This course focuses on the elements and their organization into the periodic table. Students examine the origin of the elements, the periodic and group relationships, and the role of the elements and their compounds in medicine, materials, and society. Much of the course material is directly drawn from the scientific literature.

This course is a continuation of the material covered in CHEM 250. The emphasis is on reaction mechanisms and on organic synthesis. The laboratory portion of the course allows students to gain significant experience in important synthetic skills and instrumental characterization techniques, and offers an opportunity to conduct original research.

This course covers the basic chemistry of carbon-containing molecules. Modern principles of chemical bonding are used to develop an understanding of the structure of organic molecules and the reactivity of organic compounds. The laboratory portion of the course introduces the student to the various techniques involved in the isolation, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds. The laboratory parallels the course lectures so that there is a practical application of theoretical principles. Extensive use is made of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.

This course is designed for students who have previously taken a one-year course in introductory chemistry (CHEM 110/120 or equivalent) but who have not had a detailed introduction to quantitative chemical analysis. Topics include the statistical treatment of data, the use of standards, advanced equilibria, and separation techniques.

An accelerated second semester general chemistry course. Topics emphasize quantitative chemical analysis, the use of standards, kinetics, advanced equilibria, acids and bases, buffers, electrochemistry, and separation techniques.

The second course in the general chemistry sequence. Topics build on those introduced in CHEM 110, including more complex organic and inorganic structures, kinetics, equilibrium, acid and bases, and electrochemistry.

An accelerated general chemistry track designed for well-prepared students. Topics include nuclear chemistry, atomic structure, stoichiometry, bonding, intermolecular forces and phase changes, reactions, gases, inorganic chemistry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

The first course in the general chemistry sequence. The topics include the discovery of the atom, the molecular basis for chemical behavior, gasses, and an introduction to thermodynamics.

In this introductory chemistry course, students learn and apply fundamental chemical modes of analysis to challenges presented by a changing climate. Modes of analysis include acid/base and buffer chemistry, oxidation/reduction reactions and the thermodynamics of combustion, principles underlying electrochemistry, and spectroscopy relevant to the greenhouse effect and photochemical reactions.

The chemistry department offers foundational courses in the five core chemical subdisciplines—organic, physical, analytical, inorganic, and biochemistry—as well as a variety of electives.