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Carleton College

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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010
  • CHEM 122: An Introduction to Chemistry

    An introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry to prepare students to enter subsequent chemistry courses (Chemistry 123 or 128). Atoms and molecules, stoichiometry, and gases will be covered in the course. Although learning through discovery-based processes, small groups, and short laboratory experimentation will occur, this is not a lab course and doesn't fulfill the requirements for medical school. This course assumes competence with simple algebra, but no prior chemistry experience. Students with high school chemistry should probably take Chemistry 123 or 128. (Determined by the self-administered Chemistry Placement Evaluation, Chemistry Home Page). 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- M. Burand
    Extended departmental description for CHEM 122

    Advice on selecting your first chemistry course and advanced placement

  • 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- M. Burand, S. Drew, D. Kohen
    Extended departmental description for CHEM 123

    Advice on selecting your first chemistry course and advanced placement

  • 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- W. Hollingsworth
    Extended departmental description for CHEM 128

    Advice on selecting your first chemistry course and advanced placement

  • 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009, Spring 2010 -- S. Drew, D. Gross
  • 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010 -- D. Alberg, G. Hofmeister
  • 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- D. Alberg, J. Chihade
  • CHEM 301: Chemical Kinetics Laboratory

    A mixed class/lab course with one four hour laboratory and one lecture session per week. In class, the principles of kinetics will be developed with a mechanistic focus. In lab, experimental design and extensive independent project work will be emphasized. Corequisite: Chemistry 343. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- S. Drew, D. Kohen
  • CHEM 302: Quantum Spectroscopy Laboratory

    This lab course emphasizes spectroscopic studies relevant to quantum chemistry, including experiments utilizing UV-VIS, infrared absorption spectroscopy, and visible emission spectroscopy. Corequisite: Chemistry 344. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- M. Cass, T. Ferrett, W. Hollingsworth
  • CHEM 306: 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 GC-Mass Spectrometry, ESI- Mass Spectrometry, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H, 13C, and 2D experiments). Students will apply all of these techniques in the laboratory 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: Chemistry 234 and 344 or consent of instructor. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- M. Burand, D. Gross
  • CHEM 320: Biological Chemistry

    This course involves the natural extension of the principles of chemistry to biological systems. The topics to be examined center around the biochemical formation and cleavage of chemical bonds, with an emphasis on the structure and function of the proteins that mediate these processes. Prerequisites: Chemistry 234 and either Chemistry 230 or Biology 380. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- 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 with small molecules and the basis of specificity in biological systems. One laboratory per week. Corequisite: Chemistry 320. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010
  • CHEM 329: Environmental Analysis Laboratory

    Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 328. Corequisite: Chemistry 328. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2009-2010
  • CHEM 334: Bioanalytical Chemistry

    A variety of techniques for the analysis of biologically relevant molecules are explored in this course, including chromatographic, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods. Some specific topics to be covered include mass spectrometry of proteins, voltammetric methods for examining neurotransmitters in biological media, enzymatic methods for the determination of glucose, and chromatographic techniques for the analysis of amino acids and fatty acids. Prerequisite: Chemistry 230. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010
  • CHEM 335: Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory

    This laboratory provides hands-on experience working with electrospray mass spectrometry, voltammetry, and high performance liquid chromatography as applied to bioanalytical chemical analysis. Co-requisite: Chemistry 334. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2009-2010
  • 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, fluorometry, analog and digital electronics, basic data acquisition principles, serial data communication, and LabVIEW programming. Prerequisite: Chemistry 230. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2009-2010
  • 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, Mathematics 211; and the following Physics 151, 152, 153, 161 or 162. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- D. Kohen
  • CHEM 344: Quantum Chemistry

    This course introduces quantum mechanics with an emphasis on chemical and spectroscopic applications. The focus will be on atomic and molecular quantum behavior involving electrons, rotations, and vibrations. The objective is to develop both a deeper understanding of bonding as well as an appreciation of how spectroscopy provides insight into the microscopic world of molecules. Prerequisites: Chemistry 123 or 128; Mathematics 211 and one of the following: Physics 151, 152, 153, 161 or 162. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; S/CR/NC; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010
  • 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. Corequisite: Chemistry 349. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- D. Kohen
  • CHEM 349: Computational Chemistry Laboratory

    Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 348. Corequisite: Chemistry 348. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- 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. Topics in reactivity (hard and soft acids and bases), bioinorganic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and organometallic chemistry, will also be introduced. Prerequisite: Chemistry 344. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- M. Cass
  • 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 corequisite: Chemistry 351 and Chemistry 306. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- M. Cass, G. Hofmeister
  • CHEM 353: Organic Chemistry III

    The correlation of structure and reactivity in organic molecular systems is studied through the analysis of reaction mechanisms. Topics will include linear free energy relationships, isotope effects, and molecular orbital theory. We will use these theories to analyze reactions, such as pericyclic, enantioselective, and organometallic transformations. Prerequisites: Chemistry 234 and 343. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010
  • CHEM 354: Lasers and Spectroscopy

    Understanding the principles of lasers in conjunction with the framework provided by spectroscopy provides a powerful way to advance a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of chemical reactivity. Important experimental techniques such as Raman scattering methods and molecular beams are explored in addition to a wide range of specific laser applications. Readings are taken from both texts and literature. Prerequisites: Chemistry 302 and 344. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010
  • 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; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2009-2010
  • CHEM 359: Molecular Orbital Theory

    This course will focus on the construction and understanding of molecular orbital (MO) diagrams using symmetry and energy arguments. Conceptual constructs will be contrasted to computational output to support theoretical tenets. We will begin with the construction of the MO diagrams of small molecules (water, ammonia) and proceed to larger molecules (such as octahedral metal complexes, benzene and organometallic compounds ) culminating in dimers and asymmetric molecules using the Hoffmann Fragment Approach. Prerequisites: Chemistry 351 or consent of the instructor. 6; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- M. Cass
  • CHEM 360: Chemical Biology

    This seminar course will center on current literature in chemical biology, an emerging field built around the use of small molecules both to gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of biological processes and to manipulate them in a defined and predictable fashion. Topics will include glycobiology, proteomics, chemical genetics, molecular recognition, and protein engineering. Prerequisite: Chemistry 234 and Biology 125 or 126. 6; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- J. Chihade
  • 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; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff
    Extended departmental description for CHEM 394

    Click here for form needed to register for Chemistry 394

  • 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; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff