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ChemistryCOURSES 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. Lab/materials fee is required. 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. Lab/materials fee is required. 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 molecular and statistical 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. 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. Lab/materials fee is required. Fall semester. (4 credits) 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. Fall semester as a First Year Course. (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 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. Prerequisites: Chemistry 112 or 115, Physics 227, Mathematics 137. Three lectures and three hours laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits) 312 QUANTUM MECHANICS 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. 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, 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. Prerequisites: Chemistry 212, Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology) or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits) 352 BIOCHEMISTRY II (Same as Biology 352) A continuation of Biology/Chemistry 351. The first portion of the course will focus on the molecular details of DNA replication, transcription, and protein synthesis. The remainder of the course will explore the use of chemical strategies to perturb and probe biological processes, with examples drawn from the literature to include metabolic engineering, chemical genetics, molecular evolution, and other developments in the rapidly growing field of chemical biology. The course will culminate in the preparation of an original research proposal in a field related to biochemistry. 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) 471 RESEARCH IN MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY Collaborative research with a faculty member on a current problem in the field of molecular spectroscopy. Students will use modern laser technology to record and then analyze electronic spectra of gaseous free radicals. In addition to extensive laboratory research, there will be readings and discussion of the primary literature. 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 seniors honors project. Offered every semester. (1–4 credits)
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