Chemistry and Biochemistry Courses

This course is designed to fulfill a core science requirement for non-science majors in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), and especially fills the needs of such students in the Environmental Studies program. It has three lectures each week, and is taught in the fall semester. It is commonly followed by CHEM 1031. These courses are not intended for students who have already had a higher-level chemistry class and will not carry credit for such students.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1011

This course has three lectures, a one-hour recitation, and a two-hour lab each week. It serves a dual purpose. The first is as a course to remedy a MAPS deficiency in background for students who did not have either chemistry or physics in high school. The second is to serve as a preparation for CHEM 1111 for students who either lack high school chemistry or do not remember enough of it to handle the material in 1111, which assumes a background in high school chemistry. It covers chemistry at an elementary level, and also some of the mathematical skills needed to do well in general chemistry. CHEM 1021 does not satisfy the core science requirement of the A&S College.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1021

This course has three lectures and a two-hour lab each week, and is taught in the spring semester. It is a follow-up to CHEM 1011. The two courses together satisfy the sequence and laboratory portions of the A&S core requirement.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1031

This course has three lectures and a three-hour lab each week. It has a prerequisite of CHEM 1111 or the formerly-taught course CHEM 1051 or the equivalent. It is a recommended second semester course for students who are interested in a biologically related area and who do not plan to take any further chemistry. Organic and biological chemistry are important areas of chemistry, and such students will be well served by learning the material in CHEM 1071. However, students who plan to go on to take organic chemistry and perhaps further chemistry and/or biochemistry must take CHEM 1131. CHEM 1071 does not satisfy the prerequisites for advanced courses.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1071

This course has three lectures, a recitation period, and one three-hour lab each week. This is the standard beginning college chemistry course for science majors and premedical students. It has a prerequisite of high school algebra and either a year of high school chemistry or CHEM 1021. Students should have a good facility with algebra; most students who have difficulty in general chemistry are having trouble with algebra rather than with chemical concepts. CHEM 1111 covers chemical reactions and stoichiometry, gases, liquids and solids, atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, and an introduction to chemical equilibrium. It counts as a science course including laboratory for the Arts and Sciences core requirement. If it is followed by either CHEM 1131 or CHEM 1071 the sequence core requirement will be completed as well.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1111
Course Website : Baker Section Website

This is the continuation of CHEM 1111 and has the same meeting pattern. It is the course that satisfies the prerequisites for advanced chemistry courses; students who do not plan to take any more chemistry and who are in any biological area may wish to consider CHEM 1071 instead. CHEM 1131 covers ionic equilibria, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, inorganic chemistry, and sometimes nuclear chemistry.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1131

These two courses parallel CHEM 1111 and 1131, but have two lab periods a week instead of one, and present a more in-depth treatment of general chemistry. Students who have had at least one year of chemistry, one year of physics, and four years of math in high school, and who did well at them, should consider taking 1151 and 1171. They offer smaller classes, more lab experience, and a better educational experience for those prepared to take them. CHEM 1151 is taught only in the fall and 1171 only in the spring semesters.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1151 & CHEM 1171

These courses are intended for, and open only to, students in the College of Engineering. They must be taken together, and have three lectures, a recitation, and a three-hour lab each week. They cover many of the topics of General Chemistry 1 plus a selection of topics from General Chemistry 2 included in the one semester class. They emphasize topics of particular importance to engineers.

CU Catalog: CHEM 1211 & CHEM 1221

Three lectures and one recitation per week, taught each semester and in the summer. Normally this must be taken concurrently with a lab, CHEM 3321 or 3361. This is the mainline organic chemistry course for science majors and premedical students. It will satisfy the requirements for a major in chemistry or biochemistry; however, it is recommended that majors take CHEM 3351 instead unless they need to take organic chemistry in the off semester or summer. Topics generally covered in CHEM 3311 include nomenclature, structure and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and aromatics; stereochemistry; and mechanisms and dynamics of organic reactions.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3311
Course Website : Instructor David Walba
Course Website : Instructor Terek Sammakia

One three-hour lab per week, taught each semester and in the summer. This is the lab to accompany and illustrate the lecture material in CHEM 3311. Together with the follow-up lab 3341, CHEM 3321 satisfies the laboratory requirements for premedical students and most science majors including biochemistry majors. Chemistry majors need additional organic lab and should take CHEM 3361 and 3381. Biochemistry majors desiring extra lab experience should do the same.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3321

Three lectures and one recitation per week, taught each semester and in the summer. This is the course which normally follows CHEM 3311 to complete the organic chemistry sequence. It is recommended that chemistry and biochemistry majors take CHEM 3371 instead if possible. Topics generally covered include nomenclature, structure and reactions of alcohols, ethers, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, heterocycles, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Synthesis and reaction techniques are emphasized.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3331
Course Website

One three-hour lab per week, taught each semester and in the summer. This is the lab to accompany and illustrate the lecture material in CHEM 3331. It completes the organic laboratory requirement for premedical students and most science majors including biochemistry majors. Chemistry majors and many biochemistry majors should take CHEM 3381 instead.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3321

Three lectures and a recitation each week. This course parallels CHEM 3311 but offers a small class and coverage in more depth. It is taught only in the fall semester. It is usually restricted to chemistry and biochemistry majors, but will be opened to non-majors if it is not filled. It is strongly recommended that majors take this class unless they have to take organic chemistry during the off semester or in the summer. It is usually taken concurrently with CHEM 3361 but may be taken with 3321 if needed.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3351
Course Website

Two three-hour labs per week, taught only in the fall semester. This course is usually taken concurrently with CHEM 3351 but may be taken with 3311 if necessary. Chemistry majors almost have to take CHEM 3361 and 3381 since they need four credits of organic lab. Biochemistry majors are only required to take two hours (3321 and 3341), but 3361 and 3381 are recommended for them too as providing a better lab experience.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3361

Three lectures and a recitation each week. This course parallels CHEM 3331, but, like 3351, is intended for majors. It is taught only in the spring semester. It is usually taken with CHEM 3381 but may be taken with 3341 instead if necessary. It is strongly recommended for majors unless they have to take organic chemistry in the off semester or the summer.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3371

Two three-hour labs per week, taught only in the spring semester. This course is usually taken concurrently with CHEM 3371 but may be taken with 3331 if necessary. Chemistry majors need this course to complete their four hours of organic lab. The course is also recommended but not required for biochemistry majors.

CU Catalog: CHEM 3381

This is an introduction to inorganic chemistry, required for chemistry majors. It is taught only in the fall semester, and has a prerequisite of Physical Chemistry 1.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4011

One lecture and two three-hour labs per week, taught only in the spring. This course introduces advanced synthetic techniques for inorganic and organometallic compounds. It has a prerequisite of CHEM 4011. It is not required for a major, but is required for graduation with a degree certified by the American Chemical Society as meeting their national standards for a chemistry major.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4021

Lect. Theory and practice of instrumental methods of chemical analysis including atomic and molecular spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and electrochemistry. Prereqs., CHEM 3331 or 3371.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4171

One lect. and six hours of lab per week. Instruction and experience in using instrumental methods of analysis to address problems in chemistry, biochemistry, industrial chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Prereq., CHEM 4171. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: critical thinking.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4181

This environmental chemistry course is not a requirement for any degree but is a recommended elective. It is not offered every year, but is taught in most spring semesters. Graduate students may take it as CHEM 5191 and receive graduate credit. It has a prerequisite of a year of organic chemistry, and biochemistry is also recommended.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4191

This class covers thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. It parallels the traditional physical chemistry course CHEM 4511, covering the same general topics but choosing examples from biochemistry to illustrate them. Either class satisfies the first half of the physical chemistry lecture requirement for either a biochemistry or a chemistry major. The prerequisites include three semesters of calculus and at least one semester of physics, preferably two, and at least one semester of organic chemistry. Taught in the fall semester only.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4411
Course Website

This class is a follow-up to CHEM 4411, taught in the spring semester.. It covers quantum chemistry and statistical thermodynamics. It parallels the traditional physical chemistry course CHEM 4531, covering the same general topics but choosing examples from biochemistry to illustrate them. Either class satisfies the second half of the physical chemistry lecture requirement for either a biochemistry or a chemistry major. The prerequisite is either CHEM 4411 or 4511.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4431

This class covers thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. It is parallel to CHEM 4411, but does not emphasize applications to biochemistry. It is taught each semester and normally in the summer. It satisfies the first half of the requirement for physical chemistry lecture for either a chemistry or a biochemistry major, and is also required for chemical engineers. The prerequisites include three semesters of calculus and at least one semester of physics, preferably two, and at least one semester of organic chemistry.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4511

Covers kinetic theory of gases; chemical equilibrium; electrochemistry; chemical kinetics; quantum mechanics and atomic structure; chemical bonding; spectroscopy; statistical mechanics; the solid state; the liquid state; and surface chemistry. Prereq., CHEN 1211 and CHEM 1211 or CHEM 1111 and 1131, and MATH 2400 or APPM 2350 and PHYS 1120 or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4521

This is the follow-up to CHEM 4511, and is also taught each semester and normally in the summer. It covers quantum chemistry and statistical thermodynamics. It completes the requirement for physical chemistry lecture for a chemistry or a biochemistry major. The prerequisite is either CHEM 4511 or 4411.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4531
Course Website

One 3-hour lab per week. Instruction in experimental techniques of modern physical chemistry. Experiments illustrate the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Illustrates the material discussed in CHEM 4511. Prereq. or coreq., CHEM 4411 or CHEM 4511. Credit not granted for this course and CHEM 4561.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4581
Course Website

One lect. and one 3-hour laboratory every two weeks. A continuation of CHEM 4581, but may be taken concurrently with CHEM 4531 or CHEM 4431. Experiments illustrate the principles of quantum chemistry and spectroscopy discussed in CHEM 4531. Prereq., CHEM 4411 or 4511 and CHEM 4581. Prereq. or coreq., CHEM 4431 or 4531. Credit not granted for this course and CHEM 4561.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4591
Course Website

One-semester survey of the main themes of modern biochemistry: biomolecular structure/function, metabolism, biosynthesis, DNA from genome to proteome, and cellular signaling. For biology and engineering majors and others wanting a survey of biochemistry. Prereq., one semester of organic chemistry (CHEM 3311, 3351, or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher. This course is also offered in the summer.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4611

This is the first semester of the two-semester general biochemistry lecture sequence. It is taught in fall and spring semesters. It is required for a biochemistry major and also for a MCDB major, and is a useful elective for premedical students and for majors in chemistry, EPOB, and chemical engineering. The prerequisite is a year of organic chemistry. Biology may be helpful as well, but is not required.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4711
Course Website

This is the continuation of CHEM 4711. It is also taught in the fall and spring semesters, but not in the summer. It is required for a biochemistry major and may be a useful elective for premeds and biology, chemistry, and chemical engineering majors. The prerequisite is CHEM 4711.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4731

Two lectures and two four-hour labs per week. This class introduces many of the experimental techniques of modern biochemistry. It is required for the biochemistry major, and it also satisfies the critical thinking core requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences. The prerequisite is CHEM 4711, and it is strongly recommended that either CHEM 4731 or MCDB 3500 be taken either first or concurrently.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4761

This is a variable credit course and may be taken for one to six hours of credit. It is a controlled enrollment class, and prior arrangements must be made with a faculty mentor and the department before a student may enroll. It is highly recommended for students with a good record. For further details see the separate section on independent study.

CU Catalog: CHEM 4901

Inorganic chemistry based on principles of bonding, structure, reaction mechanisms, and modern synthetic methods. Chemistry and general properties of representative and transition elements and their compounds. Prerequisites: CHEM 4011 and 4531, or graduate standing.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5011

Studies modern coordination chemistry. Includes a description of bonding and properties of coordination compounds in terms of the ligand field and molecular orbital theories. Prerequisites: graduate standing.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5061

Basic kinetics and photochemistry of atmospheric species. Stratospheric chemistry with emphasis on processes controlling ozone abundance. Tropospheric chemistry for using on photochemical smog, acid deposition, oxidative capacity of the atmosphere, and global climate change. Prerequisite: graduate standing or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5151
Course Website

Special topics in spectrochemical analysis, including atomic and molecular spectroscopy, laser analytical methods, electron spectroscopy, surface analytical methods, and their applications to environmental, atmospheric, and bio-analytical problems. Prerequisite: undergraduate physical chemistry or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5161

Establishes a background for understanding electrochemical systems through a review of the relevant thermodynamic, kinetic, and electronic principles. Compare s classical and modern electrochemical methods of analysis. Several special topics are discussed in depth. Prerequisite: undergraduate physical chemistry or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5171

Mass spectrometry, including instrumentation, ionization techniques, and interpretation of mass spectra. Analytical separation processes, with special reference to the theory and practice of liquid and gas chromatography. Combined techniques (e.g., GC-MS), and applications. Prereq., undergraduate physical chemistry or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5181
Course Website

Same lectures as CHEM 4191. Not open to undergraduates. Prerequisites: CHEM 3311/3331 or CHEM 3351/3371, and instructor consent. Biochemistry or inorganic chemistry strongly recommended.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5191

Surveys synthetic transformations emphasizing important functional group transformations and carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. Required of all organic chemistry graduate students. Prerequisites: one year of organic chemistry, or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5311

Modern concepts of physical organic chemistry and their use in interpreting data in terms of mechanisms of organic reactions and reactivities of organic compounds. Required of all organic chemistry graduate students. Prerequisites: one year of organic chemistry and one year of physical chemistry, or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5321
Course Website

Advanced spectroscopic techniques for structure and determination in organic chemistry. Emphasizes ¹H  and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisites: one year of organic chemistry and one year of physical chemistry or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5331
Course Website

Introduces thermodynamics and kinetics, emphasizing macromolecules and biochemical applications. Intended for biology graduate students. Not open to students in chemistry or other physical sciences. Prerequisites: three semesters of calculus, one year of physics, and instructor consent or graduate standing. Same as CHEM 4411. Students may receive credit for only one of CHEM 5411, 4411, and 4 511.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5411
Course Website

Principles of physical chemistry (second semester) for graduate students in biology. Not open to students of chemistry or the physical sciences. Prerequisites: graduate standing and CHEM 5411, or instructor consent. Same as CHEM 4431. Students may receive credit for only one of CHEM 5431, 4431, and 4531.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5431

Discussion of mechanism and rate of chemical reactions from a fundamental point of view. Discusses nature of collision and develops concepts of cross section and rate constant. Theories of elementary bimolecular and decay processes are critically examined. Prerequisites: undergraduate physical chemistry.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5541

Develops and applies a variety of mathematical techniques important in physical chemistry. Topics include complex analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations, integral transforms, and some numerical analysis. Prerequisites: undergraduate physical chemistry.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5551

Discusses physical techniques used to determine the structure, function, and dynamics of macromolecules. Topics covered include Fourier analysis, optical spectroscopy, NMR and diffraction. Previous exposure to quantum mechanics is assumed. Prerequisites: one semester of physical chemistry.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5561

Principles of surface science with emphasis on fundamental surface phenomena, surface techniques, and surface chemistry. Basic description of surfaces, adsorbate-surface interactions, surface kinetics and methods of surface analysis. Surface science of interactions, surface kinetics, and methods of surface analysis. Surface science of heterogeneous catalysis, semiconductor processing, and environmental interfaces. Prerequisites: undergraduate physical chemistry and graduate standing or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5571

Basic principles and techniques of quantum mechanics with applications to questions of chemical interest. Quantum dynamics of atoms, molecules, and spins; electronic structure of atoms and molecules. Prerequisites: two semesters of physical chemistry and graduate standing, or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5581

Rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectra of molecules, and their interpretation in terms of the quantum theory of molecular structure. Prerequisites: two semesters of physical chemistry and graduate standing, or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5591

Same lectures as CHEM 4711. Course work includes library studies and preparation of special reports. Not open to undergraduates. Prerequisite: one year of organic chemistry and graduate standing.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5711
Course Website

Same lectures as CHEM 4731. Course work includes library studies and report preparations. Not open to undergraduates. Prerequisites CHEM 5711 and graduate standing, or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5731

In-depth analysis of DNA structure and replication, RNA synthesis and processing, protein synthesis, enzyme function and mechanism, protein structure, protein dynamics, and physical chemistry of macromolecules. Intended as a comprehensive treatment of areas central to modern biochemistry for entering graduate students. Prerequisites: CHEM 4731 or equivalent, and graduate standing, or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5771

Detailed consideration of contemporary topics in biochemistry, including protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary), methods of structure determination and prediction, protein folding (kinetics, thermodynamics, denaturation, and renaturation), and protein dynamics (internal motions and methods of analysis). Prerequisites: CHEM 5771 or instructor consent.

CU Catalog: CHEM 5781