Courses
All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.
513 Instrumental Analysis
With laboratory. Theory and practical application of modern instrumental methods for chemical analyses. Atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electroanalytical chemistry, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Applications to actual analytical problems. Prerequisite: CHEM 315.
514 Instrumental Analysis Lab
The practical application of modern instrumental methods for chemical analyses. Atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electroanalytical chemistry, chromatography and mass spectrometry. Applications to real analytical problems. In this course you focus on two areas: 1. Learning how to operate instruments on your own without being provided a specific protocol and 2. The basics of designing and carrying out a research project. Prerequisite: CHEM 315. Credit, 2.
515 Theory of Analytical Processes
Aspects of the theory underlying modern analytical chemistry. Topics treated in depth vary with instructor, but can include relevant aspects of quantitative analysis; essential signal processing for analytical techniques; chromatography and other separation procedures; optical spectroscopy and spectrometry; microfluidics; use of statistics for the analysis and treatment of data. Prerequisite: CHEM 315.
546 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Basic atomic structure concepts; stereo-chemical principles and bonding models applied to main group and transition metal species. Includes elementary molecular orbital and ligand field theory, and kinetics and reaction mechanisms of d-block complexes. Descriptions of metal-metal bonded and organometallic systems. Structure and bonding principles applied to catalytic and biological system reactivity. Prerequisites: CHEM 341, 476.
551 Advanced Organic Chemistry
Mechanisms of some important organic reactions. Topics covered may include application of qualitative molecular orbital theory to pericyclic reactions, free radical chemistry, photochemistry, heterocyclic systems, cationic and anionic reactions. Prerequisite: one year of organic chemistry.
552 Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
Modern techniques for identification and structural analysis of organic compounds. Emphasis on the interpretation of spectra. Optional lab sections with opportunities to use spectroscopic facilities in the department, and to use spectroscopic techniques and procedures, such as nuclear-nuclear decoupling or 2-D NMR experiments (DEPT, COSY), spectral simulation and prediction, standard sample preparation methods. Prerequisites: CHEM 266H/268H or equivalent. Completion of a two-semester physical chemistry course prior to enrollment strongly recommended.
559 Computational and Mathematical Methods in Chemistry
This class is focused on computational and mathematical problems in chemistry using modern symbolic computational tools. Using the free desktop software platforms (primarily Mathematica) which are free to UMass students via site license, we will develop tools for data visualization and manipulation, and statistical methods in chemistry, kinetic modeling using analytic and numerical differential equation solving tools and visualization of solutions. In addition, we will explore elements of linear algebra, linear transformations, and group theory as applied to chemical systems.
560 Materials Chemistry
The application of chemical principles to modern materials discovery, design, and characterization will be discussed. Topics covered will include inorganic solids, nanoscale materials, polymers, inorganic-organic hybrid materials, and biological materials, with specific focus on how the atomic-level chemistries dictate material properties across various length scales. Aspects of materials chemistry with regard to scalability and sustainability will also be covered.
581 Chemical Biology
This course describes how the principles and techniques of organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry can be used to study proteins, nucleic acids, and sugars. Methods for their synthesis, purification, and chemical manipulations will be discussed, focusing on the application of chemical approaches to studying biological questions. For each topic, appropriate bioanalytical techniques will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Undergraduates must have completed CHEM 261 & 262 -OR- 265 & 266, with a grade of C- or higher.
584 Advanced Physical Chemistry
Introduction to quantum mechanics and its application to chemical problems; electronic structure of atoms and molecules, molecular orbital theory, chemical bonding, potential energy surfaces, and molecular spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 476 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
585 Advanced Physical Chemistry
Short review of thermodynamics. Introduction to statistical thermodynamics and its application to chemical problems. Statistical mechanical basis of thermodynamic behavior, e.g., entropy and attainment of equilibrium, and derivation of thermodynamic properties from basic microscopic description of molecules and solids, via quantum mechanics. Miscellaneous other topics may include gas imperfections, theory of liquids, adsorption, and molecular simulations. Prerequisite: CHEM 476 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
627 Biomolecular Structure
A course for first and second year graduate students (as well as advanced undergraduates with permission) focusing on protein and nucleic acid structure and function. Topics include: physical basis of structure formation, tools used in structure determination such as x-ray crystallography and NMR, as well as structure prediction, visualization and design. Prerequisites: One full year of undergraduate organic chemistry as an introduction to biochemistry.
631 Bioanalytical Chemistry
This course will introduce methods that are used to analyze compounds of biological importance. Such methods include both analytical techniques that are used to measure biomolecules and techniques that use biological processes for analyte detection. The course will discuss basic analytical theories and stay current by incorporating frequent examples of emerging bioanalytical techniques.
648 Coordination Chemistry
Molecular orbital bonding theory, spectroscopy, magnetism, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms as applied to coordination species. Emphasis on transition elements. Prerequisite: CHEM 546 or equivalent.
649 Physical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry
Application of principles of spectroscopy to structural aspects of inorganic substances. Infrared and Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear quadrupole resonance, Mössbauer spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Prerequisite: CHEM 546 or equivalent.
650 Metals in Biology
Emphasis on structure/function relationships, acquisition and transport of metal ions, electron transport proteins, respiratory proteins, redox proteins and enzymes, metalloenzymes with nonredox roles, medical aspects and spectroscopic methods for structure/function determination. Prerequisites: CHEM 546, BIOCHEM 523, or consent of instructor.
651 Supramolecular Chemistry
Intermolecular interactions play an important role in chemistry. This course will teach students core concepts in the area of supramolecular chemistry. Principles and concepts learned from this course can be translated to advanced problems in the areas of chemistry, materials science and biological sciences.
652 Organometallic Chemistry
Organometallics play an important role in synthetic chemistry. This course will teach students core concepts in the area of organometallic chemistry. Principles and concepts learned from this course can be translated to advanced problems in the areas of synthetic chemistry.
653 Organic/Hybrid Semiconductors
Organic and hybrid semiconductors play an central role in organic electrics. This course will teach students core concepts in the area of organic and hybrid semiconductors. Principles and concepts learned from this course can be translated to advanced problems in materials chemistry.
657 Drug Design
Introduction to the range of topics in chemistry and biology that are critical for successful design of new drugs. Outside speakers describing various aspects of the drug discovery process provide an important perspective into the workings of the pharmaceutical industry. Prerequisite: BIOCHEM 423, CHEM 423 or equivalent.
658 Frontiers in Organic Chemistry
Offered as three one-credit parts each, focusing on a topical area of interest such as supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, organometallic chemistry or bioorganic chemistry. Students have the option of taking one, two or all three parts. Consent of instructor required.
699 Master’s Thesis
Credit, 10.
715 Spectroanalytical Chemistry
Theory and practice of modern chemical analysis methods based upon spectroscopic measurements of atoms and molecules in solid, liquid, gas, and plasma states. Includes x-ray, optical and radio frequency techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 513 or consent of instructor. Credit, 4.
716A Chemical Separation Methods
Methods of chemical analysis using separatory techniques, emphasizing chromatography. Theory and laboratory practice of gas and supercritical fluids chromatography, liquid chromatography by adsorption, partition, exclusion, and ion exchange. Three class hours, one 4-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 513 or 515, or consent of instructor. Credit, 4.
721 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
With lab. Principles, practice, and use of instrumental chemical measurement systems. Emphasis on computer-based data collection and handling, including algorithms for enhancement of signal to noise ratio. Prerequisites: CHEM 513 or 515, and CHEM 519 or consent of instructor.
726 Applied Analytical Chemistry
Applications of analytical techniques to actual problems in industrial regulatory, and instrumentation development laboratory settings. The place of analytical chemistry in related disciplines. The analytical chemical academic-industrial interface. Visiting industrial seminar speakers. Format flexible. Prerequisite: CHEM 513 or 515, or consent of instructor.
728 Biophysical Chemistry
Chemical, physical, and biological properties of proteins and nucleic acids. Macromolecular structure of biopolymers; optical, hydrodynamic, and magnetic resonance techniques; multiple equilibria; relaxation kinetics, and conformational transitions. Prerequisites: BIOCHEM 423 and CHEM 471 or 475, or equivalent.
731 Responsible Conduct/Research
Designed for BTP students and is open for all STEM students at UMass. This course meets the NIH requirements for training in Responsible Conduct of Research. Please contact the course instructors for the course details.
743 Crystallography and Solid State and Materials Chemistry
Crystal symmetry; the principles of X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques; methods of solving crystal structures. Bonding in solids; metals, covalent and ionic materials. The band model and solid state electronic structure. Crystal defects and non-stoichiometry. Electrical and magnetic properties of solids; superconductivity, organic conductors, ferroelectric and semiconductor devices. Prerequisites: CHEM 474 or 476 and CHEM 546 or equivalents.
756 Organic Synthesis
Important synthetic reactions, with emphasis on problems that may arise during organic synthesis. Develops students’ ability to propose own syntheses of complex molecules. Prerequisite: CHEM 551 or consent of instructor.
775 Statistical Thermodynamics
Molecular theory of macroscopic properties of thermodynamic systems. Averaging; ensembles; probabilities and distribution functions; fluctuations, scattering and ensemble equivalence; quantum, classical and lattice statistics; applications such as computation of thermodynamic properties, imperfect gases, adsorption, correlation functions and Fourier transforms, polymer chain dynamics, phase transformations and radial distribution functions. Prerequisite: CHEM 476 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
777 Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy, Technique and Applications
NMR techniques and applications to biological macromolecules. Use of vector models and product operators to understand multidimensional NMR experiments. Relaxation effects, chemical exchange, Overhauser effect and solid state NMR. How all of these are used for NMR measurements of protein structure and dynamics. Prerequisite: CHEM 476 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
778 Chemical Spectroscopy Theory
Microwave, infrared, Raman, visible and ultra-violet spectra and structure. Molecular geometry from rotational spectra, normal coordinate analysis, anharmonicity and dissociation, hindered rotors, crystals, intensities and charge flux, vibrational dichroism, non-linear inelastic light scattering. Prerequisite: CHEM 476 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
781 Quantum Chemistry I
Review of basic postulates, Hilbert-space formulation of quantum theory, transformation theory. Rigorous treatment of approximate methods in quantum mechanics with reference to molecular quantum mechanics. Conceptual and systematic development of the Hartree-Fock model for many electron systems; a pedestrian view of quantum chemistry SCF calculation—orbital, basis sets, integrals. A conceptual introduction to post Hartree-Fock methods including configuration interaction theory, many-body perturbation methods, and coupled-cluster theory. Plentiful acronyms. Special attention to density functional methods. Selected topics in atomic and molecular collision processes. Prerequisite: CHEM 585 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
782 Quantum Chemistry II
Special topics in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, including atomic and molecular collisons. Density and time-evolution operators for ensembles. Prerequisite: CHEM 585 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
788, 789 Physical Chemistry of High Polymers
Structure of solid polymers, determination of molecular weights, sizes and shapes, mechanical properties of solid polymers, colligative properties of polymer solutions. polyelectrolytes, and physical chemistry of proteins. Prerequisite: CHEM 585 or equivalent.
790U Electrochemistry Course Overview
This course will introduce the basic concepts of electrochemistry and the fundamental principles underpinning modern electroanalytical methods. Broadly, the course will be broken into three main parts involving (i) the basic chemistry and physics of electrochemical systems, (ii) common electroanalytical methods based on these principles, and (iii) the basics of electrochemical energy conversion systems and an overview of new and emerging directions in electrochemistry.
791 Special Topics in Chemistry
Topics of current interest in various fields of chemistry. Consent of instructor required.
791B Main Group Inorganic Chemistry
An investigation of the descriptive chemistry of the main group elements, with emphasis on their applications in biological, materials, polymer, and environmental chemistry. Topics include the bioinorganic chemistry of the Group 1 and 2 metals, the solid state chemistry of Group 3-5 and 2-6 semiconductors, inorganic backbone polymers and the organometallic chemistry of the main group elements. Prerequisites: CHEM 546 or equivalent.
791D Analysis and Characterization of Synthetic Polymers
Overview of general principles of polymerization and polymer structure. Methods of determining the molecular weight, chemical compositions and microstructure of synthetic polymers using spectroscopy, chromatography, and thermal analysis. Viscoelastic and solid-state properties of polymers. Prerequisites: Organic chemistry and at least one semester of physical chemistry.
791J Biological Mass Spectrometry
The course introduces basic principles of biological mass spectrometry and provides a survey of major modern techniques. Applications of mass spectrometry in various fields of biochemistry and biotechnology are presented and discussed as well. The level of discussion assumes that students have some familiarity with basic principles of physical chemistry and biochemistry.
791L Bioanalytical Chemistry
This course will introduce methods that are used to analyze compounds of biological importance. Such methods include traditional analytical techniques that are used to measure biomolecules and techniques that use biological processes for analyte detection. The course stays current by incorporating frequent examples of emerging bioanalytical techniques.
797T Special Topics: Frontiers in Biotechnology
This course delves into the biotechnology techniques and advances that have impacted the world of biomedical research and medicine.
802 Scientific Writing and Strategic Design Thinking
In this course, students will review requirements to achieve candidacy. They will use Design Thinking to strategize how to meet these requirements successfully. Using Design Thinking, students will also develop an individual development plan for their graduate career and beyond. Throughout the semester, students will practice effective scientific writing and presentations. Credits, 2.
891F Faculty Research Seminars
A series of presentations by Chemistry Department faculty of the research being conducted in their laboratories. Required course for fall-entering graduate students. Credit, 1.
891G Graduate Core Course
Covers the major areas of chemistry (analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, physical) over two semesters, two areas per semester. Required of, and restricted to, Chemistry first-year graduate students. Must take both semesters. Credits, 4.
892 Research Group Seminar
Discussion, oral presentations, problem solving, and reading of current literature pertinent to research interests of one or more faculty. Requirement for all chemistry graduate students. Graded Pass/Fail. Credits, 1-3.
899 Doctoral Dissertation
Credits, 18.