields in crystals. Prerequisite: one course in linear algebra and one course in quantum mechanics.

CHM 444. Molecular Structure, Bonding and Dynamics (3)

Nature of chemical bonding as related to structure and properties of molecules and extended systems. Quantum chemistry of atoms and molecules applied to chemical transformations and spectroscopic transitions. Symmetry analysis and selections rules. Interpretation of electronic, vibrational and rotational spectra. Prerequisites: CAS graduate student status.

CHM 451. Physical Organic Chemistry (3)

An introduction to quantitative organic chemistry including relationships between structure and reactivity, medium effects on reactions, introduction to orbital symmetry effects in organic reactions, and reaction mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHM 358 or equivalent.

CHM 452. Advanced Organic Chemistry (3) fall

Reaction mechanism types and supporting physical chemical data. Classes of mechanisms include elimination, substitution, rearrangement, oxidation reduction, enolate alkylations, and others. Prerequisites: one year of organic chemistry and CAS graduate student status.

CHM 453. Heterocyclic Compounds (3)

An intensive study of the syntheses, reactions and properties of heteroaromatic compounds including derivatives of thiophene, pyrrole, furan, indole, pyridine, quinoline, the azoles and the diazines all considered from the viewpoint of modern theories of structure and reaction mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHM 358 or equivalent.

CHM 455. Organic Reactions (3)

Intensive survey of modern synthetic organic chemistry from a mechanistic standpoint. Classical Namereactions, olefin synthesis, organometallic reagents in synthesis, Woodward-Hoffmann rules, electrocyclic processes, enolate chemistry, and related reactions. Prerequisite: CHM 358 or equivalent.

CHM 456. Spectral Analysis (3) spring

Use of data from nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet, and mass spectrometric techniques for the determination of structure of organic compounds. Emphasis on information from one- and two-dimensional proton and carbon NMR, and a mechanistic interpretation of data from mass spectrometry.

CHM 457. Organic Reaction Mechanisms (3)

Intensive inclass problem solving that involves the formulation of reasonable reaction mechanisms for complex multistep pathways, i.e. organic transformations that proceed via highly energetic intermediates such as carbocations, carbanions, free radicals, carbenes, and nitrenes. Prerequisite: CHM 358 or equivalent.

CHM 458. Topics in Organic Chemistry (1-3)

An intensive study of limited areas in organic chemistry. May be repeated when a different topic is offered.

CHM 463. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs 4: Commercial Production, Validation, and Process Qualification (3)

This course covers the scientific principles and the registry requirements for polymeric implants, controlled-release drug depot units, pumps, point-of-care testing kits, contrast media for MRI, x-ray, and ultrasound and all FDA controlled products not defined as therapeutic pharmaceuticals.

CHM 466. Advanced Organic Preparations (2-3)

A laboratory course of instruction in advanced techniques of the preparation of organic compounds.

CHM 467. (BIOS 467) Principles of Nucleic Acid Structure (3)

An examination of the principles underlying nucleic acid structure including stereochemistry, electrostatics, hydration, torsional constraints, sequence specific effects, and interaction with nuclear proteins. Special emphasis will be placed on DNA structure. Prerequisite: one year of biochemistry and one year of physical chemistry or permission of the department chair.

CHM 468. (BIOS 468) Principles of Protein Structure (3)

An examination of the principles underlying protein structure including stereochemistry, preferred tertiary structures, protein homology, excluded volume effects, time dependent structural fluctuations, and prediction of protein structure from sequence information. Prerequisites: one year of biochemistry and one year of physical chemistry or permission of the department chair.

CHM 469. (BIOS 469) Biochemical Problem Solving I (1) fall

Applications of material covered in BIOS/CHM 371 including techniques used in research. Prerequisite: BIOS/CHM 371 previously or concurrently.

CHM 470. (BIOS 470) Biochemical Problem Solving II (1) spring

Applications of concepts covered in BIOS/CHM 372 including techniques used in research. Prerequisite: BIOS/CHM 372 previously or concurrently.

CHM 471. (BIOS 471) Eucaryotic Biochemistry (3)

Biochemistry of selected eucaryotic processes including hormone chemistry, blood clotting, immunochemistry, vision chemistry, muscle chemistry and photosynthesis. The second part of the course will involve presentation and discussion of the current literature by class participants. Prerequisite: BIOS/CHM 372 or consent of department chair.

CHM 472. (BIOS 472) Lipids and Membranes (3)

Structure, physical properties and functions of lipids and their biological aggregates. Techniques for studying lipid assemblies, enzymes which act on lipids, membrane proteins and lipoproteins will also be discussed. Prerequisite: BIOS/CHM 372 or consent of department chair.

CHM 474. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs 5: Pharmaceutics (3)

This course covers the development of therapeutic products subsequent to the initial discovery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) through to the final dosage form. Both small molecule drugs and biotechnological pharmaceuticals will be included. Issues of API formulation, choice of excipients, control of release, target specificity, mode of delivery, drug-drug interactions, and product stabilization will be addressed with special reference to the regulatory issues involved at that stage of drug development. This course builds upon a foundation in organic, analytical, and biochemistry. (NS)

CHM 475. Advanced Topics in Chemistry (1)

Audiovisual courses in topics such as acid-base theory, NMR, chromatography, electroanalytical chemistry and mass-spectroscopy interpretation; course material obtained from the American Chemical Society. May be repeated for credit.

CHM 477. Topics in Biochemistry (1-3)

Selected areas of biochemistry, such as mechanisms of enzyme action, new developments in the chemistry of lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and proteins. May be repeated for credit when different topics are offered. Prerequisite: One semester of biochemistry.

CHM 479. (BIOS 479) Biochemical Techniques (3)

Laboratory studies of the techniques and principles involved in the isolation, identification, and biochemical transformation of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins. Prerequisite: CHM 371 or its equivalent previously or concurrently.

CHM 480. (BIOS 480) Advanced Biochemical Preparations (1-3)

An advanced laboratory course in the preparation, isolation, purification, and identification of biochemically produced materials. Emphasis is placed on materials and procedures of current interest in biochemistry. Prerequisite: Two semesters of biochemistry.

CHM 481. Chemistry Seminar (1)

Student presentations on current research topics in the student’s discipline but not on subjects close to the thesis. A one-hour presentation and attendance at other presentations are required for credit. May be repeated for credit, up to six times.

CHM 487. Topics in Colloid and Surface Chemistry (3)

Applications of colloid chemistry; special topics in surface chemistry. Lectures and seminar. May be repeated for credit as different topics are covered. Prerequisite: CHM 391.

CHM 488. Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry (1-3)

Advanced topics in physical chemistry, such as photochemistry and molecular beam dynamics, Fourier transform spectroscopy, kinetics of rapid reactions, theory of magnetic resonance, liquids and solutions. May be repeated for credit when different topics are offered.

CHM 489. Organic Polymer Science II (3)

Continuation of CHM 394. Theory and mechanism of ionic vinyladdition chaingrowth polymerization. Chain copolymerization by radical and ionic mechanism. Mechanism of ring-opening polymerization, stereochemistry of polymerization including ionic, coordination, and Ziegler-Natta mechanisms. Reactions of polymers, including crosslinking, reaction of functional groups, graft and block copolymers, and polymer carriers and supports. Prerequisite: CHM 394 or equivalent.

CHM 494. Quantum Chemistry (3)

Principles and applications of quantum mechanics to chemical problems. Applications to chemical bonding, molecular structure, reactivity and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHM 444 or equivalent.

CHM 495. Statistical Thermodynamics (3)

Principles and applications of statistical mechanics to chemical problems. A study of the techniques for evaluating the properties of matter in bulk from the properties of molecules and their interactions. Prerequisite: CHM 444 or equivalent.

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