Education
1989 — Doctor of Philosophy from Univ Chicago
1983 — Bachelor of Arts from Williams College
Courses Recently Taught
CHEM 110
Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 110
This course offers an introduction to the chemical basis of environmental issues and the environmental consequences of modern technology, with particular emphasis on air and water pollution. Topics include fossil fuels, nuclear power and solar energy, ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, pollution and toxicology of heavy metals and pesticides, and environmental impact statements. These topics will be developed through lectures, discussions and class demonstrations. This course is required for the Environmental Studies Concentration. No prerequisite. Offered every two years.
CHEM 121
Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 121
This course provides a thorough introduction to the fundamental concepts, theories, and methodologies of chemistry. Topics may include stoichiometry, theories of molecular structure and bonding, the periodic table, acid-base chemistry, chemical equilibria and thermodynamics. This course provides a basis for the further study of chemistry. No prerequiste. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 123
Introductory Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 123
This laboratory course accompanies CHEM 121 and 122 with an introduction to modern experimental chemistry. Laboratory experiments explore inorganic synthesis, molecular structure and properties, and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on laboratory safety, computerized data acquisition and analysis, and the theory of analytical instrumentation. The laboratory work is organized around individual and team projects. Communication skills are developed through proper use of a laboratory notebook. One three-hour laboratory is held per week. Corequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 124
Introductory Chemistry II
CHEM 124
This lecture-discussion course continues the introductory chemistry sequence started in CHEM 121. We will explore the chemical principles of molecular structure, bonding, reactivity, electrochemistry, kinetics and intermolecular forces. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. Offered every spring semester.\n\nBiophysical and Medicinal Chemistry section\nChemical principles are explored in the context of biomolecules and molecular approaches to medicine.\n\nCurrent Topics in Chemistry section\nChemistry principles are explored in the context of current issues in the study or application of chemistry. Topics include sustainability, molecular neuroscience, environmental chemistry, biomedical technology and renewable energy.
CHEM 126
Introductory Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 126
This lab is an experimental course to accompany CHEM 124 or 243. One three-hour laboratory session will be held per week. Juniors and seniors may enroll with permission of department chair. Prerequisite: CHEM 123. Offered every spring semester.\n\nBiophysical and Medicinal Chemistry Lab sections\nLaboratory experiments involve the application of chemical principles and techniques to systems of biological and medicinal importance. Possible experiments include synthesis of aspirin, enzyme kinetics and chromatographic analysis.\n\nNanoscience Lab section\nLaboratory experiments involve the synthesis of functional materials, the analysis of their properties and the assembly of materials into working devices. Possible experiments include making solar cells, synthesis of nanocrystalline materials, quantum dots and an independent project.\n\nSpectroscopic Analysis sections\nLaboratory experiments involve quantitative analysis of materials using molecular spectroscopy, such as NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Possible experiments include identification of pharmaceutical or fragrance mixtures, polymer characterization, determination of equilibrium constants, and testing of food or drug products.
CHEM 335
Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics
CHEM 335
This course presents a study of chemical kinetics and chemical thermodynamics. Specific topics include rate laws and reaction mechanisms, reaction-rate theories, the laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, properties of solutions, and equilibrium. Applications will be drawn from organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as biochemistry. MATH 112 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 or 124. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 336
Quantum Chemistry
CHEM 336
This course presents a study of quantum mechanics as applied to chemistry. Specific topics include general quantum theory; the time-independent Schrödinger equation applied to electronic, vibrational and rotational energy states; valence bond and molecular orbital theory; and molecular symmetry. MATH 112 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, 124 or 126. Offered every two years for the spring semester.
CHEM 374
Advanced Lab: Spectroscopy
CHEM 374
This advanced laboratory course focuses on spectroscopy instrumentation and data analysis. UV/Vis, fluorescence and laser spectroscopies are used to solve research questions involving kinetics, thermodynamics and molecular structure. Experiments are intended to complement course work in CHEM 341, 335 and 336, but these courses may be taken in any order. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 123 or 126. Offered every year.
CHEM 375
Chemical Research
CHEM 375
Section 01 (.25 unit): Students engage in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The time requirement is at least three hours in lab per week. Students will learn to search literature and give professional presentations. This course also provides an introduction to scientific writing. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.\n\nSection 02 (.5 unit): This section is a prerequisite to CHEM 497 and 498. The time commitment is six to eight hours per week in lab. Students will learn to search literature and give professional presentations as well as to write scientifically. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.
CHEM 493
Individual Study
CHEM 493
Individual study in chemistry is intended to supplement, not take the place of, coursework. For that reason, such study cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the major or minor. To enroll in an individual study, a student must identify a member of the chemistry department willing to direct the project and obtain the approval of the department chair. At a minimum, the department expects a student to meet regularly with his or her instructor for at least one hour per week. Because students must enroll for individual studies by the end of the seventh class day of each semester, they should begin discussion of the proposed individual study preferably the semester before, so that there is time to devise the proposal and seek departmental approval before the established deadline.