Chemistry (CHEM)
The study and discussion of current topics and research efforts in chemistry. The course is intended to provide teachers with background and understanding that will enrich their classroom presentations in the chemistry curriculum. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Offered on sufficient demand.
Studies and analysis of pertinent literature. May be repeated for credit, but credit may count only once towards the degree plan.
Chemistry 5307, 3 credit course, provides a detailed perspective to Inorganic chemistry. Specifically, the detailed descriptions of metals, their properties as well as applications, radioactive materials, organometallic chemistry, as well as bioinorganic chemistry. It will also introduce students to the world of solid-state chemistry and nanotechnology. The prerequisite is CHEM 1412. This course includes lectures, scientific paper reading and writing capabilities. No laboratory associated with this course.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1412.
Advanced study of instrumental methods of analysis: spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemical methods.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3418.
A laboratory intensive graduate course that emphasizes the use of biochemical and molecular techniques to address ecological questions. Field sampling, sample preparation, biochemical and molecular genetic assays, statistical analysis and computer-based modeling techniques are used in a project-based approach to assess population genetic diversity, structure and migration rates in a key ecosystem species. Such estimates are of increasing concern for conservation and habitat management.
The course introduces advanced topics covering the areas synthetic molecular receptors, host-guest chemistry, biochemical self-assembly, crystal engineering and molecular templation. Supramolecular chemistry has been called "chemistry beyond the molecule" focusing on intermolecular interactions and forces leading to the formation complexes and superstructures in solution and in the solid-state. The material takes a classical approach to chemical pedagogy that instills the excitement of modern research areas in the chemical sciences. The course is designed at an advanced level for graduate students.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3412.
Advanced study of the impact of chemistry on the environment. Topics will include the chemistry of the natural environment and the modifications to that environment brought about by human activities. Includes readings in current literature and research on an environmental issue.
The course introduces advanced topics covering the areas of molecular structure and thermodynamics as well as reactivity, kinetics, and mechanisms of organic molecular architectures and ensembles. The material takes a classical approach to chemical pedagogy that instills the excitement of modern research areas in the chemical sciences. The course is designed at an advanced level for graduate students.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3412.
The course will include the investigation of the uses and outcomes of computational chemistry, including both classical (non-quantum) simulations of molecular systems and quantum mechanical modeling of molecules. Emphasis will be on constructing an appropriate molecular model, performing the appropriate calculation, and interpreting the results of the calculation.
An introduction to the properties and cycling of natural organic materials will be presented to benefit graduate students studying marine systems. The course is designed to follow the geologic cycle of organic matter, from production in living organisms to burial in sediments and preservation in the depositional record. Specific topics include factors controlling preservation in sediments, methanogenesis, diagnetic alterations of organic compounds, fossil fuel production and degradation, life in the deep biosphere, biomarkers for ancient life, and isotopic variations in the sedimentary record.
This course will cover both chemical processes in the oceanic environment and how biology, geology and physics affect the chemistry. Topics include air-sea interactions, water column chemistry, and reactions in sedimentary environments. Students are expected to participate in the teaching process through their involvement in small groups, class discussions, and modeling/simulation exercises.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1311 and 1312.
The course is taught at the graduate level with the curriculum focusing on the advanced spectroscopic methods of molecular structure determination. The course aims to present foundational theoretical concepts of different molecular spectroscopy techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet-visible, and mass spectroscopies and how these techniques are used to interpret spectra of unknown and structurally complex molecular analytes. This includes modes of absorption and emission, qualitative and quantitative uses and potential problems and limitations. The course has been designed for students who have completed organic chemistry II lecture and laboratory during their undergraduate career.
This course teaches stable isotope systematics of five common light elements - carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur in biological, geological, and systems. Course material includes basic principles, analytical methods, thermodynamic and kinetic fractionations, and applications of stable isotope analyses in a wide range of natural systems. This course is recommended to graduate students in chemistry, geology, biological sciences, and coastal and marine system science.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1412.
Review of the literature on a thesis topic. Completion of a written research proposal including proposed experimental design.
THESIS RESEARCH Chemistry Thesis Track students only. Collection and organization of research data. To receive a qualitative grade, the student must present a first draft of the thesis manuscript to the thesis advisor. If the semester ends before the advisor receives the first draft, an “In Progress” is recorded and the course must be repeated.
Prerequisite: CHEM 5392.
Thesis defense and completion of the thesis manuscript including acceptance of the final copy by the advisory committee. May be repeated; no more than three hours may be taken per semester.
Chemistry Professional Track students only. Collection, organization and submission of research data. To receive a qualitative grade, the student must successfully defend the professional project, the student's graduate committee must accept the professional paper, and a final copy must be on file in the Dean's Office. If the semester ends before these are accomplished, an "In Progress" is recorded and the course must be repeated.
Advanced study of the impact of chemistry on the environment. Topics will include the chemistry of the natural environment and the modifications to that environment brought about by human activities. Includes readings in current literature and research on an environmental issue. Includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1412.
A study of the chemistry of natural and polluted waters. Topics include chemical kinetic and equilibrium principles as applied to natural and polluted waters, and the ecotoxicological aspects of aquatic chemistry. In addition, critical readings in current literature and research on environmental issues will be discussed. Includes a laboratory component.
A presentation of standard instrumental tools and instrumental methods used for the characterization of environmental pollutants and their distribution in the environment. Includes a laboratory component.
Subject materials variable. Advanced topics including current literature research. May be repeated for credit when topics are sufficiently different.
Study in areas of current interest. (A total of six hours of Directed Independent Study may be counted toward the MS degree.)
Student research on a project of interest. This variable credit hour course may be repeated in different semesters. Student may count up to six hours of CHEM 5940 toward the Chemistry Thesis Track or Professional Track with approval from the program coordinator.
Chemistry Thesis Track students only. Collection, organization, and analysis of research data.
A laboratory intensive graduate course that emphasizes the use of biochemical and molecular techniques to address ecological questions. Field sampling, sample preparation, biochemical and molecular genetic assays, statistical analysis and computer-based modeling techniques are used in a project-based approach to assess population genetic diversity, structure and migration rates in a key ecosystem species. Such estimates are of increasing concern for conservation and habitat management. Offered on sufficient demand.
This course will cover both chemical processes in the oceanic environment and how biology, geology and physics affect the chemistry. Topics include air-sea interactions, water column chemistry, and reactions in sedimentary environments. Students are expected to participate in the teaching process through their involvement in small groups, class discussions, and modeling/simulation exercises. Offered on sufficient demand.
This course teaches stable isotope systematics of five common light elements - carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur in biological, geological, and systems. Course material includes basic principles, analytical methods, thermodynamic and kinetic fractionations, and applications of stable isotope analyses in a wide range of natural systems. This course is recommended to graduate students in chemistry, geology, biological sciences, and coastal and marine system science.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1412.
Advanced study of the impact of chemistry on the environment. Topics will include the chemistry of the natural environment and the modifications to that environment brought about by human activities. Includes readings in current literature and research on an environmental issue. Includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1412.
A study of the chemistry of natural and polluted waters. Topics include chemical kinetic and equilibrium principles as applied to natural and polluted waters, and the ecotoxicological aspects of aquatic chemistry. In addition, critical readings in current literature and research on environmental issues will be discussed. Includes a laboratory component