• CHEM 113: Concepts of Chemistry and Lab

    A one-term chemistry course designed for non-science majors. In this course we examine what gives rise to three-dimensional shapes of molecules and we explore how the structure and composition of molecules gives rise to chemical reactivity. Our goal is to understand readily observable phenomena (e.g. removal of grease by soap, storage of toxins in fat tissues, cancer, viruses, etc.). Topics include those of current global interest such as anthropogenic forces on the environment and energy producing technologies. The course includes one four-hour lab per week. Prerequisites:

    Not open to students that have taken any CHEM course EXCEPT CHEM 100 with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Steven Drew

  • CHEM 122: Introduction to Chemistry

    An introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry to prepare students to enter subsequent chemistry courses (Chemistry 123 or 124). Atoms and molecules, stoichiometry, and gases will be covered in the course. Although learning through discovery-based processes, small groups, and short laboratory experimentation will occur, this is not a lab course and does not fulfill the requirements for medical school. This course assumes competence with simple algebra, but no prior chemistry experience.

     Prerequisites:

    Student has received a score of 122 on the Carleton Chemistry Placement Exam.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Daniela Kohen

  • CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I & Lab

    An introduction to chemistry for students who have strong high school preparation in chemistry or who have taken Chemistry 122. Topics include the electronic structure of atoms, periodicity, molecular geometry, thermodynamics, bonding, equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and acids and bases. Each offering will also focus on a special topic(s) selected by the instructor. Students cannot receive credit for both Chemistry 123 and 124.

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 122 – Introduction to Chemistry with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 3 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 123 on the Carleton Chemistry Placement exam. NOT open to students who have taken CHEM 128 – Principles of Environmental Chemistry and Lab or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam. CHEM 123 and CHEM 124 are equivalent courses, if you have taken one you cannot register for the other.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025 · Isaac Blythe, Rachel Horness

  • CHEM 124: Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab

    An introduction to chemistry for students who have strong high school preparation in chemistry or who have taken Chemistry 122. Topics include the electronic structure of atoms, periodicity, molecular geometry, thermodynamics, bonding, equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and acids and bases. Each offering will also focus on a special topic(s) selected by the instructor. Students may only receive credit for one of Chemistry 123, 124, and 128. This section of Chemistry with problem solving is periodically offered for students who wish to further develop their general analytical and critical thinking skills. The smaller section will have additional class meetings for problem solving and review. Chemistry 124 is appropriate for students who would like to have more scheduled time to work with a faculty member on developing their scientific reasoning skills and understanding of the foundations of chemistry.

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 122 – Introduction to Chemistry with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 3 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 123 on the Carleton Chemistry Placement exam. NOT open to students who have taken CHEM 128 – Principles of Environmental Chemistry and Lab or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam. CHEM 123 and CHEM 124 are equivalent courses, if you have taken one you cannot register for the other.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Matt Whited

  • CHEM 128: Principles of Environmental Chemistry and Lab

    The core topics of chemistry (i.e. thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and bonding) are central to understanding major environmental topics such as greenhouse warming, ozone depletion, acid-rain deposition, and general chemical contamination in air, water, and soil. These topics and the chemical principles behind them are addressed through an emphasis on the earth’s atmosphere. One four-hour laboratory per week. Because this course covers the major topics of Chemistry 123 (but with an environmental emphasis), students cannot receive credit for both Chemistry 123 and 128. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 122 – Introduction to Chemistry with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 3 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 123 on the Carleton Chemistry Placement exam. NOT open to students who have taken CHEM 123 – Principles of Chemistry I and Lab or CHEM 124 – Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 224: Principles of Chemistry II & Lab

    A more advanced study of several core introductory chemistry principles. This course is suitable for students with advanced placement in chemistry or students who have completed Chemistry 123, 124 or 128. Topics include coordination chemistry, advanced bonding models, spectroscopy, advanced acid/base and redox equilibria, and electrochemistry. The topics will be taught from varying perspectives using examples from biochemistry, the environment, energy, or materials chemistry. The lab will focus on developing computational, quantitative, and synthetic skills and will prepare students for more advanced laboratory work in chemistry.

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 123 – Principles of Chemistry I, CHEM 124 – Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving or CHEM 128 – Principles of Environmental Chemistry with grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025 · Rachel Horness, Steven Drew

  • CHEM 233: Organic Chemistry I & Lab

    Theoretical aspects of carbon chemistry are examined with reference to structure-reactivity relationships, functional groups, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy. Laboratory work concentrates on modern techniques of organic chemistry, inquiry-based projects, and spectroscopic analysis. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 123 – Principles of Chemistry I, CHEM 124 – Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving or CHEM 128 – Principles of Environmental Chemistry with grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024, Winter 2025 · Joe Chihade, Gretchen Hofmeister

  • CHEM 234: Organic Chemistry II and Lab

    The chemistry of functional groups is continued from Chemistry 233, and is extended to the multifunctional compounds found in nature, in particular carbohydrates and proteins. The laboratory focuses upon inquiry-based projects and spectroscopic analysis. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 233 – Organic Chemistry I & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025, Spring 2025 · Chris Calderone, Kaz Skubi

  • CHEM 289: Climate & Health: From Science to Practice in Ethiopia

    This course is the second part of a two-term course sequence beginning with ENTS 289. This course will start with a multi-week trip to Ethiopia. While there, we will carry out a research program to assess the impact of cooking technologies on air quality in peoples’ homes, investigate the connections between regional and national environmental impacts and individual choices, and meet with national and international organizations working on these issues. We will work in both urban Addis Ababa and a rural area, Wolkite, to explore both types of settings. Back on campus during winter term, we will reflect on our experiences, analyze data, prepare and make public presentations, and propose appropriate follow-up projects. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): ENTS 289 – Climate Change & Human Health with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 294: Directed Research in Chemistry

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

     1 – 6 credit; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 300: Chemistry Research

    An elective laboratory course involving mentored Chemistry research on a collaborative group project. The course involves regular scheduled class and laboratory meetings to introduce important topics and background literature relevant to the research, develop research strategies, and perform the project. The majority of the course will consist of laboratory research, with students submitting intermediate and final reports on their findings. This section will investigate the stereochemistry and sustainability of Suzuki cross coupling reactions. 

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles Chemistry II & Lab and CHEM 234 – Organic Chemistry II & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     2 credits; LS, Science with Lab, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Gretchen Hofmeister

  • CHEM 301: Chemical Kinetics Laboratory

    A mixed class/lab course with one four-hour laboratory per week and weekly discussion/problem sessions. In class, the principles of kinetics will be developed with a mechanistic focus. In lab, experimental design and extensive independent project work will be emphasized. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles of Chemistry II & Lab AND CHEM 233 – Organic Chemistry I & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND MATH 120 – Calculus 2 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or equivalent.

     3 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning, WR2 Writing Requirement 2; offered Fall 2024 · Daniela Kohen, Chris Calderone

  • CHEM 302: Quantum Spectroscopy Laboratory

    This lab course emphasizes spectroscopic studies relevant to quantum chemistry, including experiments utilizing UV-VIS, infrared absorption spectroscopy, and visible emission spectroscopy. 2 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Trish Ferrett

  • CHEM 306: Spectrometric Characterization of Chemical Compounds

    This combined lecture and lab course teaches students how to use modern spectrometric techniques for the structural characterization of molecules. Lectures will cover topics and problems in the theory and practical applications associated with GC-Mass Spectrometry, ESI-Mass Spectrometry, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H, 13C, and 2D experiments). Students will apply all of these techniques in the laboratory for the structural characterization of known and unknown molecules

     Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 234 – Organic Chemistry II & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     2 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Kaz Skubi

  • CHEM 330: Instrumental Chemical Analysis

    This course covers the basic principles of quantitative instrumental chemical analysis. Course topics include chromatography, electroanalytical chemistry, analytical spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The background needed to understand the theory and application of these instrumental techniques will be covered. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore current research in the field of analytical chemistry through the reading and presentation of articles from the primary literature. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles of Chemistry II and Lab and CHEM 233 – Organic Chemistry I and Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Deborah Gross

  • CHEM 331: Instrumental Chemical Analysis Laboratory

    This laboratory provides students with experience in using instrumental methods for quantitative chemical analysis. Laboratory work consists of several assigned experiments that use instrumental techniques such as liquid and gas chromatography, UV spectrophotometry and fluorometry, mass spectrometry, and voltammetry. This laboratory concludes with an instrumental analysis project that is researched and designed by student groups. 2 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Steven Drew

  • CHEM 338: Computer-Assisted Experimentation for Chemists

    This laboratory introduces students to the general components that make up an instrument used for chemical analysis. These components include transducers, analog and digital electronic components, data transmission hardware, computers, and appropriate software. The specific topics to be covered are ion selective electrodes, fluorometry, analog electronics, basic data acquisition principles, serial data communication, Arduino and LabVIEW programming. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles of Chemistry II and Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     2 credits; LS, Science with Lab; offered Fall 2024 · Steven Drew

  • CHEM 343: Chemical Thermodynamics

    The major topic is chemical thermodynamics, including the First and Second Laws, the conditions for spontaneous change, thermochemistry, and chemical equilibrium. To showcase how chemists utilize energy concepts to solve problems, thermodynamics will be regularly applied to a number of real-world examples and scientific problems. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 123 – Principles of Chemistry I & Lab, CHEM 124 – Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving & Lab, or CHEM 128 – Principles of Environmental Chemistry & Lab or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam AND MATH 120 – Calculus 2 or Math 211 – Multivariable Calculus or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 on the Calculus BC exam AND 6 credits from Physics Courses 131 to 165 with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Fall 2024 · Trish Ferrett

  • CHEM 344: Quantum Chemistry

    This course introduces quantum mechanics with an emphasis on chemical and spectroscopic applications. The focus will be on atomic and molecular quantum behavior involving electrons, rotations, and vibrations. The objective is to develop both a deeper understanding of bonding as well as an appreciation of how spectroscopy provides insight into the microscopic world of molecules. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 123 – Principles of Chemistry I & Lab, CHEM 124 – Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving & Lab, or CHEM 128 – Principles of Environmental Chemistry & Lab or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam AND MATH 120 – Calculus 2 or Math 211 – Multivariable Calculus or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 on the Calculus BC exam AND 6 credits from Physics Courses 131 to 165 with a grade of C- or better or equivalent.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Winter 2025 · Daniela Kohen

  • CHEM 348: Introduction to Computational Chemistry

    This class will introduce students to computational chemistry with a focus on simulations in chemistry and biology. This course will include hands-on experience in running classical molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry programs, an introduction to methods to simulate large systems, and demonstrations of the use of more sophisticated software to simulate chemical and biological processes. It will also include a survey of the current literature in this area, as well as lecture time in which the background necessary to appreciate this growing area of chemistry will be provided. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed all of the following course(s): CHEM 343 – Chemical Thermodynamics, CHEM 344 – Quantum Chemistry with grade greater than or equal to C-

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Daniela Kohen

  • CHEM 349: Computational Chemistry Laboratory

    Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 348. 2 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Daniela Kohen

  • CHEM 351: Inorganic Chemistry

    Symmetry, molecular orbital theory and ligand field theory will provide a framework to explore the bonding, magnetism and spectroscopic properties of coordination complexes. Topics in reactivity (hard and soft acids and bases), bioinorganic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and organometallic chemistry, will also be introduced. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles Chemistry II & Lab and CHEM 234 – Organic Chemistry II & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Isaac Blythe

  • CHEM 352: Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

    Synthesis, purification and spectroscopic characterization of transition-metal complexes with an emphasis on methods for preparing and handling air-sensitive compounds. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed or is in the process of completing the following course(s): CHEM 351 – Inorganic Chemistry with grade of C- or better.

     2 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; offered Spring 2025 · Isaac Blythe

  • CHEM 353: Organic Chemistry III

    This course explores the relationship between structure and reactivity in organic molecular systems, with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms. Topics include molecular orbital theory, stereoelectronic effects, linear free energy relationships, and kinetic isotope effects. We will use these theories to revisit and deepen our understanding of reactions from Chemistry 233 (Organic Chemistry & Lab) and 234 (Organic Chemistry II & Lab). We will then analyze additional classes of reactions, such as pericyclic, enantioselective, and organometallic transformations. Students will use the primary literature to further investigate these topics. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 234 – Organic Chemistry II and Lab AND has completed or is in the process of completing any of the following course(s): CHEM 301– Chemical Kinetics Laboratory or CHEM 343 – Chemical Thermodynamics or CHEM 344 – Quantum Chemistry with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 354: Spectroscopic Applications in Chemistry

    The full power of spectroscopy extends well beyond the absorption or emission of a single photon. Details of energy flow through electronic, vibrational, and rotational excited states of molecules can be queried using the specific colors and timescales of one or more pulsed lasers. In addition to developing a working knowledge of lasers and forms of spectroscopy, this discussion-based class also has students presenting on evidence from literature in areas such as chemical reactivity, the atmosphere, and biology. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 6 credit 300 Level CHEM course AND One 6 credit Introductory Physics (131-165) course or Two 3 credit Introductory Physics (131-165) courses with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 360: Chemical Biology

    Chemical biology is a burgeoning field at the intersection of chemistry and biology that involves the use of chemical tools and reactions to manipulate existing and even engineer completely new biological systems. This seminar course will focus on current literature to explore recent developments in this area, with topics including cell-surface engineering, chemical evolution, and synthetic biology. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & Lab with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam OR BIOL 126 – Energy Flow Biology Systems and Lab with a grade of C- or better AND CHEM 234 – Quantum Chemistry with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 361: Materials Chemistry

    Materials chemistry seeks to understand condensed matter through the study of its structural, electronic, and macroscopic properties with an eye on practical applications. Therefore, the study of matter from a materials perspective requires a multidisciplinary approach involving chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology. Some topics to be covered include crystalline structure, X-ray diffraction, band theory, conductivity, magnetic and optical properties, the effect of size on materials properties, and soft materials. Current research in materials chemistry will be explored through group presentation and discussion of primary literature papers. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles Chemistry II & Lab and CHEM 234 – Organic Chemistry II & Lab with grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 362: Chemistry at the Nanoscale

    This discussion-based seminar involves critical examination of research literature authored by prominent investigators in the interdisciplinary field of nanochemistry. Learning will draw upon the multiple disciplines of chemistry (physical, analytical, inorganic, and organic), physics, and biology. Includes a focus on the integrative themes of design, size, shape, surface, self-assembly, and defects. Novel and emerging applications in technology, biology, and medicine will be explored. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed or is in the process of completing any of the following course(s): CHEM 343 – Chemical Thermodynamics or CHEM 344 – Quantum Chemistry AND One 300 Level CHEM course with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration; offered Spring 2025 · Trish Ferrett

  • CHEM 363: Materials Chemistry for a Sustainable Energy Economy

    Chemistry is playing a central role in the development of a renewable energy economy. This class will introduce greenhouse gases and atmospheric chemistry as they relate to climate change, followed by discussions of energy utilization, production, transport, and storage. Example chemistries will include electrochemical and solar-driven processes for producing renewable fuels, in particular hydrogen; gas storage using nanoporous materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks and metal hydrides; carbon-neutral processes for producing critical commodities such as ammonia; and CO2 capture. The interactions between science and government policies will be considered as well. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles of Chemistry II and Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     6 credits; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 371: Chemistry and Society – Impact and Legacy

    Science is a human endeavor. Societal context has thus shaped the questions chemists have asked, who benefits from or is harmed by the technological advancements chemists discover, and who has participated in or been excluded from the chemical enterprise. With the goal of encouraging open minded and self-critical thinking about the discipline and its practice, we will work collaboratively to explore a range of case studies, including the origin of chemical nomenclature, disparate environmental impacts, and the design of pharmaceutical clinical trials, in which chemistry intersects with, and sometimes reinforces, structural racism and other inequalities. Prerequisites:

    Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 – Principles of Chemistry II and Lab and CHEM 233 – Organic Chemistry I and Lab with a grade of C- or better.

     3 credits; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 394: Directed Research in Chemistry

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation. Students conducting research that is not directly tied to ongoing faculty research programs should enroll in Chemistry 391/392.

     1 – 6 credit; No Exploration; not offered 2024–2025

  • CHEM 395: Research Experience Seminar in Chemistry

    This seminar course is intended for students who have completed a summer research project or internship in the chemical sciences. The intent of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss their research experience, learn from the experiences of other members of the class, read relevant primary literature, and prepare a poster for a student research symposium. 3 credits; No Exploration, QRE, Quantitative Reasoning; not offered 2024–2025