Chemistry (CHEM)
Introduction to the chemical sciences, scientific method, computing tools, and interrelations of chemical sciences with biology, physics and other professions.
An introduction to the foundations of chemistry, including: atoms and molecules; stoichiometry of chemical reactions; thermochemistry; properties of gases; states of matter, chemical solutions; the molecular basis for chemical reactivity; atomic structure; periodicity; and chemical bonding.
General chemistry laboratory. The laboratory portion of CHEM 124.
An introduction to the foundations of chemistry, including: atoms and molecules; stoichiometry of chemical reactions; thermochemistry; properties of gases; states of matter, chemical solutions; the molecular basis for chemical reactivity; atomic structure; periodicity; and chemical bonding.
A continuing introduction to the foundations of chemistry, including: chemical equilibria; the chemistry of acids and bases; solubility and precipitation reactions; kinetics; thermodynamics; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; and the basics of organic chemistry.
Same as CHEM 125 except without the laboratory.
Laboratory portion of CHEM 125 (Principles of Chemistry II) covering Chemical Equilibria, the chemistry of acids and bases, solubility, and precipitation reactions. Introduction to thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Chemistry of selected elements and their compounds.
The constitution and properties of the different classes of organic compounds with considerable attention to stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms.
Introduction to the major synthetic and analytical techniques of organic chemistry including the preparation of representative organic compounds from natural sources.
The constitution and properties of the selected classes of organic compounds with considerable attention to stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms. The laboratory work involves the preparation of simple organic compounds using basic synthetic techniques.
Sequel to Organic Chemistry I with more emphasis on structure and reactivity of several classes of organic compounds including introductory discussion on common spectroscopic techniques.
Basic techniques for advanced organic preparations. Interpretation of scientific results including percent yield, melting point, boiling point, IR, and NMR spectra.
This course introduces students to the theory and applications of quantitative analytical chemistry. Topics covered include: statistical data analysis; equilibrium constants expressions; acid-base reactions; volumetric analysis; and fundamentals of spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and of separations science. Laboratory experiments include learning about analytical process, calibration of glassware and equipment, wet chemical analysis, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and chromatography.
This course introduces students to theory and application of modern instruments in chemical procedures. Standard spectroscopic methods including atomic spectrometry, molecular spectrometry, ultraviolet spectroscopy, molecular luminescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Separation techniques using high pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Other topics relevant to advanced chemical instrumentation.
Thermodynamic laws and relationships applied to chemical systems. Kinetic theory of gases. Equations of state for ideal and real gases. Calculation of state functions from arbitrary pathways using measurable partial derivatives. Chemical potential and the prediction of phase and reaction equilibria.
Introduction to quantum mechanics. Applying quantum mechanics to chemical systems. Atomic structure and spectra. Molecular structure and spectroscopy. Statistical mechanics. Chemical kinetics. The laboratory will include experiments dealing with thermochemistry, phase equilibria, chemical kinetics, spectra, molecular structure, and treatment of data.
This course will focus on the science underlying global warming/climate change. How can we continue to lead the good life while living in harmony with nature? Although obviously important, commercial/political aspects are not considered here. However, any serious debate about climate change issues eventually has to rest on the underlying scientific facts so we need to be informed. Ultimately the sun is our primary source of power. How do we responsibly access that power in the short, intermediate and long terms? Bio-fuels, carbon dioxide, polar ice caps, and solar power are some of the topics to be discussed. Class time will be divided between lectures and recitation. Permission of instructor required.
In-depth introduction to the vast subfield of the discipline dealing with all of the elements in the periodic table. Presents balanced blend of facts and theories in modern inorganic chemistry. Emphasis is on bonding, electronic, magnetic, and structural features exhibited by inorganic and organometallic compounds and their reactivities. Modern concepts including symmetry and group theory and their relevance in solving chemical problems. Bioinorganic chemistry and high tech inorganic materials and solids are introduced.
This advanced laboratory emphasizes chemical synthesis and characterization of inorganic and organometallic compounds. Air and moisture-sensitive techniques are introduced and employed. The synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials is also featured.
Characterization and analysis by mass, vibrational, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electronic spectroscopy. Structure-spectra correlations applied to organic and inorganic compounds with examples drawn from diverse areas, e.g., pollutants, toxic materials, polymers, etc. The laboratory work includes characterization of prepared or separated organic compounds by chromatographic, chemical, and spectroscopic methods.
Required for chemistry majors. Designed to give research experience in a faculty research laboratory.
An overview of a variety of chemical information tools and major scientific databases for navigating primary scientific literature. There will be a focus on the written and oral presentation of scientific research and the critical evaluation of the same types of scientific communication. Professional development with discussions of behavior, ethics, and career paths.
Basics of quantum mechanics. Perturbation theory. Self-consistent field approximation. Pauli principle. Hartree-Fock method. Born-Oppenheimer and adiabatic approximations. Concept of orbital interactions (two- and three-atom problems). Perturbational molecular orbital (MO) theory. Intermolecular perturbations (constructing MO from fragment orbitals). Electronegativity perturbations. Geometry perturbations. Walsh diagrams. First and second order Jahn-Teller effects.
This course provides knowledge on classical and modern organic chemistry at the advanced undergraduate and graduate level. Mechanism and theory of organic reactions, synthetic methodology, and total synthesis will be covered.
Introductory course covering fundamental aspects of polymers with major emphasis on synthesis, polymerization mechanisms, chain architecture, relationship between polymer structures and properties, measurement and control of molecular weights, thermal and mechanical properties, and polymer processing.
Lectures by prominent scientists. This course exposes students to current and active research in chemistry both within and outside the IIT community. It helps prepare students for a career in research. It is complementary to the academic courses and provides examples of professional/scientific presentations. This course may not be used to satisfy the natural science general education requirement.
Original work carried on by the student under the guidance of a staff member. A careful search of the literature is required before the study is begun, and continued reference to the chemical literature is expected as the work progresses. A written report is required.
For juniors and seniors.
