Chemistry (CHEM)

The intent of this course is to develop fundamental conceptual understanding in chemistry, and associated problem-solving skills, essential for subsequent study in the subject.

An introduction to general topics in chemistry including composition and properties of matter, reaction stoichiometry, chemical reactions, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecular geometry and gases. The course is intended for students interested in the physical sciences, life sciences and for students in the engineering program.

A continuation of the introduction to general topics in chemistry including chemical equilibrium and applications to aqueous systems, physical equilibrium, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular structure, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on applications to the physical sciences, including chemistry, geology and physics.

A continuation of the introduction to general topics in chemistry including chemical equilibrium and applications to aqueous systems, physical equilibrium, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular structure, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on applications to the life sciences, including biology.

A continuation of the introduction to general topics in chemistry including chemical equilibrium and applications to aqueous systems, physical equilibrium, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular structure, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on applications to the related field of engineering.

This course is an introduction to the chemistry of everyday life for non-science major students who have an interest in improving their scientific literacy and understanding of the world around them. Theory is presented on a need-to-know basis as real-world subjects ranging from the chemistry of global warming to designer drugs are encountered.

Green chemistry, or environmentally benign chemistry, is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. This course will examine the chemical principles and processes in the development of technology and in the effects that this technology has on the environment. The course will avoid traditional approaches that only consider the treatment of pollution after it was created, and will focus on alternative routes that limit the production of waste.

Students study the underlying physical principles that govern the properties and behaviour of chemical systems from a macroscopic viewpoint. Topics include thermodynamics laws, work, heat, enthalpy, entropy, Carnot cycle, free energy, phase equilibrium, phase diagrams of pure substances and simple mixtures, and chemical potentials.

In this second course in Physical Chemistry, the focus is on processes by which change occurs in chemical systems and the rates of these changes. The first part of the course examines molecular motion in gases and liquids and the mobility of ions in solution. In the second part, the focus is on the branch of Physical Chemistry called Kinetics. The rates and mechanisms of simple and complex chemical reactions will be examined, including polymerization and reactions at surfaces. Topics may include catalysis and kinetics of crystallization.

An integrated lecture-laboratory course with emphasis on basic analytical methods. The practical application of analytical methods will be stressed by analyzing geological and environmental samples. Lecture topics will include treatment of data, theory of gravimetric and titrimetric analyses and chemical equilibria.

An integrated lecture-laboratory course with emphasis on basic analytical methods. The practical application of analytical methods will be stressed by analyzing geological and environmental samples. Lecture topics will include a thorough introduction to electrochemistry, spectroscopy, chromatography and extractions. Topics include redox titrations, potentiometry, voltammetry, and atomic and molecular spectroscopy. Aspects of quality assurance and quality control in the analytical laboratory setting will also be discussed.

An introduction to organic chemistry designed for all students in life science, physical science, general science, engineering or non-science. Topics covered include the structure, nomenclature, physical properties, synthesis, reactions and spectroscopic properties of all classes of hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, arenes, alicyclic compounds, polyenes, as well as the principle heterocyclic compounds. The course emphasizes the mechanistic approach to the reactivity of organic compounds and provides a thorough introduction to stereochemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance.

This course is for science students intending to go on to more advanced organic chemistry. Topics include: reaction mechanism as a means of understanding reactivity, introduction to synthesis design, the structure, nomenclature, physical properties, synthesis, and reactivity of monofunctional organic compounds: alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, and phenols.

A course for students in the life sciences. The course covers the chemistry of the principle functional groups in organic molecules with special emphasis on the relevance of organic functional group chemistry to molecules of biological importance. The functional group classes include: alcohols, thiols, phenols, ethers, epoxides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, anhydrides, acid chlorides, nitriles, amines, amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The course emphasizes the mechanistic approach to functional group reactivity and makes the connection to biochemistry at every opportunity. The stereochemical features of molecules of biological interest are emphasized.

Students examine the structure and bonding of the main group elements. Topics covered include electronic structure of atoms, bonding theories, ionic solids, and an introduction to point group symmetry and group theory, descriptive chemistry of the main group elements and their compounds.

Students use computers to model the energy of chemical structures to permit calculation of chemically significant properties. Computational methods include molecular mechanics, semiempirical, Hartree-Fock, density functional theory, and correlated methods. The use of these methods to determine optimal chemical geometries, spectra, and reaction mechanisms are discussed.

Students explore the physical chemistry of long‐chain polymer molecules. Course material integrates and builds on foundation concepts in thermodynamics, kinetics, bonding and structure, as well as synthesis, and analytical methods. Topics include chain conformations; molecular weight averages, distributions and measurement; survey of different types of polymerization and polymerization kinetics; polymer solutions; phase behaviour; physical properties of glass and crystalline states; structure and morphology; survey of natural polymers, biopolymers and degradation; structure‐property relationships and end-use applications.

This course examines the structure, bonding, and reactivity of transition metal complexes. Topics will include crystal field theory, ligand field theory, magnetism and electronic structure of coordination compounds; oxidation and reduction and substitution reactions of square planar and octahedral complexes. Ligands and an introduction to organometallic chemistry will also be covered.

Students examine advanced aspects of instrumental analysis including (i) an introduction to chemical separations; (ii) separation techniques including high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography; iii) additional separations methods including capillary electrophoresis; and (iv) hyphenated techniques with organic mass spectrometry and additional topics at the discretion of the instructor.

A study of the more important mechanisms of reactions of organic molecules and the methods by which they are elucidated: applications of kinetic data, isotope effects, linear free energy relationships, orbital symmetry control and acid and base catalysis.

Students build on the introduction to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy offered in CHEM 2344 and CHEM 2345. An in-depth study of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy is provided, assisting students in interpreting more complicated NMR spectra. Multi-nuclear and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods are covered. Students also apply infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ultra-violet spectrophotometry to problems of organic and organometallic structural determination.

This course reviews and/or presents an introduction to the chemistry and biochemistry of macromolecules such as proteins, enzymes, simple and complex carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and coenzymes. A relationship between the molecular structure of a given macromolecule, its properties, and its function in the living system is explored. The laboratory work concentrates on the isolation, purification, and analysis of naturally occurring macromolecules and includes study of their properties, using micro chemical measurements.

Students examine sources, movements and ultimate destinations of chemicals in air, water and soil. Topics include: principles of green chemistry; reactions of the ozone layer; chemistry of ground-level air pollution; greenhouse effect; fossil fuel energy; global warming; alternative energy sources; polycyclic organic compounds; and the chemistry of natural waters including pollution and disinfection.

The basic principles of quantum physics are used to develop an understanding of atomic and molecular structure.

An introduction to statistical thermodynamics and the study of chemical reaction rates and mechanisms.

Students are introduced to symmetry and group theory for the experimental chemist. Applications of point groups and space groups in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, atomic and molecular structure and crystallography are discussed.

This course will deal with synthesis, structure, and reactivity or organotransition metal complexes. Topics will include transition metal-alkyls, -carbonyls, -alkenes, -alkynes and -bonded complexes, fundamental reactions and applications to organic synthesis and catalysis. Characterization of organometallic complexes using spectroscopic techniques (IR, Raman, NMR, and ESR) and X-ray crystallography will also be covered.

Current topics and applications of inorganic chemistry will be covered, and may include the following: cluster chemistry, chemistry of the lanthanides and actinides, inorganic and organometallic materials, bioinorganic chemistry and inorganic photochemistry.

Students examine advanced aspects of instrumental analysis for materials chemistry including (i) X-ray spectrometry; (ii)optical microscopy; (iii) electron microscopy; and (iv) scanning probe microscopy. Students will also study analog circuits and devices as well as digital electronics and additional topics at the discretion of the Instructor.

A study of the principles involved in the planning and execution of the synthesis of organic molecules. Laboratory experiments are designed so that students learn to identify their products by the use of spectroscopic and other techniques.

A course presenting principles of metabolism of biomolecules involved in energy production, formation of biosynthetic substrates and metabolism of nucleic acids. Both catabolic and anabolic processes as well as transport of biomolecules within cells and organs are considered.

A course presenting principles of metabolism of molecules commonly referred to as the secondary metabolites, i.e. involved neither in energy nor in biosynthetic substrates formation. Thus biosynthetic pathways leading to formation of major secondary metabolite (or natural products) classes, i.e. fatty acids derivatives, polyketides, isoprenoids including sterols, alkaloids, and shikimic acid pathway products such as phenols, lignans, and flavonoids, will be presented. Some major enzymes involved in formation of these biomolecules as well as the methods of pathway and structure elucidation will be presented along with biological activity, ecological and taxonomic significance of metabolites. The laboratory component will provide an opportunity to complete an individual research project, including literature search, experimental work, analysis of results, and writing a comprehensive report.

A weekly seminar course that covers a broad range of research topics that are of current relevance, including ethics in science. Speakers include faculty from within and outside Saint Mary’s University and students will normally be expected to present two seminars.

Students will carry out a research project under the direction of one of the Chemistry Department faculty members and will prepare a thesis on their work. The thesis is presented orally.