Chemistry

Chemistry Department

Sabrina DeTurk, Ph.D., Dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Business
Jason Labonte, Ph.D., Chair
 

Campuses

Main Campus

Summary

The Program of Study in Chemistry at Notre Dame is designed to give students a broad view and deep understanding of the chemical sciences. Introductory courses offer the student a solid foundation in chemical principles, while laboratory experiences introduce her to the techniques and practices of modern chemistry. Advanced courses focus on important areas and methods of chemistry such as chemical identification and analyses, data reduction and interpretation, experiment design, synthesis, physicochemical measurements, instrumentation, quantum mechanics, computational chemistry, simulation and modeling, technical writing, and the chemical literature.

The Chemistry Department of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Business offers a Major and Minor in Chemistry to traditional undergraduate students. It also offers students preparation for pharmacy, medical, dental, veterinary, and graduate schools, as well as for secondary teaching certification. Chemistry, the study of matter and energy, is a challenging discipline that prepares students for many careers including but not limited to: research, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, medicine, engineering and education. Interdisciplinary opportunities may be created by using the Chemistry degree in the context of other fields (including law, business, technical and science writing, and information science).

Juniors and seniors are encouraged to integrate their course experiences by conducting original research under the supervision of one of the faculty. In addition, students are advised to explore chemical work experience through an internship in a government, industrial or medical laboratory in the area.

Students may be invited to be inducted into the Gamma Theta chapter of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society, or they may join the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society. The activities available to students include pursuing internships at institutions in the region, contributing to professional conferences and symposia, attending meetings of the Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society (held on campus and locally), participating in chemistry department seminars and other events, and sponsoring social events. Special opportunities exist for students to work as student lab assistants and in the Department’s preparation and stockrooms. Scholarships and awards include the Sister Denise Dooley Scholarship, Anne Dulea Award, CRC Press Chemistry Achievement student award, and the Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society student award.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

CHM-103: The Chemical World Around Us

Credits 4
Explores basic chemical concepts and principles and how they apply to daily life. Discusses chemistry topics of interest to students, including: the environment, radioactivity and nuclear chemistry, polymers and plastics, geochemistry, biochemistry (e.g. DNA, proteins, enzymes), drugs and medicines, food and nutrition, household and personal hygiene products, and other chemical topics/issues related to life in the modern world. Three lectures and one laboratory period each week. Satisfies the general education requirement in natural sciences and scientific reasoning. [ 4 credits ]

CHM-104: Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

Credits 4
Emphasizes the fundamental concepts and principles that form the basis of general/ inorganic chemistry and those that are particularly pertinent to the health sciences. The following topics are covered: methods of chemistry, understanding the Periodic Table, chemical bonding and properties, chemical reactions and calculations, acids and bases, solutions, behavior of gases, and quantitative and descriptive aspects of chemistry. Use of practical applications will aid students in understanding scientific problems. Laboratory engages students in a variety of chemical experiments that enhance the understanding of lecture topics. Lab and lecture integrated. Fulfills general eduction in scientific reasoning. Fulfills general education requirement in scientific reasoning. [4 credits]

CHM-104L: Lab: Fundamentals of Chemistry

Credits 1
Provides an opportunity for independent work on an approved topic chemistry. Involves research under the guidance of a faculty member of the department. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. [ 1 credit ]

CHM-106: Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Credits 4
Presents the basic principles of organic chemistry which include identification and reactions of the fundamental groups, system of nomenclature and stereochemistry. Students also will investigate the properties and reactions of complex organic compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The laboratory engages students in techniques and methods that are used by chemists to identify, synthesize and purify organic compounds. Lab and lecture integrated. Prerequisite: CHM-104. [4 credits]

CHM-108: Survey of General, Organic and Biochemistry Principles

Credits 4
Emphasizes the fundamental principles that form the basis of general inorganic, organic and biochemistry that are pertinent to the health sciences. The following topics are covered: understanding the properties and reactivity of elements and compounds, chemical bonding and structure, chemical equations and calculations, acids/bases and solutions, behavior of gases, identification and reactions of fundamental groups, system of nomenclature and stereochemistry. Course also investigates the properties and reactions of important compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and some pharmaceuticals. Use of practical applications will aid students in understanding chemical problems. Laboratory activities engage students in a variety of chemical experiments that enhance the understanding of lecture topics. Satisfies the General Education requiremet in scientific reasoning. [4 credits]

CHM-110: General Chemistry I

Credits 4
Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Guided inquiry methods are used to explore descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. High school algebra strongly recommended. Satisfies the general education requirement in natural science. [4 credits]

CHM-111: General Chemistry II

Credits 4
Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Guided inquiry methods are used to explore descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. High school algebra strongly recommended. Prerequisites: CHM-110 with a minimum grade of C or permission of chair. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in CHM-111 if the prerequisite CHM-110 was not fulfilled at Notre Dame. [ 4 credits ]

CHM-111L: Lab: General Chemistry II

Credits 0
Lab for BIO-111. Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Guided inquiry methods are used to explore descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. Corequisite: BIO-111. [ 0 credits ]

CHM-210: Organic Chemistry I

Credits 4

Introduces the fundamental concepts and chemical language of carbon-containing compounds. Focuses on functional group classification, nomenclature, and reactions with a strong emphasis on reaction mechanisms of organic compounds. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture material and stresses basic techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: CHM-110, 111. Co-requisite: CHM-210L. [4 credits]

CHM-211: Organic Chemistry II

Credits 4
Focuses on functional group classification, nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, and spectroscopic analysis with a strong emphasis on reaction mechanisms of organic compounds. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture material and stresses basic techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography, along with organic synthesis using microscale applications. Laboratory also includes an introduction to organic structure determination using a variety of spectral methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Three lectures, one discussion and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites for: CHM-210 with a minimum grade of C or permission of chair. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in CHM-211 if the prerequisite CHM-210 was not fulfilled at Notre Dame. [4 credits]

CHM-211L: Lab: Organic Chemistry II

Credits 0
Lab for CHM-211. Focuses on functional group classification, nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, and spectroscopic analysis with a strong emphasis on reaction mechanisms of organic compounds. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture material and stresses basic techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography, along with organic synthesis using microscale applications. Laboratory also includes an introduction to organic structure determination using a variety of spectral methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Three lectures, one discussion and one laboratory period per week. Corequisite: CHM-211. [ 0 credits ]

CHM-301: Physical Chemistry I

Credits 4
Provides a detailed view and in-depth analysis of the following topics: physicochemical properties of matter in the gaseous, liquid, and solid states; kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions; behavior of solutions; phase equilibria; electrochemistry; introductory-level quantum mechanics; computational chemistry; atomic and molecular structure; and spectroscopy. The relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic behavior of matter is explored in laboratory activities and characterized in mathematical terms. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-211, MAT-211 and 212 with minimum grade of C. Permission of instructor if prerequisites are not satisfied. [4 credits]

CHM-301L: Lab: Physical Chemistry I

Credits 0
Lab for CHM-301. Provides a detailed view and in-depth analysis of the following topics: physicochemical properties of matter in the gaseous, liquid, and solid states; kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions; behavior of solutions; phase equilibria; electrochemistry; introductory-level quantum mechanics; computational chemistry; atomic and molecular structure; and spectroscopy. The relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic behavior of matter is explored in laboratory activities and characterized in mathematical terms. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Corequisite: CHM-301. [ 0 credits ]

CHM-302: Physical Chemistry II

Credits 4
Provides a detailed view and in-depth analysis of the following topics: physicochemical properties of matter in the gaseous, liquid, and solid states; kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions; behavior of solutions; phase equilibria; electrochemistry; introductory-level quantum mechanics; computational chemistry; atomic and molecular structure; and spectroscopy. The relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic behavior of matter is explored in laboratory activities and characterized in mathematical terms. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-301 with minimum grade of C. Permission of instructor if prerequisites are not satisfied. [4 credits]

CHM-302L: Lab: Physical Chemistry II

Credits 0
Lab for CHM-302. Provides a detailed view and in-depth analysis of the following topics: physicochemical properties of matter in the gaseous, liquid, and solid states; kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions; behavior of solutions; phase equilibria; electrochemistry; introductory-level quantum mechanics; computational chemistry; atomic and molecular structure; and spectroscopy. The relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic behavior of matter is explored in laboratory activities and characterized in mathematical terms. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Corequisite: CHM-302. [ 0 credits ]

CHM-303: Analytical Chemistry

Credits 4
Examines principles and practices of quantitative analysis as applied to gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical and instrumental methods. Emphasizes acid-base, precipitation, redox and complexation chemistry. Statistical methods are used to evaluate the precision and accuracy of data and results. Covers laboratory determinations of representative chemical compounds and use of proper techniques and laboratory practices. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisite: CHM-110, 111 or equivalent with a minimum of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

CHM-305: Instrumental Analysis

Credits 4
Examines principles and practices of analytical chemistry using instrumentation. Includes spectroscopic, chromatographic and electrometric techniques. Topics covered include visible, ultraviolet, infrared and atomic spectroscopies; gas and liquid chromatographies; potentiometric, voltammetric and polarographic methods; nuclear magnetic and mass spectrometries; and computer simulations. Analysis of data and presentation of results in journal article format are important features of the course. (Analysis graphics and spreadsheet software are used for this activity.) Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-210 and CHM-303 with a minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

CHM-325: Survey of Biochemistry

Credits 4
Provides an overview of biochemistry. Includes the study of proteins, enzymatic mechanisms and kinetics, energy production, and basic metabolic pathways. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHM-211 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [ 4 credits ]

CHM-350: Chemical Literature

Credits 1
Designed to familiarize the student with technical writings, peer-review of publications, the major reference works and journals of chemistry, and to develop skills in effective use of the literature. The course covers effective use of chemistry reference works, databases, abstracts and journals; strategies for online searches; construction and use of bibliographies; proficient use of computer technology and software; analysis and evaluation of chemistry literature. Students use online searching of Chemical Abstracts and other electronic databases via computer and engage in information retrieval using a variety of sources and the Internet. One meeting per week; significant number of out-of-class task-oriented assignments. Co-requisite: 300- or 400-level CHM course or permission of instructor. [1 credit]

CHM-401: Advanced Topics in Chemistry

Credits 4
Explores a variety of topics within the chemical sciences and related interdisciplinary subjects. New/rapidly emerging areas of chemistry are studied and other important topics that emerge in other chemistry courses are explored in more detail and integrated into new areas. Topics may include heterocyclic chemistry, green chemistry, atomic probe microscopy and nanoscience, materials chemistry and nanotechnology, interface analysis and surface science, chemistry and art, molecular modeling, and bioanalytical chemistry. Group activities promote interpretation and synthesis of complex chemical opics. Three meetings and one discussion session per week; laboratory activities are included. Prerequisite: A 300-level CHM lab course with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

CHM-407: Chemical Research I

Credits 2 4
Conducts original laboratory research investigating a topic in the chemical sciences. Includes preliminary literature study, design and execution of experimental work along with presentation of results in written and oral formats. Includes a significant amount of laboratory work each week (six to eight hours), written progress reports and weekly conferences. Junior/senior standing in the major. Admission by permission of faculty member and department chair. Course may not be used for the liberal arts major or for a chemistry minor. [2-4 credits]

CHM-408: Chemical Research II

Credits 2 4
Conducts original laboratory research investigating a topic in the chemical sciences. Includes preliminary literature study, design and execution of experimental work along with presentation of results in written and oral formats. Includes a significant amount of laboratory work each week (six to eight hours), written progress reports and weekly conferences. Junior/senior standing in the major. Admission by permission of faculty member and department chair. Course may not be used for the liberal arts major or for a chemistry minor. [2-4 credits]

CHM-425: Biochemistry I

Credits 4
Focuses on biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, the biochemistry of energy production, nucleic acids, and a description of basic metabolic pathways and their integration in functioning organisms. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Prerequisites: BIO-111, CHM-211 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

CHM-426: Biochemistry II

Credits 4
Focuses on biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, the biochemistry of energy production, nucleic acids, and a description of basic metabolic pathways and their integration in functioning organisms. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-425 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

CHM-450: Chemistry Seminar

Credits 2
Includes presentations about internship experiences, laboratory research and literature findings of current topics in chemistry. In this capstone course, students learn to construct and deliver effective technical presentations. Students attend chemistry seminars or professional meetings given at area institutions as part of this course. Evaluations and summaries of talks are required. Students give a formal presentation to faculty, guests and students during the department's Spring Seminar Series. Students also develop professional communication skills through a research paper, including peer review. Two meetings per week. Prerequisite: chemistry major; CHM-350. [ 2 credits ]

CHM-463: Independent Study in Chemistry

Credits 1 4
Emphasis is on individual study of a specified chemistry topic under the direction of a faculty member. Choice of topic is made in consultation with the student's major advisor and is selected to meet a specific programmatic need. Topics may include medicinal or pharmaceutical chemistry, forensic chemistry or industrial chemistry. Includes significant literature review and study. Laboratory work may be required. Presentation of findings in written and oral formats. Includes significant work each week, written progress reports and weekly conferences. Permission of department chair required. May not be used to satisfy the liberal arts major. [Variable credits (1-4) with typically 3-4]