This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of the skills and topics taught in introductory chemistry. Enrollment is by invitation only and will draw from students concurrently enrolled in CHEM 105. The class will link the skills and concepts covered in CHEM 105 to topics of current interest including food science, environmental pollution and remediation, nuclear power, and alternative fuels. Students will gain a better understanding of the ways the tools they are learning in introductory chemistry can be applied to real world situations.
Units: 0.5
Max Enrollment: 20
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Students must be simultaneously enrolled in CHEM 105.
Instructor: Miwa
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.
Elements and molecules interact with the environment producing global challenges such as climate change, ozone depletion, and heavy metal pollution. This course is a general introduction to the chemistry of such environmental problems, focusing on the chemical principles that regulate the effect, fate, and transport of chemicals in the environment. It explores how the structure of a chemical relates to its environmental impact and how interactions can be predicted through chemistry. Assignments will include working with real data-sets of elements in the environment, such as records of carbon in forests, oxygen in the ocean, and heavy metals in soils. Chem 103 is intended for students with very little prior chemistry experience. This course does not count towards the chemistry major or minor.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 25
Crosslisted Courses: ES 10 3
Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement.
Instructor: Stanley
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL)
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
This course is designed for students majoring in the physical and biological sciences as well as those wishing an introduction to modern molecular science. Core principles and applications of chemistry are combined to provide students with a conceptual understanding of chemistry that will help them in both their professional and everyday lives. Topics include principles of nuclear chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, molecular energetics, chemical equilibrium, and chemical kinetics. The laboratory work introduces students to synthesis and structural determination by infrared and other spectroscopic techniques, periodic properties, computational chemistry, statistical analysis, and various quantitative methods of analysis. This course is intended for students who have taken one year of high school chemistry and have a math background equivalent to two years of high school algebra. Students who have AP or IB credit in chemistry, and who elect CHEM 105, forfeit the AP or IB credit.
This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - CHEM 105L.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 28
Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Not open to students who have taken CHEM 105P, CHEM 116, or CHEM 120.
Instructor: Oakes, Tantama, Verschoor, Doe, Mavros
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall
Notes:
This is a required co-requisite laboratory for CHEM 105.
Units: 0
Max Enrollment: 14
Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Not open to students who have taken CHEM 105P, CHEM 116, or CHEM 120.
Instructor: Oakes, Tantama, Verschoor, Doe, Mavros
Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
This course is designed for students interested in pursuing further study in the physical and biological sciences, as well as those wishing an introduction to modern molecular science. Core principles and applications of chemistry are combined to provide students with a conceptual understanding of chemistry that will help them in both their professional and everyday lives. Topics include principles of nuclear chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, and chemical kinetics. The laboratory work introduces students to synthesis and structural determination by infrared and other spectroscopic techniques, periodic properties, computational chemistry, statistical analysis, and various quantitative methods of analysis. This course is intended for students who do not meet the prerequisites for CHEM 105 or for students who, because of their previous chemistry and math experiences, would appreciate additional academic support for the study of introductory chemistry. Includes two additional class meetings each week. Students in CHEM 105P must enroll in CHEM 105P lab.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 16
Prerequisites: Open by permission of the instructor to students regardless of high school background or whether the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement has been fulfilled. Not open to students who have taken CHEM 105, CHEM 116, or CHEM 120
Instructor: Miwa, McCarthy
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
This gateway course provides an integrated introduction to the application of chemical principles to understand biological systems and covers the content of both BISC 110/BISC 110P/BISC 112/BISC 112Y and CHEM 105. It is designed for students whose interests lie at the interface of chemistry and biology and must be taken concurrently with BISC 116. Students will learn how structure and function of biological systems are shaped by principles of atomic properties and chemical bonding. Cellular metabolism and molecular genetics are integrated with quantitative introductions to thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. Other topics motivated by the application of chemistry to biology include nuclear chemistry and cellular growth and differentiation. The laboratory is a hands-on introduction to spectroscopy, microscopy, and other experimental techniques, as well as quantitative analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing. Successful completion of this course enables a student to take any course for which either CHEM105 or BISC 110/BISC 110P/BISC 112/BISC 112Y is a prerequisite.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 32
Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry, math equivalent to two years of high school algebra, and fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Not open to students who have taken BISC 110/BISC 110P, BISC 112/BISC 112Y, CHEM 105, CHEM 105P, or CHEM 120. Students must attend lab during the first week to continue in the course.
Instructor: Woodford, Matthews (Biological Sciences)
Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes: CHEM 116-01 and BISC 116-01 are co-requisite courses and students must register for both sections at the same time. Students must also register simultaneously for a lab section (either BISC 116 L01 or BISC 116 L02). Students must attend the first lab session in order to continue in the course. Students with AP or IB credit in chemistry who elect this course forfeit the AP or IB credit.
A one-semester course for students who have completed more than one year of high school chemistry, replacing CHEM 105 and CHEM 205 as a prerequisite for more advanced chemistry courses. It presents the topics of nuclear chemistry, atomic structure and bonding, periodicity, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, solubility, and transition metal chemistry. All of these topics are presented in the context of both historical and contemporary applications. The laboratory includes experiments directly related to topics covered in lecture, an introduction of statistical analysis of data, molecular modeling and computational chemistry, instrumental and classical methods of analysis, thermochemistry, and solution equilibria. The course meets for four periods of lecture/discussion and one 3.5-hour laboratory.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 32
Prerequisites: Open to students who have a score of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam or an IB Chemistry higher level score of 5 or above. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. Not open to students who have completed CHEM 105, CHEM 105P, CHEM 116 and/or CHEM 205.
Instructor: Arumainayagam, McCarthy
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL)
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
This course builds on the principles introduced in CHEM 105, with an emphasis on chemical equilibrium and analysis, and their role in the chemistry of the environment. Topics include chemical reactions in aqueous solution with particular emphasis on acids and bases; solubility and complexation; electrochemistry; modeling of complex equilibrium and kinetic systems; statistical analysis of data; and solid state chemistry. The laboratory work includes additional experience with instrumental and noninstrumental methods of analysis, sampling, and solution equilibria.
This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - CHEM 205L.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 28
Prerequisites: CHEM 105 or CHEM 105P or CHEM 116 and fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement (formerly QR-Basic Skills). Not open to students who have taken CHEM 120
Instructor: Flynn, M. Hall, Oakes, Stanley, Tantama, Wax
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF)
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
This is a required co-requisite laboratory for CHEM 205.
Units: 0
Max Enrollment: 14
Prerequisites: CHEM 105 or CHEM 105P or CHEM 116 and fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement (formerly QR-Basic Skills). Not open to students who have taken CHEM 120.
Instructor: Flynn, M. Hall, Oakes, Stanley, Tantama, Wax
Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
Topics covered include: stereochemistry, synthesis and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers, nomenclature of organic functional groups, polarimetry, IR, C-NMR, and GC/MS.
This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - CHEM 211L.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 24
Prerequisites: CHEM 105, CHEM 105P, CHEM 116, or CHEM 120.
Instructor: Miwa, Woodford, Doe, McCarthy, Wenny
Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall; Spring; Fall
Notes:
This is a required co-requisite laboratory for CHEM 211.
Units: 0
Max Enrollment: 12
Prerequisites: CHEM 105, CHEM 105P, CHEM 116, or CHEM 120.
Instructor: Miwa, Woodford, Doe, McCarthy, Wenny
Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
A continuation of CHEM 211. Includes NMR spectroscopy, synthesis, reactions of aromatic and carbonyl compounds, amines, and carbohydrates. In addition, students are expected to study the chemical literature and write a short chemistry review paper.
This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - CHEM 212L
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 24
Prerequisites: CHEM 211.
Instructor: McCarthy, Miwa, Vellucci, Woodford, Doe
Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
This is a required co-requisite laboratory for CHEM 212.
Units: 0
Max Enrollment: 12
Prerequisites: CHEM 211.
Instructor: McCarthy, Miwa, Vellucci, Woodford, Doe
Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
This course brings together the fundamental multidisciplinary concepts governing life at the molecular level and opens a gateway to advanced biochemistry offerings. Grounded in an understanding of aqueous equilibria, thermodynamic, kinetic, and spectroscopic principles, the course will emphasize the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. The laboratory introduces modern laboratory techniques for the study of biomolecules and develops experimental design and critical data analysis skills. The laboratory component can be of particular value to students planning or engaged in independent research and those considering graduate level work related to biochemistry. This course counts toward Chemistry or Biochemistry major requirements.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 24
Crosslisted Courses: BIOC 223
Prerequisites: (CHEM 205 or CHEM 120) and CHEM 211 and one of the following (BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, BISC 112Y, BISC 116, CHEM 212), and permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Elmore, Hall, Tantama
Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
A survey of the chemical foundations of life processes, with focus on theory and applications relevant to medicine. Topics include bioenergetics, metabolism, and macromolecular structure. Essential skills such as data analysis and understanding of the primary literature will be approached through in-class discussions and application to current biomedical problems. This course is suitable for students wanting an overview of biochemistry, but it will not contain the experimental introduction to biochemical methods and laboratory instrumentation required for the Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 24
Crosslisted Courses: BIOC 227
Prerequisites: (CHEM 205 or CHEM 120) and CHEM 211 and one of the following (BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, BISC 112Y, BISC 116). Not open to students who have completed BIOC 223/CHEM 223.
Instructor: Kress
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes: Does not count toward the minimum major in Chemistry.
Research is supervised by a member of the Wellesley College chemistry department. Off-campus research requires active participation of a Wellesley faculty member throughout the research period. Course fulfills the research requirement for the major only upon completion of a paper of 8-10 pages on the research and a presentation to the chemistry department during one of the two research seminar presentation periods. A copy of the paper must be submitted to the chair of the department.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: Open by permission to students who have taken at least one chemistry course and are not eligible for CHEM 350.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall
Notes:
Research is supervised by a member of the Wellesley College Chemistry Department. Students will be expected to devote 10-12 hours per week for CHEM 250 and five to six hours for CHEM 250H.
Units: 0.5
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: Open by permission to students who have taken at least one chemistry course and are not eligible for CHEM 350 or 350H.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
Making scientific discoveries is clearly important, but it is also vital to be able to communicate science effectively to non-expert audiences. How do people learn? And in particular, how do inquiry-based learning techniques improve the learning experience? This course provides students the opportunities to explore and apply current research on learning and instructional strategies by developing a series of hands-on in-class chemistry activities. Students will read primary literature on pedagogical approaches from a range of sources, including chemical education journals. Students will synthesize and apply numerous chemical concepts that they have learned in-depth in previous chemistry classes in order to design and teach a chemistry lesson at a local elementary school. Additionally, students will communicate and teach chemistry to non-expert audiences at a museum or science cafe. This class will be useful to students considering careers in the medical profession, so that they can clearly explain science to their patients; careers in research science, so they can inform the public of their discoveries; and careers in education, so they can teach science in an exciting and meaningful fashion.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 12
Crosslisted Courses: EDUC 317
Prerequisites: CHEM 205 or CHEM 120.
Instructor: Stanley
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Every other year
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
Chemical reactions govern the interactions of molecules in oceans, lakes and rivers and regulate the biogeochemical cycles of many elements including carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and trace metals. This course will enable students to predict and understand chemical reactions occurring in aquatic systems and the fate of environmental pollutants and natural compounds. Topics include the environmental applications of thermodynamics and kinetics, acid-base reactions in natural waters, precipitation-dissolution reactions, and photochemical reactions of organic and inorganic compounds. The course has a heavy emphasis on reading and interpreting primary literature, including both classic and recent papers, and students will write a research proposal on an aquatic chemical topic of their choosing. Additionally, we will interact with current researchers in aquatic chemistry and participate in a field trip to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 16
Instructor: Stanley
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Every four years
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
Photochemistry involves reactions of electronically-excited species that are produced by the absorption of non-ionizing photons. Photochemistry is of tremendous importance in natural processes (e.g., vision, photosynthesis, atmospheric chemistry, synthesis of prebiotic molecules in space) and a myriad of technologies (photography, photolithography to fabricate miniature transistors that are central to cell phones, and photopolymerization). In this course, we will see that gas-phase photochemistry experimental techniques (e.g., velocity map imaging and table-top based attosecond laser sources) may be used to extract exquisite details with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution across the entire reaction path. However, such detailed information cannot be obtained for condensed-phase photochemistry, which involves greater complexity, including the production of excitons, excimers, and exciplexes. Students will be provided with a qualitative understanding of quantum mechanical principles (e.g., Franck-Condon principle and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation) critical to the molecular-level understanding of photochemistry. The seminar will include guest lectures by experts, group discussions, readings from the primary and review literature, field trip(s), movies, weekly writing assignments, and a final paper.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 24
Prerequisites: One of the following - CHEM 105, CHEM 116, CHEM 120; or permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Arumainayagam
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Every three years
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
Optical and electronic materials, ranging from solar cells to superconductors, are central to our modern lives and will be crucial in solving the technological challenges of our future. For students interested in engineering applications of fundamental physics phenomena, this interdisciplinary course will introduce the science behind the development of modern materials and devices. Through hands-on projects, students will explore the development of optical and electronic materials from their atomic origins, to their implementation in semiconductor devices, and finally their long term environmental impact. This course connects topics often covered in separate physics, chemistry, and engineering courses. Previous experience with concepts from introductory physics is strongly recommended.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 15
Crosslisted Courses: CHEM 30 5
Prerequisites: PHYS 108 and either PHYS 210 or CHEM 361, or permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Belisle
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Every other year; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
“Why cannot we write the entire 24 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a pin?” When the physicist Richard Feynman first asked that question a half century ago, the word nanoscience had yet to be used. Today, nanoscience and nanotechnology have created a great deal of interest from scientists and engineers and also from the general public. Questions we will address include: What is the nature of nanoscience and nanotechnology? What are the principles that enable us to predict behavior over nanometer length scales? How are nanomaterials made and organized? How is nanotechnology likely to impact our lives? We will use the primary literature, popular portrayals, and interactions with researchers in nanoscience as avenues to explore the field.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: CHEM 205 or CHEM 120, and CHEM 211.
Instructor: Flynn
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Every three years
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes:
Computational chemistry now plays a crucial role in both the design and the analysis of molecules and systems across industries including pharmaceuticals, materials, and manufacturing. This course will provide students with a conceptual understanding of computational modeling techniques pertinent to chemistry along with practical experience applying these methods. Specific techniques considered in the course may include quantum mechanical ab initio and semiempirical models, molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics simulations, optimization and sampling frameworks, and machine learning, with case studies coming from current literature. Emphasis will be placed on the trade-offs between model accuracy and efficiency, and fundamental principles in computer programming, numerical methods, hardware, and software will be introduced as they relate to this trade-off. Application of these methods to solve problems in diverse areas, such as protein structure, drug design, organic reactivity, and inorganic systems, will also be emphasized. In addition to regular computer-based exercises, the course will culminate in an independent project utilizing techniques presented in the course.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 12
Prerequisites: (CHEM 105 and CHEM 205) or (CHEM 116 and CHEM 205) or CHEM 120, and CHEM 211 and MATH 116, or permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Mavros
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Every other year; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
The course will cover the foundations of astrochemistry, a young field at the intersection between chemistry and astronomy. Topics to be discussed include the interstellar medium, atomic and molecular physics, interstellar chemistry, molecular astronomy, and unresolved enigmas in the field, such as the homochirality of amino acids. The seminar will involve guest lectures by experts, group discussions, readings from the primary and review literature, field trip(s), movies (including a science fiction movie), weekly writing assignments, telescopic observations, and one day in a laboratory on earth.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 24
Prerequisites: CHEM 105 or CHEM 120.
Instructor: Arumainayagam
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Every three years
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes:
Why are there so many antibiotics and so few medicines to treat viral infections? In this course, students will learn how antiviral drugs are created. We will learn how viral targets are selected, the strategies used to design or discover drug candidates, and the process of optimizing these candidates to produce effective medications. Areas of focus will include HIV, which has been successfully controlled through antiviral medications, as well as Covid-19 and influenza, for which there are few effective drugs. Students will work individually and in teams to read/analyze primary literature and prepare oral presentations and infographics to demonstrate and enhance understanding. The course will culminate in the preparation and presentation of an original research proposal.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 12
Prerequisites: CHEM 212.
Instructor: Miwa
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Every three years
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
This course will cover strategies and tactics for assembling complex organic molecules. Considerable emphasis will be placed on stereoselective synthesis, including the stereoselective construction of ring systems, acyclic stereocontrol, and asymmetric catalysis. Reaction mechanisms will also be emphasized throughout the semester. Lecture topics will be accompanied by case studies drawn from the current chemical literature. The course will culminate in an independent project involving pharmaceuticals and other molecules of medicinal importance.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 12
Prerequisites: CHEM 212
Instructor: Carrico-Moniz, Miwa
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
An intensive laboratory course offering a multiweek independent team research project and training in experimental applications of physical chemistry and biochemistry. Topics will include spectroscopy and chemical thermodynamics of biomolecules. This course will emphasize independent hypothesis development and experimental design skills as well as public presentation of results. Students will read primary literature, construct a research proposal, develop their own laboratory protocols manual, conduct experiments using a variety of instrumentation, and present their research. One class period per week plus one lab and mandatory weekly meetings with instructor.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 16
Crosslisted Courses: BIOC 320
Prerequisites: BIOC 223/CHEM 223
Instructor: Oakes
Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes: Ann E. Maurer '51 Speaking Intensive Course.
Many critical research advances result from applying basic chemical principles and tools to biological systems. This approach has opened up exciting new areas of study, such as the development of bio-orthogonal reactions, the engineering of cells to incorporate “unnatural” biomolecules, selective modifications to cellular surfaces, and the synthesis of peptidomimetics and other bio-inspired materials. These approaches have allowed for important advances in developing novel therapeutics, engineering modern materials, and the studying biological processes in vivo. In this course, students will explore contemporary research breakthroughs in chemical biology through reading, analysis and discussion of the primary literature. Students will also propose novel research directions through the preparation of independent research proposals.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 12
Crosslisted Courses: BIOC 323
Prerequisites: BIOC 223/CHEM 223 or BIOC 227/CHEM 227, or permission of instructor.
Instructor: Elmore, Woodford
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
Researchers increasingly attempt to harness biochemical approaches as a way to address pressing societal problems. For example, recent work has focused on topics including the effective production of biofuels, remediation of environmental pollutants and developing new treatments for antibiotic resistant pathogens. In this course, juniors and seniors will explore contemporary research aimed at solving these problems through readings in the primary literature, invited lectures, interviewing researchers and developing independent research proposals. Students will analyze and interpret research findings through weekly writing assignments targeted towards broad audiences, such as research summaries for the scientific press, textbook sections, executive summaries and proposals accessible to non-specialists. Class sessions will be structured as workshops to analyze core chemical and biological concepts and provide structured critiques of writing assignments.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 12
Crosslisted Courses: BIOC 324
Prerequisites: BIOC/CHEM 223 or BIOC/CHEM 227 or BIOC/BISC 220 or (CHEM 205 and CHEM 211 and (BISC 110 or BISC 112 or BISC 116)), or permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Elmore
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Other Categories: CSPW - Calderwood Seminar in Public Writing
Typical Periods Offered: Every three years
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
Biosensors and optogenetics are important tools used to understand the physiology of living systems across the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. Luminescent biosensors emit light during a measurement while optogenetics are activated by light to control and manipulate signaling and metabolism in living cells. In this course, students will explore the chemistry and biology of these tools, focusing on the principles of their design, strategies for their construction, and their applications in the life and physical sciences. Students will engage the subject matter with group work, peer-to-peer editing, and individual assignments through a combination of active-learning lectures, current literature analysis, and oral presentations. The course will culminate in the writing and presentation of an NIH-style original research proposal. This course will provide foundations for thinking about protein engineering as well as hypothesis-driven biological questions, and it is appropriate for students across the spectrum of chemical, physical, and biological interests.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 12
Crosslisted Courses: BIOC 325
Prerequisites: BIOC/CHEM 223 or BIOC/CHEM 227 or BIOC/BISC 220 or (CHEM 205 and CHEM 212 and (BISC 110 or BISC 112 or BISC 116))
Instructor: Tantama
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
Molecular basis of chemistry; intensive overview of theories, models, and techniques of physical chemistry; extensive coverage of quantum mechanics; applications of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy; introductory statistical mechanics, with an emphasis on connections to thermodynamics; intermediate topics in chemical kinetics and introduction to reaction dynamics. The laboratory work involves learning elementary programming to quantitatively model data collected with various spectroscopies (UV-VIS, IR, NMR, fluorescence) using quantum theory.
This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - CHEM 330L.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 18
Prerequisites: (CHEM 205 or CHEM 120) and (PHYS 104 or PHYS 107) and (MATH 215 (strongly recommended) or MATH 205). Not open to students who have taken CHEM 331.
Instructor: Radhakrishnan, Wax
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL)
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
This is a required co-requisite laboratory for CHEM 330.
Units: 0
Max Enrollment: 9
Prerequisites: (CHEM 205 or CHEM 120) and (PHYS 104 or PHYS 107) and (MATH 215 (strongly recommended) or MATH 205). Not open to students who have taken CHEM 331.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
Molecular basis of chemistry; intensive overview of theories, models, and techniques of physical chemistry; extensive coverage of quantum mechanics; applications of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy; classical thermodynamics of gases and solutions; intermediate topics in chemical kinetics and introduction to reaction dynamics; basic statistical mechanics to calculate thermodynamic variables and equilibrium constants. This course does not count towards the major requirements in chemistry.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 18
Prerequisites: (CHEM 205 or CHEM 120) and (PHYS 104 or PHYS 107) and (MATH 215 (strongly recommended) or MATH 205). Not open to students who have taken CHEM 331.
Instructor: M. Radhakrishnan
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
Provides a survey of fundamental principles in physical chemistry and how they relate specifically to the study of biological molecules and processes. Emphasis is placed on empowering students to understand, evaluate, and use models as approximations for the biomolecular world. Models are mathematically represented and provide both qualitative and quantitative insight into biologically relevant systems. Commonly used experimental techniques such as spectroscopy and calorimetry are explained from first principles with quantum mechanical and statistical mechanical models, and computational applications such as protein structure prediction and molecular design are explained through physical models such as molecular mechanics and dynamics.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 24
Crosslisted Courses: BIOC 331
Prerequisites: BIOC 223/CHEM 223 and MATH 116 or equivalent.
Instructor: M. Radhakrishnan
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes: Does not count toward the chemistry major but counts toward the biochemistry major and the chemistry minor. Students are strongly encouraged to complete one course in physics in addition to the stated prerequisites before enrolling;
This course provides an in-depth study of the physical models used in the study of chemical systems, including both first-principle derivations and cutting-edge applications of such models. Topics include statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, computational chemistry, molecular mechanics and dynamics, philosophical foundations of quantum mechanics, time-dependent quantum mechanics, and kinetics.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: CHEM 330 (or CHEM 331 by permission of the instructor) and either (PHYS 106 or PHYS 108) and MATH 215. Not open to students who have taken CHEM 335.
Instructor: Mavros
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered
Notes:
This course provides an in-depth study of the physical models used in the study of chemical systems, including both first-principle derivations and cutting-edge applications of such models. Topics include probability theory, classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, computational chemistry, philosophical foundations of quantum mechanics, time-dependent quantum mechanics, and kinetics. Additionally, there is an emphasis on implementing statistical and numerical models via computer programing, culminating in an independent project.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 12
Prerequisites: CHEM 330 and (PHYS 106 or PHYS 108) and MATH 215. Not open to students who have taken CHEM 334.
Instructor: Mavros and Arumainayagam
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes:
This course provides an in depth look at inorganic chemistry concentrating on chemical applications of group theory, molecular orbital theory, the chemistry of ionic compounds, transition metal complexes, organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and bioinorganic chemistry. Students will learn theories and models to analyze the structure and bonding of inorganic compounds and to predict and explain reactions of those compounds. The laboratory introduces a number of experimental and computational techniques used in inorganic chemistry.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 24
Prerequisites: Required CHEM 205 or CHEM 120, and CHEM 211; Strongly recommended CHEM 212.
Instructor: Stanley, Verschoor, Wenny
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes:
Research is supervised by a member of the Wellesley College chemistry department. Students will be expected to devote (per week) 10-12 hours for CHEM 350 and five to six hours for CHEM 350H. Student projects will be planned accordingly. Off-campus research requires active participation of a Wellesley faculty member throughout the research period. Course fulfills the research requirement for the major only upon the completion of a paper of 8-10 pages on the research and a presentation to the chemistry department during one of the two research seminar presentation periods. A copy of the paper must be submitted to the chair of the department. (Note: Paid internships are not eligible for CHEM 350.)
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: Open by permission to students who have taken at least three chemistry courses.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall
Notes:
Research is supervised by a member of the Wellesley College chemistry department. Students will be expected to devote (per week) 10-12 hours for CHEM 350 and five to six hours for CHEM 350H.
Units: 0.5
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall
The first course in a two-semester investigation of a significant research problem, culminating in the preparation of a thesis and defense of that thesis before a committee of faculty from the chemistry department. Students will participate in a regular weekly seminar program, in which they will discuss their research progress informally with faculty and student colleagues and gain familiarity with contemporary research through presentations by outside seminar speakers. This route does not lead to departmental honors. If the first semester of thesis is used to fulfill the research requirement, the student must complete a paper of 8-10 pages on the research and give a presentation to the chemistry department during one of the two research seminar presentation periods. A copy of the paper must be submitted to the chair of the department. (Note: Paid internships are not eligible for CHEM 355.)
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: Open only to Seniors with permission of the instructor.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall
Notes:
CHEM 360 is the first course in a two-semester investigation of a significant research problem, culminating in departmental honors upon the completion in the second semester of a thesis and defense of that thesis before a committee of faculty from the chemistry department. Students in 360 and 370 will be expected to attend the weekly departmental honors seminar, listed in the schedule of classes. The seminar provides a forum for students conducting independent research to present their work to fellow students and faculty. (See Academic Distinctions.) If the first semester of thesis is used to fulfill the research requirement, the student must complete a paper of 8-10 pages on the research and give a presentation to the chemistry department during one of the two research seminar presentation periods. A copy of the paper must be submitted to the chair of the department. (Note: Paid internships are not eligible for CHEM 360.)
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: Permission of the department.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Topics include statistical analysis, electronics and circuitry, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and separations science with special attention to instrument design and function. The course work emphasizes the practical applications of chemical instrumentation and methods to address questions in areas ranging from art history to biochemistry to materials science. The laboratory work focuses on the design, construction, and use of chemical instrumentation along with the interfacing of instruments with computers.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 8
Prerequisites: Either (CHEM 205 and CHEM 211) or (CHEM 120 and CHEM 211). Suggested - PHYS 106 or PHYS 108.
Instructor: Flynn
Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL)
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
The second course in a two-semester investigation of a significant research problem, culminating in the preparation of a thesis and defense of that thesis before a committee of faculty from the chemistry department. Students will participate in a regular weekly seminar program, in which they will discuss their research progress informally with faculty and student colleagues and gain familiarity with contemporary research through presentations by outside seminar speakers. This route does not lead to departmental honors. Course counts toward the research requirement if the student completes the thesis and the thesis presentation. (Note: Paid internships are not eligible for CHEM 365.)
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: CHEM 355 and permission of the department.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
CHEM 370 is the second course in a two-semester investigation of a significant research problem, culminating in departmental honors upon the completion of a thesis and defense of that thesis before a committee of faculty from the chemistry department. Students will participate in a regular weekly seminar program, in which they will discuss their research progress informally with faculty and student colleagues and gain familiarity with contemporary research through presentations by outside seminar speakers. Course counts toward the research requirement if the student completes the thesis and the thesis presentation. See Academic Distinctions. (Note: Paid internships are not eligible for CHEM 370.)
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: CHEM 360 and permission of department.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes: Students enroll in Senior Thesis Research (360) in the first semester and carry out independent work under the supervision of a faculty member. If sufficient progress is made, students may continue with Senior Thesis (370) in the second semester.