Physical Chemistry Courses

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
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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

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
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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

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

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
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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