CHEM-110 The Structure of Matter
This course covers both the common practical aspects of chemistry as well as the theoretical principles that describe this science. Topics of study include the structure of the atom, electron configuration, the nature of chemical bonding and a look at liquids, solids and gases at a molecular level. Other topics of study include reaction stoichiometry and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Lab sessions illustrate and reinforce most of the topics presented in the lectures.
Course outline
CHEM-111 Chemical Energetics and Dynamics
This course is a continuation of the study of the fundamental principles of chemistry with an emphasis physical chemistry. Topics of study include chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, chemical kinetics, nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. The course also includes some descriptive chemistry of a selection of main group elements and transition metals. The mandatory laboratory component of the course will illustrate and reinforce most of the topics presented in the lectures.
Course outline
CHEM-210
Students are introduced to fundamental concepts of structure and bonding in organic molecules, including stereochemistry and chirality while undertaking a systematic study of various classes of organic molecules including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, haloalkanes, alcohols, ethers, and epoxides. The mechanisms of common reactions are covered with an emphasis on understanding how the movement of electrons is used to rationalize these processes. Students are also introduced to the design of organic syntheses. The mandatory labs introduce students to standard organic laboratory techniques while further illustrating concepts covered in class.
Course outline
CHEM-211 Organic Chemistry II
This is the second half of a two-semester course in Organic Chemistry. Building upon the concepts of functional group, syntheses design and reaction mechanisms introduced in the first term, students investigate the structure and reactions of aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, dienes and conjugated systems, benzene and its derivatives, amines, and organometallic compounds.
Students are introduced to the essential instrumental techniques of infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry with an emphasis on interpretation and structure elucidation. The mandatory labs further develop the students’ hands-on skills including some of the instrumental methods covered in class.
Course outline