Courses

2024-2025 Academic Year

CHEM 1003
Chemistry of Everyday Life 0.5 unit
An introduction to the chemistry in our everyday lives. Chemistry surrounds us and is in us. It is hoped that this course will give students a taste of the beauty and complexity of some of the substances and reactions in our homes, in the air we breathe and water we drink, and in the materials we use every day, so that they can be more informed citizens and more protective of our environment. The course will be non-quantitative and is aimed primarily at non-science majors. Note: This course may not be counted towards the requirements of a major or minor in chemistry.

CHEM 1005
Chemical Concepts 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): Nova Scotia grade XI or grade XII academic mathematics or equivalent or MATH 0027 with a grade of C or higher or MATH 1102
The fundamental quantitative aspects of chemistry for students who have not completed grade XII chemistry. Topics include an introduction to atomic and molecular structure, the mole concept, stoichiometry, periodicity, bonding, gases, liquids, solids, and solutions. Note: This course is a science elective, but may not be counted towards a major, minor, or honours in chemistry. Students who have received credit for CHEM 1011 may not take this course for credit. Laboratory/tutorial required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 1011
General Chemistry I 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): a) Nova Scotia grade XII chemistry or permission of department or CHEM 1005 with grade of C or higher or equivalent; b) Nova Scotia grade XI and grade XII academic mathematics or MATH 1103
A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry: stoichiometry, atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, molecular geometry, thermochemistry, and gas laws. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 1012
General Chemistry II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1011
A continuation of the study of the fundamental principles of chemistry: intermolecular forces, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 2101
Introductory Inorganic Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1012
An introduction to simple inorganic and co-ordination compounds. Topics include: theories of atomic structure and chemical bonding, nomenclature, stereochemistry, point groups, inorganic thermodynamics, acids and bases, redox chemistry and periodic properties of the elements. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 2201
Introductory Analytical Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1012
An introduction to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Topics include: treatment of experimental data, spreadsheet tools, types of chemical equilibria, gravimetric, volumetric and spectrophotometric methods of analysis. Laboratory required (4 hours/week)

CHEM 2301/PHYS 2301
Chemical Thermodynamics 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1012 and MATH 1113. MATH 1113 may be taken concurrently, though preferably students will have completed MATH 1113 and 1114 prior to taking the course
An introduction to the laws and theories of physical chemistry. Topics include states of matter, properties of phases and solutions, the laws of thermodynamics and equilibrium. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 2302
Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2301, PHYS 1102 and MATH 1114
PHYS 1102 or MATH 1114 may be taken concurrently, though preferably students will have completed these courses prior to taking the course.
An examination of the motion and reactivity of molecules. Topics include conductance, electrochemical cells, spectroscopy, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and statistical thermodynamics. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 2401
Organic Chemistry I 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1012
An introduction to the bonding, geometry and stereochemistry of carbon compounds. Topics will include geometrical and optical isomerism, nomenclature of the common organic families, acid-base behaviour of organic molecules, reactions of functional groups and an introduction to reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy (ultraviolet). The class will develop enough chemistry to help students gain appreciation for the properties of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids and nucleic acids. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 2402
Organic Chemistry II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2401
A continuation of the study of the structures and reactions of carbon compounds. Topics will include spectroscopic techniques (infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance) as tools for structure determination. Increased emphasis will be placed on the mechanistic aspects of organic reactions, especially substitutions and elimination reactions of alkyl halides and alcohols, synthesis and reactions of unsaturated hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds, and carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 2505
Environmental Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1012
A study of chemical reactions in the environment. Topics include composition of the atmosphere, photochemical reactions in the stratosphere (ozone production and loss) and troposphere (production of smog), simple models to describe room air quality, transfer of gases across interfaces, chemistry of natural waters (hardness, alkalinity), treatment of drinking water (chlorination and aeration/coagulation) and waste water (primary, secondary and tertiary treatments). Chemicals to be discussed include formaldehyde, chlorinated hydrocarbons, pesticides, PAHs, and heavy metals.

CHEM 3011
Directed Study in Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 2000 level CHEM course in the relevant area and possibly other courses depending on the area and permission of the department
An advanced-level directed study of a particular topic in chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the learning of new material through reading, problem solving discussion, and possibly one or more papers, depending on the topic.

CHEM 3012
Directed Study in Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisites: 2000 level chemistry course in the relevant area and possibly other courses depending on the area and permission of the department.
An advanced-level directed study of a particular topic in chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the learning of new material through reading, problem solving discussion, and possibly one or more papers, depending on the topic. This directed study course may extend the study of material done in CHEM 3011 or may be in an unrelated area.

CHEM 3015
Special Topics in Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisites: 2000 level chemistry course in the relevant area and possibly other courses depending on the area and permission of the department.
An advanced-level in-depth study of a particular topic in chemistry. Areas which might be included are molecular modelling, material science, nuclear chemistry, bioinorganic or polymer chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the learning of new material through lectures, reading and discussion. Depending on the topic, a laboratory component may be required.

CHEM 3016
Special Topics in Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 2000 level chemistry course in the relevant area and possibly other courses depending on the area and permission of the department
An advanced-level in-depth study of a particular topic in chemistry. Areas which might be included are molecular modelling, material science, nuclear chemistry, bioinorganic or polymer chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the learning of new material through lectures, reading and discussion. Depending on the topic, a laboratory component may be required.

CHEM 3101
Chemistry of the Main Group Elements 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2101
A study of the systematic chemistry of the main group elements. The laboratory will include the synthesis and reactions of inorganic compounds. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 3102
Chemistry of the Transition Metals 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2101
A study of transition metals and their complexes, including modern bonding theories of co-ordination compounds and organometallic chemistry. The laboratory will include the synthesis and structural study of co-ordination compounds. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 3301
Introductory Quantum Chemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): MATH 2212, PHYS 1102, CHEM 2301 or CHEM 2302
An introduction to quantum chemistry covering its historical development (blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, and wave-particle duality). The Schrödinger equation will be applied to simple examples. The methods of quantum mechanics and selected application of quantum chemistry will be studied, at times with the aid of the computer. Note: Students who have received credit for PHYS 2230 may not take this course for credit.

CHEM 3401
Organic Structure Determination 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2402
Topics covered include spot tests for functional group identification and modern instrumental techniques used for structure determination: ultraviolet/visible, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Laboratory sessions involve the analysis of unknowns using these techniques. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 3402
Organic Reactions: Synthesis and Mechanism 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2402
Characteristic functional group reactions and planning of a multi-step synthesis of a desired organic compound will be discussed. Detailed pathways of some organic reactions will also be covered. Laboratory sessions involve practical applications of synthesis and investigation of mechanisms from lecture material. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 3501/BIOL 3501
Introductory Biochemistry 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2401
The structure and chemistry of cellular molecules, dealing mainly with carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids and their components, aqueous solutions, pH, pKa, buffers, and colloidal dispersions. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 3502/BIOL 3502
Intermediary Metabolism 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CHEM/BIOL 3501
A study of the enzymes, energetics and intermediary metabolism of living cells, catabolic biosynthetic and regulatory processes affecting the metabolism of cellular molecules. Laboratory required (3 hours/week)

CHEM 4600
Directed Research 1.0 unit
CHEM 4601
Directed Research 0.5 unit
CHEM 4602
Directed Research 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): normally 2000-level chemistry courses
A research project undertaken with the direction of members of the department. Offered for selected senior students majoring in chemistry and subject to departmental approval.

CHEM 4990
Honours Thesis 1.0 unit
Honours chemistry students are required, in their final year, to undertake a research project in consultation with the department. Students are required to write an honours thesis and make an oral presentation of the work at the conclusion of the project.

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2024-2025 academic year which runs from September 01, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.