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Chemistry Course Descriptions

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. Prerequisites: none. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

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 Chemistry 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. Prerequisite: Chemistry 111 or satisfactory performance on a placement examination. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

115 ACCELERATED GENERAL CHEMISTRY

This course combines topics from both Chemistry 111 and 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, and explores various modern 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, with particular emphasis on the chemistry of acids and bases. This course is available to new incoming freshmen only. Prerequisites: AP chemistry score of 4 or 5; IB chemistry score of 5, 6, or 7; or satisfactory performance on a placement examination (administered during Orientation Week). Some knowledge of calculus is recommended. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

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. Prerequisite: Chemistry 112 or 115. Three lectures, four hours laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

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. Prerequisite: Chemistry 211. Three lectures, four hours laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

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. Prerequisite: Chemistry 112 or 115. Three lectures, four hours laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

252 RESEARCH METHODS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

This course develops understanding of computation, advanced NMR and mass spectrometric techniques as applied to research efforts in organic chemistry and related fields, such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, supramolecular synthesis, and crystal engineering. Prerequisites: Chemistry 212 and permission of the instructor. Three lectures per week. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

300 CHEMISTRY SEMINAR

Presentations on current topics in the molecular sciences by campus visitors, as well as by Macalester students and faculty. Students may be expected to prepare for the presentations by reading, and, in some cases, discussing the work of a speaker in advance of his/her seminar presentation. Chemistry majors will make two oral presentations over four semesters. All students will submit a written synopsis for three seminar presentations each semester. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. One hour per week. Every semester. (1 credit)

 

311 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I

Topics in macroscopic, classical physical chemistry: properties of gases; thermodynamics and its applications to physical and chemical systems; phase and chemical equilibrium; rates of reactions and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: Chemistry 112 or 115, Physics 227, Mathematics 137. Three lectures and three hours laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

312 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II

Topics in microscopic, modern physical chemistry: quantum mechanics and atomic and molecular structure; computational chemistry; symmetry and group theory; spectroscopy and diffractometry; and statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: Chemistry 112 or 115, Physics 227, Mathematics 137. Recommended: Mathematics 237. Three lectures and three hours laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

351 BIOCHEMISTRY I (Same as Biology 351)

A study of biological processes at the molecular level with an emphasis on the chemistry of biological molecules, physical biochemistry, structure of proteins, mechanisms and kinetics of enzyme catalyzed reactions, and introduction to intermediary metabolism, including the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Prerequisites: Chemistry 212, Biology 205 or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Every semester. (5 credits)

 

352 BIOCHEMISTRY II (Same as Biology 352)

A continuation of Biology/Chemistry 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. Prerequisites: Biology/Chemistry 351 or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits)

 

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. Prerequisite: Chemistry 212. Alternate fall semesters. (4 credits)

 

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. Prerequisite: Chemistry 312 or permission of the instructor. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)

 

614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT

Laboratory and library research on an original problem, usually with a thesis. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

624 INTERNSHIP

Ordinarily restricted to seniors. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

634 PRECEPTORSHIP

Prerequisite: permission of the department. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

 

644 HONORS INDEPENDENT

Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Every semester. (1–4 credits)

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