29 courses with the subject CHM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
CHM 100AOTopics on Perspectives in Chemistry-Chemistry of Art Objects4
In this museum-based course, chemistry is discussed in the context of art. The course focuses on materials used by artists and how the chemistry of these materials influences their longevity. Current analytical methods as well as preservation and conservation practices are discussed along with examples from the Smith College Museum of Art. Restrictions: CHM 100 may not be repeated. Enrollment limited to 16. {A}{N}
Using chemical reactions to make quantitative predictions is a foundational skill in chemistry. This skill is built on a set of quantitative approaches including dimensional analysis, reaction stoichiometry and physical measurement. Students build and refine these skills through both individual and group work in a small class setting. This course is a co- or prerequisite for CHM 111; students are recommended for this course on the basis of a short placement exam. For these students, successful completion of CHM 110 is required to enter any CHM courses with a CHM 111 prerequisite. Enrollment limited to 60.
The first semester of our core chemistry curriculum introduces the language(s) of chemistry and explores atoms, molecules and their reactions. Discussions include electronic structures of atoms, structure shape and properties of molecules; reactions and stoichiometry. Enrollment limited to 16 per lab section. Multiple sections are offered at different times, as detailed in the Schedule of Classes. At the time of registration students must register for both a lecture and a lab section that fit their course schedule. Corequisite: CHM 111L. Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken CHM 118. Enrollment limited to 40. {N}
Lab Section. The first semester of our core chemistry curriculum introduces the language(s) of chemistry and explores atoms, molecules and their reactions. Topics covered include electronic structures of atoms, structure shape and properties of molecules; reactions and stoichiometry. Multiple sections are offered at different times, as detailed in the Schedule of Classes. At the time of registration students must register for both a lecture and a lab section that fit their course schedule. Corequisite: CHM 111. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}
This course is for students with a very strong background in chemistry. The elementary theories of stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding, structure, energetics and reactions are quickly reviewed. The major portions of the course involve a detailed analysis of atomic theory and bonding from an orbital concept, an examination of the concepts behind thermodynamic arguments in chemical systems, and an investigation of chemical reactions and kinetics. The accompanying laboratory focuses on visible spectroscopy as a tool in both pre-planned and open inquiry-based investigations. The course prepares students for CHM 222 and CHM 223, and replaces both CHM 111 and CHM 224. Corequisite: CHM 118L. Restrictions: Not open to students who have passed either CHM 111 or CHM 224. Enrollment limited to 40. {N}
Lab course for CHM 118. This course is for students with a very strong background in chemistry and provides a foundation in basic lab technique, particularly for quantitative analytical measurements. It begins with an introduction to light as a tool for investigating aspects of chemical systems such as acid/base behavior and metal-ligand chemistry. The second half of the lab consists of a project module where students develop greater independence in their chemistry skills while investigating the behavior of one particular chemical system in depth. Each student also learns to keep a laboratory notebook, prepare scientific reports and presentations, and work safely in a chemical environment. Corequisite: CHM 118. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}
An introduction to the theory and practice of organic chemistry. The course focuses on structure, nomenclature, physical and chemical properties of organic compounds and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for structural analysis. Reactions of carbonyl compounds and alkenes are studied in depth. Prerequisite: CHM 111/ CHM 111L, CHM 114/ CHM 114L or CHM 118/ CHM 118L. Corequisite: CHM 222L. Multiple sections are offered at different times. At the time of registration, students must register for both a lecture (CHM 222) and a lab (CHM 222L) section that fit their course schedule. Enrollment limited to 40. {N}
Lab section for Organic Chemistry. An introduction to the theory and practice of organic chemistry. The course focuses on structure, nomenclature, physical and chemical properties of organic compounds and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for structural analysis. Reactions of carbonyl compounds and alkenes are studied in depth. Corequisite: CHM 222. Prerequisite: CHM 111/ CHM 111L, CHM 114/ CHM 114L or CHM 118/ CHM 118L. Enrollment limited to 16. Multiple sections are offered at different times. At the time of registration, students must register for both a lecture (CHM 222) and a lab (CHM 222L) section that fit their course schedule. {N}
Material builds on introductory organic chemistry topics covered in CHM 222 and focuses more heavily on retrosynthetic analysis and multistep synthetic planning. Specific topics include reactions of alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers; aromaticity and reactions of benzene; and cycloaddition reactions including the Diels-Alder reaction. Prerequisite: CHM 222/ CHM 222L. Corequisite: CHM 223L. Enrollment limited to 40. {N}
Lab section. Material builds on introductory organic chemistry topics covered in CHM 222 and focuses more heavily on retrosynthetic analysis and multistep synthetic planning. Specific topics include reactions of alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers; aromaticity and reactions of benzene; and cycloaddition reactions including the Diels-Alder reaction. Corequisite: CHM 223. Prerequisite: CHM 222/ CHM 222L, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}
CHM 224Chemistry IV: Introduction to Inorganic and Physical Chemistry4
This final course in the chemistry core sequence provides a foundation in the principles of physical and inorganic chemistry that are central to the study of all chemical phenomena. Discussions include quantitative treatment of thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 224L. Prerequisites: CHM 111 and CHM 111L or equivalent. MTH 111 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 40. {N}
CHM 224LChemistry IV Lab: Introduction to Inorganic and Physical Chemistry1
Lab section. This final course in the chemistry core sequence provides a foundation in the principles of physical and inorganic chemistry that are central to the study of all chemical phenomena. Discussions include quantitative treatment of thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 224. Prerequisites: CHM 111/ CHM 111L or equivalent. MTH 111 recommended but not required. Enrollment limited to 16. {N}
Polymeric materials are ubiquitous in society and play a vital role in many of the technologies that humans use on a daily basis (e.g., clothing, electronic devices, drug formulations, medical implants). Chemistry is central to the development of new materials for advanced technologies and this course provides an introduction to the fields of polymer chemistry and macromolecular assembly. Discussions include methods and mechanisms in polymer synthesis and assembly, characterization of polymer structure and properties, and applications of polymers. Special focus is given to polymers used in biomedical applications. Prerequisite: CHM 111 or CHM 118; and CHM 222. An understanding of basic chemical principles and an introduction to organic chemistry is necessary for students to understand topics in polymer chemistry. Enrollment limited to 15. {N}
An examination of modern methods of organic synthesis and approaches to the synthesis of complex organic compounds with a focus on the current literature. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 24. {N}
Synthetic techniques and experimental design in the context of multistep synthesis. The literature of chemistry, methods of purification and characterization with a focus on NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 18. {N}
Applications of chemical tools and synthetic molecules to the study of biological systems. Emphasis is on emerging strategies to study living systems at the molecular level, primary scientific literature and critical review of manuscripts. Discussions include biorthogonal chemistry, synthetic small-molecule probes to interrogate biological systems, protein engineering, proteomics, advances in DNA sequencing, genomics, directed evolution and natural product biosynthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 223. Enrollment limited to 18. {N}
Quantum chemistry: an introduction to quantum mechanics, the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, with applications in spectroscopy. MTH 212 or PHY 210, and PHY 115 or PHY 117 are strongly recommended. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224 and MTH 112 or MTH 114. {N}
CHM 332Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics4
Thermodynamics and kinetics: does the contents of this flask react, and if so, how fast? Explores the properties that govern the chemical and physical behavior of macroscopic collections of atoms and molecules (gases, liquids, solids and mixtures thereof). Corequisite: CHM 332L. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; and MTH 112. Enrollment limited to 24. {N}
CHM 332LLaboratory-Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics1
Laboratory accompanying CHM 332. This lab investigates the concepts of heat, energy, and entropy in order to explain why chemical processes occur the way they do. Experiments include solution and combustion calorimetry, polymer thermodynamics, equilibrium monitored by NMR, and reaction kinetics. Corequisite: CHM 332. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; and MTH 112. Enrollment limited to 12. {N}
The interaction of light with molecules is central to studies of molecular structure and reactivity. This course builds on students’ understanding of molecular structure from the core sequence (CHM 111-CHM 224) to show how many types of light can be used to interrogate molecules and to shed some light on their behavior. The combined classroom/laboratory format allows students to explore light-based instruments in short, in-class exercises as well as in longer, more traditional labs. The course culminates with an independent project that allows students to explore some of the ways light is used in cutting-edge chemical research. Prerequisites: CHM 222 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 20. {N}
This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of materials from a chemist's viewpoint. Students learn fundamentals of solid state chemistry as well as techniques used to synthesize and characterize materials (including crystalline and amorphous solids as well as thin films). These concepts are applied to current topics in materials chemistry, culminating in a final paper and oral presentation on a topic of each student's choice. Prerequisites: CHM 224 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 20. {N}
The study of the relationship between molecular structure, stability and reactivity. This course describes a series of tools to analyze reaction mechanisms, including reaction kinetics, linear free energy relationships, principles of computational analysis, frontier molecular orbitals and isotope effects. Ground state properties are discussed with respect to conformational analysis, sterics and strain, aromaticity, and bond strength and acidity. Students learn to process mechanistic data from the literature to understand mechanistic arguments. Students also learn to analyze a problem to design and propose experiments to reveal mechanistic insights. Prerequisites: CHM 222, CHM 223 and either CHM 118 or CHM 224. Enrollment limited to 25. {N}
An introduction to some common environmental chemical processes in air, soil and water, coupled with a study of the crucial role of accurate chemical measurement of these processes. Lecture and laboratory featuring modern chemical instrumentation for spectroscopy (atomic and molecular) high performance chromatographic separations (both gas and liquid), electrochemistry as well as microwave- and ultrasound-assisted sample preparation, and a short project linked to local faculty research interests. Oral presentations and formal laboratory reports required. Prerequisite: CHM 118 or CHM 224 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 20. {N}
Chemistry is the language through which organisms communicate within the environment, which can be exploited for new therapeutics, industrial chemicals and molecules for bioremediation. Students explore the soils and plants of the Smith College Botanic Garden to find bacterial iron-chelating molecules or siderophores, which can be used to clean up metal pollution. Students learn how to do microbial isolation and cultivation from environmental samples, genomic sequencing, chemical extraction, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, bioinformatic analyses and enzyme assays. Experimental findings are summarized in written reports and presented at an end-of-semester poster session. Prerequisites: CHM 118 or CHM 224; CHM 222; and BIO 132, AP Biology, or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 18. {N}
Application of group theory, coordination compounds, molecular orbital theory of main group compounds and other selected topics in inorganic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 118 or CHM 224. {N}
This course provides an introduction to the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Students learn about the role of metals in biology as well as about the use of inorganic compounds as probes and drugs in biological systems. Prerequisites: CHM 223 and either CHM 118 or CHM 224.
