Graduate Course Offerings

(Current course information is available via the Graduate Bulletin.)

INSTRUMENTAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY CHE 501, SPRING
Practical and theoretical aspects of instrumentation in
chemistry. The primary emphasis is on contemporary methods of molecular structure determination such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, IR, and MS. Other topics may also be presented.

MECHANISTIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 502, SPRING
Important reaction mechanisms and the methods by which they are studied. Substituent and medium effects on reactions proceeding through concerted mechanisms and unstable intermediates are discussed.

SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 503, SPRING
A survey of the most important organic reactions from the viewpoint of synthetic utility, including many recent innovations in this field. Throughout the discussion of these methods, emphasis is placed upon their use in the synthesis of complex organic structures.

STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 504, FALL
Electronic and stereochemical theories relating to organic structure and reactions. Topics such as bonding, strain, aromaticity, MO theory, molecular rearrangements, pericyclic reactions, and photochemistry are covered. This course is intended to provide a foundation of knowledge at the beginning graduate level as preparation for advanced subjects in CHE 502 and CHE 503 and is complementary to CHE 501.

STRUCTURAL INORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 511, FALL
Properties and reactions of inorganic compounds are considered from the viewpoint of molecular and electronic structure. The modern bonding theories used in inorganic chemistry including molecular orbital, valence bond, and ligand field theories are developed using symmetry and group theory. Selected main group, transition metal, and organometallic compounds are discussed. An introduction to crystallography and solid-state structure is included.

TRANSITION METAL CHEMISTRY CHE 514, SPRING
A survey course with an emphasis on the transition metals. Reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and structure are covered. Specific areas of concern include coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and selected topics from solid-state and non-transition metal chemistry.

ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 515, SPRING
A topical course with an emphasis on the current literature. Subject matter varies and is announced in advance. Possible subjects include reaction mechanisms, organometallic
chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and physical inorganic chemistry. May be repeated as the subject matter varies.

QUANTUM CHEMISTRY I CHE 521, FALL
Quantum theoretical concepts are discussed. Schroedinger wave mechanics and related mathematical techniques are illustrated by treatment of systems of chemical interest. Designed to form the theoretical basis for the study of chemical bonding, molecular structure, spectroscopy, and molecular collision phenomena.

MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY CHE 522
A detailed description of the theory and practice of molecular spectroscopy. Topics include the interaction of molecules with electromagnetic radiation and the time evolution of molecular energy states.

CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS CHE 523, FALL
A rigorous development of the fundamentals of thermodynamics and its application to a number of systems of interest to chemists, such as electrochemical cells, gases, and homo-geneous and heterogeneous equilibrium. An introduction to statistical mechanics will also be included.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE CHE 524
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental quantum mechanics of the magnetism of spin-1/2 (and higher) particles. It includes a study of the Bloch equations (the responses of the magnetism to continuous-wave and pulsed irradiation) and a discussion of the experimental hardware and techniques commonly employed. Topics covered include the basics of the spin Hamiltonian (chemical shifts, J, dipolar, and quadrupolar couplings), dynamics and relaxation 1-D spectroscopy (spin and chemical exchange, lineshapes, spin echos, etc.), 2-D spectroscopy (homonuclear and heteronuclear correlation), techniques for studies of solids and liquid crystals (magic angle spinning, cross polarization, quadrupolar echo), and the principles of magnetic resonance imaging. Applications to the biological and material sciences, as well as chemical problems, will be discussed.

THEORETICAL CHEMISTRY CHE 525
This course stresses the physical theory underlying chemical phenomena. Special emphasis is given to advanced topics in electronic structure theory, molecular dynamics, condensed matter and surfaces, many-body and quantum ensemble theory, and the interaction of light and molecules.

STATISTICAL MECHANICS CHE 528
Statistical theory of equilibrium systems and rate processes. Ensemble theory; spatial and time correlation functions; model systems and methods of estimating their properties. Designed to enable the student to use the current literature dealing with the application of statistical mechanics to problems in chemistry.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY OF MACROMOLECULES CHE 530
An investigation of the gross and fine structures of macromolecules and molecular aggregates in solution as revealed by hydrodynamic behavior (e.g., ultracentrifugation, viscosity), light scattering, spectroscopic properties (e.g., ultraviolet hypochromism, circular dichromism, Raman, fluorescence, magnetic resonance spectra), and the thermodynamics and kinetics of interaction with small molecules and ions. Theory of conformation changes and phase transitions.

DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH SEMINAR CHE 531, FALL
Meetings in which first-year graduate students learn about the research activities of the faculty.

LITERATURE SEMINAR CHE 532, SPRING
Students select and discuss topics from the current literature.

BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND ANALYSIS CHE 541
The structures of biological macromolecules and the relationship of their structure to biological function are described. Methodology employed to study macromolecules is also discussed. Topics include chemical and physical properties of cell and tissue constituents, including carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and peptides.

CHEMICAL BIOLOGY CHE 542
The reactivity and physiological function of biological macromolecules and their cofactors are described at the chemical and biochemical level. The emphasis of this course reflects recent advances in chemical biology. Possible topics include catalysis, reaction mechanisms, correlation between three-dimensional structure and reactivity, receptor-ligand interactions in extracellular and intracellular signaling, protein folding in vitro and in vivo.

GLASS BLOWING CHE 551, FALL
Basic scientific glass blowing: basic sealing techniques, Vac Line lay out, set up, and repairs. T-seals, ring seals, use of cutting machine, hardtorch, and bench torch. Safety with glass. Open to graduate students in the sciences.

DIRECTED STUDY CHE 589
Subject matter varies according to student needs.

M.S. TERM PAPER CHE 590, ALL YEAR
Independent study leading to a term paper on a selected topic in chemistry, chemical applications, or chemical pedagogy.

CHEMISTRY IN SOCIETY CHE 591
Includes current trends in chemical research and the influence of chemistry in areas such as the environment and technology. Topics of local interest and the conflicting demands placed on technology will be integrated into the course.

INSTRUMENTAL METHODS CHE 592
An introduction to the principles underlying the operation of modern instruments in chemical research and technology. The lecture material is supported by experiments performed using instruments available in the Department of Chemistry.

CHEMICAL DEMONSTRATIONS CHE 593
The design and implementation of demonstrations to illustrate modern concepts of chemistry.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 601
The subject matter varies depending on interests of students and faculty. Possible topics include asymmetric synthesis and natural product synthesis.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 602
The subject matter varies depending on interests of students and staff. It may cover such areas as photochemistry, theoretical organic chemistry, and the chemistry of unstable intermediates; the emphasis is on fundamental considerations and recent developments.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 603
The subject matter varies depending on interests of students and faculty. Possible topics include asymmetric synthesis and natural product synthesis.

PRACTICUM IN TEACHING CHE 610, 611
Practice instruction in chemistry at the undergraduate level, carried out under faculty orientation and supervision. A minimum of two semesters of CHE 610 or 611 is required of all candidates for graduate research degrees in Chemistry, unless explicitly waived by the chairperson.

CRITICAL READINGS OF CURRENT TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY CHE 619
Recent research papers from the literature will be analyzed in depth. These papers may originate from the inorganic, organic, physical, and/or biochemical literature. The exact topic of the course is announced in advance.

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND CRYSTALLOGRAPHY CHE 625
Experimental methods in the determination of molecular structure. The emphasis is on the determination of structure in the solid state, particularly by X-ray crystallography. Students complete a single-crystal molecular structure determination using modern diffractometer techniques.

ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY CHE 641
A systematic presentation of the chemistry of organometallic compounds, particularly those of the transition metals. Topics include structure, bonding, reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and applications in catalysis and organic synthesis.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHE 682
Subject matter varies, depending on interests of students and staff, but covers recent developments in inorganic chemistry.

SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHE 683
Subject matter varies, depending on interests of students and staff, but covers recent developments and advanced topics in physical chemistry.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY SEMINAR CHE 693

BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY SEMINAR CHE 694

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY SEMINAR CHE 695

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY SEMINAR CHE 696

COLLOQUIUM CHE 698

RESEARCH CHE 699

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