Location: Bowdoin / Chemistry / Courses / Spring 2008

Chemistry

Spring 2008

Courses

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056. Investigations: The Chemistry of Forensic Science: Elizabeth Stemmler M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55; A study of scientific principles that underlie chemical, instrumental, and some biological techniques used in criminal investigations by forensic scientists. Forensic scientists make use of information revealed when probing materials with techniques used by many scientific disciplines. In this course, we will focus on understanding materials at an atomic or molecular level to learn how forensic chemistry is used to make qualitative and quantitative measurements key to forensic investigations. The course will make use of case studies and the study of specific chemical, physical, and spectroscopic techniques used in forensic investigations. The course assumes no background in science. Not open to students who have taken a college-level chemistry course. Students will take part in 3-4 laboratory experiences.
057. Chemistry of Poisons: Michael Danahy T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55; An examination of the structure and biological function of selected poisons and toxins. Topics include investigating the 3D structure of molecules, how structure and function are related, and the chemistry and policy decisions involved in labeling something a "poison." The course presumes no background in science and is intended for those who do not have great deal of experience in chemistry.
105. Perspectives in Environmental Science: John Lichter T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25; Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within and between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental chemistry and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem function. Fundamental biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the environmental dilemmas facing societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
109. General Chemistry: Ronald Christensen T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25; Introduction to models for chemical bonding and intermolecular forces; characterization of systems at equilibrium and spontaneous processes, including oxidation and reduction; and the rates of chemical reactions. Lectures, conferences, and four hours of laboratory work per week. To ensure proper placement, students are expected to have taken the chemistry placement examination prior to registering for Chemistry 109.
109. General Chemistry: Laura Voss M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25; Introduction to models for chemical bonding and intermolecular forces; characterization of systems at equilibrium and spontaneous processes, including oxidation and reduction; and the rates of chemical reactions. Lectures, conferences, and four hours of laboratory work per week. To ensure proper placement, students are expected to have taken the chemistry placement examination prior to registering for Chemistry 109.
109. General Chemistry: Danton Nygaard M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25; Introduction to models for chemical bonding and intermolecular forces; characterization of systems at equilibrium and spontaneous processes, including oxidation and reduction; and the rates of chemical reactions. Lectures, conferences, and four hours of laboratory work per week. To ensure proper placement, students are expected to have taken the chemistry placement examination prior to registering for Chemistry 109.
226. Organic Chemistry II: Richard Broene M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25; Continuation of the study of the compounds of carbon. Chemistry 225 and 226 cover the material of the usual course in organic chemistry and form a foundation for further work in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Lectures, conference, and four hours of laboratory work per week.
226. Organic Chemistry II: Brian Linton M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25; Continuation of the study of the compounds of carbon. Chemistry 225 and 226 cover the material of the usual course in organic chemistry and form a foundation for further work in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Lectures, conference, and four hours of laboratory work per week.
231. Biochemistry and Cell Biology: Bruce Kohorn T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55; Focuses on the structure and function of cells as we have come to know them through the interpretation of direct observations and experimental results. Emphasis is on the scientific (thought) processes that have allowed us to understand what we know today, emphasizing the use of genetic, biochemical, and optical analysis to understand fundamental biological processes. Covers details of the organization and expression of genetic information, and the biosynthesis, sorting, and function of cellular components within the cell. Concludes with examples of how cells perceive signals from other cells within cell populations, tissues, organisms, and the environment. Three hours of lab each week.
232. Biochemistry: Danielle Dube T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55; Focuses on the chemistry of living organisms. Topics include structure, conformation, and properties of the major classes of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids); enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and regulation; metabolic transformations; energetics and metabolic control.
240. Inorganic Chemistry: Michael Danahy M 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25; An introduction to the chemistry of the elements with a focus on chemical bonding, periodic properties, and coordination compounds. Topics in solid state, bioinorganic, and environmental inorganic chemistry also are included. Provides a foundation for further work in chemistry and biochemistry. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.
252. Physical Chemistry II: Ronald Christensen M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25; Development and principles of quantum mechanics with applications to atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactivity, and molecular spectroscopy. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.
263. Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry: Katherine Farnham M 2:30 - 3:55; Comprehensive laboratory course in molecular biology and biochemistry that reflects how research is conducted and communicated. Includes sequential weekly experiments, resulting in a cohesive, semester-long research project. Begins with genetic engineering to produce a recombinant protein, continues with its purification, and finishes with functional and structural characterization. Emphasis is on cloning strategy, controlling protein expression, and protein characterization using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, affinity chromatography, isoelectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography. Students also learn to manipulate data using structural and image analysis software.
310. Instrumental Analysis: Elizabeth Stemmler T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55; Theoretical and practical aspects of instrumental techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry are covered, in conjunction with advanced chromatographic methods. Applications of instrumental techniques to the analysis of biological and environmental samples are covered. Lectures and two hours of laboratory work per week.
360. Molecular Medicine: Brian Linton M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55; Exploration of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, with concurrent emphasis on the development of medicinal treatments. Specific topics may include metabolic disorders and treatment, activity of antibiotics, bacteriological resistance, HIV infection and antiviral treatment, cancer occurrence and treatment, and the pharmacology of brain activity. A significant portion of the covered material is derived from the primary literature. All medical conditions are framed in the context of pharmaceutical design and evaluation.