Chemistry Undergraduate Upper-Division Courses

For students who need only a one-semester course in organic chemistry. This is a survey of organic nomenclature, structure, preparations, and reactions. The course includes bioorganic topics, such as carbohydrates, peptides, and proteins, as well as a general introduction to important functional groups. Prer., CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 with grades of "C" or higher. Coreq., CHEM 3002.

• 3 Credits

For students who need only a one-semester course in organic chemistry. Instruction in experimental techniques, organic synthesis, and analysis. Students must register for the Lab Lecture (section 001) and Lab (sections 010-0X0) in addition to the corequisite course. Coreq., CHEM 3001.

• 1 Credit

For all students (except Chemistry majors) who need a full-year organic sequence. Topics include structure and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, and alkyl halides, organic nomenclature, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and kinetics. Prer., CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 or CHEM 1511 and CHEM 1513 with grades of "C" or higher. Coreq., CHEM 3103 for Biochemistry majors, CHEM 3102 for all others.

• 3 Credits

For all students (except Chemistry and Biochemistry majors) who need a full-year organic sequence. Instruction in experimental techniques of modern organic chemistry including microscale techniques, spectroscopic methods and interpretation (IR, NMR, MS), synthesis, and analysis. Students must register for Lecture (section 001) and Lab (section 010-0x0). Coreq., CHEM 3101.

• 1 Credit

For Biochemistry majors. Instruction in experimental techniques of modern organic chemistry including microscale techniques, spectroscopic methods and interpretation (IR, NMR, MS), synthesis, and analysis. Students must register for Lab Lecture (Sec 001) and Lab (Sec 010–0X0) in addition to the corequisite course. Coreq., CHEM 3101.

• 1 Credit

For all students (except Chemistry majors) who need a full-year organic sequence. Topics include structure and reactions of alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, aromatic compounds, heterocycles, sugars, and amino acids. Emphasis is on organic syntheses and reaction mechanisms. Prer., CHEM 3101 and CHEM 3102 with grades of "C" or higher. Coreq., CHEM 3113 for Biochemistry majors, CHEM 3112 for all others..

• 3 Credits

For all students (except Chemistry majors) who need a full-year organic sequence. Emphasis is on experimental techniques of modern organic chemistry including microscale techniques, spectroscopic methods and interpretation (IR, NMR, MS), synthesis, and analysis. Students must register for Lecture (section 001) and Lab (sections 010-0x0) in addition to the corequisite course. Coreq., CHEM 3111.

• 1 Credit

For Biochemistry majors. Emphasis is on experimental techniques of modern organic chemistry including microscale techniques, spectroscopic methods and interpretation (IR, NMR, MS), synthesis, and analysis. Students must register for Lab Lecture (Sec 001) and Lab (Sec 010–0X0) in addition to the corequisite course. Coreq., CHEM 3111.

• 1 Credit

For all Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Topics include structure and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, and alkyl halides, organic nomenclature, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Prer., CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 or CHEM 1511 and CHEM 1513 with grades of “B” or higher. Coreq., CHEM 3203.

• 3 Credits

Lab to accompany CHEM 3201. An introduction to organic synthetic and spectroscopic methods for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Students must register for Lab Lecture (Sec 001) and Lab (Sec 010–0X0) in addition to the corequisite course. Coreq., CHEM 3201.

• 2 Credits

For all Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Topics include structure and reactions of alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, aromatic compounds, heterocycles, sugars, and amino acids. Emphasis is on organic syntheses and reaction mechanisms. Prer., CHEM 3201 and CHEM 3203 with grades of "C" or higher. Coreq, CHEM 3213.

• 3 Credits

Lab section to accompany CHEM 3211. An introduction to multi-step organic synthesis and advanced spectroscopic methods, emphasizing the hands-on use of IR, NMR, GC/MS, and GC/FID instrumentation. Students must register for Lab Lecture (Sec 001) and Lab (Sec 010–0X0) in addition to the corequisite course. Coreq., CHEM 3211. The course is designed for chemistry and biochemistry majors, but other science majors looking for more hands-on instrumentation experience in their Organic Chemistry II lab can take it with permission from the instructor.

• 2 Credits

Emphasis is on chemical equilibrium, quantitative analysis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and analytical separations. Satisfies the LAS and Compass Curriculum Quantitative and Qualitative Reasoning requirement as a statistics course when taken by a student who has either 1) successfully completed MATH 1040 (or a mathematics course that has college algebra as a prerequisite), OR 2) scored 87% or higher on the College Algebra placement test and scored 50% or higher on the Business Calculus placement test. Prer., CHEM 3111 and CHEM 3112 or CHEM 3211 and CHEM 3213 with grades of “C” or higher. Coreq., CHEM 4002.

• 3 Credits

Emphasis is on quantitative analysis by means of titration, spectrophotometry, electrode potentials, and analytical separation techniques. Coreq., CHEM 4001.

• 1 Credit

Emphasis is on instrumental methods of analysis, including spectral, electroanalytical, and separations methods. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Writing Intensive. Prer., CHEM 4001, CHEM 4002, and PES 1120 with grades of "C" or higher. Prer. or coreq., CHEM 4111 or CHEM 4701. Coreq., CHEM 4012. Meets with CHEM 5011.

• 3 Credits

A comprehensive course designed to equip chemistry and biochemistry students with the practical understanding of modern analytical techniques used in the characterization and quantification of various analytes, including biomolecules. This course focuses on the principles, instrumentation, and applications of various cutting-edge analytical methods essential for biochemistry research and laboratory work, such as spectroscopic techniques, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and applications in biochemical analysis. Coreq., CHEM 4011.

• 1 Credit

The application of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular structure and spectra. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211, PES 1120, PES 2160, and MATH 2350 with grades of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5101.

• 3 Credits

Instruction in the experimental and computational techniques of modern physical chemistry with an emphasis on the design, construction, calibration, and application of spectroscopic measurement tools; synthesis and characterization of materials demonstrating quantized effects; and use of computer programs to model systems of varying size. Coreq., CHEM 4101.

• 1 Credit

The application of thermodynamics to phase changes, chemical reactions, and electrochemical cells. The rates and mechanics of chemical reactions. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211, PES 1120, PES 2160, and MATH 1360 with grades of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5111.

• 3 Credits

Instruction in the experimental techniques of modern physical chemistry with emphasis on experiments illustrating the fundamental principles of chemical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Coreq., CHEM 4111.

• 1 Credit

This discussion-based course introduces important and sometimes controversial issues in science and medicine using background readings and short videos from reputable sources. Students will discuss these topics in groups and with the class, and will also present their own chosen topic, complete with discussion questions, to the class. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211 with a grade of “C” or higher.

• 3 Credits

A comprehensive and detailed one-semester investigation of major topics in biochemistry, including protein structure and function; enzyme kinetics, mechanism, and regulation; and the regulation of major metabolic pathways. Prer., BIOL 1350, and CHEM 3001 or CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211 with grades of "C" or higher.

• 3 Credits

Topics include amino acids and their properties, experimental biochemical techniques, the structure, function, and regulation of proteins and enzymes, enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, lipids, and energetics of biological processes. Prer., BIOL 1350 and CHEM 2201, and CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211 with grades of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5221.

• 3 Credits

Designed to provide laboratory skills and techniques. Experiments are selected to demonstrate principles and applications of current techniques and the use of instrumentation. Spectrophotometry, enzymology, centrifugation, and electrophoresis are stressed. Coreq., CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221.

• 3 Credits

Topics include common themes in metabolism, signal transduction pathways, common metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid metabolism with a focus on enzymes, control of the pathways, and interconnections between pathways. Prer., CHEM 4221 with a grade of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5231.

• 3 Credits

Students develop competence in critical advanced lab techniques, including plasmid construction, characterization, and isolation; protein expression and characterization; enzyme assays; and product isolation and characterization. Prer., CHEM 4222 with a grade of “C” or higher.

• 3 Credits

Builds on topics introduced in CHEM 4211/4221 to provide more detailed and current information on such topics in biochemistry as, but not limited to: chromatin structure, epigenetics, regulation of gene expression, carbohydrates, membrane structure and function, cell signaling, etc. Prer., CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221 with a grade of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5261.

• 3 Credits

An introduction to the physical concepts of modern inorganic chemistry. Topics include atomic structure and periodic properties, ionic and covalent bonding, and a survey of inorganic main group reactions. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211, CHEM 4001, and either CHEM 4101 or CHEM 4701 with grades of “C” or higher.

• 3 Credits

A detailed study of the structure of transition metal complexes. Prer., CHEM 4301 with a grade of "C" or higher.

• 3 Credits

Synthetic techniques are used to prepare several stable transition metal complexes. Modern instrumentation is used to characterize the physical properties. Coreq., CHEM 4311.

• 1 Credit

Chemistry of five- and six-membered heterocycles and fused heterocycles, including structure, preparation, reactions and applications in the pharmaceutical world and in biochemistry and medicine. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211, and one of the following: CHEM 4001, CHEM 4211, or CHEM 4221 with grades of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5421.

• 3 Credits

Theory and practice of mass spectrometry instrumentation with a focus on the history of the instrumentation, instrumentation components, ion formation and ionization sources, tandem mass spectrometry, quantitative data analysis, fragmentation and data interpretation, accelerator mass spectrometry, and new topics. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211 with a grade of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5501.

• 3 Credits

Lecture and Lab. This course will focus on the practical application of bioanalytical techniques for the detection and quantification of biomolecules in complex sample matrices. Students will gain understanding of basic bioanalytical instrumentation, sample preparation and analysis techniques, and apply them in a variety of laboratory experiments. Prer., CHEM 4001, CHEM 4002, and either CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221 with grades of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5502.

• 3 Credits

Introduction to the elements of clinical chemistry and forensic toxicology, concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics,and chemical reaction mechanisms associated with drug metabolism and effects on neurotransmission. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211, and CHEM 4001 with grades of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5511.

• 3 Credits

An in-depth survey of the macroscopic and microscopic principles of environmental chemistry processes in land, air, and water; energy and climate change; chemical equilibrium, kinetics, reduction-oxidation reactions, acid-base chemistry, and thermodynamics. A focus on current environmental problems, impact, and sustainability. Approved for LAS Global Awareness requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Sustainability. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211 a grade of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5521.

• 3 Credits

Crystalline structure formulation of two-, one-, and zero-dimensional materials and the presence of quantum mechanical wave functions in such periodic potentials. Time-dependent perturbation-theory formulation of absorbance and emission phenomena. The application of band structure and spectroscopic properties to the design of modern devices, sensors, and imaging schemes. Prer., CHEM 4101 or PES 4250 with a grade of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5601.

• 3 Credits

A study of the physical chemistry of surfaces and interfaces. Topics include interfacial tension, wetting, monolayers, adsorption, heterogeneous catalysis, surface diffusion, kinetics of phase transformations, electrocapillarity, and the characterization of solid surfaces. Prer., CHEM 4101 with a grade of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5621.

• 3 Credits

Computational modeling of small molecules and biomolecules including introduction to programming, interacting with a high-performance computing (HPC) system, and performing and analyzing results of molecular simulations. Prer., CHEM 4101 and CHEM 4111, or CHEM 4701 with a grade of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5631.

• 3 Credits

Covers physical chemistry topics such as thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, and kinetics, illustrating these topics with important biological processes. In addition, an introduction to quantum theory will be presented with an emphasis on its application to biochemical problems. Prer., CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221, MATH 1330 or MATH 1350, and PES 1020 or PES 1120 with grades of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5701.

• 3 Credits

Covers topics of interest in bioinorganic chemistry. Structures of metal active sites, mechanisms, and model complexes will be discussed. Relevant inorganic protein structures will be covered. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211 and CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221 with grades of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5711.

• 3 Credits

This course examines in detail the mechanisms of action and biochemical basis of both pharmaceutical and recreational drugs. The use of primary research literature is emphasized. Prer., CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221 with a grade of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5721.

• 3 Credits

Topics include DNA/protein sequences and conservation, genomics experiments (including published work), genomics datasets, and programs required for analysis of genomics data. The class will focus on application of these techniques for genomics data analysis. Coreq., CHEM 4221. Meets with CHEM 5731.

• 3 Credits

Applications such as X-Ray Crystallography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, and Molecular Docking will be studied. Both theory and practical aspects of each technique will be explored. Prer., CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221 a with grade of "C" or higher. Coreq., CHEM 4701. Meets with CHEM 5741.

• 3 Credits

This course focuses on a central, timely topic to deepen understanding of human biochemistry. Example topics include the biochemistry of various diseases, the biochemistry of behavior and mental illness, and the biochemistry of sleep. Prer., CHEM 4211 or CHEM 4221 with a grade of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5751.

• 3 credits

Covers the fundamental processes associated with the interaction of light and molecules. Topics include absorption, emission, radiationless decay processes, energy transfer, and photochemistry. Experimental techniques and equipment will also be discussed. Prer., CHEM 4111 or CHEM 4701 with a grade of “C” or higher. Meets with CHEM 5801.

• 3 Credits

Symmetry operations and elements are defined and used to determine the point groups of molecules. Topics include molecular symmetry and point groups, group theory and its relationship to molecular vibrations, optical transitions, molecular orbital theory, and ligand field theory. Prer., CHEM 4101, CHEM 4102, and CHEM 4301 with grades of “C” or higher.

• 3 Credits

Examination of selected topics in chemistry and biochemistry in lecture, seminar, or laboratory format. Topic will change according to the interest of the instructor and students. Students may repeat the course for credit when the topic changes. Consult Course Search on the UCCS website or the MyUCCS Portal for topic. Consent of instructor required. Meets with CHEM 5901.

• 1 to 4 Credits

Open to qualified junior and senior students by arrangement with a faculty member. Students will plan a project with the faculty member prior to registering for the course. A written report must be submitted at the end of the semester summarizing the research results. Students may take CHEM 4904 under only one faculty member in a given semester. Consent of instructor required.

• 1 to 3 Credits

Students arrange a program with a faculty member through the auspices of local government or industrial facilities. The program will generally require independent laboratory or literature work, resulting in a report or series of reports. During the semester the instructor will communicate regularly with the student and the student’s internship mentor to ensure that satisfactory progress is being made. Consent of instructor required.

• 1 to 3 Credits

A capstone course designed to familiarize students with the chemical literature and to allow for written projects and formal oral presentations. Approved for the LAS Oral Communication requirement. Approved for the Compass Curriculum requirement: Summit. Prer., CHEM 3111 or CHEM 3211 and CHEM 4001 or CHEM 4101 with grades of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5911.

• 3 Credits

A capstone course designed to familiarize students with the biochemical literature and to allow for written projects and formal oral presentations. Approved for LAS Oral Communication requirement. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Summit. Prer., CHEM 4231 with a grade of "C" or higher. Meets with CHEM 5921.

• 3 Credits