2010-11 Undergraduate Index A-Z
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Chemistry [clear]
| Title | Offering | Standing | Credits | Credits | When | F | W | S | Su | Description | Preparatory | Faculty | Days of Week | Multiple Standings | Start Quarters |
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Chemistry for Everyone
Peter Pessiki |
Course | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 2 | 02 | Evening | WWinter | Through a series of learning experiences, this course will relate chemistry to everyday life in a manner suited for those with no science background. Learning experiences will focus on the states of matter, ionic bonding, and energy. Each learning experience will consist of lectures, workshops, presentations, labs, and discussions. All students will be given the opportunity to make physical measurements, handle chemicals and glassware, perform chemical reactions, and learn how to put a calculator to use. | Peter Pessiki | Mon | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | ||||
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Chemistry for Everyone (A)
Peter Pessiki |
Course | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 2 | 02 | Evening | SSpring | Through a series of learning experiences, this course will relate chemistry to everyday life in a manner suited for those with no science background. Learning experiences will focus on organic chemistry. Every learning experience might consist of lectures, workshops and labs. Students will be given the opportunity to handle glassware and chemicals, distill essential oils, and perform some organic synthesis. | Peter Pessiki | Mon | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
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Chemistry for Everyone (B)
Peter Pessiki |
Course | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 2 | 02 | Evening | SSpring | Through a series of learning experiences, this course will relate chemistry to everyday life in a manner suited for those with no science background. Learning experiences will focus on organic chemistry. Every learning experience might consist of lectures, workshops and labs. Students will be given the opportunity to handle glassware and chemicals, distill essential oils, and perform some organic synthesis. | Peter Pessiki | Mon | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
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Chemistry of the Body
Rebecca Sunderman |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 8 | 08 | Day | SuSummer | Your body is a chemical factory. In this program we will explore several of these chemical systems including biochemical families, vitamin uptake and storage, blood chemistry, and immunochemistry. No previous science courses are required, but do come ready to explore the amazing world of chemistry within the human body. | health-related fields, teaching, chemistry, nutrition | Rebecca Sunderman | Tue Thu | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Summer | |||
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Creative Environments: Shelter and Movement
Robert Knapp architecture chemistry community studies environmental studies physics sustainability studies |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | The faculty of the Creative Environments programs have joined together to offer in fall quarter and in winter and spring. Please refer to those program descriptions in the catalog for more information. | applied physical sciences, architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, community studies, conceptual architecture, environmental physics, sustainable building and transportation, and sustainability and engineering. Skills include quantitative reasoning, basic drafting, sustainable design methods, group discussion and decision-making. | Robert Knapp | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Environmental Analysis
Clyde Barlow, Carri LeRoy and Abir Biswas chemistry ecology environmental studies Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Well-designed and accurate chemical, ecological and geological measurements are required to conduct baseline assessments of natural ecosystems and determine environmental contamination. The Environmental Analysis program will focus on investigations in ecology supported with analytical chemistry. Instrumental techniques of chemical analysis will be developed in an advanced laboratory. Quality control procedures and technical writing will be emphasized. During fall and winter quarters, topics in freshwater ecology, analytical chemistry, GIS, statistics and instrumental methods of chemical analysis will be addressed. Students will participate in group projects studying water quality, trophic structure, organic matter and nutrient cycling processes of local watersheds. Analytical procedures based on EPA, USGS and other guidelines will be utilized to measure major and trace anion and cation concentrations, to analyze concentrations of species of a single element, and to measure analytes and phytochemicals critical to quantification of leaf-litter decay processes and marine-derived nutrients. Computers and statistical methods will be used extensively for data analysis and simulation as well as for work with GIS. Field trips will expand the diversity of ecosystems examined. Spring quarter will be devoted to extensive project work continuing from fall and winter, and to studies of other lakes and rivers in Washington. Studies of statistics and analytical chemistry will be completed in spring quarter. Presentation of project results in both oral and written form will conclude the year. | analytical chemistry, ecology, environmental analysis, environmental fieldwork, statistics, chemical instrumentation and group projects. | Clyde Barlow Carri LeRoy Abir Biswas | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Food, Health and Sustainability
Amy Cook, David Shaw, James Neitzel and Martha Rosemeyer agriculture biology chemistry ecology environmental studies sustainability studies Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | What should we eat? What is the difference between conventional and organic foods? Why is there an outcry over genetically modified foods? What is local food? Why does journalist Michael Pollan call this the American "Age of Nutritionism?" Why is there hunger? This program takes a scientific approach to food and cooking. Topics span a broad range, from molecular biology to ecology of agriculture and marine foodstuffs. We'll examine the coevolution of humans and food, Pacific Northwest Native foodways, the connection between diet and health, and the transformation of food through the processes of cooking, baking and fermentation. Throughout history, food and cooking have not only been essential for human sustenance, but have played a central role in economic and cultural life. This interdisciplinary exploration of the biology and chemistry of food takes a broad ecological systems approach, while also incorporating political, historical, cultural and anthropological perspectives. Structural issues of food security and sovereignty both local and global will also be explored. Students will directly apply major concepts learned in lectures to experiments in the laboratory and kitchen. Field trips will provide opportunities for observing food production and processing in the local community, as well as edible landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Workshops and seminar discussions will focus on topics addressed by such authors as Michael Pollan, Gary Paul Nabhan and Harold McGee. Fall quarter focuses on the production of foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, fish and shellfish. We'll explore the biochemistry of food, beginning with basic chemical concepts, before moving onto the structure of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. We'll also consider the role of evolution in the selection of plant and animal species used as food by different human populations, as well as systems of Native American Pacific Northwest coastal food procurement and production. Winter quarter concentrates on cooking and nutrition. We will study food quality issues, and examine what happens at a biochemical and biophysical level during the process of cooking and processing. We will discuss how factors like nutritional content, heavy metal, and parasite and pesticide contamination affect food quality. We explore how our bodies digest and recover nutrients, and consider the physiological roles of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as the complex relationship between diet, disease and genetics. Finally, we will study the physiology of taste and smell, critical for the appreciation of food. Spring quarter focuses on the biochemistry of fermentation, and the production microbiology and chemistry of fermented foods. Specific topics include yeast varieties (e.g., "killer yeast"); bacterial, yeast, and mixed fermentations (e.g., malolactic fermentation, lambic fermentation); and aging and extraction methods. | the biological fields, including ecological agriculture, ecology, biochemistry, nutrition, food science, and food and agriculture policy. | Amy Cook David Shaw James Neitzel Martha Rosemeyer | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Forensics and Criminal Behavior
Rebecca Sunderman, Andrew Brabban and Toska Olson biochemistry biology chemistry communications mathematics sociology |
Program | FR - SOFreshmen - Sophomore | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Why is crime such a central focus in modern American society? How is a crime scene analyzed? How are crimes solved? How can we prevent violent crime and murder? This program will integrate sociological and forensic science perspectives to investigate crime and societal responses to it. We will explore how social and cultural factors including race, class and gender are associated with crime and criminal behavior. In addition, we will consider theories of criminology and deviant behavior, and will explore how social scientists can help identify offenders through criminal profiling and forensic psychology. Through our forensics investigations, we will examine subjects including biology, chemistry, geology, odontology, osteology, pathology and physics. We will study evidentiary techniques for crime scene analysis, such as the examination of fingerprints, DNA, blood spatter, fibers, glass fractures and fragments, hairs, ballistics, teeth, bones and body remains. This program will utilize hands-on laboratory and field approaches to the scientific methods used in crime scene investigation. Students will learn to apply analytical, quantitative and qualitative skills to collect and interpret evidence. Students can expect seminars, labs, lectures, guest speakers and workshops along with both individual and group project work. | criminalistics, criminology, education, forensic science, science, and sociology. | Rebecca Sunderman Andrew Brabban Toska Olson | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO | Fall | ||
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Foundations of Health Science
Kevin Francis, Michael Paros and Paula Schofield biochemistry biology chemistry health history philosophy of science Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | This program takes an integrated and thematic approach to the health sciences, exploring introductory concepts in biology and chemistry with a focus on health, medicine and disease. It is designed for students contemplating work in a healthcare field who want to learn about how the body functions on a macroscopic, microscopic and molecular level, as well as students interested in public health or public policy who want a solid foundation in biology and chemistry. It is also suitable for students who seek an opportunity to study rigorous science as part of a liberal arts education. Our organizational framework is a systematic examination of diseases that have a large impact on global health, based on the World Health Organization's list of the top ten causes of death. We will study cancer, maternal health and perinatal conditions in fall quarter; infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and influenza in winter quarter; and cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and depression in spring quarter. Within this framework, students will explore basic chemical and biological concepts, as well as the role of the pharmaceutical industry in society and the role of the FDA in clinical drug testing. Students will also explore ethical, historical and public policy questions raised by each disease. Class activities will include significant laboratory and instrumentation work, lectures, workshops, seminars, group projects, textbook assignments and case studies. This program will develop critical scientific reasoning and quantitative skills. Communication skills, both written and oral, will also be emphasized. Students will work on their techniques of argumentative and scientific writing through essays, lab notebooks and reports, and participation in a writing workshop. Students will gain the hands-on skills that are essential for working in the health sciences. There will also be opportunities to carry out lab-based projects in spring quarter. This program will link students with clinics, hospitals, government public health departments or other health-related organizations for volunteer service. During fall quarter, students will select and research the work of a local agency. They will then design a part-time internship that allows them to contribute to the work of this organization throughout winter quarter. Completion of this program will give students many of the prerequisites they need for careers in the allied health fields and public health, as well as preparation for further upper division study in biology and chemistry. | biology, bioethics, chemistry, education, epidemiology, genetics, health sciences, history of medicine, immunology, medicine, nutrition, physiology and anatomy, and public health. | Kevin Francis Michael Paros Paula Schofield | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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General Chemistry
Peter Pessiki |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 8 | 08 | Evening | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | This three-quarter program in general chemistry provides prerequisites for many studies in science, health, and medicine as well as basic laboratory science for students seeking a well-rounded liberal arts education. Emphasis in fall quarter will be placed on calculations involving conversions, molar quantities, and thermodynamics. Understanding atoms in terms of subatomic particles, chemical reactivity of inorganic compounds, and the gas laws will also be covered. We will end with an in-depth investigation of atomic structure and periodicity. In the laboratory, students will routinely utilize a variety of scientific glassware and equipment and be taught how to handle chemicals safely. Students will also learn to be observant of chemical changes and to make precise physical measurements. Relevant scientific literature is introduced and often used to retrieve needed physical data. Winter quarter will start with a thorough investigation of how atoms unite to form molecules with a focus on covalent bonding. Next we will focus on the role of intermolecular forces in liquids and solids. This will be followed by chemical kinetics and an in-depth investigation of equilibrium. We will end the quarter with an introduction to acid base chemistry. Labs will include titrations, crystal growth, pH titrations, and absorption spectroscopy. An introduction to chemical instrumentation will be incorporated into lab exercises, and students will be required to utilize chemical drawing programs. Spring quarter will continue with acid base chemistry, pH, and polyprotic acids. Next we will look at buffers and complex ion equilibria. We then will cover entropy and free energy followed by an introduction to electrochemistry and electrochemical cells. Our final few weeks will be spent investigating a wide range of topics including transition metals and the crystal field model, nuclear chemistry, and other selected topics. The lab portion of the class will include buffer making, electrochemical measurements, and the use of ion exchange columns. In addition, students will be expected to partake in the on-campus Science Carnival as well as attend a locally held science conference. | science and medicine. | Peter Pessiki | Tue Thu | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |
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Introduction to Natural Science: Life on Earth
Dharshi Bopegedera, Clarissa Dirks and Christopher Coughenour Signature Required: Winter |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | The origin and evolution of life on Earth, along with changes in Earth itself, have been sources of fascination and controversy. This yearlong interdisciplinary program will examine significant events in the history of life, and the large-scale geologic changes that have occurred in Earth's history, to provide a conceptual and experimental introduction to natural science. This approach will include the cycles and transformations of matter and energy in living and nonliving systems, affording an opportunity to gain an understanding of biological and physical Earth processes on a variety of scales. Students will engage these themes using an experimental approach to develop critical and quantitative reasoning skills. Fall quarter will introduce students to fundamental principles in geology, chemistry and biology by studying early Earth history. In winter quarter, we will continue to move forward in geologic time, providing students an opportunity to apply their knowledge while adding layers of complexity to their investigations. In spring quarter, students will use this background to engage in projects. Field trips will provide opportunities for students to experience the natural world using skills they learned in the program. Each quarter, program activities will include: lectures, small group problem-solving workshops, laboratories, field trips and seminars. Seminar readings and discussions will be spread across the history, philosophy and contemporary applications of science. During spring quarter there will be an opportunity for small groups of students to conduct scientific investigations. Students will learn to describe their work through report writing and public presentations. This program is designed for students who want to take their first year of college science using an interdisciplinary framework. It will be a rigorous program, requiring a serious commitment of time and effort. Overall, we expect students to end the program in the spring with a solid working knowledge of scientific and mathematical concepts, and with the ability to reason critically and solve problems. Students will also gain a strong appreciation of the interconnectedness of biological and physical systems, and an ability to apply this knowledge to complex problems. | biology, chemistry, environmental studies, geology, and health professions. | Dharshi Bopegedera Clarissa Dirks Christopher Coughenour | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Molecule to Organism
Benjamin Simon, Lydia McKinstry and Maria Bastaki biochemistry biology chemistry Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | This yearlong program develops and interrelates concepts in advanced laboratory-based science, thus providing a foundation for students who plan to continue studies in chemistry, biology (field or laboratory), and/or medicine. Students will carry out upper-division work in biochemistry, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, and organic chemistry. Students who remain enrolled in the entire program for all three quarters can earn up to 48 credits of upper-division science. The program examines the subject matter through the central idea of the interrelatedness of structure and function, integrating two themes; one at the level and the other at the level. In the theme, we start with cellular biology and microbiology and proceed to the whole organism. We examine structure/function relationships at each level of increasing complexity. In the theme, we examine the nature of organic compounds and organic reactions, and carry this theme into biochemistry and the fundamental chemical reactions of living systems. As the year progresses, the two themes continually merge through studies of cellular and molecular processes in biological systems. Program activities include lecture, laboratory and collaborative problem-solving workshops. Each area of study will contain a significant laboratory component emphasizing bench skills and instrumentation. Students will be expected to write papers and maintain laboratory notebooks. All laboratory work, and approximately half of the non-lecture time will be spent working in collaborative groups. Group work will also include reading scientific literature and discussion of topics of current or historical significance in science. This is an intensive science program; the subjects are complex, and the sophisticated understanding we expect to develop will require students to work for many hours each week, both in and out of class. | biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, dentistry, medicine, microbiology, naturopathy, optometry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. | Benjamin Simon Lydia McKinstry Maria Bastaki | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Organic Chemistry
Peter Pessiki |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 4, 8, 12 | 04 08 12 | Day | SuSummer | This upper-division program provides 8 credits of lecture and 4 credits of lab. Lectures will begin with an overview of the chemical bonding theories relevant to organic molecules. Reactivity, preparation, and physical properties of organic compounds will be the bulk of the lecture material that follows, with an emphasis on functional groups that are relevant to biological systems. Organic reagents, reaction mechanisms, acid-base chemistry and stereochemistry will also be covered. The theory of NMR, IR and absorption spectroscopy will be incorporated into lecture In lab, students will perform experiments utilizing techniques such as pH dependent extractions, fractional and steam distillations, and column chromatography. Opportunity to operate refractometers and GC instrumentation interfaced with computers will be made available. Natural product isolation and some synthesis will be performed. An introduction to the scientific literature/resources and LD-50 values will be incorporated into the lab and a lab notebook will be expected. Advanced natural product isolation is possible. Students registering for 12 credits will attend lecture and lab. Students may register for 8 credits to only attend lecture, and a limited number of 4-credit registrations may be available for students who only want to perform lab work. | chemisty, medicine, physical sciences, education | Peter Pessiki | Mon Tue Wed Thu | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Summer | |||
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Science for Elementary Educators
Andrew Gilbert and Carolyn Prouty |
Course | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 6 | 06 | Day | SuSummer | This is a general science course designed to meet the science content needs of both current and future elementary school teachers. The course will provide a broad array of science content geared toward the Washington State Academic Standards for science teachers (grades K-6). Topics will include: Earth/Space Science, Physical Science, Life Science and the Nature of Science with special attention paid to systems and sustainability. Open to pre-service and in-service teachers, and other interested education professionals. | elementary science education | Andrew Gilbert Carolyn Prouty | Tue Wed Thu | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Summer | |||
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Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with C. Barlow
Clyde Barlow Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (chemistry) works with biophysical applications of spectroscopy to study physiological processes at the organ level, with direct applications to health problems. Students with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer science can obtain practical experience in applying their backgrounds to biomedical research problems in an interdisciplinary laboratory environment. | Clyde Barlow | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with C. Coughenour
Christopher Coughenour Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (geology) invites students to research sediment dynamics of intertidal areas of south Puget Sound estuaries. The mudflats of the southern inlets within Puget Sound offer accessible natural laboratories in which interested students can study and learn some of the methods of physical estuarine science. This research may be approached from several perspectives, depending on the student's background and interests. One possiblity is to analyze sediment transport and depositional dynamics, whereby flow conditions and sedimentation are closely monitored over a period of weeks or months. Another option would be to analyze the sediment budget of the south Sound and attempt to discern seasonal variation in sediment transport and, perhaps, sediment texture. Either of the outlined options could be related to environmental/ecological analyses with further inspection of mineral/nutrient transport or other methods developed with the student. | geology. | Christopher Coughenour | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with D. Bopegedera
Dharshi Bopegedera Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (chemistry) would like to engage students in two projects: 1) quantitative determination of metals in the stalactites formed in aging concrete using ICP-MS and 2) science and education. Students who are interested in learning about the ICP-MS technique and using it for quantitative analysis will find the first project interesting. Students who have an interest in teaching science and who have completed general chemistry with laboratory would be ideal for the second project. We will work with local teachers to develop lab activities that enhance the science curriculum in local schools. | Dharshi Bopegedera | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with L. McKinstry
Lydia McKinstry Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (organic chemistry) is interested in organic synthesis research, including asymmetric synthesis methodology, chemical reaction dynamics and small molecule synthesis. One specific study involves the design and synthesis of enzyme inhibitor molecules to be used as effective laboratory tools with which to study the mechanistic steps of programmed cell death (e.g. in cancer cells). Students with a background in organic chemistry and biology will gain experience with the laboratory techniques of organic synthesis as well as the techniques of spectroscopy. | chemistry, health sciences. | Lydia McKinstry | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with P. Schofield
Paula Schofield Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (organic, polymer, materials chemistry) is interested in the interdisciplinary fields of biodegradable plastics and biomedical polymers. Research in the field of biodegradable plastics is becoming increasingly important to replace current petroleum-derived materials, and to reduce the environmental impact of plastic wastes. Modification of starch through copolymerization and use of bacterial polyesters show promise in this endeavor. Specific projects within biomedical polymers involve the synthesis of poly (lactic acid) copolymers that have potential for use in tissue engineering. Students with a background in chemistry and biology will gain experience in the synthesis and characterization of these novel polymer materials. Students will present their work at American Chemical Society (ACS) conferences. | Paula Schofield | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with R. Sunderman
Rebecca Sunderman Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (inorganic/materials chemistry and physical chemistry) is interested in the synthesis and property characterization of new bismuth-containing materials. These compounds have been characterized as electronic conductors, attractive activators for luminescent materials, second harmonic generators and oxidation catalysts for several organic compounds. Traditional solid-state synthesis methods will be utilized to prepare new complex bismuth oxides. Once synthesized, powder x-ray diffraction patterns will be obtained and material properties such as conductivity, melting point, biocidal tendency, coherent light production and magnetic behavior will be examined when appropriate. | Rebecca Sunderman | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Undergraduate Research: Organic Chemistry
Lydia McKinstry Signature Required: Summer |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day, Evening and Weekend | SuSummer | This program is intended for students with a solid foundation and interest in organic chemistry. The overall goal is to offer a research opportunity where students can gain real, hands-on experience with advanced chemical research techniques and methods. Students will develop their skills in the theory and practice of advanced organic synthesis by working in apprenticeship with chemistry faculty on an ongoing faculty-designed research project or on a student-designed research project. This laboratory-based work may involve complex reaction techniques including the handling of air- and moisture-sensitive reagents, chromatography, and application of instrumental analysis techniques in the characterization of synthesized compounds. The analytical instrumentation used may include the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), the infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and the nuclear magnetic resonance (FT-NMR) spectrometer. | Lydia McKinstry | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Summer |