Course Descriptions

Chemistry 90 is a preparatory access course to CHEM 112/114 for students who were unable to access, or need to review, 30-level chemistry and physical science curricula. Content focuses on core concepts, terminology, problem solving strategies, and laboratory skills foundational to success in post-secondary chemistry courses and related degree paths.

Prerequisite(s): Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
Note: Chemistry 90 fulfills prerequisite requirements for CHEM 112 and CHEM 114, though CHEM 90 is not directly equivalent to Chemistry 30. CHEM 90 is a not-for-credit course (0 c.u.) and does not contribute to the course requirements for a university degree.

An introduction to fundamental concepts and skills in chemistry, with a focus on the development of problem solving and quantitative reasoning skills. Hands-on experience will be gained in the laboratory. Topics covered include atoms, molecules, chemical equations and chemical bonding.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): Physical Science 20
Note: This course is primarily intended for students who have not completed Chemistry 30, or completed Chemistry 30 with an average of less than 70%, or completed Chemistry 30 more than 3 years ago. This course will prepare students for CHEM 112 or CHEM 114; students with credit for CHEM 112 or CHEM 114 may not take this course for credit. May be taken as an elective only in all Arts & Science degree programs.

Structure, bonding and properties of materials. Topics include atoms and molecules, bonding, molecular structure, intermolecular forces, states of matter, and properties of materials. The laboratory illustrates material covered in the lectures.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 30 or CHEM 90 or CHEM 100; and (Mathematics B30 or Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30).
Note: Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30 is strongly recommended. Students with credit for CHEM 111 or 114 may not take this course for credit.

Topics include atoms and molecules, stoichiometry, bonding, molecular structure, states of matter, chemical reactions, and thermochemistry.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 30 or CHEM 100; and (Mathematics B30 and Mathematics C30) or Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30).
Note: This course is intended for students in the College of Engineering. Students with credit for CHEM 111, 112, or 116 may not take this course for credit.

Chemical reactions, including the rates and energetics of reactions and specific types of reactions. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical reactions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, specific reactions, and thermodynamics.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111, 112 or 114.
Note: The introductory CHEM courses were changed in 2002. Students with credit for CHEM 111 may take CHEM 115.

Discussion of the basic principles and tenets of analytical science and how these aspects are put into practice in analytical techniques.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 112.3 or CHEM 114.3) and CHEM 115.3.

This course introduces the area of Inorganic Chemistry by systematically dealing with the chemistry of main group elements. Common structures of metals and ionic compounds as well as molecular properties in terms of modern theories of structure and bonding are discussed. The laboratory provides experience in the preparation and investigation of the properties of typical inorganic compounds.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 112.3 or CHEM 114.3) and CHEM 115.3.

The study of the structure of matter and the changes it undergoes. Topics include properties of materials, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria and chemical kinetics. The laboratory provides experience with the use of physical-chemical equipment and problem solving skills.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 115.3 or CHEM 146.3; and one of MATH 110.3, MATH 123.3, MATH 133.4 or MATH 176.3.

An introduction to organic chemistry; students will learn to name organic compounds, predict some of the properties and reactivity of compounds based on molecular structure, and grasp the importance of these concepts and their application to all sciences and life in general. Almost all the reactions in living matter involve organic compounds, and it is impossible to understand the molecular processes of living systems without knowing organic chemistry. CHEM 250.3 is intended as a basis for other courses, and a beginning for understanding organic and bio-organic chemistry. The laboratory will introduce students to basic chemical laboratory skills frequently used in organic chemistry.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112 or 114.
Note: The introductory CHEM courses were changed in 2002. Students with credit for CHEM 111 may take CHEM 250. Students with credit for CHEM 251 may not take CHEM 250 for credit.

Intended to give insight into the specific and fundamental role of organic reactions occurring in nature, to students of all scientific disciplines who have been introduced to organic chemistry and to the life sciences. The emphasis will be on the patterns of reactivity among natural products, rather than on the biochemical roles that these molecules play. The laboratory will introduce students to experimental approaches to biomimetic, biological and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 250.
Note: CHEM 115 and BMSC 200 are recommended. Students with credit for CHEM 252 may not take CHEM 255 for credit.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Introduction to modern instrumental methods of chemical analyses. The laboratory is designed to develop basic understanding of common instrumental methods. Topics include chromatography, electrophoresis, electrochemistry and spectroscopy.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221.

An introduction to transition metal chemistry including molecular symmetry coordination chemistry, electronic structure and properties of d-metal complexes, characterization techniques in inorganic chemistry and organometallic chemistry of the d-block. The laboratory work includes experiments on the preparation, characterization and applications of transition metal compounds.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 231.

Materials chemistry involves the study of the synthesis, properties, characterization, and applications of solid state and polymeric materials. This course is fashioned to illustrate how chemistry can be rationally used to synthesize a wide range of materials with properties that can be tailored for advanced technologies.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 231

An introduction to quantum mechanics and chemical systems as a foundation for courses concerned with the theory and spectroscopy of atomic and molecular systems.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 242 and (MATH 112, MATH 116, MATH 124, or MATH 177 (MATH 116 preferred) and (PHYS 117 or PHYS 125 (PHYS 125 preferred).
Note: Students with credit for CHEM 243 may not take this course for credit.

Presents the theory and practice of various spectroscopic methods for structure determination with a focus on NMR based methods. Emphasizes the integrated interpretation of spectroscopic data and problem solving. The laboratory component provides 'hands-on' experience with the acquisition and manipulation of spectroscopic data.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 250.
Note: Students with credit for CHEM 458 may not take this course for credit.

Provides a greater understanding of the structure of organic compounds, and the underlying principles and rationale for organic reactions. The laboratory combines preparative, analytical, and computational experiments to enhance the understanding of physical and mechanistic aspects of organic chemistry.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 115 and 255.

Laboratory course focusing on fundamental experimental techniques of synthetic chemistry (organic and inorganic). The course will focus on techniques used to quantitatively measure, transfer, and purify chemical substances including those requiring protection from air and moisture. The main part of the course will integrate those techniques in multi-step syntheses.

Weekly hours: 8 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the coordinator required.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 255 and 332.

The disposal and treatment of waste materials will be discussed in terms of their effect on the gaseous and aqueous environments. A series of problems designed to illustrate the material covered in each topic will be assigned. The laboratory sessions are designed to give some understanding of how tests for environmental quality are carried out in the field and in the laboratory.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 115.3 or CHEM 146.3

Discussion of the basic principles of chemistry utilized in diverse technological practices.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 115 and (MATH 110 or MATH 123 or MATH 125 or MATH 176).

A laboratory, library, theoretical or computer study under the supervision of a member of the Department. Project is intended to be carried out during the third year of the program. At the end of the project the student will present both an oral and a written report summarizing the results.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): 21 credit units in CHEM.
Note: Students who have 30 credit units or more of CHEM courses should take CHEM 482 or 483 instead. Students who have credit for CHEM 482 or CHEM 483 may not take this course for credit.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Attendance at departmental seminar sessions throughout the academic year is required by students in the final year of a Four-year or Honours program. Consists of presentations by departmental visitors, faculty and students, followed by discussions.

Weekly hours: 1 Seminar/Discussion hours

This course covers advanced techniques in chemical analysis. Topics will include analytical methods not covered in CHEM 221.3 or CHEM 322.3, more detailed discussion of fundamental concepts, and the applications of analytical chemistry in various disciplines.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 322.
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topics covered in each offering differ substantially. In such cases, students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

Selected topics that are not dealt with or are covered only at an elementary level in other inorganic chemistry courses offered by the department. Possible topics include crystallographic and spectroscopic methods of structure determination, organometallic chemistry, cluster compounds, catalysis, nonaqueous solution chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, structure and bonding, and excited state processes.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 332.
Note: Students in programs other than Chemistry who have credit for CHEM 231 or its equivalent may seek permission from the department. Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

Understanding the connection between symmetry and electronic and spectroscopic properties of molecules is the main objective of this course. A systematic introduction of point-group symmetries and group theory is provided.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 332.
Note: CHEM 344 (formerly CHEM 243) recommended. Students in programs other than Chemistry who have credit for CHEM 231 or its equivalent may seek permission from the department.

A detailed look at both main group and transition metal organometallic chemistry. Emphasis will be on basic mechanisms, structure-reactivity relationships and applications in organic synthesis and catalysis.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 332.
Note: Students in programs other than Chemistry who have credit for CHEM 231 or its equivalent may seek permission from the department.

Selected topics that are not dealt with or are covered only at an elementary level in other physical chemistry courses offered by the department. Possible topics include advanced spectroscopy, nuclear chemistry, photochemistry, polymers, radiation chemistry, solid-state chemistry, structural techniques, surface and colloid chemistry.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 242 and permission of the instructor.
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

Selected topics that are not dealt with or are covered only at an elementary level in other organic chemistry courses offered by the department. Possible topics include organic synthesis, organic reaction mechanisms, natural products, organometallic chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry and organic photochemistry.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 255.
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

Provides a basic knowledge of Natural Products Chemistry with emphasis on secondary metabolism. Includes an overview of primary and secondary metabolism, modern techniques for studying secondary metabolism, biological reactions, interaction of plants with other living organisms, and major classes of bioactive compounds grouped according to their basic building blocks and their biogenesis.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 255
Note: CHEM 353 recommended.

This course explores the field of polymer chemistry. Synthetic methods for polymer preparation will be discussed, including condensation, radical, ionic, and ring-opening approaches. The solid-state structure, phase behavior, and mechanical properties of polymers will be covered, as well as current topics of interest in the literature.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 242 and CHEM 255.
Note: Students can receive credit for only one CHEM 879 or CHEM 479.

A laboratory, library, theoretical or computer study under the supervision of a member of the Department. Project is intended to be carried out during the final year of the program. At the end of the project the student will present both an oral and a written report summarizing the results.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): 30 credit units in CHEM.
Note: Students who have credit for both CHEM 380 and CHEM 483 may not take this course for credit.

A laboratory, library, theoretical or computer study under the supervision of a member of the Department. Project will be carried out throughout the final year of the program. At the end of the project the student will present both an oral and a written report summarizing the results.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): 30 credit units of CHEM.
Note: Students who have credit for both CHEM 380 and CHEM 482 may not take this course for credit.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

An overview of the core material required for graduate research in chemistry presented in modular form. Emphasis is placed on integrating chemical knowledge from all subdisciplines of chemistry encompassing both experimental and theoretical approaches.

Weekly hours: 9 Lecture hours

This course will instruct students in advanced and modern aspects of biological chemistry, particularly biological catalysis and structure-function relationships, and emphasizing chemical and quantitative approaches to biological research.

Permission of the instructor is required.
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

Selected topics that are not dealt with or are covered only briefly in other chemistry courses offered by the department.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

This course develops an awareness of a variety of characterization techniques in materials chemistry, especially x-ray spectroscopy, diffraction, scattering, and electron microscopy techniques.

Selected topics that are not dealt with or are covered only briefly in other chemistry courses offered by the department.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

Selected topics that are not dealt with or are covered only briefly in other chemistry courses offered by the department.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.

Provides a basic knowledge of natural products chemistry with emphasis on secondary metabolism. Topics covered include an overview of primary and secondary metabolism, modern techniques for studying secondary metabolism, biological reactions, chemical interactions between living organisms, and classes of bioactive compounds grouped according to building blocks and biogenesis.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

This course explores the field of polymer chemistry. Synthetic methods for polymer preparation will be discussed, including condensation, radical, ionic, and ring-opening approaches. The solid-state structure, phase behavior, and mechanical properties of polymers will be covered, as well as current topics of interest in the literature.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: CHEM 879 is mutually exclusive with CHEM 479. Students shall not receive credit for both.

Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Weekly chemistry seminar series. Graduate students are required to attend these seminar for the duration of their program and are expected to present a seminar near the end of their degree (PhD students only).

Offers graduate students a formal framework for the critical discussion of current chemical literature and for the critical assessment of its importance. Students will give oral presentations based on research articles from premier chemical journals.

Weekly hours: 1 Seminar/Discussion hours

Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.

Students writing a Ph.D. thesis must register for this course.