Academic Calendar 2024/25

Chemistry


English language proficiency requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.

Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

CHEM 083

3 credits

Adult Basic Education Advanced-Level Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): Science 10.
Note: Some mathematics preparation at the Grade 11 level is highly recommended.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduction to chemistry for students who wish to prepare for entry into first-year courses in sciences, health sciences, or technology. Atomic structure, stoichiometry, and chemical properties of the elements are emphasized. Laboratory work is closely related to material covered in lectures.

CHEM 110

4 credits

Introductory Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: (Chemistry 11, Chemistry 12, or CHEM 083) and one of the following: (Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Pre-calculus 12, Principles of Mathematics 12, or any UFV MATH course numbered 085 or higher).

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course covers the principles of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, redox processes, gas laws, and chemistry of solutions, including solubility and acid-base equilibria. It can be used as a prerequisite for CHEM 113 by students without Chemistry 12.

CHEM 113

5 credits

Principles of Chemistry I

Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 12 or CHEM 110) and (one of the following: Principles of Mathematics 12, Pre-calculus 12, MATH 093, MATH 095, MATH 096, or MATH 110).

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An introduction to chemistry with emphasis on theory of atomic and molecular structure and bonding. Work performed in the laboratory complements lecture material.

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 111 cannot take this course for further credit.

CHEM 114

5 credits

Principles of Chemistry II

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 113.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Topics include chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, aqueous equilibria, and the reactivity of organic molecules. Work performed in the laboratory complements lecture material. With CHEM 113, this course satisfies the requirements for honours, majors, or minors programs in science.

CHEM 116

1 credit

Thermodynamic Aspects of General Chemistry for Engineering Students

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): CHEM 113.

Extends the topics of CHEM 113 with an introduction to chemical thermodynamics needed for the Engineering Transfer Program Common Core.

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 114 cannot take this course for further credit.

CHEM 150

4 credits

Introductory Forensic Science

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: Anatomy and Physiology 12, Biology 11, Chemistry 11, Chemistry 12, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Computer Studies 11, Earth Science 11, Life Sciences 11, Physics 11, or Physics 12.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

This is an introductory lab course that covers chemical, physical, and biological aspects of forensic science. This course is intended for students who are enrolled in a Criminal Justice program or who require a lab science course to fulfil the requirements for other UFV programs, including the Bachelor of Arts degree.
WARNING: Some of the course material might be of a disturbing nature. NOTE: CHEM 150 cannot be used to meet the requirements for the Chemistry major or minor programs. CHEM 150 is not open to students with CHEM 110 or above.

CHEM 213

4 credits

Organic Chemistry I

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 114

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course examines the properties and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers. Emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms, conformation, stereochemistry, and synthesis. The laboratory provides experience in basic laboratory techniques of chemical synthesis, separation, and analysis.

CHEM 214

4 credits

Organic Chemistry II

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 213.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Continues the systematic examination of the reactions of common functional groups that were featured in CHEM 213. Aromatic compounds including phenols, carbonyl condensation reactions, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives are studied. Spectroscopy is studied and the importance of spectroscopic techniques in the analysis of organic compounds is emphasized.

CHEM 221

4 credits

Inorganic Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 114.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

Exploring chemistry of the elements and their inorganic compounds through fundamental concepts: periodicity of properties, molecular orbitals, valence, ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, oxidation states, bonding and structures of inorganic solids, and coordination complexes.

CHEM 224

4 credits

Atoms, Molecules, Spectra

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 113 and CHEM 114; plus PHYS 111, and PHYS 112 or PHYS 105; plus MATH 111 and MATH 112
(MATH 211 is recommended)

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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 241

4 credits

Analytical Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 114

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

An introduction to analytical chemistry with an emphasis on analysis of solutions. Lecture material includes handling and interpreting of experimental measurements, equilibrium, principles of titrimetry, electrochemical methods, statistical analysis, analytical separation and chromatography. Laboratory experiments illustrate lecture materials.

CHEM 311

4 credits

Intermediate Organic Chemistry I

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 213 and CHEM 214.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

An intermediate-level organic chemistry course involving a detailed study of the influence chemical structure has on reaction outcomes. Covers stereoelectronics, stereoselectivity in ring systems, and diastereoselectivity in detail, and introduces more contemporary knowledge topics such as organometallic synthesis.

CHEM 312

4 credits

Intermediate Organic Chemistry II

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 213 and CHEM 214

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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.

CHEM 320

3 credits

Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course concentrates on the coordination chemistry of the transition metals. Topics covered include nomenclature, isomerism, crystal field theory, molecular orbital theory, thermodynamic aspects, UV-visible spectroscopy and Tanabe-Sugano diagrams, and the kinetics and mechanisms of ligand substitution and redox reactions.

Note: Students planning to take CHEM 325 should do so in the same semester as either CHEM 320 or CHEM 420.

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 321 cannot take this course for further credit.

CHEM 324

4 credits

Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 114, (PHYS 105 or PHYS 111), MATH 111, and (MATH 112 or MATH 118).

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Topics include an introduction to thermodynamics with applications to phase and chemical equilibria, and the principles of chemical kinetics including enzyme kinetics and reaction rate theory. Laboratory experiments and computational exercises illustrate lecture material.

Note: MATH 221 is recommended prior to this course.

CHEM 325

2 credits

Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory

Prerequisite(s): None

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): CHEM 320

This course provides students with experience in practical inorganic chemistry, using a wide range of instrumental techniques. Experiments concentrate on the coordination chemistry of the transition metals, and of organo-transition metal compounds. This course closely correlates with and complements material covered in CHEM 320 (Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry) and CHEM 420 (Advanced Inorganic Chemistry).

Note: Students should take this course with either CHEM 320 or CHEM 420.

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 321 cannot take this course for further credit.

CHEM 341

4 credits

Instrumental Analysis/Applied Spectroscopy

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 213 and CHEM 241

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An introduction to instrumental analysis with the emphasis on spectroscopic methods. Lecture material covers principles of chromatography and applied spectroscopy. Laboratory experiments illustrate lecture material.

CHEM 350

3 credits

Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 214 or BIO 320/BIOC 320.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduction to biochemical laboratory techniques; lectures provide theoretical background. Topics include spectrophotometry, chromatography, enzyme kinetics, protein and lipid assays, protein characterization, model membrane systems, and lipid-based systems for biomedical applications.

Note: This course is offered as CHEM 350 and BIOC 350. Students may take only one of these for credit.

CHEM 401

3 credits

Enzymes, Coenzymes, and Inhibitors

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 214.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Topics include protein structure and function, theoretical principles of catalysis, strategies that enzymes use to catalyze reactions, and physical techniques used to study enzyme mechanisms. Chemical mechanisms for representative enzymes, coenzymes, enzyme inhibitors, and drugs are explored in detail.
Note: This course is offered as BIOC 401 and CHEM 401. Students may take only one of these for credit.

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 412C cannot take this course for further credit.

CHEM 407

2 credits

Undergraduate Chemistry Directed Studies or Research

Prerequisite(s): A grade of B or better in three CHEM courses numbered 300 or above, and permission of the department head.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is for chemistry students and involves either (i) directed reading and/or literature research in an area of chemistry chosen in consultation with a supervisor, or (ii) completion of a research project designed in consultation with a supervisor. Normally this course will be taken during the fourth year of study, and is intended to be completed within one semester of study.

CHEM 408

3 credits

Directed Studies in Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): B or better in three chemistry courses numbered 300 or above and permission of the department head.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students will undertake one of the following: directed readings, literature research, or a laboratory research project in an area of chemistry under faculty supervision.

Note: This course is intended to be completed during the fourth year of study.

CHEM 409

6 credits

Undergraduate Research in Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): B or better in three 300-level chemistry courses and permission of the department head.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Students pursuing a major in chemistry will complete a research project designed in consultation with a supervisor.

Note: This course is intended to be completed during the fourth year of study, and can be completed in either one or two semesters.

CHEM 410

6 credits

Undergraduate Research in Chemistry II

Prerequisite(s): None.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): CHEM 409 and permission of the department head.

This course is for students pursuing a major in chemistry and involves the completion of a research project designed in consultation with a supervisor. Normally this course will be taken during the fourth year of study. It can be completed in either one or two semesters.

CHEM 412

3 credits

Special Topics in Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): Any two 300-level CHEM courses.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

Designed for students who wish to examine in greater depth a particular topic in chemistry.

Note: Offered either as an individual reading course or as a seminar, depending on student and faculty interest.

Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics, and may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.

CHEM 420

3 credits

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 320

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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 and catalytic processes.

Note: Students planning to take CHEM 325 should do so in the same semester as either CHEM 320 or CHEM 420.

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 421 cannot take this course for further credit.

CHEM 422

4 credits

Principles and Methods of Molecular Modeling

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 113, CHEM 114, MATH 111, PHYS 111, one of (MATH 112 or MATH 118), one of (PHYS 105 or PHYS 112), and one of the following: ([CHEM 213 and CHEM 224] or [instructor's permission for upper-level science students]).
Note: CHEM 224 and MATH 211 are recommended.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

An introduction to modern computational techniques used for modeling physico-chemical properties of molecular and biomolecular systems, including empirical force field and quantum mechanical descriptions of individual molecules, as well as simulations of aggregate systems using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo. The lecture course is accompanied by a computer lab where students will obtain practical experience in applying these techniques.

CHEM 444

3 credits

Medicinal Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 213.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Medicinal chemistry involves the search, discovery, optimization, and utility of molecules to treat human disease. An introduction to key biological concepts and pharmacological concepts required to explore medicinal chemistry. Case studies will be included.

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 412D cannot take this course for further credit.

CHEM 451

3 credits

Bio-inorganic Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 and one of the following: CHEM 320, CHEM 341, CHEM 350, or BIO 320.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

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

3 credits

Chemistry of Biological and Synthetic Polymers

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 213 and CHEM 214

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This 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.

CHEM 499

12 credits

Honours Research and Thesis in Chemistry

Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Chemistry Honours program.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

For students pursuing the Chemistry Honours program. This course requires the completion of an advanced undergraduate research project designed in consultation with a faculty supervisor, and the preparation and oral defence of a thesis. Students will conduct a research project over two semesters.

Note: This course is expected to take two semesters to complete. When run as a full year course, this will be offered as CHEM 499A and CHEM 499B.    

Note: Students with credit for CHEM 407, CHEM 408, CHEM 409, or CHEM 410 cannot take this course for further credit.

Last updated: May 14, 2024

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