Chemistry (CHEM)
Chair: Associate Professor Steven M. Drew
Professors: Charles H. Carlin, Marion E. Cass, William E. Hollingsworth, Jerry R. Mohrig
Associate Professors: David G. Alberg, Steven M. Drew, Tricia A. Ferrett, Gretchen Hofmeister
Assistant Professors: Deborah Gross, Daniela Kohen
Visiting Assistant Professor: Robert C. Rossi
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 website. Prospective chemistry majors should begin their study of mathematics, physics and chemistry in the first year. Students who intend to enter graduate work in chemistry should realize that some programs leading to a Ph.D. require reading knowledge of a foreign language; German, French, Russian and Japanese are the most valuable.
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, 350, 351, 353, 354, 356, 365, 370; and one of the following lab courses: 306 (strongly recommended), 329, 352, 355, 357; 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 100. Miraculous and Mysterious Molecules – The Chemistry of Drugs Have you ever wondered what happens to aspirin after you ingest it, and how it actually works? What is the difference between taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve)? Questions like these motivate chemists to discover the connection between the molecular structure of a drug and its physiological effects. In this course, you will learn how chemists study the effects of drugs and what they have discovered about the mechanism of action of several different types of drugs--psycho-active, antibacterial, and anticancer. Coursework will include reading, writing, discussion, and small-group work. Some laboratory work will also be performed. 6 credits, S/CR/NC, ND, Fall — Not offered in 2002-2003.
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, Winter—M. Cass
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, gases, and some thermochemistry will be covered in the course. Although learning through discovery-based processes, small groups, and short laboratory experimentation will occur, the course is not a lab course and does not fulfill the math/science distribution or requirements for medical school. This course assumes competence with simple algebra, but no prior chemistry experience. Students with high school chemistry should probably take 123 (determined by the self-administered Chemistry Placement Evaluation, Chemistry Home Page). 6 credits cr., ND, Fall—T. Ferrett
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—R. Rossi, Winter — R. Rossi, Spring — S. Drew, D. Kohen
CHEM 128. Principles of Environmental Chemistry Cross-listed with ENTS 128. Cross-listed with ENTS 128. This course covers many of the same topics of Chemistry 123, but with an environmental emphasis. The core topics of introductory chemistry (i.e. thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and bonding theories) 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 can all be addressed with an emphasis on the earth's atmosphere. One four-hour laboratory per week. 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, Winter—W. Hollingsworth
CHEM 230. Equilibrium and Analysis This course deals with quantitative aspects of acid-base, electron-transfer, and complex-ion 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—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 121 or 123 or 128. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—D. Alberg, Winter, Spring — 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 credits cr., MS, Winter,Spring—C. Carlin, J. Mohrig
CHEM 304. Advanced Laboratory I: Spectroscopy This lab course emphasizes spectroscopic studies relevant to quantum chemistry, including experiments utilizing UV-VIS, IR, and emission spectroscopy. Co-requisites: Chemistry 230 and 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. Co-requisite: Chemistry 343. 2 credits cr., ND, Winter— D. Gross, D. Kohen
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 5 weeks, and one laboratory per week during the full 10-week term. Prerequisites: (1) Chemistry 234 and (2) Chemistry 344 or consent of instructor. 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—D. Alberg
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—D. Alberg
CHEM 328. Environmental Analysis Cross-listed with ENTS 328. Humans have had a dramatic impact on the chemistry of the earth's environment. 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 2002-2003.
CHEM 329. Environmental Analysis Laboratory Cross-listed with ENTS 329. . Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 328. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2002-2003.
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, Winter—S. Drew
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 121 or 123 or 128. Co-requisites: Mathematics 211 and Physics 113 and 115 or Physics 114 and 115. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—D. Kohen
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 and other molecular behavior. Other applications include a careful development of vibrational and rotational molecular behavior as well as a fundamental introduction to spectroscopy. Prerequisites: Chemistry 121 or 123 or 128, Mathematics 211, and Physics 113 and 115 or Physics 114 and 115. 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 2002-2003.
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, Not offered in 2002-2003.
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 bioinorganic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and organometallic chemistry will also be introduced. Prerequisite: Chemistry 344. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—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 co-requisite: Chemistry 351 and Chemistry 306. 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—M. Cass
CHEM 353. Organic Chemistry III The correlation of structure and reactivity in organic molecular systems is studied through the analysis of reaction mechanisms and molecular rearrangements. 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 approaches aspects of microwave, infrared, electronic, and Raman spectroscopy, especially as they relate to modern investigations in chemical dynamics. 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, Not offered in 2002-2003.
CHEM 355. Lasers and Spectroscopy Laboratory Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 354. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2002-2003.
CHEM 356. Instrumentation for Chemical Analysis This course explores the theory and application of modern chemical instrumentation including areas relevant to analytical spectroscopy, separations, and electroanalytical chemistry. Special topics covered in this course include digital and anolog electronics, LabVIEW programming, data aquisition, and serial communications between computers and analytical instruments. Prerequisite: Chemistry 230; co-requisite: Chemistry 357. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2002-2003.
CHEM 357. Instrumentation for Chemical Analysis Laboratory Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 356. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2002-2003.
CHEM 365. Global Biogeochemistry Cross-listed with ENTS 365. 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 356, Geology 210 or 220, or consent of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2002-2003.
CHEM 370. Solar Energy Conversion and Solid State Devices Cross-listed with ENTS 369. This course combines concepts from solid-state physics, electrochemistry, and inorganic chemistry in elucidating the science of semiconductor-based solar energy conversion devices and other solid-state devices. A general understanding of chemistry and electromagnetic phenomena will be assumed, but an introduction to solid state physics from a chemistry viewpoint and an introduction to electrochemistry from a physics viewpoint will be provided. Practical economic and engineering issues will be considered throughout the course. Prerequisites: Chemistry 122, 123, or 128; Physics 115; Mathematics 121; if missing any of these, consent of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—R. Rossi
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. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
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—D. Alberg