Professors: Jeffrey Byers, Sunhee Choi (on leave academic year), Robert Cluss, James Larrabee (on leave academic year), Stephen Sontum; Associate Professor: Richard Bunt, Roger Sandwick (chair); Assistant Professor: Molly Costanza-Robinson; Visiting Assistant Professors: David Boucher, TBA; Associates in Science Instruction: Kathleen Jewett, Steve Oster, TBA; Visiting Scholar: William Sunderman; Department Coordinator: Judy Mayer
The curriculum in the department provides a firm foundation in the principles of chemistry along with the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest within analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, environmental, or biological chemistry. Students are encouraged to complete the core courses of general chemistry, organic chemistry, math, and physics within the first two years. These core courses also fulfill many of the requirements for the premedical, preveterinary, and predental programs.
Required for the major: Students elect to specialize in chemistry or in biochemistry and will, on that basis, choose appropriate upper-level courses that focus on the theory and methodology essential to modern chemistry or biochemistry. Required courses and electives for these two specialties are as follows:
Core Courses: CHEM 0103*, CHEM 0104 (or CHEM 0107), CHEM 0241, CHEM 0242, MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110*. These courses are required for all chemistry and biochemistry majors.
*Students may receive credit for courses indicated by asterisk with satisfactory scores on the advanced placement examination for that subject. Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the advanced placement examination in chemistry are awarded a course credit for CHEM 0103. They may elect CHEM 0104 but are strongly encouraged to enroll in CHEM 0107. Students who do not have an AP score of 4 or 5, but have a strong background in chemistry are encouraged to take the departmental placement examination to determine if they are qualified to take CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107. Those students who achieve a satisfactory score on the placement examination will be encouraged to register for CHEM 0104, but will not receive credit for CHEM 0103. The department's placement examination is administered at the beginning of each fall and spring term.
Chemistry Specialization Core Courses: CHEM 0311; CHEM 0351 or CHEM 0352 or CHEM 0353; and two 0200-, 0300- or 0400-level electives chosen from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with an advisor's approval. Independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, CHEM 0700) cannot count as electives.
Biochemistry Specialization Core Courses: CHEM 0313 and CHEM 0322; and two 0200-, 0300- or 0400-level electives from the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, chosen with an adviser's approval. Independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, CHEM 0700) cannot count as electives.
There is no minor in chemistry or biochemistry.
See also major in molecular biology and biochemistry.
See also joint major in environmental studies with chemistry focus.
Recommended programs of study for those considering chemistry or biochemistry as a major are shown below. Though students may deviate from these guides, it is highly recommended that all prospective majors complete CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107 by the end of their first year.
Chemistry
First Year:
Fall: CHEM 0103, MATH 0121
Spring: CHEM 0104, MATH 0122
OR
Fall: CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107, MATH 0121
Spring: MATH 0122
Sophomore Year:
Fall: CHEM 0241, PHYS 0109
Spring: CHEM 0242, PHYS 0110
Junior Year:
Fall: CHEM 0311, CHEM 0351*
Spring: *(OR CHEM 0352 OR CHEM 0353)
Senior Year:
Fall: elective
Spring: elective
Biochemistry
First Year:
Fall: CHEM 0103, MATH 0121
Spring: CHEM 0104, MATH 0122
OR
Fall: CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107, MATH 0121
Spring: MATH 0122
Sophomore Year:
Fall: CHEM 0241, PHYS 0109
Spring: CHEM 0242, PHYS 0110
Junior Year:
Fall: CHEM 0322
Spring: CHEM 0313
Senior Year:
Fall: elective
Spring: elective
An important feature of the program in chemistry and biochemistry is the opportunity for qualified students to do independent research. Students may take several units of independent study (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, and CHEM 0700). Independent research provides students with the opportunity to interact with a faculty member on a one-to-one basis as they learn to frame and answer questions about a particular experimental system. There is an exciting range of possibilities for student research in biochemistry, and synthetic organic, inorganic, physical and biophysical, bioinorganic and environmental chemistry. These fields represent the diverse interests of the faculty in the department. Research experience adds an important dimension to the undergraduate experience. Student research papers are frequently accepted for publication in professional journals. Many students have developed their research projects to the point of making a significant contribution to the scientific literature. Since 1995, 92 Middlebury College undergraduates have been co-authors with faculty on research papers published in peer-reviewed journals.
Students who are planning careers as scientists or pursuing graduate studies in chemistry or biochemistry will need to take more CHEM courses and are strongly encouraged to complete the major with honors. Recommended programs of study for the majors with honors are shown below.
For graduation honors in chemistry, the student must take CHEM 0311, CHEM 0312, CHEM 0351, CHEM 0352, CHEM 0400, CHEM 0431, and CHEM 0700, write an honors thesis, give a public presentation of their research project, and defend their thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members. Honors or high honors is determined by the student's grade point average in all departmental courses, excluding independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, and CHEM 0700). To be eligible for honors a student must have at least a 3.20 average; to be eligible for high honors a student must have at least a 3.60 average. The actual degree of honors awarded is determined by the department and depends on the student's overall performance in the thesis program.
For graduation honors in biochemistry, the student must take CHEM 0311, CHEM 0313, CHEM 0322, CHEM 0353, CHEM 0400, CHEM 0425, and CHEM 0700, write an honors thesis, give a public presentation of their research project, and defend their thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members. Honors or high honors is determined by the student's grade point average in all departmental courses, excluding independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, and CHEM 0700). To be eligible for honors a student must have at least a 3.20 average; to be eligible for high honors a student must have at least a 3.60 average. The actual degree of honors awarded is determined by the department and depends on the student's overall performance in the thesis program.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Chemistry majors satisfying course requirements for the honors major who also take CHEM 0322 can receive ACS certified degrees upon graduation. Biochemistry majors satisfying course requirements for the honors major who also take CHEM 0312, CHEM 0351, and CHEM 0431 can receive ACS certified degrees upon graduation.
Chemistry with honors
First Year:
Fall: CHEM 0103, MATH 0121
Spring: CHEM 0104, MATH 0122
OR
Fall: CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107, MATH 0121
Spring: MATH 0122
Sophomore Year:
Fall: CHEM 0241, PHYS 0109
Spring: CHEM 0242, PHYS 0110
Junior Year:
Fall: CHEM 0311, CHEM 0351
Spring: CHEM 0312, CHEM 0352
Senior Year:
Fall: CHEM 0400, CHEM 0431
Spring: CHEM 0700
Biochemistry with honors
First Year:
Fall: CHEM 0103, MATH 0121
Spring: CHEM 0104, MATH 0122
OR
Fall: CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107, MATH 0121
Spring: MATH 0122
Sophomore Year:
Fall: CHEM 0241, PHYS 0109
Spring: CHEM 0242, PHYS 0110
Junior Year:
Fall: CHEM 0311, CHEM 0322
Spring: CHEM 0313, CHEM 0353
Senior Year:
Fall: CHEM 0400, CHEM 0425
Spring: CHEM 0700
CHEM 0103 General Chemistry I (Fall, Spring)
Major topics will include atomic theory and atomic structure; chemical bonding; stoichiometry; introduction to chemical thermodynamics. States of matter; solutions and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory work deals with testing of theories by various quantitative methods. Students with strong secondary school preparation are encouraged to consult the department chair for permission to elect CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107 in place of this course. CHEM 0103 is also an appropriate course for a student with little or no prior preparation in chemistry who would like to learn about basic chemical principles while fulfilling the SCI or DED distribution requirement. 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab, 1 hr. disc. DED SCI (R. Sandwick, K. Jewett)
CHEM 0104 General Chemistry II (Fall, Spring)
Major topics include chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibria, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, descriptive inorganic chemistry, and coordination chemistry. Lab work includes inorganic synthesis, qualitative analysis, and quantitative analysis in kinetics, acid-base and redox chemistry. (CHEM 0103 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab, 1 hr. disc. DED SCI (Fall: D. Boucher, Staff; Spring: R. Sandwick, Staff)
CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry (Fall)
This course is a one-semester alternative to CHEM 0103 and CHEM 0104 for students who have taken AP chemistry in high school and achieved a 4 or 5 on the AP exam. Topics will be drawn from the traditional general chemistry curriculum, but discussed in greater detail with a more thorough mathematical treatment. Special emphasis will be placed on chemical bonding, spectroscopy, coordination chemistry, and real-world research in chemistry. (AP chemistry or equivalent ) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab, 1 hr. disc. (Approval required) DED SCI (J. Byers, Staff)
CHEM/ENVS 0170 Chemistry in the Environment (Not Offered in 2008-09)
An exploration of the chemistry of our environment, both natural and polluted. Designed for the nonscience major. Topics covered in this course include acid rain, ozone depletion, photochemical smog, global warming, water quality, and energy. Emphasis will be placed on both the current state of knowledge and the underlying chemical principles. These principles include chemical bonding, thermodynamics, acid/base chemistry, kinetics, and stoichiometry. 3 hr. lect. SCI (M. Costanza-Robinson)
CHEM 0241 Organic Chemistry I (Fall)
An introduction to the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Topics covered include chemical nomenclature, bonding, structure, acid-base relationships, mechanistically simple reactions, and theoretical aspects of structure determination. Laboratory exercises include hands-on introductions to techniques, such as distillation, crystallization, chromatography, polarimetry, and modern spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and IR. (CHEM 0104 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 4 hrs. lab, 1 hr. disc. SCI (R. Bunt, S. Oster)
CHEM 0242 Organic Chemistry II (Spring)
A continuation of Organic Chemistry I. Topics covered include mechanistically complex reactions, organic synthesis, and application of molecular orbital theory to reactions. Laboratory exercises focus on synthetic techniques and structure elucidation of complex unknowns. (CHEM 0241) 3 hrs. lect., 4 hrs. lab, 1 hr. disc. (J. Byers, S. Oster)
CHEM/ENVS 0270 Environmental Chemistry (Spring)
In this course we will investigate fundamental physical and chemical processes within soils, natural waters, and the atmosphere that affect the fate and transport of organic contaminants. Processes to be studied include dissolution, volatilization, sorption, and transformation reactions. Laboratory experiments will explore laboratory, field, and computational methods for pollution monitoring, contaminant characterization, and prediction of pollution fate and transport. (CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs lab SCI (M. Costanza-Robinson)
CHEM 0311 Instrumental Analysis (CW) (Fall)
An introduction to analytical and experimental chemistry with an emphasis on practice and application of modern instrumental methods. Lecture topics will include quantitative analysis, statistics and error analysis, experimental design, and the theory and operation of chemical instrumentation. Laboratory projects will involve use of volumetric glassware, atomic absorption spectrometry, UV/Vis spectrometry, , high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromotagraphy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. (CHEM 0242) 3 hr. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (M. Costanza-Robinson, R. Sandwick)
CHEM 0312 Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Laboratory (Spring)
In the first half of the semester we will conduct two multi-step synthesis and characterization projects. In the first we will synthesize a complex with a Mo-Mo quadruple bond, and in the second we will prepare a palladium catalyst and use it to carry out a Suzuki coupling reaction to make substituted biphenyls. Each one will take approximately three weeks. Both projects require use of inert atmosphere techniques and will involve characterization using UV/visible absorption spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, IR and cyclic voltammetry. In the second half of the semester we will conduct two physical chemistry experiments that will require a substantial amount of data analysis. First we will obtain the high-resolution infrared spectra of acetylene and deuterated acetylene and analyze some of the data to obtain structural parameters. Next we will follow the rapid reaction between iron(III) and thiocyanate using stopped-flow kinetics. (CHEM 0311 and CHEM 0351 and CHEM 0352; CHEM 0352 can be taken concurrently) 2 hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (R. Bunt, D. Boucher)
CHEM 0313 Biochemistry Laboratory (CW) (Spring)
Experimental biochemistry emphasizing the isolation, purification and characterization of enzymes and the cloning of genes and expression of recombinant protein. Traditional biochemical techniques such as UV-VIS spectroscopy, gel filtration, ion exchange and affinity chromatography, electrophoresis, and immunoblotting will be used in the investigation of several enzymes. Specific experiments will emphasize enzyme purification, enzyme kinetics, and enzyme characterization by biochemical and immunochemical methods. An experiment utilizing intrinsic radiolabeling and radioimmunoprecipitation is used to ask specific questions about bacterial metabolism and protein synthesis. Major techniques in molecular biology will be introduced through an extended experiment that will include DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction, bacterial transformation, DNA sequencing, and the expression, purification, and characterization of the recombinant protein. Class discussions emphasize the underlying principles of the biochemical and molecular techniques employed in the course, and how these experimental tools are improved for particular applications. Laboratory reports stress experimental design, data presentation, and interpretation of results. (CHEM 0322) 2 hr. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (R. Sandwick, Staff)
CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules (Fall)
An introduction to biochemistry that begins with the study of the basic chemical components of a cell, including sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleic acids. The physical and chemical properties of proteins and nucleic acids are emphasized, providing a foundation for the discussion of current topics in molecular biology. Molecular biology is approached first in terms of process (transcription, translation, post-translation, granule formation) and then structures (DNA and gene structure, mRNA, translation product, mature and secreted protein). Understanding of techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology will be emphasized. (CHEM 0242) 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc. (Staff)
CHEM 0324 Structural Bioinformatics (Spring)
The human genome is both the chef and the chef's recipe for building a human body. Bioinformatics is the interdisciplinary field that uses the techniques of statistics and computer science to interpret this recipe and characterize the molecular components of living systems. This course is aimed at making biological inferences from national repositories of DNA, microarray, and protein data. Topics include gene prediction, sequence alignment, phylogenetic prediction, geometric analysis of protein structure, and macromolecular simulation. Students will use the Perl programming language, cutting-edge databases, and open-source bioinformatics tools to visualize data and post their analyses online. Students are encouraged to study molecules, data bases, or genes of their own interest for a web based term project. (CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107 or CSCI 0101 or BIOL 0145 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab (S. Sontum)
CHEM 0351 Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (Fall)
Quantum theory is developed and applied to atomic structure and molecular bonding. Spectroscopy is examined as an application of quantum theory. (CHEM 0241 co-requisite, MATH 0122 and PHYS 0110, or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc. (S. Sontum)
CHEM 0352 Thermodynamics and Kinetics (Spring)
Statistical mechanics is developed and applied to thermodynamics. Solutions and equilibrium are explained in terms of thermodynamics. Chemical kinetics is introduced. (CHEM 0351 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc. (D. Boucher)
CHEM 0353 Physical Biochemistry (Spring)
This is a basic course in physical biochemistry intended for majors in chemistry and the life sciences. The course presents an introductory development of thermodynamics and kinetics as applied to the structure and function of biochemical systems. Special emphasis is given to biological energetics, the forces that stabilize the conformation of biological macromolecules, enzyme kinetics, and membrane transport, as well as physical methods used to isolate and characterize proteins and nucleic acids. (PHYS 0109, MATH 0122, CHEM 0242, or by waiver) 3 hrs lect., 1 hr. disc. (S. Sontum)
CHEM 0400 Seminar in Chemical Research (Fall)
This seminar provides students with experience in current chemical research methods. The majority of this course involves a laboratory project related to current faculty research interests. Students should make individual arrangements to work with a faculty advisor prior to registration for this course. The classroom portion of this seminar focuses on reading the scientific literature, giving effective oral presentations, and writing the thesis introduction. Particular emphasis will be given to computer and technology issues related to oral and written presentations. Participation will normally be followed by registration for CHEM 0500 or CHEM 0700. (CHEM 0352 or CHEM 0353) 2 hrs. sem., 12 hrs. lab. (Approval required) (J. Byers)
CHEM 0425 Biochemistry of Metabolism (Fall)
A living organism requires thousands of coordinated individual chemical reactions for life. In this course we will survey the major integrated metabolic pathways of living cells and whole organisms, with particular attention to enzyme mechanisms, as well as the regulation, and integration of metabolism from the molecular to the whole organism level. The synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides are investigated, along with the mechanisms of energy flow and cell-to-cell communication. While common metabolic processes are emphasized, unique aspects of metabolism that permit cells to function in unusual niches will also be considered. Mechanistic and regulatory aspects of metabolic processes will be reinforced through an investigation of inborn errors and organic defects that lead to disease. (CHEM 0322) 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc. (B. Cluss)
CHEM 0430 Current Topics in Biochemistry (Spring)
This seminar is designed for those interested in an in-depth exploration and discussion of selected rapidly developing sub disciplines in biochemistry. Designed for students with a background in cellular biology and/or biochemistry. Topics to be discussed include gene-protein relationships in human cancer, the biochemical basis for learning and aging, molecular switches, and chemotherapeutic approaches to treating HIV infection. Additional topics will be selected by the class. Student-directed discussions will involve a critical review of the recent primary literature with an emphasis on experimental design, execution, and data presentation. (BIOL 0250 or CHEM 0322) 3 hrs. sem. (Staff)
CHEM 0431 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (Fall)
Atomic structure, bonding theories, and properties applicable to inorganic and organometallic compounds will be developed in depth. Specific topics will include valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, ligand field theory, applications of group theory, and reaction mechanisms. (CHEM 0351) 3 hrs. lect. (D. Boucher)
CHEM 0441 Organic Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis (Not offered 2008-09)
Enzyme-catalyzed reactions will be examined by viewing enzymes simply as highly efficient organic chemists. A survey of the types of enzymatic transformations will focus on one or two examples of enzymes that catalyze each transformation. We will look at the detailed organic reaction mechanisms and study enzymology as a biological application of physical organic chemistry. The methods and key experiments used to establish the accepted mechanisms will be emphasized. The course will culminate with a final project involving the design of mechanism-based inhibitors as potential pharmaceutical agents. Examples from the current scientific literature will supplement textbook readings. (CHEM 0242 and CHEM 0352, or CHEM 0353) 3 hrs. lect.
CHEM 0442 Advanced Organic Chemistry (Spring)
An extensive treatment of the relationship between structure and reactivity in organic systems. Topics will include conformational analysis, kinetics, orbital symmetry, bonding theory, reaction mechanisms, selected rearrangement reactions, and advanced special topics. (CHEM 0351 or CHEM 0352 or CHEM 0353 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect. (J. Byers)
CHEM 0500 Independent Study Project (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Individual study for qualified students. (Approval required) (Staff)
CHEM 0700 Senior Honors Thesis (Winter, Spring)
Senior honors candidates must register for CHEM 0700 for one semester while completing research projects initiated in CHEM 0400. The classroom portion of this course focuses on stylistic and technical aspects of scientific writing with particular emphasis on results and data, discussion and interpretation, and experimental procedures. The writing, oral presentation, and defense of a thesis is required for completion of CHEM 0700. (CHEM 0400) 2 hrs. sem., 12 hrs. lab. (Approval required) (Staff)