CHEMISTRY
Unless stated otherwise, the minimum grade acceptable in all course prerequisites is a C-. In all cases, students will need the instructor’s written permission for waiver of a prerequisite. Prerequisites must normally have been completed within the last five years; however, when circumstances warrant, the department head may waive this requirement.
Note: If you are not adequately prepared for Chemistry 101 or 111 you should consider the College Preparatory courses, Chemistry 083 and 093, described below.
CHEM 071 (See Science course descriptions)
CHEM 083 (Chemistry 11):
Preparatory College Chemistry I 4 credits
Prerequisites: SCI 071 or Science 10
Transferability: none
Theory and laboratory work for those who wish to prepare for entry into first-year university-transfer, health sciences or technology courses. Emphasis is on atomic structure, stoichiometry, and chemical properties of the elements.
Laboratory work is closely related to material covered in lectures.
CHEM 093 (Chemistry 12):
Preparatory College Chemistry II 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 083 or Chemistry 11
Transferability: none
This course contains material similar to that covered in Chemistry 12, and involves inter-related theory and laboratory work. Topics covered are electrochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium and acid-base behaviour.
CHEM 100:
Everyday Chemistry 4 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This is a laboratory-oriented course aimed particularly at non-science students. It will satisfy part of the science requirements for a BA degree. The course is specifically concerned with the relationship between chemistry and everyday life. Fundamental lab techniques are taught as well as topics such as air pollution, water pollution, energy, acids and bases, organic chemistry, cosmetics, polymers and plastics, drugs, dyes, alcoholic beverages, and biochemistry. The course may not be used for credit by science or engineering majors.
CHEM 101:
General Chemistry I 4 credits
Prerequisites: Chemistry 11 and Math 11 or equivalent
Transferability: SFU, UVic, OU, TWU (and, with CHEM 102, to UBC)
The topics covered in CHEM 101 are essentially the same as those described under CHEM 111 (see below); however, in CHEM 101 these topics will be treated in less detail. Work performed in the laboratory component of the course complements the topics covered in lectures and also provides an introduction to some important laboratory techniques.
With CHEM 102, this course will satisfy first-year science requirements for students pursuing careers in non-science or non-engineering areas (e.g., agriculture, home economics, teacher education, pre-medical). Prospective science or engineering students lacking the prerequisites for CHEM 111 should take CHEM 101 (and possibly CHEM 102).
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 101 and 111.
CHEM 102:
General Chemistry II 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 101
Transferability: SFU, UVic, OU, TWU (and, with CHEM 101, to UBC)
CHEM 102 is a continuation of CHEM 101. The topics covered in CHEM 102 are essentially the same as those presented in CHEM 112 (see below); however, in CHEM 102 these topics are treated in less detail. Experiments performed in the laboratory component of the course will complement the material covered in lectures.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 102 and 112.
CHEM 111:
Principles of Chemistry I 4 credits
Prerequisites: Chemistry 11, Chemistry 12 and Math 12; or UCFV CHEM 101 plus Math 12; or UCFV CHEM 093 plus Math 12. Students without Chemistry 12 must consult the instructor before registering.
Corequisites: MATH 111 and PHYS 111 or 101 are strongly recommended.
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
CHEM 111 begins with a review of the mathematical operations that are of importance to chemists, the nature of matter, basic atomic theory, chemical equations, and stoichiometry. Atomic structure is then studied in detail, with particular reference to the way in which electron configuration is related to the periodic table. Following a discussion of bonding and molecular geometry, the course concludes with a study of the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. Work performed in the laboratory complements the material covered in lectures.
With CHEM 112, this course will satisfy requirements for students wishing to pursue an honours or majors program in science or engineering.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 101 and 111.
CHEM 112:
Principles of Chemistry II 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
CHEM 112 is a continuation of CHEM 111 and focuses on chemical reactions through a study of thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction processes, electrochemistry, and acid-base behaviour. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of organic chemistry. Work performed in the laboratory component of the course complements the material covered in lectures. Many of the experiments have been designed to introduce students to some of the important techniques that will be encountered in subsequent chemistry courses.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 102 and 112.
CHEM 150:
Introductory Forensic Science 4 credits
Prerequisites: Any one of Biology 11, Chemistry 11, Physics 11, Earth Science 11, or Computer Studies 11
Transferability: To be determined
Chem 150 is intended for students who are either (a) enrolled in the UCFV Criminal Justice diploma program, or (b) enrolled in the UCFV Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) degree program, or (c) require a lab science course to fulfil the requirements for other UCFV programs. It is an introductory lab course for students with little science background, and covers chemical, physical, and biological aspects of forensic science. Chem 150 will satisfy the lab science requirement for UCFV’s BA degree.
Warning: Some of the course material may be of a disturbing nature.
CHEM 211:
Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and 112, or CHEM 101 and 102 (Grade B or better)
Transferability:SFU, UVic, OU, TWU (and, with CHEM 212, to UBC)
Organic Chemistry I provides students with an introduction to the subject through a study of the characteristic reactions of the common functional groups. In this way, the chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of reaction mechanisms, and the importance of stereochemistry is stressed throughout the course. The laboratory component of the course complements the lecture material and introduces students to some of the basic techniques that are employed in modern chemistry laboratories. The laboratory component of this course consists of eight four-hour sessions over the semester.
With CHEM 212, this course satisfies organic chemistry requirements for students pursuing careers in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, home economics, forestry, pre-medicine and pharmaceutical science.
CHEM 212:
Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 211
Transferability: SFU, UVic, OU, TWU (and, with CHEM 211, to UBC)
CHEM 212 continues the systematic examination of the reactions of the common functional groups that was begun in CHEM 211. Aromatic compounds, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, carbohydrates, and amino acids are all studied. In addition, selected topics of biological interest are also examined, including peptides and the Krebs cycle. The importance of spectroscopic techniques in the analysis of organic compounds is emphasized. These techniques play a major role in the laboratory component of the course. The laboratory component of this course consists of eight four-hour sessions over the semester.
CHEM 221:
Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 112, or CHEM 101 and 102 (Grade B or better)
Transferability: SFU, UVic, OU, TWU (and, with CHEM 222, to UBC)
This course concentrates on the chemistry of non-transition elements and their compounds, with emphasis on symmetry, bonding, periodic properties and the descriptive chemistry of selected groups. The experiments performed in the laboratory component of the course will be directly related to the topics discussed during lectures.
CHEM 221, 222, and 231 are intended for students who wish to take majors or minors in chemistry, or take a combined honours program involving chemistry and another science subject.
CHEM 222:
Physical Chemistry 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 112, or CHEM 101 and 102 (Grade B or better), and MATH 211
Transferability: SFU, UVic, OU, TWU (and, with CHEM 221, to UBC)
Fundamental aspects of chemical thermodynamics are considered and applied to equilibria involving pure substances, mixtures and reactions. Various aspects of ions in solution (electrochemistry, conductivity) and the theory and practice of reaction kinetics complete the semester. Laboratory work focuses on analytical techniques, and on the topics covered in lectures.
CHEM 221, 222, and 231 are intended for students who wish to take majors or minors in chemistry, or take a combined honours program involving chemistry and another science subject.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 222 and 323.
CHEM 224:
Introductory Quantum Chemistry 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and CHEM 112, or CHEM 101 and CHEM 102 with B or higher; PHYS 111 and PHYS 112, or PHYS 105; MATH 111 and MATH 112. (MATH 211 is recommended.)
An introduction to quantum mechanics and its applications to chemistry and spectroscopy. This course covers basic concepts of quantum mechanics and its applications to atomic and molecular systems. A computer lab illustrates lecture material.
CHEM 231:
Transition Metal Chemistry 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 221
Transferability: SFU, OU, UBC
This course involves the study of the coordination chemistry of the transition metals. Topics covered include isomerism, symmetry, group theory, molecular orbital theory, uv-visible spectroscopy, and the kinetics and mechanisms of ligand substitution and redox reactions. If time permits, organometallic chemistry and bio-inorganic chemistry will also be introduced.
CHEM 221, 222, and 231 are intended for students who wish to take majors or minors in chemistry, or take a combined honours program involving chemistry and another science subject.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 231 and 321.
Note: The following courses are not necessarily offered every academic year. Students should check with the Chemistry department when planning their programs.
CHEM 241:
Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and CHEM 112, or CHEM 101 and CHEM 102 with B+ or higher.
Corequisites: None
An introduction to analytical chemistry with an emphasis on analysis of solutions. Lecture material includes data and sample handling, principles of titrimetry and electrochemical methods, as well as an introduction to chromatography. Laboratory experiments illustrate lecture material.
CHEM 311:
Intermediate Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 211 and 212
An intermediate-level organic chemistry course involving a detailed study of condensation reactions, dienes, and heterocyclic compounds. The spectroscopic techniques first introduced in CHEM 212 are examined in more detail, both in theory and in practice. The laboratory component of the course involves the synthesis of a variety of compounds and qualitative analysis by both spectroscopic and chemical methods.
CHEM 312:
Intermediate Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisite: CHEM 211 and 212
The topics covered in CHEM 312 include an introduction to the chemical literature, the investigation of reaction mechanisms, industrial organic chemistry, photochemistry, and the chemistry of selected compounds of biological interest, e.g., steroids. Laboratory work will illustrate a selection of the topics covered during lectures and may involve a short research project.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 312 and 411.
CHEM 321:
Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisite: CHEM 221
This course concentrates on the coordination chemistry of the transition metals. Topics covered include isomerism, symmetry, group theory, molecular orbital theory, uv-visible spectroscopy, and the kinetics and mechanisms of ligand substitution reactions. If time permits, organometallic chemistry and bio-inorganic chemistry will also be introduced.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 231 and 321.
CHEM 322:
Intermediate Physical Chemistry 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 222, MATH 211, PHYS 111 and 112
Transferability: SFU
This course is a continuation of CHEM 222. The first section consists of a study of electrolytes and non-electrolytes in solution; the second section is an introduction to quantum mechanics.
CHEM 323:
Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 111/112, or CHEM 101/102 (Grade B or better); and MATH 111/112. MATH 211 is highly recommended.
Transferability: SFU
The basic concepts of physical chemistry such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry will be introduced in such a manner as to make these concepts relevant to biology students.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 222 and 323.
CHEM 324:
Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics 4 credits
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and CHEM 112, or CHEM 101 and CHEM 102 with B or higher; PHYS 111 and PHYS 112, or PHYS 105; MATH 111 and MATH 112. (MATH 211 is recommended.)
An introduction to thermodynamics with applications to phase and chemical equilibria. Topics include principles of chemical kinetics including enzyme kinetics and reaction rate theory. Laboratory experiments illustrate lecture material.
CHEM 408:
Directed Studies in Chemistry 3 credits
Prerequisites: At least six upper-level chemistry credits and permission of the department head
Corequisites: none
This course is designed for students pursuing a major or minor in chemistry and represents a directed reading or literature research in an advanced topic of chemistry chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Normally this course will be taken during the fourth year of study.
CHEM 409:
Undergraduate Research in Chemistry 6 credits
Prerequisites: At least six upper-level chemistry credits and permission of the department
Corequisites: none
The course is designed for students pursuing a major in Chemistry and represents a project in chemistry designed in consultation with a supervisor. Normally this course will be taken during the fourth year of study. It can be completed either in one or two consecutive semesters.
CHEM 411:
Organic and Bio-organic Mechanisms 3 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 211/212
Chemistry 411 will begin with a review of some of the aspects of reaction mechanisms that students will have encountered in previous organic chemistry courses, including a survey of reaction types and a detailed examination of important reaction intermediates. Students will then examine the various techniques used by organic chemists in elucidating reaction mechanisms. The course will conclude with a discussion of the mechanisms in selected systems of biological importance. Enzyme-catalyzed reactions will be discussed and quantitative structure activity relationships in biological systems will be examined.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CHEM 411 and 312.
CHEM 421:
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisite: CHEM 321
This course concentrates on organo-transition metal chemistry, with emphasis on bonding theories, the 18-electron rule and cluster compounds. Emphasis is also placed on the role of organometallic complexes in organic syntheses. The experiments performed in the laboratory component of the course will be directly related to the topics discussed during lectures.
CHEM 422:
Conformations of Molecules and Introduction to Computer-aided Drug Design 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 211/212, MATH 111/112, and PHYS 105 or 111
This course covers modern computational techniques currently used in the conformational analysis of organic and biological molecules and includes an introduction to computer-aided drug design. Lectures are supplemented by computer-laboratory sessions during which students obtain practical experience in applying the techniques that have been discussed.
CHEM 441:
Analytical Chemistry/Applied Molecular Spectroscopy 4 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 211 and 212
This course covers the fundamentals of modern analytical chemistry and applied spectroscopy. Lecture material includes data and sample handling, classical techniques, instrumental methods, the principles of chromatography, and applied spectroscopy. Laboratory experiments illustrate the lecture material.
CHEM 451:
Bio-inorganic Chemistry 3 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 221 and CHEM 231.
Bio-inorganic chemistry is a rapidly expanding area and provides an important bridge between chemistry and biology. Students will study a variety of biological systems involving both main-group and transition metals.
CHEM 455:
Chemistry of Biological and Synthetic Polymers 3 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: CHEM 211/212
The course concentrates on (a) the chemistry of synthetic organic, inorganic and biomedical polymers, with emphasis on polymerization reactions; the characterization, structure and properties of polymers; and their role in industrial processes and (b) the chemistry of naturally occurring organic and inorganic polymers, with emphasis on the extraction and purification, characterization, structure, and properties of proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, cellulose, chitin, rubber and lignin, and their role in biological processes.
Return to Course Descriptions index