Course Descriptions
CHEM 3110 Chemical Systems I
Advanced discussion of modern concepts of organic chemistry; bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms. 3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 3120 Chemical Systems II
Interpretation of trends in the chemistry of the elements in terms of orbital interactions. Most examples will be taken from the 3d transition metals and the boron and carbon groups. 3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 3130 Chemical Systems III
An advanced-level physical biochemistry course intended for advanced-level undergraduates and graduate students. The course focuses on kinetic, thermodynamic and dynamic aspects of biopolymers and delineates the relationship of these properties to the mechanism and function of biological macromolecules. 3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 3210 Advanced Instrumental Analysis
Principles of chemical instrumentation and electronics applied to analytical measurements. Principles, instrumentation and applications of spectrometric and chromatographic measurements. 3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 3310 Molecular Structure and Energetics I
Topics to be covered are fundamentals of quantum chemistry, introduction to symmetry and molecular structure of small and large systems. 3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 3320 Molecular Structure and Energetics II
This is a course in computational methods in chemistry. 3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 3811/3812 Biochemistry I, II
Structure and function of proteins; membranes; generation and storage of metabolic energy; biosynthetic pathways. 3 qtr. hrs. each.
Each graduate student must enroll in one of the following advanced topics courses, one is offered each year:
CHEM 4100 Advanced Topics: Inorganic Chemistry
Selected topics, including material from current literature. May be taken for credit more than once. 1–3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 4200 Advanced Topics: Analytical Chemistry
In-depth coverage of selected topics such as atmospheric chemistry, selected spectroscopic or other techniques. May be taken for credit more than once. 1–3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 4400 Advanced Topics: Organic Chemistry
Physical organic chemistry; reaction mechanisms, structure reactivity relationships, kinetics, photochemistry, molecular orbital theory, etc.; current literature. May be taken for credit more than once. 1–3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 4600 Advanced Topics: Physical Chemistry
Spectroscopy, theoretical chemistry, solid state, electrochemistry and catalysis, etc.; current literature. May be taken for credit more than once. 1–3 qtr. hrs.
CHEM 4800 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry
Current literature in an area of particular interest, e.g., biosynthesis of macromolecules or biochemical genetics; one topic each quarter selected to meet needs of advanced students. May be taken for credit more than once. 1–3 qtr. hrs.
The following are required after core course work is completed:
CHEM 4900 Chemistry Seminar
A weekly presentation of research in progress and of current literature by outside speakers, faculty and graduate students. 1 qtr. hr.
CHEM 4991 Independent Study
CHEM 4995 Independent Research
For More Information
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Web site offers the most current information on courses, requirements, faculty and student news. Go to www.chemistry.du.edu for more information on the program.