Course Descriptions
Contact
ChemistryOlin-Rice Science Center, Room 320 651-696-6042
mbanker@macalester.edu
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Chemistry
CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I: Structure and Equilibrium
This course offers a rigorous, foundational treatment of atoms and molecules. We study the nature of chemical bonding and how bonding gives rise to the three-dimensional structure of matter. We explore how the macroscopic properties of substances can be interpreted in terms of atomic and molecular structure. We also learn mathematical and conceptual tools for quantifying chemical equilibrium, with an emphasis on the reactions of acids and bases. Laboratory work reinforces concepts in lecture, and also provides a review of fundamental topics, such as stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution-phase reactions, that are essential for future course work in chemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. All sections of class will have regular graded homework assignments and tests. Lab fee of $12 required.
Frequency: Fall semester.
CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II: Energetics and Reactivity
This course provides an intuitive, yet rigorous, understanding of how energy is stored and transferred in chemical systems. We start with the behavior of individual atoms and molecules (using the foundation of atomic and molecular structure laid in CHEM 111 , and then build up to the macroscopic concepts of thermodynamics. We focus on free energy as a powerful tool for predicting physical and chemical behavior. We then apply our understanding of energetics to electrochemical systems and the rates of chemical reactions. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Lab fee of $7 required.
Frequency: Spring semester.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111 with a grade of C- or better, or satisfactory performance on a placement examination, or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry test, or a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Chemistry test. One may take the placement exam or use an AP/IB test score only if you have not previously enrolled in CHEM 111.
CHEM 115 - Accelerated General Chemistry
This course combines topics from both CHEM 111 and CHEM 112 and is meant to be an accelerated one-semester version of General Chemistry. The course begins with a rigorous treatment of atomic and molecular structure, including various models of chemical bonding. These ideas are applied to a thorough discussion of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Conceptual and mathematical methods for quantifying chemical equilibrium are also explored, as well as theoretical and practical aspects of nuclear chemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and for either CHEM 111 or CHEM 112 . Lab fee of $12 required.
Frequency: Fall semester.
Prerequisite(s): AP CHEM score of 4 or 5; IB CHEM score of 5, 6, or 7; or satisfactory performance on an online placement examination. Some knowledge of calculus is expected. Open only to incoming first-year students.
CHEM 120 - CSI Macalester
From the Sherlock Holmes stories before radio to the serial broadcasts of mysteries and whodunits during the mid-twentieth century to the current popularity of television's CSI: Crime Scene Investigation , society has demonstrated an abiding interest - regardless of the technological mode of delivery - in the entertainment value associated with the application of systematic, scientific, analytical thinking in the course of criminal investigation. May high-profile cases from real life have captured public attention as newspaper columnists and radio and television pundits report and pontificate on such cases, especially the physical evidence. The Lindberg kidnapping and the O.J. Simpson trial created stunning examples of public theatre driven by a widespread desire in people to know the facts and try the case in their own minds. Whether in an entertaining work of fiction or through an untidy twist of everyday life, forensic science serves as the fulcrum upon which collection and analysis of physical evidence lead ultimately to testimony in a courtroom. Of course, in contemporary terms the word physical is essentially a euphemism for chemical or molecular . Paradoxically, the public fascination with forensic science stands largely in opposition to the public distrust and fear of all things chemical. In this course we will work towards developing thorough, molecular level understanding of the foundations of modern forensic science. In appropriate measure and as a function of scheduling, readings, problem sets, case studies, hands-on analytical analyses, guest lecture visits, and field trips may be used to guide our study of modern forensic science.
Frequency: Fall semesters as a First Year Course.
CHEM 123 - Food Chemistry
Food chemistry is the application of chemical concepts to food, cooking and food processing. This course focuses on food and cooking with lots of in-class and out-of-class experimentation on texture, appearance, flavor and aroma of food. Chemical concepts such as structure, equilibrium and kinetics will be discussed in relation to cooking. Topics covered will include an overview of the chemical structure of fats, proteins, carbohydrates as well as the structure of flavor and aroma molecules. The equilibrium of the chemical reactions involved in ripening and cooking will be explored. Of particular interest are acid-base reactions, pH and the reactions involved in leavening, browning and fermentation. A portion of the course will be student led and depend on the interests of the class.
Frequency: Every other year.
CHEM 194 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry I
This course develops a broad understanding of the theoretical concepts of organic chemistry. Molecular orbital theory and valence bond resonance theory are invoked to describe and explain the ramification of covalent bonding in organic molecules, as well as to rationalize fundamental noncovalent associations. Thermodynamic considerations of 3-dimensional molecular shape are discussed. Contemporary instrumental techniques for the assignment of molecular structure are a key focus. Modern mechanistic theory of organic chemical reactions is developed in the context of acid-base, nucleophilic substitution, elimination, and electrophilic addition reactions. Three lectures, four hours laboratory per week.
Frequency: Fall semester.
CHEM 212 - Organic Chemistry II
This course further develops the theoretical concepts of organic chemistry, and helps students to develop an ability to propose plausible synthetic pathways to organic molecules. Particular focus is on nucleophilic addition, electrophilic substitution, free radical, and pericyclic reactions. Three lectures, four hours laboratory per week.
Frequency: Spring semester.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 211 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM 222 - Analytical Chemistry
This course uses key concepts of chemical equilibrium and structure to solve problems in chemical analysis. Lecture and laboratory work provide both the theoretical foundations and practical training in classical methods (gravimetric and volumetric analysis), atomic and molecular spectroscopy, and chromatography. Statistics and error analysis are also emphasized throughout the course. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.
Frequency: Spring semester.
CHEM 294 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
CHEM 300 - Chemistry Seminar
Presentations on current topics in the molecular sciences by campus visitors as well as by Macalester students and faculty. Chemistry majors will make an oral presentation during their senior year. One hour per week.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212.
CHEM 311 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics
This course covers topics in macroscopic physical chemistry dealing with the bulk properties of matter and energy. These topics include the properties of gases, the First and Second Laws of thermodynamics and their application to physical and chemical systems, phase and chemical equilibria, rates of reactions and chemical kinetics, and x-ray diffractometry. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.
Frequency: Fall semester.
CHEM 312 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
This course covers topics in microscopic physical chemistry dealing with the structural and energetic properties of individual molecules. These topics include the foundations and applications of quantum mechanics, electronic structure and bonding, computational chemistry, molecular symmetry, group theory, rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.
Frequency: Spring semester.
CHEM 314 - Polymers and Macromolecules
Polymer and macromolecular chemistry combine to form a highly interdisciplinary field that cuts across all areas of modern chemistry. In particular, the preparation of polymeric and macromolecular materials can be used to illustrate many of the fundamental concepts of synthetic chemistry. Like small molecules as applied in medicines, polymeric and macromolecular materials occupy a central role in maintaining overall societal well-being. However, unlike small molecules, which are typically synthesized and used as discreet, homogeneous compounds, polymeric and macromolecular materials are usually synthesized and used as a heterogeneous distribution of compounds of the same structural motif but varying size. This course will explore: a) key historical developments (and people) giving rise to modern polymer and macromolecular chemistry; b) classical and contemporary protocols for polymer and macromolecular synthesis; c) compare and contrast physical properties of small, mono-disperse molecules with those of large, poly-disperse polymer and macromolecular substances; d) applications of polymer and macromolecular materials to societal needs.
Frequency: Alternate years.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 212
CHEM 320 - Computational Chemistry
Computation plays a key role in chemical research today, with many articles in the literature using computer modeling to make predictions of chemical behavior and to interpret experimental results. Arguably the most powerful subfield of computational chemistry is quantum chemistry-the application of quantum mechanics to atoms and molecules. This course has the following goals: (1) introducing the basic concepts of quantum chemistry; (2) illustrating the power and limitations of different quantum chemical methods; (3) providing opportunities to apply quantum chemistry to a variety of systems. The emphasis throughout the course will be on the use of computers to make predictions, instead of the mathematics and physics underlying quantum mechanics. The second half of the course focuses on research projects possibly leading to publication.
Frequency: Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 (Organic Chemistry II) with a grade of C- or better, or permission of the instructor.
CHEM 351 - Biochemistry I
A study of biological processes at the molecular level with an emphasis on the chemistry of biological molecules, elements of physical biochemistry, the structure of proteins, the mechanisms and kinetics of enzyme catalyzed reactions, and selected topics in intermediary metabolism, including the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Frequency: Offered every semester.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200 and CHEM 212, or permission of instructor. Students must earn a C- or higher in prerequisite courses.
Cross-Listed as: BIOL 351
CHEM 352 - Biochemistry II
A continuation of CHEM 351. A study of biological processes at the molecular level with an emphasis on the metabolism of amino acids, nucleotides, the regulation of biochemical pathways, and topics in molecular biology such as gene replication, the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, and recent advances in genomics and proteomics.
Frequency: Every spring.
Cross-Listed as: BIOL 352
CHEM 353 - Molecular Medicine
How are therapeutic and diagnostic agents designed? How are these chemicals used to detect and treat illnesses? In this class, we aim to answer these questions by exploring molecular medicine from a (bio)chemical perspective. We will discuss the chemical basis of different diseases and how they can be targeted by therapeutics and monitored using chemical diagnostics. We will examine the fundamentals of drug design and development and dive into primary literature to explore cutting edge research in the field of medicinal chemistry.
Frequency: Alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 351 (or concurrent registration)
Cross-Listed as: BIOL 353
CHEM 354 - Chemical Biology
Chemical biology is a field of study that applies chemistry to advanced problems in biology and medicine. This course will cover the fundamentals of the field, starting with a review of relevant biology, as well as advanced topics and state-of-the-art research. Through lectures, critical reading of recent literature, student presentations, and proposals, students will learn about the development of chemical tools to study and manipulate biological systems in novel ways. Topics may include: protein engineering and unnatural amino acid incorporation, targeted drug delivery, small molecule and protein-based imaging tools, bio-orthogonal reactions, synthetic biology, and combinatorial chemistry. Three lecture hours each week.
Frequency: Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212
Cross-Listed as: BIOL 354
CHEM 361 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
Selected topics in organic chemistry, including stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, modern methods of organic synthesis and spectral methods of identifying organic compounds. Laboratory emphasis on spectral, chromatographic and synthetic methods.
Frequency: Alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM 394 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
CHEM 411 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
This course examines how modern theories of chemical bonding are applied to an understanding of the chemistry of the elements of the periodic table. Students explore chemical structures, reactions and spectra on the basis of molecular symmetry and group theory. Topics covered include chemical periodicity, coordination compounds, and organometallic complexes.Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.
Frequency: Fall semester.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better, or permission of the instructor.
CHEM 474 - Research in Biochemistry
In this course students pursue a collaborative research project with a faculty member on a topic in contemporary biochemistry. In addition to extensive laboratory research, reading and discussion of the primary literature and oral and written presentation of research topics and results will be pursued. Three to six hours of lecture and/or laboratory each week. Depending on the semester/topic, this course may be taught be either Biology or Chemistry Faculty members.
Frequency: Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 351; junior or senior standing, and permission of instructor.
Cross-Listed as: BIOL 474
CHEM 494 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.
CHEM 611 - Independent Project
Laboratory and library research on an original problem, usually with a thesis.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
CHEM 612 - Independent Project
Laboratory and library research on an original problem, usually with a thesis.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
CHEM 613 - Independent Project
Laboratory and library research on an original problem, usually with a thesis.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
CHEM 614 - Independent Project
Laboratory and library research on an original problem, usually with a thesis.
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
CHEM 621 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Ordinarily restricted to seniors. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
CHEM 622 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Ordinarily restricted to seniors. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
CHEM 623 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Ordinarily restricted to seniors. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
CHEM 624 - Internship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Ordinarily restricted to seniors. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office.
CHEM 631 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
CHEM 632 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
CHEM 633 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
CHEM 634 - Preceptorship
Frequency: Every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs.
CHEM 641 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Offered every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
CHEM 642 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Offered every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
CHEM 643 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Offered every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.
CHEM 644 - Honors Independent
Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the seniors honors project.
Frequency: Offered every semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair.