Chemistry (CHEM)

An exploration of significant questions and integrative concepts in Chemistry, their grounding in the process of scientific discovery and application, and their broader relevance to society. Designed for first-year students. Although topics vary, the courses also seek to improve students’ communication skills beyond the written word.

For science majors and pre-health science students. A study of the nature of atoms and molecules, the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, thermochemistry, states of matter, solutions, and equilibrium.

Laboratory techniques in chemistry.

An exploration of a specific topic in Chemistry. A grade of C- or better fulfills the COLL 150 requirement. Although topics vary, the courses emphasize academic writing skills, reading and analysis of texts, and discussion.

Introduction to chemical research with an assigned faculty mentor. May be taken only with the consent of the department. Credit obtained cannot be used towards an ACS approved degree and the 120 hour graduation credit minimum.

Laboratory safety and environmental health in the practice of chemistry research. Includes instruction in the responsible and ethical conduct of research. Chemistry 195 is a pre-/co-requisite for all chemistry research courses, and thus must be taken concurrently with the student's first research course. Graded (Pass/Fail)

Intended for non-science majors, Color, Light, & Chemistry will use the theme of color and light to weave a narrative through basic concepts in chemistry. Students will develop their understanding not only of the foundations of chemistry (e.g., organic and inorganic structure, acid-base chemistry, light, spectroscopy) through the color and light theme, but also how scientific approaches can be used to create tangible products (e.g., dyed textiles, paint analysis). This course will place the chemistry of color and light in the broader context of art, philosophy, literature, culture, dye industry, artifact analysis, and world trade. Students will put course concepts into practice through hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and a project portfolio.

A systematic study of the properties and reactions of chemical elements and their compounds, including acid/base chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, bonding, and an introduction to kinetics. This course will explore how the quest for natural resources and synthetic chemicals has shaped modern society. Enrollment is restricted to freshmen who receive William and Mary credit for Chemistry 103 with a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination or International Baccalaureate scores of 5, 6, or 7 in Chemistry or have instructor consent. Note: Students may not obtain credit for both CHEM 205 and CHEM 208.

A mechanistic approach to the study of the chemistry of carbon compounds. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between structure and reactivity in organic reactions.

Laboratory techniques in organic chemistry.

A continuation of the development of the chemistry of organic functional groups started in Chemistry 206. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of metals in living systems and the biosynthesis of organic molecules. Recommended for students expecting to major in the life sciences. Students may not receive credit for more than one of the following: CHEM 207 and CHEM 209.

A continuation of the study of the principles of chemistry begun in Chemistry 103. Topics include aqueous equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, advanced bonding theories, nuclear chemistry, chemical kinetics, and coordination chemistry.

A continuation of the development of the chemistry of organic functional groups started in Chemistry 206. Recommended for students expecting to major in chemistry. Students may not receive credit for more than one of the following: CHEM 207 and CHEM 209.

This class constitutes a survey of the history of medicinal chemistry and drug development. The course will begin by briefly looking at ancient medicine of the antiquity and middle-ages before highlighting the modern-era discovery of groundbreaking drugs and medicinal practices and culminate with an outlook on both industrial and academic research structure. The processes governing modern day pharmaceutical drug development and the different phases of clinical research will also be discussed in this context. This course is recommended for pre-medical students or students pursuing careers in the health sector.

Laboratory techniques in organic chemistry.

Laboratory techniques in chemistry.

A second semester general laboratory course designed for chemistry majors. Emphasis on quantitative analysis, inorganic synthesis, and graphing and data analysis.

Introduction to chemical research with an assigned faculty member for sophomore students. May be taken only with the consent of the department. Credit obtained cannot be used towards an ACS approved degree and the 120 hour graduation credit minimum. Repeatable for credit.

An introduction to quantum mechanics and spectroscopy for physical chemistry; topics include quantization of energy, quantum mechanical models, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, and applications to chemistry. Note: MATH 212 or 213 is strongly recommended as an additional co-/pre-requisite.

An introduction to thermodynamics and chemical kinetics for physical chemistry; topics include the states of matter, thermodynamics and its chemical applications, chemical kinetics, and introductory statistical mechanics. Note: MATH 212 or 213 is strongly recommended as an additional co-/pre-requisite.

A series of experiments designed to accompany CHEM 301 and CHEM 302

Principles and applications of analytical methodology and instrumentation to chemical analysis; topics covered include electrochemistry, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chromatography. Three class hours.

A series of experiments designed to accompany Chemistry 309.

A survey of inorganic chemistry. Topics include: coordination chemistry, organometallics, solid state chemistry, band theory, and the applications of symmetry to structure, bonding and spectroscopy.,

The molecular basis of living processes; the chemistry of important constituents of living matter, biosynthesis, metabolism, bioenergetics, enzyme kinetics, metabolic control, transport mechanisms.

This 1-credit supplement to Biochemistry 314 (CHEM/BIOL 314) will fulfill the COLL 200 requirement by reaching beyond the chemical transformations performed by microorganisms during fermentation. We will explore the “cultural” aspects of food fermentation through the lens of history, anthropology and archaeology (the CSI domain). We will explore ways in which human evolution has been shaped by microorganisms, primarily through diet. Readings are from an array of areas to highlight differing perspectives of social and natural scientists.

With the recent sequencing of the human genome, increasing prevalence of various diseases and disorders including cancer, Alzheimer’s, etc., and advancing sophistication of numerous biotechnologies, new social and ethical responsibilities fall upon the scientist. This 1-credit supplement AND Biochemistry 314 course fulfills the COLL 200 requirement, and aims to “reach-out” beyond the science and put the responsibilities of the biochemist on trial. Through the integration science with the fields of philosophy, law, and government, this course aims to produce a “global scientist.” Drawing from multiple sources including film, current events, and guest lectures students will be afforded a holistic perspective on science in society and the implications of biochemical research. This class must be taken concurrently with CHEM 314: Biochemsitry; however will result in an independent grade.

Principles in physical chemistry developed for and applied to examples from the biological sciences. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy, and instrumentation relevant to biophysical and bioanalytical chemistry. Course may not be used for a major in chemistry.

Laboratory techniques in organic chemistry.

General topics in Chemistry. Chemistry 360 courses will not count toward a concentration in Chemistry or any other concentration, unless specifically designated.

General topics in chemistry that is held off-campus, abroad. Chem 361 courses will not count toward a concentration in Chemistry or any other concentration, unless specifically designated.

Introduction to chemical research with an assigned faculty member for junior students. May be taken only with the consent of the department. Requires attendance at weekly departmental seminars. Credit obtained cannot be used towards an ACS approved degree and the 120 hour graduation credit minimum. Repeatable for credit.

Advanced topics in quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, atmospheric chemistry, modern experimental physical chemistry, and other selected topics.

Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry, including solid state materials, crystallography, organometallics, spectroscopy, bioinorganic chemistry, and other selected topics.

A structure-reactivity approach to reaction mechanisms and modern synthetic chemistry.

Advanced topics in analytical chemistry.

Principles and applications of computational methods currently used for the determination of molecular structure and energetics. Topics include: ab initio molecular orbital theory, density functional theory, semi-empirical calculations, and molecular force field methods.

A series of seminars by scientists primarily from industry and government. The course is open to students who have completed four semesters of chemistry or by permission of the instructor.

An introduction to the chemical aspects of polymer science at the molecular level. Topics include the preparation, modification, degradation and stabilization of polymers. Reaction mechanisms are stressed.

A continuation of the study of biological processes on a molecular level begun in Chemistry 314. Biosynthesis, metabolism, bioenergetics, enzyme kinetics, metabolic control, transport mechanisms. Students may not receive credit for more than one of the following: CHEM 415, CHEM 453 and BIOL 453.

An exploration of different drug classes including their medicinal properties, synthesis, and mechanism of action. Drug development will be viewed through a historical lens to investigate the impacts of drugs on society. One additional aspect of this course will be the practice of science communication. In this context students will communicate topics in drug development to both scientific and diverse non-scientific audiences. This course constitutes a senior capstone experience and satisfies the COLL 400 requirement.

A study of the biochemistry and pharmacology of the nervous system. Topics include excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, structure and function of receptors, reuptake transporters, and second messengers. The biochemical basis of neuro-active drugs, toxins, and diseases will be covered. Recommended for chemistry, biology, and neuroscience majors, and premedical students.

An intensive examination of current research approaches in the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Students will gain experience in reading and critically analyzing articles from the primary literature.

Laboratory techniques of modern biochemistry and molecular biology.

The functionality of a protein is an integral part of its structure. This course provides a comprehensive analysis of how to use sequence data to understand a protein’s physical properties, and to predict its function and interaction. Students may not receive credit for more than one of the following: CHEM 415, CHEM 453 and BIOL 453.

Principles and applications of modern mass spectrometric methods in chemistry. Topics include: instrumentation, spectral interpretation, gas-phase ion chemistry and spectroscopy, proteomics and metabolomics, forensic applications, and stable isotope chemistry.

An advanced treatment of organic synthetic methods which includes examples of natural product synthesis.

Theory and application of spectroscopic methods to the analysis of organic compounds. Topics include absorption, fluorescence, infrared, and proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies with an emphasis on structural elucidation and other practical applications.

Treatment of a selected chemistry topic that is not routinely covered in the regular course offerings.

A course for the advanced student affording an opportunity for individual work on a problem under the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken only with the consent of the department. Attendance at the departmental seminar is required. When taken for 3 credits and paired with CHEM 490W will meet College 400 requirement.

Senior Research Writing

Requirements include a program of research with readings from the original literature, presentation of an Honors essay, and the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive oral examination in the subject area of the research. Attendance at the departmental seminar is required; otherwise, hours are to be arranged.

Requirements include a program of research with readings from the original literature, presentation of an Honors essay, and the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive oral examination in the subject area of the research. Attendance at the departmental seminar is required; otherwise, hours are to be arranged.

The chemistry internship course is designed to allow students to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting. Chemistry internships will differ based on the individual program, but are generally intended to: (1) reinforce how chemical knowledge is applied in the professional world, (2) help students to think critically about real-world problems, and (3) expose students to networking opportunities outside of academia. CHEM 498 may be taken only with the consent of the Chemistry Department and a faculty mentor prior to the start of the internship and is not repeatable for credit.