Faculty of Arts & Science 2012-2013 Calendar

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Chemistry

Faculty

Chemistry is a challenging intellectual pursuit and a dominant force in shaping our civilization. Chemistry places strong emphasis on an understanding of the structures and properties of individual atoms and molecules, and on using this understanding to interpret and predict the behaviour of matter. Many of the concepts of physics, and the methods of mathematics, are basic to chemistry. Chemistry is of fundamental importance to many other subjects including astrophysics, biological sciences, environmental science, geology, materials science, and medical sciences. These and other aspects of the subject are reflected in the courses offered, and the programs recommended by the Department.

The Department has made extensive changes to its course and program offerings in the last few years. These changes included a revision of first year courses, substantial modifications to later-year courses, the introduction of updated specialist programs in Biological Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry, and brand-new programs in Molecular Biophysics and Synthetic & Catalytic Chemistry. Opportunity also exists to undertake a Nanoscience minor in collaboration with the National University of Singapore.

Students can choose between two first year options according to their intended area of specialization.

CHM151Y1 is the course that is strongly recommended for all students who will be following one of the specialist programs involving chemistry, including Biological Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry or who will be including a substantial amount of chemistry in their degree (such as those following a chemistry major program). CHM151Y1 features a unique Course Community which significantly supports and enhances the student learning experience.

The combination of CHM138H1 and CHM139H1 is recommended for students who intend to take programs in the Life or Health Sciences that do not require a large amount of chemistry. These courses may be taken in any order, and not in the same session.

The outlines of these first year courses, together with those for later-year offerings, are shown in this Calendar. More detailed information is available from the Department, and is posted at www.chem.utoronto.ca/undergrad/courseinfo.php.

Students who are following programs that contain a substantial number of chemistry courses are strongly advised to take courses in the proper year (i.e. 200-series in second year, etc.). Following the correct sequence will enhance the level and balance of preparation for all later year courses, and timetable conflicts will be avoided.

Students whose current programs may be affected by the introduction of new or revised chemistry courses are advised to consult the Department at the earliest possible opportunity.

Students requiring more information about Chemistry programs and courses are invited to visit or phone the Undergraduate Office, Lash Miller Chemical Laboratories, Room 151 (416-978-6033).

Chemistry Programs

Consult Professor G. A. Woolley, Department of Chemistry.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)

First Year: BIO120H1/BIO150Y1, BIO130H1; CHM151Y1 (strongly recommended)/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/ MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1

First or Second Year: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second and Higher Years:

1. BCH210H1; BIO230H1/BIO250Y1/(BIO240H1, BIO241H1); CHM217H1, CHM225Y1/(CHM220H1, CHM221H1), CHM238Y1, (CHM249H1 strongly recommended)/CHM247H1
2. CHM347H1, CHM348H1, CHM379H1.
3. At least one of the following: CHM317H1, CHM327H1, CHM338H1, CHM343H1, CHM410H1, CHM499Y1
4. Further 300/400-series courses in BCH or CHM, including CHM437H1, CHM447H1, and CHM479H1 to make a total of 14 full courses. CSB450H1 is also acceptable.

Consult Professor J. Schofield, Department of Chemistry.

Chemical Physics aims to explain structure and dynamics of molecular and bulk systems in terms of atomic and molecular interactions.  Sub-disciplines and specialized topics include reaction dynamics, spectroscopy, optical control of molecular processes, nanoscale science, surface chemistry, theoretical and experimental studies of soft systems (polymers, liquids, biological systems), quantum control and quantum information sicences.  The Chemical Physics program will provide students with a solid grounding in physical chemistry, and will prepare students for careers in experimental and theoretical physical sicences, in academia or in reseach development for companies.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 1.5 400-series courses)

First Year: (CHM151Y1 strongly recommended)/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1), MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1; PHY140Y1/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Higher Years:

1. APM346H1; CHM225Y1, CHM326H1, CHM327H1, CHM328H1; MAT223H1/MAT240H1, MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1, MAT244H1, MAT334H1; PHY250H1/PHY251H1, PHY254H1/PHY255H1, PHY354H1/PHY351H1, PHY350H1/PHY352H1; CHM423H1/(PHY355H1/PHY356H1, PHY456H1/PHY457H1)
2. Two full course equivalents from CHM217H1, CHM238Y1, (CHM249H1 strongly recommended)/CHM247H1, CHM310H1, CHM317H1, CHM338H1, CHM348H1, CHM415H1
3. Further 400-series half-courses in CHM/PHY to make a total of 14 full courses

Consult Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, Department of Chemistry.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)

First Year: (CHM151Y1 strongly recommended)/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second Year: CHM217H1, CHM225Y1/(CHM220H1 with minimum grade of B, CHM221H1), CHM238Y1, CHM249H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1

Third and Fourth Years:

1. BCH210H1, CHM326H1/CHM328H1, CHM327H1
2. Further 300/400-level full course equivalents in CHM/MAT/another science, including at least three of CHM317H1, CHM338H1, CHM343H1, CHM379H1, CHM410H1, CHM499Y1 and at least three 400-level CHM full course equivalents to make a total of 14 full courses.

Consult Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, Department of Chemistry.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(8 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one CHM half course equivalent at the 400-level)

First Year: (CHM151Y1 strongly recommended)/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1

Second Year: At least two of CHM217H1, CHM220H1/CHM225Y1, CHM238Y1, (CHM249H1 strongly recommended)/CHM247H1

Third Year: At least two of CHM317H1, CHM327H1, CHM338H1, CHM343H1, CHM348H1, CHM379H1

Fourth Year: Further 200/300/400-level CHM courses to make a total of seven CHM full course equivalents (CHM299Y1 excluded)

Consult Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, Department of Chemistry.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(4 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one CHM full-course equivalent at the 300+ level)

First Year: CHM151Y1/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1)

Second Year: At least one of CHM217H1, CHM220H1/CHM225Y1, CHM238Y1, (CHM249H1 strongly recommended)/CHM247H1

Third Year: At least one of CHM317H1, CHM327H1, CHM338H1, CHM343H1, CHM348H1, CHM379H1

Fourth Year: Further 200/300/400-level CHM courses to make a total of four CHM full course equivalents (CHM299Y1 excluded)

Consult Professor J. Murphy, Department of Chemistry (416-946-0260 or jmurphy@chem.utoronto.ca)

(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

Jointly sponsored by the Centre for Environment and the Department of Chemistry, this program focuses on analytical theory, instrumentation and methodological aspects of organic and inorganic contaminants in soil, water, air and biological tissues.

Students must complete at least 4 FCEs before enrolling in this Type 1 program.

First Year: (BIO120H1, BIO130H1/BIO220H1)/BIO150Y1; CHM151Y1 (strongly recommended)/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/ MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1

First or Second Year: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second and Higher Years:

1. CHM217H1, CHM225Y1/(CHM220H1, CHM221H1), CHM238Y1, CHM247H1/CHM249H1; (CHM210H1, ENV235H1)/ENV235Y1; STA220H1/GGR272H1
2. CHM310H1, CHM410H1, CHM415H1; ENV234H1, (ENV221H1,ENV222H1/GGR222H1)/ENV222Y1/GGR222Y1, ENV334H1/ENV341H1/ENV346H1
3. One additional FCE from 300/400-series CHM courses
4. ENV421H1/CHM499Y1/CHM398H0 (in areas relevant to the program, to be approved by the Department)
5. Further courses from any 300/400 series courses with DR=SCI, BR=4 or BR=5 such that the total FCE for the specialist is 14.

Note 1: ENV235Y1 counts as both CHM210H1 and ENV235H1

Consult Professor J. Murphy, Department of Chemistry

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(4 full courses or their equivalent; must include at least one full-course equivalent at the 300+-level)

Environmental chemistry is the study of the chemical impacts of humankind’s activities on the soil, air, and water. This minor provides a balanced fundamental background in chemistry as well as an introduction to the major issues associated with environmental chemistry.

1. (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1
2. One full course equivalent from CHM217H1, (CHM220H1, CHM221H1)/CHM225Y1, CHM238Y1, CHM247H1/CHM249H1
3. ENV235Y1/CHM210H1
4. CHM310H1, and any two of CHM317H1, CHM410H1, CHM415H1

Consult Professor. R. Batey, Department of Chemistry.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(14 full courses or their equivalent)

This program focuses on the fundamentals and practical aspects of modern synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry, and the understanding and applications of catalytic reactions. The program will prepare students for career paths as synthetic / discovery chemists, in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biomedical, crop protection, materials and related sectors, or for academic research and teaching positions.

First Year: (CHM151Y1 strongly recommended)/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY138Y1/140Y1/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second and Higher Years:

1. BCH210H1, CHM217H1, CHM225Y1/(CHM220H1 with minimum grade of B, CHM221H1), CHM238Y1, (CHM249H1 strongly recommended)/CHM247H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1
2. CHM317H1, CHM338H1, CHM342H1, CHM343H1, CHM347H1, CHM348H1.
3. CHM432H1, CHM440H1, CHM441H1, CHM443H1.
4. CHM499Y1 and/or CHM398H0 in areas relevant to the program (to be approved by the Department)
5. Further 300/400-series courses in CHM, including CHM325H1, CHM328H1, CHM379H1, CHM416H1, 421H1, CHM434H1, CHM437H1, CHM447H1 and CHM479H1 to make a total of 14 full courses.

This Type 3 minor program represents a unique opportunity to study geography in a different cultural environment. For more information, contact the Undergraduate Office (LM 151, 416-978-6033, undergrd@chem.utoronto.ca), and the Centre for International Experience (CIE, www.cie.utoronto.ca).

(4 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one CHM full-course equivalent at the 300+ level)

1. CHM151Y1/CHM139H1, PHY140Y1/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)
2. NUS227H0, NUS228H0, NUS328H0, NUS398H0*
3. Further CHM courses to make a total of four full course equivalents

*NUS courses must be taken at the National University of Singapore during either the Winter session of second year studies or the Winter session of third year studies.

Chemistry Courses

Students are introduced to fundamental principles of physics and chemistry important to the nanoscale. Some basic physical tools that can be used to explore structures at this length scale are discussed. Linkages between the fundamental sciences and practical applications in nanotechnology are also made.

Topics discussed include microwave spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, electron and nuclear spin resonance spectroscopy. The fundamental principles such as energy quantization, rigid rotors and harmonic oscillators are discussed, the techniques and instrumentation are studied, and the practical applications are emphasized.

The synthesis, characterisation and application of nanostructures using chemical routes, incorporating various concepts from colloidal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry and electrochemistry. Applications of nanostructures such as quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanorods and nanowires in the areas of biosensors, bioimaging, LEDs and photonic crystals are highlighted.

An experimental or theoretical research problem in nanoscience under the supervision of a faculty member.

The 199Y1 and 199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details here.

An introduction to chemistry and chemical principles for non-scientists, with a focus on the chemistry and biology of organic molecules. The myriad roles these compounds play in our lives are discussed, including their use of pheromones, medicines and weapons, and their effect on colour, taste and smell.

An introduction to principles of structure and their relation to reactivity of organic molecules: molecular structure, stereochemistry, functional groups, and reactions. Recommended for students in life and health science programs that involve a small amount of chemistry

NOTE: CHM138H1 AND CHM139H1 may be taken in either order, but not both in the same session.

Structure of matter, gases, liquids and solids; phase equilibria and phase diagrams; colligative properties; chemical equilibria; electrolyte solutions and electrochemistry; reaction kinetics; introduction to thermodynamics. Recommended for students in life and health science programs that involve a small amount of chemistry

NOTE: CHM138H1 AND CHM139H1 may be taken in either order, but not both in the same session.

An introduction to the major areas of modern chemistry, including organic and biological chemistry; physical chemistry and chemical physics; and inorganic/materials chemistry. The course is intended for students who will be following one of the chemistry specialist programs (including Biological Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry) or who will be including a substantial amount of chemistry in their degree (such as those following a chemistry major program). The combination of CHM151Y1 and CHM249H1 serves as a full year introductory course in organic chemistry with laboratory.

Note: CHM151Y1 has a unique Course Community where the undergraduate experience in chemistry is greatly enhanced through a series of workshops, research seminars, tours, outreach opportunities and social activities. Two hour biweekly Course Community meetings, during laboratory class hours will alternate weeks with the CHM151Y1 lab classes. The lab time is reserved for CHM151Y1 activities every week of each semester.

Examines the fundamental chemical processes of the Earth’s natural environment, and changes induced by human activity. Topics relate to the atmosphere: urban air pollution, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain; the hydrosphere: water resources and pollution, wastewater analysis; biogeochemistry and inorganic metals in the environment.

Introduction to the science of chemical measurement, from sampling through analysis to the interpretation of results, including how water, food products, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements are analysed for content, quality, and potential contaminants. Also how to interpret experimental measurements, compare results and procedures, and calibrate analytical instrumentation. Through closely integrated lectures, laboratories, and tutorials, this highly practical course introduces a variety of analytical techniques including volumetric methods, potentiometry, uv/visible and infrared spectrophotometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and chromatography.

Introduction to thermodynamics; kinetics; phase equilibrium, properties of mixtures, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry; introduction to quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. This course is recommended for students in life and health science programs that involve a small amount of chemistry. Students enrolled in any chemistry specialist program (including Biological Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry) or who will be including a substantial amount of chemistry in their degree (such as those following a chemistry major program), are strongly encouraged to take CHM225Y1.

A continuation of CHM220H1 for students wishing to take some additional material in Physical Chemistry. The course covers topics in quantum mechanics and spectroscopy as well as an introduction to reaction kinetics.

Topics: introductory thermodynamics, first and second law and applications; chemical equilibrium; chemical kinetics; introductory quantum mechanics; spectroscopy. The course is intended for students who will be following one of the chemistry specialist programs (including Biological Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry) or who will be including a substantial amount of chemistry in their degree (such as those following a chemistry major program).

The first part (with CHM338H1) of a two-year sequence in Inorganic Chemistry, designed to illustrate and systematize the rich variety of structures, physical properties and reactions of compounds of the elements across and down the Periodic Table. Introduction to structure, symmetry and bonding of molecules and lattices; acid-base and redox reactions; d-metal complexes; chemistry of elements of the s and p blocks; inorganic materials and solid state chemistry with applications in advanced technologies.

Reactions of organic compounds. Principles of mechanism, synthesis, and spectroscopy, continuing from CHM138H1. This course is recommended for students in life and health science programs that involve a small amount of chemistry. Students enrolled in any chemistry specialist program (including Biological Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry) or who will be including a substantial amount of chemistry in their degree (such as those following a chemistry major program) are strongly encouraged to take CHM249H1.

An introductory course in organic chemistry, based around the themes of structure, bonding, reaction mechanism and synthesis. Reactions are discussed with a view to understanding mechanism and how they are useful in the multi-step synthesis of medicinally and industrially important compounds. An introduction to the spectroscopy of organic molecules is also given, as well as discussion of topics relating to the biological behaviour of organic molecules and medicinal chemistry. This course continues from CHM151Y1 or CHM138H1 and is designed for students in the chemistry specialist and major programs. This course is highly recommended for students in the Biological Chemistry program.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details here.

Fundamental principles and practices in education and public outreach in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering, including education research, curriculum, teaching, and assessment.  Students will learn and apply effective strategies which engage and educate learners at the K-16 and public level.  The course assignments include a project and/or placement experience.

This course considers carbon-containing molecules in the environment from a variety of perspectives: the carbon cycle, climate change and ocean acidification; fossil fuels and alternative energy sources; and the partitioning and degradation pathways of organic chemicals.

Scope of instrumental analytical chemistry; Fourier transform IR absorption spectroscopy; molecular luminescence; emission spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; sensors; gas and high performance liquid chromatography; instrument design principles and applications in industry and the environment.

Fashioned to illustrate how inorganic and polymer materials chemistry can be rationally used to synthesize superconductors, metals, semiconductors, ceramics, elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets and polymer liquid crystals, with properties that can be tailored for applications in a range of advanced technologies. Coverage is fairly broad and is organized to crosscut many aspects of the field. 

This course introduces the postulates of quantum mechanics to develop the fundamental framework of quantum theory. A number of exactly soluble problems are treated in detail as examples. Perturbation theory is introduced in the context of understanding many body problems. Various applications to chemical bonding and molecular spectroscopy are covered in detail.

Students are exposed to experiments to help them experience modern physical chemistry. Labs designed to illustrate physical chemistry principles and practical techniques as well as their real world state of the art applications. The course also involves some lecture material to broaden the laboratory experience.

This course explores the microscopic description of macroscopic phenomena in chemistry. Statistical mechanics is introduced as the bridge between the microscopic and macroscopic views, and applied to a variety of chemical problems including reaction dynamics. More advanced topics in thermodynamics are introduced and discussed as required.

Further study of the structures, physical properties and reactions of compounds and transition metals. Introductions to spectroscopy and structural analysis, reaction mechanisms, d- block organometallic compounds, catalysis, and bioinorganic chemistry. The weekly laboratory demonstrates aspects of transition metal chemistry. 

An overview of the preparation of various classes of organic compounds. Strategies and tactics of synthetic organic chemistry using examples from natural products and pharmaceuticals. C-C bond formation, functional group reactivity, structure, stereochemistry and selectivity.

This laboratory course showcases modern organic synthesis techniques and introduces chemical research principles. It provides excellent preparation for a CHM499Y1 project in organic chemistry. Associated lectures teach theory and problem-solving approaches from a practical perspective.

An organic chemical approach to the structure and reactions of major classes of biological molecules: carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides and proteins, phosphates, lipids, heterocycles, vitamins, nucleotides and polynucleotides. This is achieved through studies of advanced stereochemistry, chemical modification, reactions and synthesis. In addition to lectures and reading from texts, there will be opportunities for independent written assignments on several of the topics.

Principles and methods of analyzing and predicting organic chemical reactivity: advanced stereochemistry, conformational analysis, molecular orbitals, reaction kinetics, isotope effects, linear free energy relationships, orbital transformations, systematization of mechanisms. The laboratory section is used to illustrate the operation of the principles, including examples of data acquisition for mechanistic analysis and theoretical computations.  Regular original reports on methods and outcomes are an important part of the laboratory.

This course provides an opportunity to learn core techniques in biological chemistry in a small group laboratory setting. Lectures will discuss the theory behind the techniques and highlight how they are used in current biological chemistry research and practice.

Course credit for research or field studies abroad under the supervision of a faculty member.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details here.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details here.

An analytical theory, instrumental, and methodology course focused on the measurement of pollutants in soil, water, air, and biological tissues and the determination of physical/chemical properties including vapour pressure, degradation rates, partitioning. Lab experiments involve application of theory.

The development, design, and operation of biosensors and chemical sensors, including: biosensor technology, transducer theory and operation, device design and fabrication, surface modification and methods of surface analysis, flow injection analysis and chemometrics.

This course builds upon the introductory understanding of atmospheric chemistry provided in CHM210H. In particular, modern research topics in the field are discussed, such as aerosol chemistry and formation mechanisms, tropospheric halogen chemistry, the chemistry of climate including cloud formation and geoengineering, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, the chemistry of remote environments, air pollution health effects. Reading is from the scientific literature; class discussion and presentations are emphasized.

Prerequisite: (CHM220H1/CHM225Y1),CHM210H1
Recommended Preparation: PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1/(PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

CHM416H1    Separation Science[24L]

Principles of separation in analytical chemistry. Fractionation processes and solvent extractions; theory of chromatography, retention time, column efficiency and resolution. Principles of gas-liquid chromatography; instrumentation for gas chromatography. High performance liquid chromatography - practice and equipment design. Ion exchange, size-exclusion and affinity chromatography. Electrophoretic techniques.

This course provides an introduction to building and using optics- and electronics-based instrumentation for laboratory research, as well as for implementing custom software control. Lecture topics include passive electronic components, diodes and transistors, operational amplifiers, light sources and detectors, reflectors, refractors, polarizers, and diffractors, LabView programming and many others. Lectures are supplemented by laboratories in which students work in teams to build fluorescent detection systems for chromatography over the course of several weeks.

Applications of time independent and time dependent perturbation theory to atomic and molecular problems, selection of topics from WKB approximation and the classical limit; the interaction of light with matter; elementary atomic scattering theory; molecular bonding.

Scope of polymer chemistry. Classification of polymers. Synthesis and characterization. Polymers in solution. Thermodynamics of polymer solutions and blends, Flory-Huggins theory. Polymers in the solid state. Crystalline and amorphous polymers. Glass transition and melting temperature. Mechanical properties. Polymers as advanced materials.

Ensemble theory in statistical mechanics. Applications, including imperfect gases and liquid theories. Introduction to non-equilibrium problems.

Structure, bonding, and reactions of organometallic compounds, with emphasis on basic mechanisms, and industrial processes. Addition, metalation, elimination, important catalytic cycles, electrophilic, and nucleophilic reactions are considered on a mechanistic basis. Topics on modern organometallic chemistry and catalysis are covered.

A comprehensive investigation of synthetic methods for preparing diverse classes of inorganic materials with properties intentionally tailored for a particular use. Begins with a primer on solid-state materials and electronic band description of solids followed by a survey of archetypical solids that have had a dramatic influence on the materials world, some new developments in materials chemistry and a look at perceived future developments in materials research and technology. Strategies for synthesizing many different classes of materials with intentionally designed structures and compositions, textures and morphologies are then explored in detail emphasizing how to control the relations between structure and property of materials and ultimately function and utility. A number of contemporary issues in materials research are critically evaluated to appreciate recent highlights in the field of materials chemistry - an emerging sub-discipline of chemistry.

This course examines the use of metals in biology. Topics include naturally occurring and medicinal ligands; transport, uptake and control of concentration of metal ions; and physical methods of characterization of metal binding sites. The roles of metal ions in nature are discussed, including as structural and signaling elements in proteins, nucleic acids and DNA-binding complexes and proteins; as Lewis-acid centres in enzymes; as carriers of electrons, atoms and groups in redox proteins and enzymes; and as sources of biominerals; as radiopharmaceuticals.

This course provides an overview of reactions and synthetic strategies that are being used at different stages of the drug development process. Using representative examples from the literature, we will concentrate on synthesis of complex heterocyclic compounds.

Structure and stereochemistry determination using modern spectroscopic techniques. Several techniques are discussed but particular emphasis is given to NMR (1H and 13C NMR) and mass spectrometry. The approach taken emphasizes applications of these spectroscopic methods to organic problems. Students are trained to run their own spectra (IR, UV, NMR, GC-MS).

Noncovalent binding forces, solutions, and molecular recognition. Electronic structure theory and computational techniques. Reaction mechanisms: experimental probes and reactive intermediates, including carbenes and radicals. Photophysics and photochemistry of organic compounds.

This course covers design, synthesis, characterization and application of organic materials. Emphasis is placed on classic examples of organic materials including semiconducting polymers, molecular devices, self-assembled systems, and bioconjugates, as well as recent advances from the literature.

Mechanisms in biochemical systems:  acceleration and specificity, pH-profiles, catalytic properties of active sites, stress and strain, stereochemical considerations, principles of enzyme kinetics, mechanisms of inhibition,  cofactors, mechanistic case studies, ribozymes. The course includes readings from a text and research publications, as well as original critical essays.

An in depth examination of biological systems at the molecular level. Several complex, multi-component molecular machines with a central role in life will be examined. For each system studied, the focus will be on understanding the chemical mechanisms that underlie the biological activities, and how these processes fit into a cellular context.

An experimental or theoretical research problem under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry. Applications for enrolment should be made to the Department in the preceding Winter Session. Projects in the areas of environmental, analytical, physical, inorganic, materials, organic and biological chemistry are offered.