Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of physical science involving the study of the composition of substances, the ways in which their properties are related to their composition, and the interaction of substances to produce new materials. This subject occupies a central place among the sciences, it draws on the facts and theories of physics, and on mathematics for the tools necessary to evaluate and express quantitative chemical information. Chemistry in turn, provides terminology, facts, principles and methods that are essential to many aspects of other sciences. The applications of chemistry in fields such as agriculture, medicine, pharmacology, pharmacy, engineering and oceanography are numerous.

Mount Allison's undergraduate chemistry program is fully accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC). The program is designed to provide students with an education in the main branches of the subject, namely, analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and computational chemistry. The broad objectives of the Department are summarized in the following definition of education:

Education is learning to appraise data critically, to try to think up an intellectual framework, to be able to test it, to be able to marshal facts, to be able to write about them, to be able to communicate with people who may - and almost certainly will - have less knowledge of those facts than you have, because they will be asking you questions about them with a view to taking some action. (F. Dainton)

Students interested in pursuing a Major or Minor in Chemistry or Chemistry Honours, should consult the Departmental Website and a faculty member of the Department before completion of registration.

Disciplinary B.Sc. Programs

MINOR in Chemistry is 24 credits earned as follows:

6	from CHEM 1001, 1021
3	from MATH 1111
9	from Chemistry at the 2000 level*
6	from Chemistry at the 3/4000 levels

Note: *Where insufficient Chemistry courses are available at the 2000 level to fulfill this requirement, Chemistry courses at the 3/4000 levels may be substituted. Students cannot count CHEM 2511 towards a Minor.

MAJOR in Chemistry is 60 credits earned as follows:

6	from CHEM 1001, 1021
6	from MATH 1111, 1121
3	from Mathematics at the 2000 level**
6	from BIOC 1001, 2001
6	from PHYS 1051, 1551***
12	from CHEM 2111, 2211, 2311, 2411
12	from CHEM 2121, 3231, 3321, 3421
9	from Chemistry at the 3/4000 level, one of which must contain a lab, chosen in consultation with the Program Advisor

Note: ** MATH 2111 is required for CHEM 3241 which is a requirement for taking additional upper year Physical Chemistry, including CHEM 3251, 4211 and 4241.

Note: *** It is recommended that Chemistry Majors take Physics 1551 in their first or second year.

Note: Additional 3/4000 level courses are needed to fulfill Calendar regulation 11.3.5

THE CHEMISTRY HONOURS PROGRAM

Students with a special interest in Chemistry and those who, after obtaining the B.Sc. degree, wish to continue their studies at the post-graduate level, should consider following the Chemistry Honours program. The courses required for the B.Sc. Chemistry Honours degree are all listed below. The required chemistry credits are ones that provide for study of the main branches of Chemistry in some depth. The required nine credits from Mathematics and the six credits from Physics give minimum background essential for work in Chemistry. Honours students are given a special opportunity to participate in chemical research with faculty members in the Thesis (CHEM 4990) course. This research is normally carried out in the summer months following the third year.

HONOURS in Chemistry is 81 credits earned as follows:

51	credits as in first 7 lines of Major**, plus
21	from Chemistry at the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Program Advisor
3	from CHEM 4903
6	from CHEM 4990

Note: **MATH 2111 is required for CHEM 3241 which is a requirement for taking additional upper year Physical Chemistry, including CHEM 3251, 4211 and 4241.

CHEMISTRY LABORATORY WORK

Most Chemistry courses in the first three years have laboratory classes of about three hours duration each week as indicated in the course description.

GRADUATE STUDIES IN CHEMISTRY

The Department of Chemistry offers a program of research courses leading to the Master of Science degree. The research interests in the Department are varied and further information can be obtained from the Department Head or from individual faculty members. The requirements for the M.Sc. degree are given in Section 11.4. Individual programs are arranged, depending on the student's background and interests.

CHEMISTRY COURSES

Note: The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.

Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.

Note: The following courses are subject to an instructional supply fee - CHEM 1001, 1021, 2111, 2121, 2211, 2311, 2411, 3111, 3231, 3321, 3331, 3421.

CHEM 1001 (3.00)
Introductory Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts of introductory chemistry will be covered and expanded upon, including stiochiometry and redox processes. The Atomic theory will be introduced by discussion about the periodic table. Chemical bonding will be developed leading to the three-dimensional nature of matter for both organic and inorganic materials. Finally, an introduction to intermolecular forces and thermodynamic phase diagrams and related properties will be covered. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours, Regular Tutorials.)

CHEM 1021 (3.00)
INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY II
Prereq: CHEM 1001; or permission of the Department
The quantitative nature of chemistry will be developed through discussions involving thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibrium processes. Qualitative concepts introduced in Introductory Chemistry I (CHEM 1001) will be expanded to include this quantitative nature of matter. As well, a brief discussion of redox properties and electrochemistry will be introduced. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours, Regular Tutorials.)

CHEM 1991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Chemistry
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by the Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for CHEM 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]

CHEM 2111 (3.00)
Organic Chemistry I
Prereq: CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 2101, 2131, 2141
Structural basics including aromaticity, resonance, and stereochemistry will be emphasized and developed. An appreciation of the link between structure, mechanism and reactivity will be explored. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours.)

CHEM 2121 (3.00)
Organic Chemistry II
Prereq: CHEM 2111; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 2101, 2131, 2151
Functional group chemistry will be used to develop more sophisticated mechanistic skills. Problems in organic synthesis will be studied within a mechanistic context. An introduction to the interpretation of first order proton nmr spectra will be included. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 2211 (3.00)
Physical Chemistry I
Prereq: CHEM 1021, MATH 1121; PHYS 1051 recommended; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of CHEM 2211 previously offered with a different title
This course introduces the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, including the laws of thermodynamics and their applications to ideal systems, mixtures, and chemical equilibria. It also examines the historical development of quantum theory and the postulates of quantum mechanics and how they apply to simple physical systems, such as particle in a box and harmonic oscillator. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours, Tutorials)

CHEM 2311 (3.00)
Inorganic Chemistry I: Co-ordination Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 3311
Lewis acid-base chemistry and applications to transition metals will be discussed. Concepts covered will include structure and bonding, ligand field theory, magnetism and electronics. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 2411 (3.00)
Analytical Chemistry I
Prereq: CHEM 1021, MATH 1111 recommended; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 3411
This course covers the following topics with an emphasis on problem solving: the treatment of errors and statistics of measurements; aqueous solutions, complex equilibria (including acid/base and buffer systems); electrochemistry theory; redox, electrode potentials (ion selective electrodes), and electrogravimetry. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 2511 (3.00)
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of CHEM 2511 previously offered with a different title
This course introduces environmental chemistry to students in a life sciences program. The subject matter primarily deals with the chemistry of the atmosphere and hydrosphere at an introductory level, with an emphasis on problem solving skills. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Tutorial 1 Hour) [Note 1: CHEM 2511 credit will not fulfill any Chemistry requirements for a Minor, Major or Honours degree in Chemistry.]

CHEM 2991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Chemistry
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by the Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for CHEM 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]

CHEM 3111 (3.00)
Intermediate Organic Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 2121; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: Any verson of CHEM 3111 previously offered with a different title
This course introduces common spectroscopic techniques in the context of structure elucidation. Frontier Molecular Orbital Theory, and the application of synthetic reactions to total synthesis. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 3131 (3.00)
Organic Chemistry: Bioorganic
Prereq: CHEM 2121; or permission of the Department
This course presents the principles of organic chemistry as they apply to biochemical problems. Topics covered include enzymic reaction mechanisms, enzyme cofactors, peptide and nucleic acid synthesis, and enzymes in organic synthesis. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with BIOC 3131 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline. Chemistry students should register for CHEM 3131.]

CHEM 3161 (3.00)
Experiential Synthetic Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 2121, CHEM 2311; CHEM 3321; or permission of the Department
This course examines the planning and conducting of multi-step reaction sequences involving a range of synthetic organic and inorganic reactions and techniques, including those required for the manipulation of air-sensitive materials. It emphasizes purification of synthesized compounds and their characterization by a variety of spectroscopic and physical methods. (Format: Integrated Lecture and Laboratory, 6 Hours)

CHEM 3231 (3.00)
Physical Chemistry II
Prereq: CHEM 2211; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 3221, any version of CHEM 3231 previously offered with a different title
This course examines physical and chemical applications of kinetics, including those related to reaction mechanisms and dynamics. Specific topics include: experimental methods in kinetics; introduction to quantum mechanics needed to understand chemical kinetics; Schrödinger equation; the potential energy surface (PES) for a chemical reaction and the effects of different features of the PES on the rate of chemical reactions; vibrational energy levels; zero point energy effects and quantum tunneling and their effects on reaction rates. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 3241 (3.00)
Physical Chemistry: Quantum
Prereq: CHEM 3231, PHYS 1551, MATH 2111; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 3211, any version of CHEM 3241 previously offered with a different title
This course examines the application of quantum mechanics to chemistry. It discusses and applies the postulates of quantum mechanics to simple physical systems, (such as particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, and rigid rotor), with an emphasis on using quantum mechanics to understand the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 3251 (3.00)
Physical Chemistry: Spectroscopy
Prereq: CHEM 3241 or PHYS 3821 (PHYS 3821 can also be taken as a co-requisite); or permission of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of CHEM 3251 previously offered with a different title
This course discusses the application of quantum chemistry in spectroscopy and surveys the principles of electronic, vibrational, rotational, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 3261 (3.00)
Physical Chem: Surface & Interfacial
Prereq: CHEM 2211; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 3991 Surface and Interfacial Chemistry; CHEM 4261
This course investigates a broad range of fundamental topics in surface and interface science including: self-assembly, surface chemistry and monolayers, colloidal systems, liquid crystals, and modern experimental techniques. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

CHEM 3321 (3.00)
Inorganic Chemistry Ii: Main Group Elements
Prereq: CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
This course examines structure and bonding in main group compounds and discusses ionic and covalent bonding with respect to Lewis, valence shell electron pair repulsion, valence bond and molecular orbital theories as well as periodic trends and a survey of the properties and reactions of the elements of groups 1, 2 and 13 - 18. It presents an overview of state of the art spectroscopic techniques and their applications. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 3421 (3.00)
Analytical Chemistry II: Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Prereq: PHYS 1551, and CHEM 2411 or 3411; or permission of the Department
This course introduces the theoretical basis, scope and limitations of various instrumental methods of analysis, in the areas of Spectroscopy and Chromatography. Methods include GC/MS and HPLC for organic compounds, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for metals and UV/VIS for both organic and inorganic compounds. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Chemistry
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by the Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for CHEM 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]

CHEM 4131 (3.00)
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 3111; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 4101; any version of CHEM 4131 previously offered with a different title
This course investigates the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Topics include: conformational analysis, stereoselectivity, transition metal mediated reactions, radical reactions, mechanisms, and synthetic strategy. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

CHEM 4141 (3.00)
Physical Organic Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 3111, 3231; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 4111; any version of CHEM 4141 previously offered with a different title
This course examines the principles of bonding, structure, and mechanisms in organic chemistry. Topics include: models of bonding, acid/base catalysis, linear free-energy relationships, dynamic NMR, concerted reactions and orbital symmetry, transition-state theory and intramolecular dynamics, thermodynamics, and molecular motors. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

CHEM 4211 (3.00)
Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics
Prereq: CHEM 3241; or PHYS 3701 and PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 4201
This course will address the connection between the microscopic and macroscopic world by providing an introduction to the probabilistic nature of physical chemistry. Partition functions will be calculated from the various contributions to the total energy for simplified models of actual systems. Thermodynamic quantities will then be derived in terms of partition functions. Applications relevant to the interests of students will be discussed with an emphasis on recent literature. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Major Term Project)

CHEM 4241 (3.00)
Physical Chemistry: Computational
Prereq: CHEM 3231 or PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department
This course focuses on a basic knowledge of the methods currently used in computational chemistry. It addresses approximations involved in the application of quantum mechanics to chemical systems, and how these approximations can be systematically improved, and considers practical aspects of computational chemistry programs. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1.5 Hours)

CHEM 4331 (3.00)
Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallics
Prereq: CHEM 2121, CHEM 3321; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 3331
This course examines the structure, bonding, and reactivity of organotransition metal complexes. Topics include: the 18-electron rule, the isolobal analogy, catalysis, and the role metals play in organic synthesis. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

CHEM 4341 (3.00)
Inorganic Chemistry: Physical Aspects
Prereq: CHEM 2311, CHEM 3321; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 4311
This course investigates applications of group theory in inorganic chemistry for molecular bonding, reaction mechanisms, and IR and Raman spectroscopic transformations for small molecules and ions. It explores the interpretation of multinuclear NMR, EPR, IR and Raman spectra and discusses the fundamental aspects of X-ray crystallography. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

CHEM 4351 (3.00)
Inorganic Chemistry: Bioinorganic
Prereq: CHEM 2311, CHEM 3321; or permission of the Chemistry Department
This course examines the roles metals play in biochemical systems, and includes an overview of bioinorganic chemistry and a discussion of metals in medicine. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with BIOC 4351 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline. Honours Chemistry students should register for CHEM 4351.]

CHEM 4361 (3.00)
Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Bonding in Main Group Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 2311, CHEM 3321; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: CHEM 3361
This course explores modern approaches to describing bonding in main group compounds with novel and unusual structures. Classes of compounds discussed include electron-deficient clusters, inorganic rings and polymers, and low coordinate main group centres. It also considers synthetic approaches, spectroscopic analysis, and industrial applications of these materials (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

CHEM 4521 (3.00)
Environmental Chemistry
Prereq: CHEM 2111, CHEM 2411 or 3421, and third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course investigates chemical aspects of the environment and draws upon physical, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry. It explores the natural chemical compositions of and anthropogenic effects on air, water and soil. Topics include ozone chemistry, smog, acid rain, global climate, DOM, metals, colloids, pE/pH, soil chemistry and wastes. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours,Tutorials 1.5 Hours)

CHEM 4903 (3.00)
Current Advances in Chemistry
Coreq: CHEM 4990
This is a course for Honours students in Chemistry which critically evaluates a wide range of topics from the current literature in all branches of Chemistry. Students are expected to deliver seminars on topics outside of their thesis area and to present preliminary thesis results. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)

CHEM 4950 (6.00)
Independent Study in Chemistry
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for CHEM 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]

CHEM 4951 (3.00)
Independent Study in Chemistry
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for CHEM 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]

CHEM 4990 (6.00)
Honours Thesis
Coreq: CHEM 4903
This will involve an extensive experimental or theoretical study culminating in the writing of a thesis. The research will be conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and will usually be carried out during the summer and the following year. (Format: Independent Study/Thesis) [Note 1: Permission of the Department is required.]

CHEM 4991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Chemistry
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable) [Note 1: Prerequisite set by the Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for CHEM 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]

Prev	Up	Next
	Home \| ToC