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 and ions; stoichiometry; thermochemistry; atomic structure and 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.

Prerequisites: 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 and kinetic theory; oxidation and 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 with a minimum grade of C.  

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 with a minimum grade of C.  

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. Note: 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 and molecular structure, gases, intermolecular forces and modern materials, chemical equilibria (acid and base, buffer and solubility), chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. 

Prerequisite: Grade 12 chemistry (70%), or CHEM 1041 or CHEM 1831 with a 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)

This 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 minimum CGPA of 3.7 to enter after first year or a minimum CGPA of 3.0 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 three 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. 

PrerequisitesCHEM 1041, CHEM 1046, CHEM 1072 and CHEM 1077 with a minimum grade of C.

CHEM2065Introductory 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).

Prerequisites: BIOL 1017, BIOL 1105, BIOL 1205 and CHEM 2421 with a minimum grade of C in each.

CHEM2406Organic Chemistry Laboratory I2 ch (3L 1T) (W)

Introduction to experimental organic chemistry with emphasis on laboratory techniques for sample analysis, isolation, and purification of products; and chemical reactions 

Prerequisite: CHEM 1077 with a minimum grade of C. 

Co-requisite: CHEM 2411
CHEM2411Organic Chemistry I Structure and Properties3 ch (3C 1T)

An introduction to the structure and properties of organic molecules. Topics include bonding, conformation, isomerism, stereochemistry, functional groups, nomenclature, and structure determination.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1072  with a minimum grade of C or, for Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Bachelor of Health students only, CHEM 1872 with a minimum grade of C. 

CHEM2412Organic Chemistry II Reactivity3 ch (3C 1T)

An introduction to the reactivity of organic molecules. Topics include reaction mechanisms, nucleophilic addition reactions, nucleophilic substitution reactions, electrophilic addition reactions, electrophilic substitution reactions, and reactions of enols and enolates. 

Prerequisite: CHEM 2421 with a minimum grade of C.  

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 241 with a minimum grade of C or permission of the 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 and anthropogenic chemicals in the atmosphere, water, and soils. Note: This course may be listed as either BIOL 3245 or CHEM 3245. Credit cannot be counted for both BIOL 3245 and CHEM 3245.

 Prerequisite: CHEM 2421 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent 

CHEM3335Chemical Management Practices (O)2 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 2411 or equivalent both with a minimum grade of C.

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 counted for both BIOL 3435 and CHEM 3435.

PrerequisitesBIOL 2065 and CHEM 2422 with a minimum grade of C in both.

CHEM3909Directed Studies in Chemistry 3 ch (3R/C/L/S/PRAC)

Gives academically strong students (GPA of 3.3 or 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: Completion of 30 ch 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. Note: This course maybe listed as either CHEM 4435 or BIOL 4435. Credit cannot be counted for both CHEM 4435 or BIOL 4435.

Prerequisites: BIOL 2065 and CHEM 2412 with a minimum grade of C in both.

CHEM2455Biopharmaceutics (O) (Cross-listed: HEAL 2155)3 ch (3C) (O)

The course will provide an overview of the pharmaceutical industry, the process of drug discovery and optimization, an overview of the properties and biological activity of therapeutic substances, and case studies of select drug classes such as antibiotic, anti-ulcers drugs and/or others.   

Prerequisite: CHEM 2411 with a minimum grade of C.
CHEM2407Organic Chemistry Laboratory II2ch (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 2406 with a minimum grade of C. 

Co-requisite: CHEM 2412.