¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

Chemistry Courses

Department of Chemistry | Faculty of Science
¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calendar 2013 Summer

The following are all the courses offered in this area. To view the current course catalog and/or course schedule on the Student Information System, visit (select "Class Search/Browse Catalog" on the left menu).

CHEM 109-4 Introduction to Chemistry for Health Careers

General concepts of chemistry for those with no chemistry background who are interested in pursuing careers in health sciences. Principles of atomic structure, chemical bonding, gases, liquids and solutions, chemical kinetics and equilibrium are covered. The chemistry of everyday materials, drugs and poisons, and environmental issues are surveyed. Prerequisite: Math 12 or equivalent. This course is open only to students in the Aboriginal pre-health program. Students with credit for high school chemistry 12 (or equivalent), or any university chemistry course may not complete this course for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science

CHEM 110-3 Introductory Chemistry

General fundamental concepts and nomenclature; stoichiometry and chemical calculations; nuclear and atomic structures, chemical bonding; properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions; chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium. This course has the same lecture component as CHEM 111 but no laboratory work. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry must take CHEM 111. Prerequisite: BC high school mathematics 12 (or equivalent) or permission of the department. No previous training in chemistry is required for this course. Students with credit for high school chemistry 12 (or equivalent), or any university chemistry course may not take CHEM 110 or 111 for further credit. Students may not count both CHEM 110 and 111 for credit. Corequisite: If BC high school mathematics 12 credit not obtained, then MATH 100 must be taken as a corequisite to CHEM 110. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 111-4 Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory

General fundamental concepts and nomenclature; stoichiometry and chemical calculations; nuclear and atomic structures, chemical bonding; properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions; chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school mathematics 12 (or equivalent) or permission of the department. No previous training in chemistry is required for this course. Students with credit for high school chemistry 12 (or equivalent), or any university chemistry course may not take CHEM 110 or 111 for further credit. Students may not count both CHEM 110 and 111 for credit. Corequisite: if BC high school Mathematics 12 credit not obtained, then MATH 100 must be taken as a corequisite to CHEM 111. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 120-3 General Chemistry I

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases, liquids, solids, and solutions. This course has the same lecture component as CHEM 121 but no laboratory work. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry must take CHEM 121. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111 or CHEM 110. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 121-4 General Chemistry and Laboratory I

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 122-2 General Chemistry II

Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 120. Recommended: MATH 152 (or 155) and PHYS 121 (or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

CHEM 126-2 General Chemistry Laboratory II

Experiments in chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, qualitative analysis, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

CHEM 180-3 The Chemistry of Life

A basic introduction to chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and equilibria as they apply to the structure and function of biomolecules. Concepts will be illustrated using modern examples of biological systems. Students will be introduced to central ideas and selected molecular engineering methods in biochemistry and molecular biology. Prerequisite: CHEM 121.

CHEM 191-3 Living in a Materials World: From the Stone Age to Nanoscience

A survey of materials that have been used throughout human history, from stone, bone and wood to modern plastics and superconductors. The chemical principles that give rise to different materials' properties will be examined, with an emphasis of how small changes at the molecular level can have important implications in everyday life. Issues of sustainability and the environmental impact of materials will be discussed. Intended for both science and non-science students. Quantitative/Breadth-Science

CHEM 192-3 Chemistry in Your Home, Work, and Environment

The impact of chemistry on modern living. Students will gain a broad perspective on chemical processes with historical, environmental and economic importance in shaping society, examining both the beneficial and harmful aspects of the chemicals that shape our lives. Topics may include: perfumes, explosives, drugs, dyes, plastics, pesticides and greenhouse gases. Intended for both science and non-science students. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 193-3 Close Encounters of the Radioactive Kind

An introduction to the concepts of radiation and nuclear science. Emphasis will be placed on applications; by the end of the term students will be able to make well-informed opinions on the role of nuclear science and its use. Intended for both science and non-science students. Breadth-Science.

CHEM 215-4 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

The principles of analytical chemistry and their practical application to solution samples. Titrimetric and electrochemical methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 126. Quantitative.

CHEM 230-3 Inorganic Chemistry

The chemistry of the elements and their inorganic compounds in terms of fundamental concepts of perodicity of properties, valence, ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, stability of oxidation states, bonding, structure and stereochemistry. Co-ordination complexes and organometallic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 122. Corequisite: students who expect to take further courses in inorganic chemistry should take the laboratory course CHEM 236 concurrently with 230. Quantitative.

CHEM 236W-3 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory

An introduction to the synthetic and spectroscopic techniques used in the preparation and characterization of both main group and transition metal compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 126. Corequisite: CHEM 230. Writing/Quantitative.

CHEM 260-4 Atoms, Molecules, Spectroscopy

Elements of physical chemistry from the molecular point of view. Introduction to quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, MATH 152, PHYS 121. Recommended: MATH 232. Quantitative.

CHEM 266-2 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I -- The Microscopic World of Chemistry

Fundamental principles of experimental physical chemistry from the microscopic perspective. Modern experiments in atomic and molecular spectroscopy and structure. Corequisite: CHEM 260.

CHEM 281-4 Organic Chemistry I

Structure, bonding, physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

CHEM 282-2 Organic Chemistry II

Polyfunctional organic compounds and complex organic reactions. Introduction to natural products. Students with credit for CHEM 283 may not complete this course for further credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Quantitative

CHEM 283-3 Organic Chemistry IIb

An advanced treatment of Organic Chemistry II. Topics include dienes and their reactivity, conjugation and aromaticity, aromatic substitution reactions, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, ketones and aldehydes, biological molecules, radical reactions, organometallic reagents, pericyclic reactions and planning multi-step synthesis. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Students should not receive credit for both CHEM 282 and 283. Quantitative.

CHEM 286-2 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Laboratory work chosen to complement CHEM 282. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Corequisite: : CHEM 282 or 283. Quantitative

CHEM 306-3 Practicum I

This is the first term of work experience in a co-operative program available to students planning to pursue a career in chemistry or related areas. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV degree. Prerequisite: completion of 28 units in a science program, including first-year calculus, chemistry and physics. Minimum CGPA 2.67 (or permission of co-op co-ordinator).

CHEM 307-3 Practicum II

This is the second term of work experience in the Chemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV degree. Prerequisite: CHEM 306 and completion of 42 units toward a BSc degree. Minimum CGPA 2.67 (or permission of co-op co-ordinator).

CHEM 316-4 Introductory Instrumental Analysis

Principles and applications of basic analytical instrumentation based upon spectroscopy, chromatography and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 215 and CHEM 260, or permission of the department. Students may not count both CHEM 316 and 416 for credit. Quantitative.

CHEM 317-2 Analytical Environmental Chemistry

Principles and applications of the methodologies of analytical chemistry employed in the determination of substances in air, water, and soil, with particular emphasis upon sampling and sample preparation. Prerequisite: CHEM 316 and 371. Corequisite: CHEM 372 should be taken concurrently. Quantitative.

CHEM 330-4 Chemistry of the Main Group Elements

A survey of the chemistry of non-transition metal (main group) elements, their physical and chemical properties and characterization techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 230 and 236 or permission of the department.

CHEM 332-3 The Chemistry of Transition Metals

The synthesis and characterization of classical and organometallic complexes of the transition metals, and their physical and chemical properties. Prerequisite: CHEM 230, 236 and 260, or permission of the department. Quantitative.

CHEM 333-3 Inorganic Chemistry of Biological Processes

An introduction to the principles governing the formation, properties and investigation of metal-ligand complexes with special reference to the role of metals in biological processes. Prerequisite: MBB 321; or CHEM 282 and CHEM 230. Quantitative.

CHEM 336-2 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory

Laboratory experiments in co-ordination, organometallic and solid state chemistry, involving synthesis, characterization and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 236. Corequisite: CHEM 332 must precede or be taken concurrently. Quantitative.

CHEM 340-3 Materials Chemistry

Bonding in solid state materials. Introduction to symmetry and its applications in materials science. Structure and physical properties of solid state materials. Prerequisite: completion of 60 units in a science or applied science program, including first year chemistry, physics and calculus. Quantitative.

CHEM 360-3 Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics

Elements of physical chemistry from the macroscopic point of view. Thermodynamics, and its applications to chemical equilibrium. Chemical kinetics and reaction rate theories. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, MATH 152 (or 155), PHYS 121 (or 102). Recommended: MATH 251. Credit will not be granted for both CHEM 360 and MBB 323. Quantitative.

CHEM 363-3 Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Dynamics

Fundamental principles of chemical kinetics, rate laws, mechanisms, reactive intermediates, theories of reaction rates, solvation effects, photochemistry, radiation chemistry, and experimental methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 260. Quantitative.

CHEM 366W-3 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II

Advanced experimental methods in thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 266. Corequisite: CHEM 360. Writing/Quantitative

CHEM 367-2 Advanced Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Advanced experimental methods in physical chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 366. Quantitative

CHEM 371-3 Chemistry of the Aqueous Environment

An introduction to chemical processes in the aqueous environment. Quantitative treatment of the variables determining the composition of natural systems. Chemistry of aqueous toxic agents, wastewater treatment, and related matters. Prerequisite: CHEM 281 and CHEM 360. Quantitative.

CHEM 372-3 Chemistry of the Atmospheric Environment

Quantitative treatment of chemical and physical processes in the atmospheric environment. Chemistry of the troposphere including air pollution and climate change. Chemistry of the stratosphere including ozone depletion. Environmental radioactivity. Current topics. Prerequisite: CHEM 281 and CHEM 360. Quantitative.

CHEM 380-4 Chemical and Instrumental Methods of Identification of Organic Compounds

Basic principles of infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy as applied to the identification of organic compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 and 283 and 286, or permission of the department.

CHEM 381-4 Intermediate Organic Chemistry

An intermediate level course in modern organic chemistry, including both theoretical design of synthetic routes and practical training in the laboratory. The central topics to be discussed include methods to form carbon-carbon bonds, use of organometallic reagents, asymmetric synthesis, pericyclic reactions, the use of enzymes in organic synthesis, and the automation of synthetic organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 380. Quantitative.

CHEM 391-3 Industrial Chemistry

A survey of industrial chemistry. Topics include the production of raw petrochemical and mineral materials, bulk organic and inorganic chemicals that drive the economy, industrially relevant polymers, and health and hygiene products. Green approaches to industrial chemistry are discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 215 and CHEM 230 and CHEM 282 or permission of the department.

CHEM 406-3 Practicum III

This is the third term of work experience in the Chemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV degree. Prerequisite: CHEM 307 and completion of 56 units toward a BSc degree. Minimum CGPA of 2.67 (or permission of co-op co-ordinator).

CHEM 407-3 Practicum IV

This is the last term of work experience in the Chemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV degree. Prerequisite: CHEM 406. Minimum CGPA of 2.67 (or permission of co-op co-ordinator).

CHEM 408-3 Practicum V

Optional term of work experience in the Chemistry Co-operative Education Program. Units for this course do not count towards the units required for an ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV degree. Prerequisite: CHEM 407.

CHEM 419-3 Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry

Principles and applications of emerging techniques in analytical chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 316.

CHEM 432-3 Organometallic Chemistry

The organometallic chemistry of the transition elements; the synthesis, characterization and catalytic behavior of organometallic compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 332. Quantitative.

CHEM 439-3 Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

An in-depth treatment of a current topic in inorganic chemistry. Contact the department for information regarding the topic to be covered in a given term. Prerequisite: CHEM 332

CHEM 440-3 Solid State Materials Chemistry

The study of the detailed chemistry of solid state inorganic materials in terms of crystal structures, bonding, preparative methods, analytical and characterization techniques, mixed valence states, solid solutions, defects and non-stoichiometry, molecular mechanisms of the optical, electronic, ionic, magnetic and dielectric properties, and materials applications in advanced technology. Prerequisite: CHEM 340. Quantitative.

CHEM 442-3 Polymeric Materials Chemistry

The course covers the detailed chemistry of polymers, including polymer structure, studies of polymer solutions, molecular weight determination, and the synthesis of polymers. In addition, topics of current interest in polymer science will be discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 282 or 283. Quantitative

CHEM 444-3 Organic Materials Chemistry

Emphasis will be placed on the synthesis and properties of materials that are useful in the design of electrooptical devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Topics to be discussed will include liquid crystals, conjugated polymers, and the assembly of thin film materials. A case study approach will be employed in order to provide an overview of these areas of research, with examples taken from the primary literature. Prerequisite: CHEM 282 or 283. Quantitative

CHEM 450-3 Physical Organic Chemistry

A study of the structure, stereochemistry and conformation of molecules and their effect on the reactivity of organic molecules. The physical basis of organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 360 and 380. Quantitative.

CHEM 452-3 Bio-organic Chemistry

An advanced treatment of the use of enzymes in organic synthesis, the use of stable and radioisotopes in the study of enzymatic processes and the design of enzyme inhibitors. Prerequisite: CHEM 380 and MBB 222 or permission of the department. Quantitative

CHEM 455-3 Synthetic Organic Chemistry

This course teaches the principles involved in the planning and execution of the synthesis of organic molecules. Emphasis is on synthesis of naturally occurring compounds of biological importance. Prerequisite: CHEM 381 or permission of the instructor. Quantitative.

CHEM 459-3 Special Topics in Organic Chemistry

An advanced, in-depth treatment of a specialized area of organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 380 or permission of the instructor.

CHEM 460-3 Advanced Physical Chemistry

Statistical thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, transport properties, intermolecular forces, electrical properties of molecules, properties of ionic solutions, Debye-H‚îú‚ïùckel theory, electrochemistry. Prerequisite: MATH 251; CHEM 260 and 360, or PHYS 385 and 344. Quantitative.

CHEM 462-3 Molecular Spectroscopy

Atomic spectra. Electronic, vibrational and rotational spectra of diatomic and polyatomic molecules. The Raman effect. Nuclear and electron spin resonance. Symmetry classification of molecules and their energy levels. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 or PHYS 385. Quantitative.

CHEM 464-3 Quantum Chemistry

Fundamentals of quantum mechanics and its principal results and techniques as applied to atoms and molecules: atomic structure, molecular bonding, rotations and vibrations of molecules, symmetry of atomic and molecular orbitals. Prerequisite: CHEM 260, MATH 232, 251; or PHYS 385. Recommended: MATH 310. Quantitative.

CHEM 465-3 Electrochemistry

Modern techniques and concepts in electrochemistry. Topics include equilibrium and dynamic electrochemistry, ion transport and voltammetry. Electrochemical systems of increasing importance including chemically modified electrodes, fuel cells and solar energy conversion applications will also be discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 360. Quantitative.

CHEM 469-3 Special Topics in Physical Chemistry

Selected topics of physical chemistry not regularly covered in the chemistry undergraduate course offerings. Topics may vary from year to year and may include (but are not limited to): chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, magnetic resonance, polymer chemistry, surface chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 and 360 or permission of the instructor.

CHEM 481-5 Undergraduate Research

Experimental and/or theoretical research; preparation of a written report and oral presentation in research seminar format. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV requires selection of a faculty supervisor and submission of a research proposal. Prospective students must contact the chemistry advisor to register their interest in this course before the last day of classes of the previous term. The research proposal is due by the end of the examination period preceding the research term. Prerequisite: permission of the department; knowledge of chemistry at an advanced level. Normally taken after completion of 300 level course requirements.

CHEM 482-3 Directed Study in Advanced Topics of Chemistry

Directed reading in a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV requires selection of a faculty supervisor and submission of a study topic to the department a least one month prior to the start of the term in which the course will be taken. Prerequisite: permission of the department. Normally taken during the fourth year of study.

CHEM 483-5 Honors Research

Experimental and/or theoretical research; preparation of a written report and oral presentation in research seminar format. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV requires selection of a faculty supervisor and submission of a research proposal. Prospective students must contact the chemistry advisor to register their interest in this course before the last day of classes of the previous semester. The research proposal is due by the end of the examination period preceding the research term. Prerequisite: CHEM 481 and permission of the department. Credit for this course may only be applied to the honors chemistry program.

CHEM 740-3 Solid State Materials Chemistry

The study of the detailed chemistry of solid state inorganic materials in terms of crystal structures, bonding, preparative methods, analytical and characterization techniques, mixed valence states, solid solutions, defects and non-stoichiometry, molecular mechanisms of the optical, electronic, ionic, magnetic and dielectric properties, and materials applications in advanced technology.

CHEM 742-3 Polymeric Materials

The course covers the detailed chemistry of polymers, including polymer structure, studies of polymer solutions, molecular weight determination, and the synthesis of polymers. In addition, topics of current interest in polymer science will be discussed.

CHEM 744-3 Organic Materials Chemistry

This is an advanced level course in modern organic materials chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the synthesis and properties of materials that are useful in the design of electrooptical devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Topics to be discussed will include liquid crystals, conjugated polymers, and the assembly of thin film materials. A case study approach will be employed in order to provide an overview of these areas of research, with examples taken from the primary literature.

CHEM 750-3 Physical Organic Chemistry

An advanced treatment of mechanism and structure in organic chemistry and the use of physical methods as probes of structure, stereochemistry and conformation.

CHEM 752-3 Bio-organic Chemistry

An advanced treatment of the use of enzymes in organic synthesis, the use of stable and radio isotopes in the study of enzymatic processes, and the design of enzyme inhibitors.

CHEM 755-3 Synthetic Organic Chemistry

An advanced treatment of strategy in organic synthesis. The principles and use of modern synthetic methodology.

CHEM 759-3 Special Topics in Organic Chemistry

An advanced treatment of specific topics related to the study of organic compounds. Topics which will be discussed will vary from one term to the next.

CHEM 801-3 Student Seminar

Discussion of recent literature in chemistry through student seminars.

CHEM 808-3 PhD Candidacy Examination

This course will be taken by all PhD students in their fourth or fifth term in the program. Each student should present a written report on his/her research, make an oral presentation and answer questions at the examination. Students will be evaluated on their written report, oral presentation and response to questions on relevant knowledge. Graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: for students in the PhD program.

CHEM 819-3 Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry

In-depth coverage of a particular area of analytical chemistry. Example subject areas include separation science, mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry, or surface science. Occasionally the subject matter of this course will be a survey of recent advances in the field.

CHEM 832-3 Organometallic Chemistry

An advanced treatment of the synthesis, structures, reactions and spectroscopic identification of inorganic compounds.

CHEM 839-3 Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

An advanced, in-depth treatment of a specialized area of inorganic chemistry.

CHEM 842-3 Special Topics in Radiochemistry

Theory and practical techniques of the current uses of radioactive isotopes in systems of chemical interest.

CHEM 863-3 Magnetic Resonance

Principles, techniques and applications of NMR and ESR.

CHEM 864-3 Quantum Chemistry

Non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Atomic and molecular structure, perturbation theory, variation method.

CHEM 865-3 Electrochemistry

Modern techniques and concepts in electrochemistry. Topics include equilibrium and dynamic electrochemistry, ion transport and voltammetry. Electrochemical systems of increasing importance including chemically modified electrodes, fuel cells and solar energy conversion applications will also be discussed.

CHEM 869-3 Special Topics in Physical Chemistry

A specialized area of physical chemistry will be selected from a list of topics.

CHEM 881-0 Co-op Practicum I

First term of work experience for graduate students. Prerequisite: completion of MSc thesis including defence.

CHEM 882-0 Co-op Practicum II

Second term of work experience for graduate students. Prerequisite: completion of MSc thesis including defence.

CHEM 898-6 MSc Thesis

A thesis for the MSc degree may be written on a topic in either chemistry or chemical education. Students electing to write a thesis in chemical education, are required to complete satisfactorily 10 units of course work in the Faculty of Education in addition to the minimum chemistry degree requirements. The 10 units of course work in the Faculty of Education may not be used for credit towards the PhD degree in Chemistry if the student transfers into the PhD program.

CHEM 899-6 PhD Thesis

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