Chemistry (CHEM)
Chairs: Professor Steven M. Drew, Associate Chair: Professor Tricia A. Ferrett
Emeritus Professor: Charles H. Carlin
Professors: Marion E. Cass, Steven M. Drew, Tricia A. Ferrett, William E. Hollingsworth
Associate Professors: David G. Alberg, Gretchen Hofmeister
Assistant Professors: Joseph Chihade, Deborah Gross, Daniela Kohen
Visiting Assistant Professor: Serena K. Anderson
Chemistry provides the connection between molecular concepts and the complex systems found in nature. Chemistry courses stress the understanding of chemical principles, as well as the experimental basis of the science. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry, for positions in industry, for high school teaching, and for studies in the medical sciences. The department is on the list of those approved by the American Chemical Society. For A.C.S. certification students must complete work in chemistry listed under the Professional Requirements section of this catalog.
All students planning to take Chemistry 122, 123, or 128 should use the Chemistry Placement Evaluation to determine which course to take. The placement evaluation can be found under the Chemistry Department home page at the Carleton College Web site. Prospective chemistry majors should begin their study of mathematics, physics and chemistry in the first year.
Majors are encouraged to participate in summer or fall term scientific research programs off campus or in the Chemistry Department Summer Research Program at Carleton.
Requirements for a Major:
Chemistry 123 or 128, 230, 233, 234, 304, 305, 343, 344; one of the following: 320, 328, 348, 350, 351, 353, 354, 365, 395; and one of the following lab courses: 306, 321, 329, 338, 349, 352, 355; Physics 113 and 115 or 114 and 115; and Mathematics 211. A second physics course, Physics 126, 128 or 235, is strongly recommended. Chemistry 400 is required of all majors.
Major under Combined Plan in Engineering (see also Engineering in index):
In addition to completing the requirements for the chemistry major listed above, the student should also take the following courses required for admission to the engineering schools: Physics 126 or 128, Mathematics 241, and Computer Science 117. At the discretion of the department, one advanced course may be waived in some instances to allow the student more latitude in selection of courses.
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 113. Concepts of Chemistry A one term chemistry course designed for non-science majors. In this course, we examine what gives rise to the three dimensional shapes of molecules and we explore how the structure and composition of molecules effect chemical reactivity. Our goal is to understand readily observable phenomena (such as the removal of grease by soap, the storage of toxins and drugs in fat tissues, cancer, and viruses) on the molecular level. Topics also include those which address anthropogenic forces on the global environment such as acid rain, nuclear energy, and depletion of the ozone layer. The course includes one four-hour laboratory per week. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 115. Chemistry in Context This course explores concepts in chemistry within the context of current social issues. Chemical concepts are introduced on a need-to-know basis to explain the science behind contemporary issues such as global warming, energy policy, nutrition, and drug design. The political, social, and ethical dimensions of these topics are also considered. This course is primarily intended for students not majoring in the sciences. Students who have taken Chemistry 113, 122, 123, or 128 may not register for Chemistry 115. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 122. An Introduction to Chemistry Introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry to prepare students to enter subsequent chemistry courses (Chemistry 123 or 128). Atoms and molecules, stoichiometry, gases, intermolecular forces, and some thermochemistry will be covered in the context of several real-world issues: global warming and dietary fats. Active learning will occur through discovery-based processes, small group work, discussion, demonstrations, short laboratory experiments, and a weekly required discussion section. This course assumes competence with simple algebra, but no prior chemistry experience. Placement into Chemistry 122 or 123/128 will be determined by the Chemistry Placement Evaluation on the Chemistry Home Page 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—S. Drew
CHEM 123. Principles of Chemistry An introduction to chemistry for students who have taken high school chemistry or Chemistry 122. Topics include the electronic structure of atoms, periodicity, molecular geometry, thermodynamics, bonding, equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and acids and bases. Substantial independent project work is included in the lab. Each offering will also focus on a special topic(s) selected by the instructor. Students cannot receive credit for both Chemistry 123 and 128. Prerequisite: Adequate secondary school preparation as indicated by the self-administered Chemistry Placement Evaluation (Chemistry Home Page) or Chemistry 122. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall,Winter,Spring—S. Drew, S. Anderson, D. Gross
CHEM 128. Principles of Environmental Chemistry The core topics of chemistry (i.e. thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and bonding) are central to understanding major environmental topics such as greenhouse warming, ozone depletion, acid-rain deposition, and general chemical contamination in air, water, and soil. These topics and the chemical principles behind them are addressed through an emphasis on the earth's atmosphere. One four-hour laboratory per week. Because this course covers the major topics of Chemistry 123 (but with an environmental emphasis), students cannot receive credit for both Chemistry 123 and 128. Prerequisite: Adequate secondary school preparation as indicated by the self-administered Chemistry Placement Exam (Chemistry Home Page) or Chemistry 122. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—W. Hollingsworth
CHEM 230. Equilibrium and Analysis This course builds on topics from introductory chemistry and deals with quantitative aspects of acid-base and electron-transfer equilibria. Numerical and graphical methods are developed for the examination of these chemical systems. Several modern analytical methods of analysis are introduced including UV spectrophotometry, simultaneous spectrophotometric determinations of mixtures, potentiometry, and flow injection analysis. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 123 or 128. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall,Spring—D. Gross, S. Drew
CHEM 233. Organic Chemistry I Theoretical aspects of carbon chemistry are examined with reference to structure-reactivity relationships, functional groups, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy. Laboratory work concentrates on modern techniques of organic chemistry, the synthesis of new compounds, and identification of unknown compounds using chemical and physical methods. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 123 or 128. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall,Winter,Spring—D. Alberg, J. Chihade
CHEM 234. Organic Chemistry II The chemistry of functional groups is continued from Chemistry 233, and is extended to the multifunctional compounds found in nature, in particular carbohydrates and proteins. The laboratory focuses upon inquiry-based projects and spectroscopic analysis. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 233. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall,Winter,Spring—G. Hofmeister, C. Carlin
CHEM 304. Advanced Laboratory I: Spectroscopy This lab course emphasizes spectroscopic studies relevant to quantum chemistry, including experiments utilizing UV-VIS, infrared absorption spectroscopy, and visible emission spectroscopy. Co-requisite: Chemistry 344. 2 credits cr., ND, Fall—T. Ferrett, W. Hollingsworth
CHEM 305. Advanced Laboratory II: Chemical Kinetics A mixed class/lab course with one laboratory and one lecture session per week. In class, theories of kinetics will be covered with problem sets and an exam. In lab, a variety of modern instrumental methods will be studied with a focus on kinetics. Experimental design and extensive independent project work will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Chemistry 230 and 233 or consent of the instructor. Corequisite: Chemistry 343. 2 credits cr., ND, Winter—D. Gross, W. Hollingsworth
CHEM 306. Advanced Laboratory III: Spectroscopic Characterization of Chemical Compounds This lecture/lab course teaches students how to use modern spectroscopic techniques for the structural characterization of molecules. Lecture sessions will cover topics in the theory and practical applications associated with GCMS, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H, 13C, and 2D experiments). Students will apply all of these techniques in the laboratory (principally NMR) for the structural characterization of known and unknown molecules. Lecture sessions for the first five weeks, and one laboratory per week during the full ten-week term. Prerequisites: (1) Chemistry 234 and (2) Chemistry 344 or consent of instructor. 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—D. Alberg, G. Hofmeister
CHEM 320. Biological Chemistry This course involves the natural extension of the principles of chemistry to biological systems. Among the topics to be examined are the biochemical formation and cleavage of chemical bonds, and biological redox chemistry with an emphasis on the structure and function of the proteins that mediate these processes. We also will examine the thermodynamics of metabolism in some detail. Prerequisites: Chemistry 234 and either Chemistry 230 or Biology 380. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—J. Chihade
CHEM 321. Biological Chemistry Laboratory Purification and characterization of proteins and nucleic acids, with a focus on enzyme kinetics and mechanism, macromolecular interactions and the basis of specificity in biological systems. One laboratory per week. Corequisite: Chemistry 320. 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—J. Chihade
CHEM 328. Environmental Analysis In this course, we will study the chemistry of molecules in the air, water, and soil. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the chemistry in the natural (unpolluted) environment, and the changes which occur due to human activity and pollution. In addition, we will explore the methods which are used to measure pollutants in the environment and their applicability, as well as regulatory issues of relevance to the topics studies. Prerequisites: Chemistry 230 or 233 or consent of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 329. Environmental Analysis Laboratory Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 328. Corequisite: Chemistry 328. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 338. Introduction to Computers and Electronics in Chemical Instrumentation This laboratory serves to introduce students to the general components that make up any instrument useful in chemical analysis. These components include transducers, analog and digital electronic components, data transmission hardware, computers, and appropriate software. The specific topics to be covered are ion selective electrodes, analog and digital electronics, basic data acquisition principles, serial data communication, and LabVIEW programming. Prerequisite: Chemistry 230. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 343. Chemical Thermodynamics The major topic is chemical thermodynamics, including the First and Second Laws, the conditions for spontaneous change, thermochemistry, and chemical equilibrium. To showcase how chemists utilize energy concepts to solve problems, thermodynamics will be regularly applied to a number of real-world examples and scientific problems. Prerequisite: Chemistry 123 or 128. Co-requisites: Mathematics 211 and Physics 113 and 115 or Physics 114 and 115. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—T. Ferrett
CHEM 344. Quantum Chemistry This course provides a comprehensive survey of quantum mechanics with an emphasis on chemical applications. These applications include atomic and molecular electronic behavior leading to an understanding of bonding. Other applications include a careful development of vibrational and rotational molecular behavior as well as a comprehensive introduction to spectroscopy. Prerequisites: Chemistry 123 or 128 and Mathematics 211. Corequisites: Physics 113 and 115 or Physics 114 and 115 or consent of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—W. Hollingsworth
CHEM 345. Statistical Thermodynamics Statistical mechanics is the field which bridges the gap between the modern microscopic world of quantum mechanics and the classical macroscopic world of thermodynamics. Starting with the allowed quantized energy levels for the different forms of molecular motion and then statistically averaging for a large collection of molecules, partition functions are developed which accurately predict thermodynamic properties such as free energy and entropy. Prerequisites: Chemistry 343 and 344. 2 credits cr., S/CR/NC, MS, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 348. Introduction to Computational Chemistry This class will introduce students to computational chemistry with a focus on simulations in chemistry and biology. This course will include hands-on experience in running classical molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry programs, an introduction to methods to simulate large systems, and demonstrations of the use of more sophisticated software to simulate chemical and biological processes. It will also include a survey of the current literature in this area, as well as lecture time in which the background necessary to appreciate this growing area of chemistry will be provided. Prerequisites: Chemistry 343 and 344. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—D. Kohen
CHEM 349. Computational Chemistry Laboratory Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 348. Corequisite: Chemistry 348. 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—D. Kohen
CHEM 350. Chemical and Biosynthesis This seminar course considers nature's biosynthetic pathways in conjunction with how organic chemists design the chemical synthesis of complex organic molecules. Important metabolic pathways for biochemical syntheses, as well as the methodology of chemical synthesis, will form the focus of the course. Prerequisite: Chemistry 234. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—D. Alberg
CHEM 351. Inorganic Chemistry Symmetry, molecular orbital theory and ligand field theory will provide a framework to explore the bonding, magnetism and spectroscopic properties of coordination complexes other topics may include bioinorganic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, organometallic chemistry, and catalysis. Prerequisite: Chemistry 344. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—G. Hofmeister
CHEM 352. Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Synthesis, purification and spectroscopic characterization of air sensitive and/or chiral transition metal complexes. One laboratory per week. Pre- or co-requisite: Chemistry 351 and Chemistry 306. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 353. Organic Chemistry III The correlation of structure and reactivity in organic molecular systems is studied through the analysis of reaction mechanisms. The mechanistic studies will include linear energy relationships and theoretical and mathematical correlations of reaction rates with organic structure. Prerequisites: Chemistry 234 and 343. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—C. Carlin
CHEM 354. Lasers and Spectroscopy This course addresses aspects of microwave, infrared, electronic, and Raman spectroscopy, especially as they relate to modern investigations in chemical reactivity. Important experimental techniques such as molecular beams and laser applications are developed along the way. Readings are taken both from texts and primary literature. Prerequisite: Chemistry 344. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—W. Hollingsworth
CHEM 355. Lasers and Spectroscopy Laboratory This project-based lab uses both continuous-wave and pulsed lasers to explore not only the basic principles of laser operation but also spectroscopic applications and excited-state phenomena using techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence and Raman scattering. Corequisite: Chemistry 354. 2 credits cr., ND, Winter—W. Hollingsworth
CHEM 365. Global Biogeochemistry An Earth-system approach using the different perspectives of the chemical, physical, biological and earth sciences is used to study the interactions, transformations, and movement of specific chemical forms on a global scale. In studying the cycling of matter and energy between the land, oceans, and atmosphere, important global environmental issues may be more fully understood. Prerequisites: Chemistry 123 or 128 and one or more of the following: Chemistry 343, Biology 221, Geology 210 or 220, or consent of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 368. Topics in Biophysical Chemistry This discussion-based seminar will center on the exciting interface of biology and physical chemistry. The focus will be on in-depth work in several biological areas, including protein folding, large molecular properties, and membranes. Emphasis will be on the physical techniques, spectroscopies, and theory (mass spectroscopy, NMR, ESR, thermodynamics, for example) and how they serve to deepen understanding of a few select biological processes. Most readings will be from the original literature, with some textual references. Learning will be approached through class discussion, student presentations, and instructor lectures. Prerequisites: Chemistry 343 or 344. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2004-2005.
CHEM 394. Student-Faculty Research Projects related to summer research with Carleton chemistry faculty in all areas of chemistry. Activities include: original inquiry, laboratory and/or theoretical work, literature reading, formal writing related to research results, preparing talks or posters for research conferences, or preparing for upcoming summer work. Weekly meetings with a faculty advisor and/or research group are expected. Students doing projects that are not directly tied to Carleton's summer chemistry research program should enroll in Chemistry 291/2 or 391/2. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 1 to 6 credits cr., ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
CHEM 395. Mass Spectrometry in the Chemical Sciences: Making Molecules Fly Mass spectrometry is one of the most versatile techniques for analysis of molecules in the chemical sciences. It is the technique of choice for monitoring molecules in the atmosphere as well as understanding sequence, structure, and function of biological molecules, and many other examples in between. In this course, we will survey the various techniques that, together, are called "mass spectrometry." We will learn how many types of mass spectrometers operate, and we will investigate the methods for generating ions from various samples. We will discuss applications of all of these techniques from fields as disparate as geochemistry and biochemistry. Prerequisite: Chemistry 230 and 233. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—D. Gross
CHEM 400. Integrative Exercise Three alternatives exist for the department comprehensive exercise. Most students elect to join a discussion group that studies the research of a distinguished chemist or particular research problem in depth. Other students elect to write a long paper based on research in the primary literature, or write a paper expanding on their own research investigations. Most of the work for Chemistry 400 is expected to be accomplished during winter term. Students should enroll for five credits of Chemistry 400 during the winter, receive a "CI" at the end of that term, and then enroll for one credit during the spring, with the final evaluation and grade being awarded during spring term. 6 credits cr., S/NC, ND, Winter,Spring—Staff