Course Descriptions
1118 Introduction to Analytical Methods
Emphasis is placed on the development of laboratory skills that are fundamental to experimental chemistry. Laboratory operations include the use of modern potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods of analysis as well as traditional gravimetric and volumetric procedures. Laboratory, 3 hours per week.
Corequisite: CHEM 1318.
1190 Research Techniques and Applications
Involvement in ongoing research programs with individual faculty. Information retrieval, chemical and instrumental methods, and experimental design for the solution of specific chemical problems are emphasized. 6 laboratory hours a week for 1 semester.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
1318 Chemistry in the Modern World
Fundamental concepts in chemical science, taught from perspectives of chemistry in the modern world. The course provides multiple entry points for the study of chemical science by all students through the initial development of important concepts in a contemporary context. The content will include molecular structure, bulk properties of chemicals, and chemical change. Lecture, 3 hours per week.
Corequisite: CHEM 1118.
2119 Laboratory Methods in Organic Chemistry
The laboratory stresses modern techniques for the preparation and analysis of organic compounds. Infrared spectral analyses and chromatographic separations are introduced. Laboratory, 3 hours per week.
Corequisite: CHEM 2319.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1118 or equivalent.
2180 Biomolecular Research Methods
Investigative skills for interdisciplinary research in the biological and chemical sciences. The use of modern fluorescence spectroscopy, microcalorimetry, and mass spectrometry to solve biomolecular research problems. Research topics will vary from year to year and may include protein studies, biomolecular stability, and biomolecular recognition. (Also listed as BIOL 2180.)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1312, 1212, CHEM 2319, 2119, and consent of instructor.
Continued development of student laboratory experience with emphasis on organic and inorganic syntheses. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, use of Chemical Abstracts, and technical writing are emphasized. Laboratory, 5 hours per week, alternate weeks; discussion session, 1 hour each week.
Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 2320.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2119.
Introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry through studies of the structures, properties, and reactions of carbon-based compounds. Lecture, 3 hours per week.
Corequisite: CHEM 2119.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1318 or equivalent.
2320 Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
The continuation of CHEM 2319 with emphasis on structure-activity relationships, mechanisms, and synthesis of complex organic compounds. Lecture, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2319 or equivalent.
An introduction to modern experimental biochemistry. The course emphasizes analytical and physical methods used in isolating and determining the properties of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Laboratory, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3330, 2220. CHEM 3334 is recommended.
3135 Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Experimentation in physical and biophysical chemistry using modern laboratory techniques and instrumentation. The emphases of the course are to illustrate physical chemistry principles and to develop careful and critical experimental expertise. Topics covered include chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and equilibrium. Laboratory, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3332, CHEM 3334.
Continuation of CHEM 2220 with emphasis on advanced synthetic and analytical techniques. Laboratory, 5 hours per week, alternate weeks; lecture, one hour per week.
Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 2321.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2220.
Chemistry of the main group and transition metal elements, with emphasis on the application of fundamental chemical principles to trends in stability and reactivity. Topics include atomic theories, bonding, molecular structure, symmetry and group theory, acid-base theories, thermodynamic properties, kinetics and reactivity, redox properties, coordination compounds, organometallic chemistry, solid state chemistry, catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry. Lecture 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2320.
The molecular basis of life. The course emphasizes protein and nucleic acid structure and metabolism, mechanisms of enzyme action, membrane structure and dynamics, and energy production, storage, and utilization. Lecture, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3321.
Emphasis is placed on the effect of temperature, pressure, volume, and chemical composition on chemical equilibrium and reaction rates through the development of fundamental principles of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Lecture, 3 hours per week.
Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 1309.
Prerequisites: CHEM 1318, MATH 1312.
A continuation of CHEM 3334 with emphasis on quantum mechanical approaches to chemical structure and dynamics, statistical mechanics, and theoretical developments in chemistry. Lecture, 3 hours per week.
Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 1310.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3334.
3-90 Independent Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Analyses directed to the solution of a problem having mutual student and faculty interest. All available instrumental and technical resources appropriate to this research are employed. Oral and written communication of results is required. 6 laboratory hours a week per credit hour. An end of semester written report is required. Attendance at departmental seminars is expected.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Independent study in selected areas in preparation for Honors Thesis. May be taken for up to three hours of credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Principles of quantitative chemical analysis. Discussions will include topics such as sampling, statistical analysis, experimental design and optimization, chemical equilibrium, volumetric and gravimetric techniques, electrochemistry, and elementary instrumental analysis. Typical laboratory experience includes volumetric analysis and elementary instrumental analysis. 3 lecture hours and 3 lab hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2319. Recommended: CHEM 3334.
A seminar course for junior and senior chemistry majors. Attendance at weekly departmental seminars is required. In addition, each student will prepare an abstract and give an oral presentation on a current topic in chemical science. May be repeated for up to four hours credit. Pass/Fail.
4242 Advanced Analytical Methods
Principles of modern instrumental analysis, with emphasis on separation methods and mass spectrometry. Both theory and practical experience are addressed. Appropriate laboratory experience emphasizes use of sophisticated chemical instrumentation. Equivalent of 1 lecture hour and 3 laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3334, 3432.
Advanced topics in biochemistry, including physical biochemistry of biological macromolecules, enzyme mechanisms, regulation of gene expression, membrane-associated biochemistry, and proteomics. Lecture, 3 hours per week. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3330, 3334.
4346 Advanced Interdisciplinary Topics - Fall
Advanced topics in chemistry, with an emphasis on modern approaches in interdisciplinary areas. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include physical inorganic, physical organic, bioinorganic, bioorganic, bioanalytical, organometallic chemistry, or the chemistry of materials. Lecture, 3 hours per week. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BA and BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3334.
4347 Advanced Interdisciplinary Topics - Spring
Advanced topics in chemistry, with an emphasis on modern approaches in interdisciplinary areas. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include physical inorganic, physical organic, bioinorganic, bioorganic, bioanalytical, organometallic chemistry, or the chemistry of materials. Lecture, 3 hours per week, Spring. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BA and BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3334.
4350 Senior Integrated Laboratory
Advanced experimentation in chemistry and biochemistry. A team-taught course designed to bring the perspectives of multiple disciplines to bear on advanced laboratory problems. The emphasis in the course will be on the use of emission and absorption spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, electrochemistry, and computational chemistry to study complex chemical and biochemical problems. Equivalent of 1 lecture hour and 6 laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3334, 3335, 3135, 4242.
4395 Thesis Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Written communication of research performed at Trinity University in thesis form. Course enrollment requires a minimum of two semesters of research involvement in a research project and the permission of the department chair. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees.
Individual research and scholarly investigation under faculty supervision leading to the preparation of an Honors Thesis. To be taken only by Senior Honors students in both terms of their Senior year. Includes participation in Senior Colloquium where students present reports on their Thesis work. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees.