Mount Allison University Campus

Academic Calendar 2019-2020

Table of Contents

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:

6from CHEM 1001, 1021
3from MATH 1111
9from Chemistry at the 2000 level*
6from 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 63 credits earned as follows:

6from CHEM 1001, 1021
6from MATH 1111, 1121
3from MATH 2111, 2121, 2221 or CHEM 3201*
6from BIOC 1001, 2001
6from PHYS 1051, 1551**
12from CHEM 2111, 2211, 2311, 2411
12from CHEM 2121, 3231, 3321, 3421
3from CHEM 3111, 3161, 3251, 3751, 4951, 4953
9from Chemistry at the 3/4000 level, excluding CHEM 3161, 4951, 4953

Note:  *CHEM 3201 can be used as either a required course from MATH or as a 3000 level CHEM course, but not both.

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:

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

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 & Biochemistry 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.

Note:  The following course can be used for the distribution requirement for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees:

CHEM 1001

Introductory Chemistry I

This course presents chemical concepts that are required for a fundamental understanding of the physical and life sciences. It explores the qualitative aspects of matter with such topics as: atomic structure, the periodic table and periodic trends; Lewis, valence bond and molecular orbital bonding models; bond polarity and intermolecular interactions; nomenclature of organic compounds, functional groups, and common organic reactions; and characterization of chemical compounds using spectroscopic methods. It briefly reviews nomenclature of inorganic compounds, dimensional analysis, chemical equations, stoichiometry, empirical and molecular formula, percent mass, and other foundational concepts. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours, regular tutorials) (Distribution: Natural Science-c)

INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY II

Prereq: CHEM 1001; or permission of the Department
This course builds on CHEM 1001 and presents chemical concepts that are required for a fundamental understanding of the physical and life sciences. It explores the quantitative aspects of matter and topics such as: gases, the laws of thermodynamics; Gibbs energy; chemical reaction rates and mechanism; chemical equilibria; qualitative and quantitative descriptions of acid-base chemistry, redox reactions, and electrochemistry. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours, regular tutorials)

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. [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.] (Format: Variable)

Organic Chemistry I

Prereq: CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
This course provides an in-depth look at the structures, reactivity, and synthesis of important functional groups in organic chemistry, starting with the reactions of alkenes. It emphasizes resonance, reaction mechanisms (arrow pushing), conformational analysis, stereochemistry, and organic synthesis, and introduces IR and proton NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

Organic Chemistry II

Prereq: CHEM 2111; or permission of the Department
This course further develops the concepts taught in CHEM 2111. New topics include 13C NMR, aromatic chemistry, reactions of amines, chemistry of the carbonyl group, carboxylic acid derivatives, dienes/polyenes, and UV spectroscopy. It emphasizes mechanisms, synthesis, and the biological equivalents of certain organic reactions such as NaBH4/NADH and phosphate esters. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)

Introductory Physical Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 1021; MATH 1121; PHYS 1051 recommended; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: Any version of CHEM 2211 previously offered with a different title)

Inorganic Chemistry I: Co-ordination Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 3311)

Analytical Chemistry I

Prereq: CHEM 1021; MATH 1111 recommended; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 3411)

Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
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. [Note 1: CHEM 2511 credit will not fulfill any Chemistry requirements for a Minor, Major or Honours degree in Chemistry.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Tutorial 1 Hour) (Exclusion: Any version of CHEM 2511 previously offered with a different title)

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. [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.] (Format: Variable)

Intermediate Organic Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 2121; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: Any verson of CHEM 3111 previously offered with a different title)

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. [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.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

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)

Methods of Mathematical Chem

Prereq or coreq: CHEM 2211; or permission of the Department
This course introduces mathematical methods that are frequently used in both theoretical and experimental treatments in chemistry and focuses on applications to chemical problems. Topics include probability theory and distributions, multi-variable calculus, complex variables, vectors, differential equations, operators, matrix algebra, vector spaces and eigenvalue problems. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

Advanced Physical Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 2211; or 6 credits from PHYS 3701, PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department
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; the potential energy surface (PES) for a chemical reaction and the effects of different features of the PES on the rate of chemical reactions; the effects of zero point energy and quantum tunneling on reaction rates. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with PHYS 3231 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours) (Exclusion: CHEM 3221; any version of CHEM 3231 previously offered with a different title)

Physical Chemistry: Spectroscopy

Prereq: PHYS 3821 (PHYS 3821 may be taken as a co-requisite); or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: Any version of CHEM 3251 previously offered with a different title)

Physical Chem: Surface & Interfacial

Prereq: CHEM 2211; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 3991 Surface and Interfacial Chemistry; CHEM 4261)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Prereq: PHYS 1051; 3 credits from CHEM 2211, CHEM 2411; or permission of the Department
This course examines the changes in physical and chemical properties that arise when systems are confined to nanoscale dimensions and discusses applications in electronics, photonics, and biotechnology. Topics may include: quantum confinement, scanning probe techniques, localized surface plasmon resonance, self-assembled monolayers, nanoparticle synthesis, and biological applications. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: CHEM 3991-Nanoscience and Nanotechnology -14/WI, 16/WI)

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)

Analytical Chemistry II: Instrumental Methods of Analysis

Prereq: PHYS 1551; 3 credits from CHEM 2411, 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)

Energy Production and The Environment

Prereq: PHYS 1551; CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department
This course examines different aspects of energy harvesting, storage, and transmission with particular emphasis on the environmental impacts, sustainability, and development of renewable energy resources. It also introduces modern technologies based on the development of novel materials. Specific technologies and topics may include: wind power, photovoltaic generation, solar energy, nuclear fission, and fusion, hydroelectric, combustion based fuel generation, tidal energy and fuel cells. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with PHYS 3751 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of PHYS 3751 previously offered with a different title)

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. [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.] (Format: Variable)

Advanced Organic Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 3111; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 4101; any version of CHEM 4131 previously offered with a different title)

Physical Organic Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 3111; CHEM 3231; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 4111; any version of CHEM 4141 previously offered with a different title)

Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics

Prereq: PHYS 3701, 3821; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 4201)

Physical Chemistry: Computational

Prereq: 3 credits from CHEM 3231, 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)

Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallics

Prereq: CHEM 2121; CHEM 3321; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 3331)

Inorganic Chemistry: Physical Aspects

Prereq: CHEM 2311; CHEM 3321; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 4311)

Inorganic Chemistry: Bioinorganic

Prereq: CHEM 2311; CHEM 3321; or permission of the 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. [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.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Bonding in Main Group Chemistry

Prereq: CHEM 2311; CHEM 3321; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: CHEM 3361)

Environmental Chemistry

Prereq: Third-year standing; CHEM 2111; 3 credits from CHEM 2411, 3421; 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)

Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Prereq: CHEM 3231; or 6 credits from PHYS 3821, MATH 2221; or permission of the Department
This course extends the study of principles of quantum mechanics, comparing properties of continuous and discrete representations. It also develops time-independent perturbation theory for first order, second order, and degenerate cases and treats small perturbations through direct diagonalization of large matrices. This course examines variational principle, central force problems, elements of scattering theory, and the addition of quantized angular momenta. The course concludes with applications of quantum mechanics in molecules, aspects of relativistic quantum mechanics, time dependence in quantum and quantum statistics. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with PHYS 4831 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of PHYS 4831 previously offered with a different title)

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)

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. [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.] (Format: Independent Study)

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. [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.] (Format: Independent Study)

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. [Note 1: Permission of the Department is required.] (Format: Independent Study/Thesis)

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. [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.] (Format: Variable)

Graduate Level Topic in Chemistry

Prereq: Registration in the M.Sc program and permission of the Department Head and course instructor (Format: Variable)

Graduate Level Topic in Biology

Prereq: Registration in the M.Sc program and permission of the Department Head and course instructor (Format: Variable)