2001
Graduate School Catalog


Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hot Links
Courses 500 - 525
Courses 527 - 603
Courses 613 - 797

Professor Charles L. Hussey, Chair
322 Coulter Hall

Professors Eftink, Graves, and Parcher
Associate Professors Cleland, Davis, Mattern, and W. Scott
Assistant Professors Carter, Mossing, Pedigo, and Ritchie

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE STUDY IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Orientation Examinations
All entering graduate students are required to take four orientation examinations. Students are tested in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Performance on these orientation tests determines whether the student must enroll in intermediate-level courses before taking the required core courses.

Advisory Committee
During the first year, the graduate student will choose an adviser after having interviewed each faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who is active in research. For doctoral degrees, the student's adviser, three graduate faculty members in the department, and a graduate faculty member from a science or engineering discipline (external to the department) constitute an advisory committee. For the M.S. degree, the student's adviser and two graduate faculty members in the Department constitute an advisory committee. Additional graduate faculty may be added to the advisory committee at the discretion of the student's adviser; however, the final approval of all such committees is vested in the department chair. The advisory committee determines the courses to be included in the student's plan of study, approves a dissertation or thesis topic, certifies the completion of degree requirements, and judges the student's progress in the degree program.

Foreign Language Requirement
There is no foreign language requirement for the graduate degrees in chemistry. However, international students must achieve a score of at least 600 on the TOEFL examination.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE Ph.D. AND M.S. DEGREES

Credit Requirements
For the Ph.D. degree, 54 semester hours of graduate credit are required, which must include CHEM 500, 18 hours of additional formal non-remedial lecture courses, 2 hours of seminar, and 18 hours of dissertation.

For the M.S. degree, 30 hours of graduate credit are required, which must include 18 hours of formal non-remedial lecture courses, 6 hours of thesis, and 2 hours of seminar. A minimum grade of B is required in each course in the student's area of emphasis.

Ph.D. students must take one core course from each of four specialty areas; M.S. students must take one core course from each of three specialty areas. Core courses are CHEM 512 (analytical), 570 or 571 (biochemistry), 501 or 502 (inorganic), 527 or 528 (organic), and 531 or 532 (physical). A cumulative average of not less than B is required in the core courses.

These course and credit requirements are minimum requirements and may not be satisfied with remedial courses. Specific requirements for individual students in excess of the minimum may be imposed by the adviser and the student's advisory committee.

The M.S. degree is not a prerequisite for the Ph.D. degree.

Prospectus/Research Proposal
A Ph.D. student must successfully defend before his or her advisory committee a prospectus of the research expected to comprise the dissertation, along with an original research proposal based on the student's research project.

Comprehensive Examination
A Ph.D. student must complete a comprehensive examination, which includes a series of written examinations, before the student's advisory committee requests the department chair to recommend admission to candidacy.

Thesis or Dissertation
Each M.S. student must produce a thesis, and each Ph.D. student a dissertation, as a formal written account of the student's research.

Final Oral Examination
Satisfactory performance on an oral examination, as judged by the student's advisory committee, completes the competency requirements for the graduate degree. This examination includes, but is not limited to, a defense of the student's thesis or dissertation.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR THE D.A. DEGREE

Purpose
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the D.A. degree in chemistry to persons whose goal is a career of teaching in two-year or four-year colleges. The program prepares students to be broadly competent in the field of chemistry and provides them with skill in effective classroom and laboratory teaching.

Preparation
Applicants for the D.A. program are expected to have received a master's degree in chemistry. However, students with only an undergraduate degree in chemistry may enroll in the program provided they remedy any course deficiencies and take two semesters (6 hours) of thesis research (CHEM 697). The results of this research must be presented to the department in the form of a written report and a seminar presentation. If the doctoral thesis is based on the same project, it must be a substantial extension of the initial work presented in this report.

Credit Requirements
A minimum of 49 semester hours of graduate credit approved by the student's advisory committee are required: 12 hours of core courses chosen from CHEM 501, 512, 527, 531, and 571; 6 hours of additional fundamental courses chosen from CHEM 519, 532, 544, and 563; 3 hours of CHEM 500; 3 hours of CHEM 543; 3 hours of seminar; 6 hours of related sciences (from two sciences); 6 hours in education emphasizing curriculum and course development; 4 hours of instruction internship (CHEM 717); and 6 hours of doctoral thesis (CHEM 796). Transfer credit may be accepted where appropriate. Specific requirements for individual students in excess of the minimum may be imposed by the adviser and the student's advisory committee.

Comprehensive Examination
The student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination in general chemistry, containing both oral and written parts, before the student's advisory committee requests the department chair to recommend admission to candidacy.

Doctoral Thesis
The thesis may be experimental in nature or an analysis of literature data; it may be in the area of chemical education, environmental chemistry, consumer products, materials science, research conducted by the student, or any topic approved by the student's advisory committee. The doctoral thesis must give rise to at least one manuscript submitted for publication to an American Chemical Society journal such as The Journal of Chemical Education or a comparable journal.

Approval of the department is prerequisite to registration for all graduate chemistry courses. Generally, physical chemistry based on calculus is prerequisite to all 500-level courses except 543, 546, and 547 and the intermediate level courses 509, 513, 524, and 535. Upon recommendation by the instructor and approval by the department chair, prerequisites for a course may be waived in individual cases. Graduate courses in medicinal chemistry are considered an integral part of the graduate program in chemistry.

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Course Descriptions

Chemistry and Biochemistry - CHEM

NOTE: Only courses marked * are open to undergraduates.
NOTE: Courses marked ** may be repeated for credit on approval of the instructor if the topics are different from those previously selected.

500. INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE RESEARCH. An introduction to a variety of aspects related to the performance and presentation of research, with emphasis on scientific ethics. (3). (Z Grade).

501,* 502. ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I, II. Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonds; solvent systems; reactions of the elements and their compounds. (3, 3).

503. INORGANIC TECHNIQUES. Survey of some of the most important laboratory techniques for the inorganic chemist, including vacuum line design, construction, and operation. (6 lab hours). (3).

504. INORGANIC PREPARATIONS. Preparation of selected inorganic compounds; anhydrous halides, chelate complexes, uncommon compounds. (6 lab hours). (3).

505. RADIATION CHEMISTRY. Radiation effects in gases, liquids and solids; dosimetry; ion and free radical reactions; photo-chemical reactions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3).

507. NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY. Physical description of the nucleus of the atom, its properties and behavior; radioactive decay; nuclear stability; nuclear reactions, fission, magnetic and electric moments, nuclear models. (3).

509. INTERMEDIATE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Integration of basic inorganic and physical chemical principles. Prerequisite: departmental approval. (3).

512.* ADVANCED ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. Theoretical and experimental treatment of chromatography, Fourier-Transform NMR, mass spectrometry, and electrical techniques. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours). (3).

513. PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. Theoretical and mathematical applications of principles of equilibria. Prerequisite: departmental approval. (3).

514. FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTROCHEMISTRY. Introduction to the theory and principles of electrochemistry, including a survey of modern electroanalytical techniques. (3).

515,** 516.** SELECTED TOPICS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. (3, 3).

517, 518. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY I, II. Modern techniques and methods of research in analytical chemistry. (6 lab hours each). (3, 3).

519.* CHEMICAL SEPARATIONS. Theoretical and mathematical treatment of chromatography and other separation techniques. (3).

520. MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY. The chemistry of macromolecules; their physical and chemical characteristics; synthesis and analysis of macromolecules. (3).

522. ORGANIC TECHNIQUES. Important research techniques in organic chemistry and preparation of selected materials in their use. (3).

523. ADVANCED ORGANIC PREPARATIONS. (6 lab hours). (3).

524. INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Integration of the basic principles of organic chemistry with physical chemical principles. Prerequisite: departmental approval. (3).

525**, 526**. SELECTED TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Prerequisite: 528 or consent of instructor. (3, 3).

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527.* ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, STRUCTURE AND MECHANISM. Resonance and molecular orbital theory, spectroscopic methods for structure determination, linear free energy relations, and reaction mechanisms. (3).

528.* ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, MECHANISM, AND SYNTHESIS. Conformational analysis, electron-deficient rearrangements, carbanion chemistry, photochemistry, orbital symmetry control of reactions. (3).

529.* STEREOCHEMISTRY. Configurational and conformational analysis of molecules; the steric course of organic chemical reactions. (3).

530.* ADVANCED ORGANIC SYNTHESIS. A study of the literature, reactions, and planning methods which are used in modern organic synthesis. (3).

531.* ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, QUANTUM CHEMISTRY. Elementary quantum chemistry; solution of the Schrodinger equation for simple chemical systems; molecular orbital theory. Prerequisite: CHEM 332 or CHEM 538. (3).

532.* ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS. Rigorous discussion of irreversible and equilibrium thermodynamics and application to various chemical problems. PREREQUISITE: CHEM 332 OR 538. (3).

533, 534. SELECTED TOPICS IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. Prerequisite: CHEM 536. (3, 3).

535. INTERMEDIATE PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I. Overview of principles in physical chemistry. Thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: MATH 262, CHEM 334 or departmental approval (3).

536. ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, REACTION DYNAMICS. Kinetic theory; molecular reaction dynamics; theory of liquids and solutions. Prerequisite: CHEM 332 OR 538. (3).

538. INTERMEDIATE PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II. Continuation of an overview of principles in physical chemistry. Thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: CHEM 535. (3).

541,** 542.** SELECTED TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Prerequisite: CHEM 502. (3, 3).

543.* HISTORY OF CHEMISTRY. History of the science and study of the pioneers who developed its theories and were instrumental in its advancement. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or CHEM 222 or CHEM 322. (3). (Z grade).

544.* CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS OF GROUP THEORY. Introduction to the principles of symmetry and group theory and their application to the description of molecular structure in terms of the chemical bonding models (VB, MO, and LF) and spectral properties (magnetic, vibrational, and electronic). (3).

545.* CHEMICAL LITERATURE. Introduction to and practice in the use of chemical abstracts, journals, and other library reference materials. (3). (Z grade).

546, 547. CHEMISTRY FOR HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS. A review of the basic principles of chemistry and an overview of the new technology, instructional materials, and methods used for teaching chemistry at the high school level. Appropriate for high school teachers seeking certificate renewal or supplemental endorsement. Prerequisite: CHEM 106. (May not be counted toward an advanced degree in the sciences. May be repeated once for credit.) (3, 3).

548. WORKSHOP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS. Selection and application of instructional materials and methods for secondary school chemistry. (May not be counted toward an advanced degree in the sciences). (1-2).

550. SAFETY IN THE CHEMICAL LABORATORY. Assigned readings and demonstrations on the use and handling of hazardous chemical apparatus. (3). (Z grade).

553.* MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY. Mathematical techniques for chemical problems. Vectors and matrices; differential and integral skills for reaction kinetics and molecular theory; transformations applied to spectroscopy and transport processes; some numerical techniques. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3).

559.* LABORATORY PRACTICUM I. Guided experimental work for development of research laboratory skills. Open only to B.S. seniors and first-year graduate students. (3).

560.* LABORATORY PRACTICUM II. Prerequisite: 559. (3).

563.* APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY. Application of theoretical principles to the interpretation of the various types of spectroscopy. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours). (3).

570. BIOCHEMISTRY I. Overview of biochemical principles; chemistry of aqueous solutions, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleotides; structure and function of proteins, membranes, and nucleic acids; enzyme kinetics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3).

571.* PHYSICAL BIOCHEMISTRY. Macromolecules: structure and function; thermodynamics and kinetics of conformational transitions and macromolecule-ligand interactions. Prerequisite: CHEM 471 or CHEM 570 or consent of instructor. (3).

572. BIOCHEMISTRY II. Bioenergetics; anaerobic and aerobic metabolism; lipid and protein metabolism; regulatory mechanism; replication, transcription, and translation of genetic information; molecular physiology. Prerequisite: CHEM 570. (3).

573,** 574.** SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY. (3, 3).

578. BIOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES. Specialized laboratory methodology currently used in biochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 471; CHEM 571 or CHEM 575. (6 lab hours). (4).

580.* MOLECULAR BIOCHEMISTRY I. Examination of the organization and functional mechanisms of gene expression at the molecular level. Prerequisite: CHEM 473 or CHEM 572. (3).

581.* MOLECULAR BIOCHEMISTRY II. Examination of the organization and functional mechanisms of gene expression at the molecular level. (3).

593. RESEARCH. (Continuous throughout summer session). (1).

594. RESEARCH. (Departmental approval required). (1).

603,** 604.** SPECIAL TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Prerequisite: CHEM 502 or consent of instructor. (3, 3).

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613,** 614.** SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3, 3).

623,** 624.** SPECIAL TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Prerequisite: 528 or consent of instructor. (3, 3).

627, 628. PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I, II. Structure of organic compounds; mechanisms of molecular interactions. Prerequisite: CHEM 528 AND CHEM 531. (3, 3).

629. SEMINAR IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. A discussion of the current literature in organic chemistry taken primarily from journal articles appearing in the previous year. (May be repeated for credit.) Prerequisite: CHEM 528. (1).

633. CHEMICAL KINETICS AND MECHANISMS. Rate theory; experimental methods; treatment of data; simple and complex reactions; reaction mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHEM 531 or consent of instructor. (3).

632. ADVANCED QUANTUM CHEMISTRY. Advanced treatment in quantum chemical problems. Symmetry, time-dependent phenomena in spectroscopy; second quantization; scattering processes; nonadiabatic processes; reaction rate theory. Prerequisite: CHEM 661.

635. SURFACE CHEMISTRY AND CATALYSIS. Reactions at solid surfaces; adsorption; solid catalysts. Prerequisite: CHEM 532. (3).

636. CHEMICAL PHYSICS. The thermodynamical and statistical mechanical studies of liquids, solutions, and solids; structural investigation of condensed phases. Prerequisite: CHEM 536. (3).

637. STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS I. Principles and methods of classical and quantum statistical mechanics; application to ideal and real gases, crystals, and liquids. Prerequisite: CHEM 532. (3).

650. AREA SEMINARS. Student seminar presentation in one of the following areas: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry. (May be repeated for credit). (1).

659. DOCTORAL SEMINAR. Contributions to scientific knowledge by the doctoral candidate in chemistry; presentation required during student's terminal year. (1).

661. QUANTUM CHEMISTRY. Rigorous treatment of quantum theory applied to molecular systems; Hartree-Fock and density functional theory; molecular orbital theory. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. (3).

662. THEORY OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE. Theoretical studies of rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectra; magnetic spectroscopy; molecular beam and laser scattering. Prerequisite: 661. (3).

665. BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY. The role of metal ions in biological processes; structure of metal ion complexes; mechanisms of enzyme-metal complex catalysis. (3).

673,** 674.** SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY. Prerequisite: CHEM 572. (3, 3).

676. NUCLEIC ACID CHEMISTRY. The structural and functional properties of nucleic acids will be examined from a chemical perspective and correlated to their biochemical significance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3).

677. PROTEIN STRUCTURE. Discussion of forces involved in protein folding; common structural motifs; structure-function relationships; overview of experimental and computational methods used to determine protein structure and homologies. Prerequisite: CHEM 471 or CHEM 570. (3).

697. THESIS. (1-12).

717. INTERNSHIP SEMINAR IN COLLEGE CHEMISTRY. Preparation and delivery of lectures in chemistry for use in classroom work and laboratory experimentation. (May be repeated for credit.) (2).

796. DOCTORAL THESIS. Preparation of a thesis of publishable quality on a topic approved by the student's advisory committee. The topic of the thesis may deal either with a critical review of some current topic in chemistry, a credible proposal on teaching the substance of chemistry at the college level, or the student's research. (1-6).

797. DISSERTATION. (1-18).

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