A general overview of polymer chemistry which includes mechanisms of polymerization, reactions of monomers, molecular weight distributions and limitations, polymer morphology and rheology, structure elucidation, applications, and industrial processing. An introduction to the systematic chemistry of the elements and the structures and reactions of their compounds. Topics covered include atomic and bonding theories, acid-base theories, symmetry and spectroscopy, and chemistry of the main group elements. The chemistry of the transition metals, including bonding theories, coordination compounds, organometallic chemistry, catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry. An in-depth study of a selected topic in chemistry that requires a thorough understanding of organic chemistry.
Topics vary depending on student interest and instructor availability.
A detailed study of a selected contemporary topic will be presented at a level that requires comprehension of the subject matter covered in the physical chemistry and quantitative analysis courses. Where applicable, the student will get practical experience in operating the instruments to complete course assignments. Spectroscopy techniques include infrared and proton NMR spectroscopy. This course provides an introduction to a research topic of the student's choosing and under the direction of a faculty advisor. After the topic has been approved by the faculty advisor, the student will be allowed to initiate the project.