CHEM 106
Nuclear Weapons: A History of the Science and Technology
Introduction to relevant portions of 20th-century physics and chemistry, providing
students with the technical background necessary to consider policy questions
related to nuclear weapons. 6 units. Not offered in 2004-05.
CHEM 111
Principles of Chemistry: Foundations
A gateway to the study of chemistry, for students with little or no high school
chemistry who wish to consider a major in chemistry and/or the allied sciences
or who need to review basic chemical principles. Study of basic atomic and
molecular models, physical and chemical changes, mathematical relationships
and manipulations, and introduction to the chemical elements and their behavior
and properties. Short laboratory exercises provide skills and methods for evaluating
and interpreting laboratory data and practice in qualitative and quantitative
reasoning. 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. 6 units. One three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites:
High school chemistry or Chemistry 111 strongly recommended.
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. 6 units. One three-hour laboratory
per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 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. 6 units. Three lectures and two laboratory/workshop sessions per week.
Enrollment is determined by placement exam and consent of instructor.
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. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 250. Two three-hour
laboratories per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 116 or 119 or consent of instructor.
CHEM 220
Introduction to Materials Science
A chemically oriented exploration of materials, emphasizing the interdependence
of function, properties, structure, and composition. Materials synthesis, processing,
and fabrication techniques are explored, together with their effects on the
characteristics and performance of materials. Metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors,
superconductors, and composites are considered. 6 units. Prerequisite: Chemistry
116 or 119 or consent of instructor. Not offered in 2004-05.
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: At least one
introductory course sequence in either chemistry (119 or 115, 116) or physics
(150, 160 or 120, 130).
CHEM 250
Organic Chemistry I
A study of carbon compounds, with hydrocarbons discussed in detail and some
of the major functional groups introduced. One four-hour laboratory per week,
directed toward the synthesis and analysis of organic compounds and the elucidation
of reaction mechanisms. 6 units. Prerequisite: Chemistry 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:
Chemistry 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. Laboratory
projects involve synthesis and studies of compounds using a variety of experimental
methods. 6 units. Prerequisite: Chemistry 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. 6 units. One afternoon-long
laboratory per week. Also listed as Biology 444. Prerequisite: Chemistry 252,
concurrent enrollment therein, 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. 6 units. Prerequisites: Mathematics
120 or 140; one of the following courses: Physics 120, Physics 150, Chemistry
210, or Chemistry 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.
1 unit, S/U only. May be repeated for credit. 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. 6 units. One
laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Chemistry 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. 6 units. No laboratory.
Also listed as Biology 455. Prerequisite: Chemistry 340. Not offered in 2004-05.
CHEM 450
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. 6 units. No formal laboratory; lab exercises may occasionally
substitute for lectures. Prerequisites: Chemistry 252 and 370 or consent of
instructor. Not offered in 2004-05.
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. 6 units. Prerequisites: Chemistry 370, Mathematics
160, and Physics 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.
6 units. Two lectures and six hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites:
Chemistry 370 or Chemistry 470.
CHEM 480
Seminar: Chemical Literature
A seminar course intended primarily for junior majors and minors; department
faculty and students read and discuss a series of key articles from the chemical
literature. Each student writes a critical synopsis of, and leads discussion
on, one paper. At least one class meeting per week. 2 units, S/U only. Senior
majors may repeat the course, at a lower participation level, for 1 unit. The
lower participation level involves reading the articles, participating in the
discussions, and writing short “reaction papers” on two articles
after the discussions. Offered annually in Winter Term.
CHEM 680
Seminar: Senior Seminar
A seminar course for senior majors, featuring two components: a) an intensive
study of the work of a single distinguished chemist, culminating whenever possible
in a campus visit by that chemist, and b) individual seminar presentations
by senior majors. 3 units, S/U only. Offered annually in the Spring Term.
CHEM 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial Studies in Chemistry
Advanced reading and/or laboratory work in chemistry on topics not covered
in regular offerings. One or more terms may be elected. Available to both majors
and non-majors. Variable credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
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 or 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 credit.
Offered on demand.
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 credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
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