The Synthetic Chemistry Track provides students with exposure to synthetic chemistry from both the organic and inorganic perspectives.  The courses in this track are suitable for students thinking of graduate school or those considering working in industry.

Course Requirements

In addition to the Undergraduate Common Core in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, students must take

Open Electives

Open elective credit also is required to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 192 hours.

CHE 234

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY III

Third in a sequence of courses designed to investigate what organic chemistry is and how it works, by emphasizing the relationship between structure and function of organic molecules. Specific topics investigated include the reactivity and synthesis of carbonyl compounds; amines; and bio-molecules. Formerly CHE 175LEC. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE235.
Prerequisites:
CHE 232 and CHE 233 are a prerequisite and CHE 235 is a corequisite for this class.

CHE 235

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY III

Laboratory to be taken in conjunction with CHE234. Formerly CHE 175LAB. CO-REQUISITE(S):CHE 234.
Prerequisites:
CHE 232 and CHE 233 are a prerequisite and CHE 234 is a corequisite for this class.

CHE 326

INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

This one-quarter course is designed to develop the chemical intuition necessary for advanced work in organic chemistry through a review of general organic chemistry, with emphasis on the following more advanced topics: reaction mechanisms and why reactions occur; heteraromatic chemistry; curved-arrow formalism and multi-step reactions; molecular orbitals and symmetry-controlled reactions; Hammett equation and structure-activity relationships; functional group interconversions; carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions; more advanced treatment of structure and mechanism; introduction to design and planning of synthesis of organic compounds. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE327

CHE 327

INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Laboratory to be taken in conjunction with CHE326. This course is designed to provide the student with a thorough introduction to the experimental techniques utilized by practicing chemists in the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of organic compounds. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE 326.

CHE 378

APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY

Organic structure determination through the interpretation of spectral information. Formerly CHE 356.
Prerequisites:
(CHE 125 or CHE 175) and CHE 261 are a prerequisite for this class.

CHE 360

MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

This course emphasizes organic chemical principles and reactions vital to drug design and drug action in the human body. Medicinal chemists design molecules that alter phenomena operating at the overlap of chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology. This course introduces the conceptual frameworks and methods employed in drug development using case histories and mechanisms of clinically important drugs as illustrative examples.

CHE 362

DRUGS AND TOXICOLOGY

This course covers the chemical and biological analysis of the metabolism and distribution of drugs, toxins and chemicals in animals and humans, and the mechanism by which they cause therapeutic and toxic responses. Metabolism and toxicity as a basis for drug development, metabolic polymorphisms and biomarkers of exposure are also covered.

CHE 422

ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

First of a two-quarter sequence of inorganic chemistry for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in the M.S. program. The course emphasis is variable and can include any topic(s) that fall under the broad umbrella of inorganic chemistry.
Prerequisites:
CHE 320 is a prerequisite for this class.

CHE 424

ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

Second of a two-quarter sequence of inorganic chemistry for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in the M.S. program. The course emphasis is variable and can include any topic(s) that fall under the broad umbrella of inorganic chemistry.
Prerequisites:
CHE 320 is a prerequisite for this class.

CHE 430

POLYMER SYNTHESIS

This course focuses on the key synthetic organic chemistry methods for making polymers and coatings. A detailed consideration is given to the three types of polymerization reactions: step, chain, and ring-opening polymerizations. Practical application of polymer chemistry in society is a theme throughout the course. Offered: Spring of even-numbered years. Offered: Spring of even-numbered years.

CHE 434

POLYMER CHARACTERIZATION

This course looks at the broad subject of polymer characterization. A detailed consideration is given to major methods of analysis of chemical structure, molecular weight, morphology, and rheology. Practical application of polymer characterization in society is a theme throughout the course. Offered: Autumn of even numbered years.

CHE 435

POLYMER CHARACTERIZATION LABORATORY

The goal of this lab course is to expose students to hands-on polymer characterization techniques. This course will focus on the basic characterization techniques for determining structure and physical properties of polymers. Practical application of polymer characterization in is a theme throughout the course. Laboratory fee: $70.00. Offered: Autumn of odd-numbered years. Formerly CHE 463.

CHE 450

ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

First of a two-quarter sequence of organic chemistry for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in the M.S. program. This course emphasizes physical organic chemistry and mechanisms.

CHE 452

ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

Second of a two-quarter sequence of organic chemistry for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in the M.S. program. This course emphasizes classic and modern synthetic methods.
Prerequisites:
CHE 234 or CHE 238 is a prerequisite for this class.

CHE 480

SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

This course may be any topic related to chemical analysis, such as mass spectroscopy, electrochemical analysis, principles of chromatography, polymer properties, coatings, sampling methods, design of experiments, etc. This course may be repeated if the topics are different..
Prerequisites:
CHE 204 is a prerequisite for this class.

CHE 482

SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY

This course may cover any topic related to biochemistry or medicinal chemistry. This course may be repeated if the topics are different.

CHE 484

SPECIAL TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

This course may cover any topic related to inorganic chemistry. This course may be repeated if the topics are different.

CHE 486

SPECIAL TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

This course may cover any topic related to organic chemistry. This course may be repeated if the topics are different.

CHE 488

SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

This course covers specific topics in the area of physical chemistry. Examples of topics include single molecule techniques, molecular electronic spectroscopy, interaction of electromagnetic radiation with particulate matter, and hydrogen bonding. This course may be repeated if the topics are different.