Descriptions from the 2007-08 Course Catalog
Please check the Class Schedule for classes offered this year.
CHEM 104
Life Sciences by Numbers
Guided individual and small-group study of selected topics in chemistry, biology, and the biomedical sciences through solving numerical problems embedded within “word stories” drawn very broadly from biological contexts, enabling students with good verbal skills to strengthen their competence and confidence in mathematical, logical, and critical thinking. No formal laboratory. 6 units.
CHEM 111
Principles of Chemistry: Foundations
A one-term introduction to chemistry, with emphasis on its basic principles and their application in various contexts of daily life, including the environment, food and nutrition, and the like. Intended for students seeking a brief introduction to the field, or for students who plan to take Chemistry 115-116 but have little or no high school chemistry background or who need to review basic principles. Short laboratory exercises provide skills and methods for evaluating and interpreting laboratory data and practice in qualitative and quantitative reasoning. Three lectures and one laboratory session, or two integrated lab/discussion sessions per week. 6 units.
CHEM 115
Principles of Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity
Introduction to the study of chemistry, emphasizing structures of chemical species — atoms, ions, and molecules — and relationships between structure and chemical reactivity. Major topics may include models for atomic and molecular structure and bonding, empirical approaches to thermochemistry and equilibrium, acids and bases, descriptive chemistry of the main group elements, and solutions. Lectures and laboratory session each week. 6 units.
CHEM 116
Principles of Chemistry: Energetics and Dynamics
Introduction to the study of chemistry, emphasizing quantitative models of chemical behavior, especially those based on energy relationships. Major topics may include covalent bonding, introduction to thermodynamics, equilibrium, reaction rates, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of the transition metals and their complexes. Lectures and laboratory session each week. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 115 or the equivalent
CHEM 119
Accelerated General Chemistry
A one-term treatment of general chemistry designed primarily for freshmen with strong high school backgrounds who are considering a major emphasizing chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology; premedical studies; or a 3-2 chemical engineering program. Lectures and a laboratory/workshop session each week. Enrollment is determined by placement exam and consent of instructor. 6 units.
CHEM 210
Analytical Chemistry
A course in the fundamental principles of quantitative analysis, stressing both chemical and instrumental techniques. Emphasis on application of analytical chemistry to practical problems, including environmental issues, food science, biochemical systems, and industrial processes. Opportunities for individually designed projects. Lectures and two laboratories per week. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 250. Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119 or consent of instructor
CHEM 225
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
This course provides an introduction to the novelty, challenge, and excitement of nanoscale science and technology. In a series of team-taught two-week units based on both popular and technical literature, students will investigate some of the unique structures, properties, experimental techniques, and other processes that are associated with the nanoscale. No laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: At least one introductory course sequence in either chemistry (119 or 115, 116) or physics (150, 160 or 120, 130)
CHEM 247
The Elements of Life
A seminar that introduces the biological chemistry of some 20 elements, mostly “inorganic,” that living systems incorporate and require, touching upon the topics of uptake, selectivity, compartmentalization, control, energetics, catalysis, structure, and toxicity. Students will draw from the text to elucidate in class the biological roles of individual elements. No laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 247. Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119 or consent of instructor
CHEM 250
Organic Chemistry I
A study of carbon compounds, with hydrocarbons discussed in detail and some of the major functional groups introduced. Lectures and weekly laboratory. Laboratory session directed toward the synthesis and analysis of organic compounds and the elucidation of reaction mechanisms. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119 or consent of instructor
CHEM 252
Organic Chemistry II
A continuation of the study of carbon compounds, including additional functional groups and polyfunctional compounds. One four-hour laboratory per week, directed toward more advanced synthetic and analytic problems. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 250
CHEM 320
Inorganic Chemistry
A survey of structures, properties, reactivities, and interrelationships of chemical elements and their compounds. Topics include unifying principles and concepts that enable the interpretation of experimental data associated with materials. Emphasis on multidisciplinary aspects of inorganic chemistry. Lectures and weekly laboratory. Laboratory projects involve synthesis and studies of compounds using a variety of experimental methods. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119 or consent of instructor
CHEM 340
Biochemistry
A study of biological processes at the molecular level. The course focuses principally on proteins — the workhorses of living systems — particularly their structure, function, and regulation as these relate to enzyme catalysis. A second focus is on biochemical transformations, the mechanisms whereby living systems transform simple chemicals into complex structures. Lectures and weekly laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Biology 444. Prerequisite: CHEM 252 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor
CHEM 370
Chemical Dynamics
Develops and explores theoretical descriptions of chemical systems: physical states, the laws of thermodynamics as applied to chemical and physical equilibria, chemical reaction kinetics, and spectroscopy. No laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: MATH 120 or 140; one of the following courses: PHYS 120, PHYS 150, CHEM 210, or CHEM 252; or consent of instructor
CHEM 380
Seminar: Perspectives on Chemistry
A series of presentations by visiting chemists and Lawrence students, faculty, and staff, featuring current issues in chemistry, important applications of chemistry, and professional development topics appropriate to chemistry majors or minors. Approximately one meeting per week. Two or more short “reaction papers” (a short seminar critique or summary) required of each student. May be repeated for credit. 1 unit. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Offered annually in the Fall Term
CHEM 410
Instrumental Analysis
An advanced course in instrumental methods of compound identification and analysis. Emphasis divided between instrument design and operating principles and interpretation of instrumental data. Discussion of spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques. Illustrative experiments drawn from various fields of chemistry, with an emphasis on natural systems and environmental issues. One laboratory per week. Lectures and weekly laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 210, 252, and 370 or consent of instructor
CHEM 440
Advanced Biochemistry
An advanced course covering key areas of contemporary biochemistry. Topics include enzyme kinetics and the use of isotopes to establish enzyme mechanisms; protein structure, function, and folding; protein engineering; and recent advances in biochemical medicine. The course is divided between lecture and discussion, relying heavily on current biochemical literature. No laboratory. 6 units. Also listed as Biology 455. Prerequisite: CHEM 340 or consent of instructor
CHEM 450
Topics in Advanced Organic Chemistry
A study of modern topics in organic chemistry, emphasizing current literature. Topics vary year to year and may include organic structure, reaction mechanisms, and synthetic methods. No formal laboratory; lab exercises may occasionally substitute for lectures. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 252 and 370 or consent of instructor
CHEM 470
Quantum Chemistry and Statistical Mechanics
Develops and explores theoretical descriptions of macroscopic chemical systems and their relation to the microscopic point of view: equations of state for macroscopic systems of gases, liquids, and solids at equilibrium; the microscopic quantum description of atoms and molecules in such systems; statistical methods that link the macroscopic and microscopic levels of description; and the treatment of deviations from equilibrium. No laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 370, MATH 160, and PHYS 160 or consent of instructor
CHEM 475
Spectroscopy
A study of the theory and practice of spectroscopy. Theoretical topics may include energy quantization, selection rules, and group theory. Experimental topics may include infrared, Raman, ultraviolet/visible, electron spin resonance, or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and their applications. Two lectures and two laboratories per week. 6 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 370 or CHEM 470
CHEM 480
Seminar: Chemical Literature
A seminar course intended primarily for junior majors and minors in chemistry. Students learn the character and organization of the chemical literature and become familiar with search strategies, as each selects a topic and, guided by the instructor, conducts a literature search for key papers on that topic, contructs an annotated bibliography, reads several of the most important of the papers, and prepares an end-of-term presentation highlighting key research findings related to their chosen topic. 2 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing, or consent of instructor
CHEM 680
Seminar: Senior Seminar
A seminar course for senior majors, culminating in an individual seminar presentation by each student. 3 units.
CHEM 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial Studies in Chemistry
Advanced reading and/or laboratory work in chemistry on topics not covered in regular offerings. Available to both majors and non-majors. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
CHEM 195, 395, 595, 695
Internship in Chemistry
An opportunity to connect work experiences in industry, government, or the non-profit sector to the academic program in chemistry. Internships, either summer activities of full- or part-time work experiences during the academic year, are arranged by students in consultation with a Lawrence instructor. In each case, the academic credit (and grading) is based on related readings, discussion with the instructor, and a summary report, plus a presentation on campus, usually in the chemistry seminar series. Advance consultation and application is required, normally by the fifth week of the previous term. Variable units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; counter registration required
CHEM 199, 399, 599, 699
Independent Study in Chemistry
Original experimental or theoretical research in cooperation with a faculty member. Seniors considering an honors project should register for this course for one or more terms. Available to both majors and non-majors. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
Recent tutorial topics in chemistry
Electron Transfer Processes in Materials Synthesis
Theory and Applications of Two-Dimensional NMR
Methods
Polymer Chemistry
Fractals in Chemistry
Geochemical Techniques
Forensic Chemistry
Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance
