Chemistry Courses

NOTE: See the beginning of Section F for abbreviations, course numbers and coding.

CHEM1041General Chemistry I3 ch (3C 1T)

Introductory course designed primarily for BSc students. Topics covered include atoms, molecules & ions; stoichiometry; thermochemistry; atomic structure & quantum theory; periodic trends - atomic size, ionization, electron affinity; chemical bonding - Lewis structure, VSEPR, polarity, electronegativity, hybridization, hydrocarbons - alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, nomenclature, isomerism, functional groups.

Prerequisite: Grade 12 Chemistry and Pre-Calculus Math or equivalents

CHEM1046Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I2 ch (3L)

A selection of experiments to accompany CHEM 1041.

Co-requisite: CHEM 1041 or equivalent

CHEM1072General Chemistry II3 ch (3C 1T)

A continuation of CHEM 1041. Topics covered include gas laws & kinetic theory; oxidation & reduction - oxidation numbers, balancing redox equations; equilibria - equilibrium constant K, Le Chatelier’s Principle, homo- and heterogeneous equilibria; acid-base equilibria - weak acids and bases, pH, common ion effect, buffers, solubility, selective precipitation; thermodynamics - entropy and free energy; electrochemistry - electrode potentials, galvanic and electrolytic cells, quantitative aspects.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1041


Co-requisite
: MATH 1001 or MATH 1003

CHEM1077Introductory Chemistry Laboratory II2 ch (3L)

A selection of experiments to accompany CHEM 1072.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1046 or equivalent

Co-requisite: CHEM 1072

CHEM1831What on Earth Isn't Chemistry (Cross-Listed: SCI 1831)3 ch (3C)

Intended for students (with limited chemistry background) who wish to gain a better understanding of the chemistry in the world around them. The course will cover aspects of: atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, what chemical names mean, balancing equations (and the relationships involved), acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, radiation and organic compounds. The concepts will be examined in the context of understanding "everyday" chemistry. CHEM 1831 cannot be used to satisfy requirements of any Faculty of Science, Applied Science, and Engineering program.

CHEM1872General Physical and Inorganic Chemistry3 ch (3C1T)

Intended primarily for Engineering students who require an introduction to physical and inorganic chemistry. This course may cover thermochemistry, chemical bonding & molecular structure, gases, intermolecular forces & modern materials, chemical equilibria (acid & base, buffer & solubility), chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. 

Prerequisite: Grade 12 Chemistry (70%), or CHEM 1041 or CHEM 1831 minimum grade of B

CHEM1877General Physical and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory2 ch (3L)

Intended primarily for Engineering students who require an introduction to physical and inorganic chemistry. Laboratory topics may include: colligative properties, recycling, enthalpy, gas laws, WHMIS, titration, kinetics, solubility and corrosion. 

Co-requisite: CHEM 1872
CHEM2009Experience in Chemistry Research I3 ch (3L) (EL) (W)

CHEM 2009 is a project based course where students conduct research under the supervision of a chosen faculty member. Students must have declared a Science Major and must have a CGPA of 3.7 or better to enter after first year or a CGPA of 3.0 or higher to enter after second year. Students will be provided with a list of projects and applicant's names will be forwarded to project supervisors. Applications must be made, by May 15th, to the Chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences. Since enrolment may be limited, students are encouraged to plan for alternative courses in the case that no suitable project is available. A minimum of at least 3 scheduled hours per week is required and one seminar presentation will be required at the end of the academic term, as well as a written report. 

Prerequisites: CHEM 1041, CHEM 1046, CHEM 1072 and CHEM 1077

CHEM2065Introductory to Biochemistry (Cross-Listed: BIOL 2065)4 ch (3C 3L*) (W)

Protein structure and function, techniques for protein analysis, examples of important proteins, mechanisms and regulations of enzymatic activity, metabolism (basic concepts and design, followed by the study of a few pathways).

CHEM2416Organic Chemistry Laboratory I2 ch (3L 1T) (W)

Introduction to experimental (organic) chemistry. Part I.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1077

Co-requisite: CHEM 2421
CHEM2421Organic Chemistry I3 ch (3C 1T)

An introductory course. Topics include bonding, elementary stereochemistry, optical isomerism, functional groups, structure determination, reactions of alkenes and alkynes.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1072 or, for Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Bachelor of Health students only, CHEM 1872

CHEM2422Organic Chemistry II3 ch (3C 1T)

A continuation of CHEM 2421. Topics include stereochemistry, structure determination, alkyl halides, nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions and their synthetic utility.

Prerequisite: CHEM 2421

CHEM2457Organic Chemistry Laboratory2 ch (3L) (W)

A laboratory course involving synthesis and purification of organic compounds, stereochemistry, isolation and structure elucidation of natural compounds (by both qualitative and spectroscopic methods). 

Prerequisite: CHEM 2416

Co-requisiteCHEM 2422
CHEM2605Introduction to Spectroscopy (O)4 ch (3C 3L)

This course examines the fundamental principles underlying electronic, vibrational, and rotational spectra of molecules as well as magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, optical rotation, etc. Principles of instrumentation will also be studied. Those concepts will then be practically applied in a laboratory setting.

Prerequisite: CHEM 2421 or permission of instructor

CHEM3245Environmental Chemistry (A) (Cross-Listed: BIOL 3245)4 ch (3C 3L)

Course will provide students with a chemical basis for understanding the natural environment and current environmental issues. Topics will include: the composition of the natural environment, the chemistry supporting environmental processes, and the main reactions of natural & anthropogenic chemicals in the atmosphere, water, and soils. NOTE: This course may be listed as either BIOL 3245 or CHEM 3245. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 3245 and CHEM 3245.

 Prerequisite: CHEM 2421 or equivalent 

CHEM3335Chemical Management Practices 1 ch (3L*)

Overviews some Information systems for Hazardous materials (builds on WHMIS, introduces TDG and GHS). Introduces aspects of chemical inventory management. Emphasis on laboratory ethics (including environmental responsibilities, safe lab practices, reporting). Further work on chemical handling, storage and waste management. 

Prerequisites: CHEM 1077 or equivalent and CHEM 2421 or equivalent

CHEM3435Biomolecules and Primary Metabolism (A) (Cross-Listed: BIOL 3435)3 ch (3C)

This course will examine the chemistry, function, biosynthesis and metabolism of primary metabolites. Classes of compounds covered will include carbohydrates, fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, proteins and nucleic acids. NOTE: This course may be listed as either BIOL 3435 or CHEM 3435. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 3435 and CHEM 3435.

Prerequisites: CHEM 2422 and BIOL 2065

CHEM3909Directed Studies in Chemistry 3 ch (3R/C/L/S/PRAC)
Gives academically strong students (GPA of 3.3 of higher) an opportunity to pursue directed studies in specific areas and topics related to chemistry. These studies may involve any of the chemistry disciplines. The content and evaluation of each directed study will be determined through negotiation between a student and the supervising faculty member.

Prerequisite:
Must have completed 30 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.3 and permission of the instructor
CHEM4435Biologically Active Natural Products and Secondary Metabolism (A) (Cross-Listed: BIOL 4435)3 ch (3C)

This course will examine the biosynthesis, biological activity and ecological significance of secondary metabolites. Topics include: the links between primary and secondary metabolic pathways; an overview of the mechanisms, chemistry and coenzymes involved in the biosynthesis of natural products; the acetate pathway; the Shikimate pathway; the mevalonate and methyl erythritol phosphate pathways; the alkaloids; and chemical ecology. This course maybe listed as either CHEM 4435 or BIOL 4435. Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 4435 or BIOL 4435.

Prerequisites: CHEM 2422 and BIOL 2065