Courses in Chemistry | University at Albany

ACHM 099 General Chemistry Engagement Recurring Meeting (0)

A recurring and scheduled class meeting time to allow and encourage groups of students to interact with faculty and staff around topics discussed in the General Chemistry lecture. Students enrolled in ACHM 099 would meet as a community at a scheduled time and location to discuss class topics, get help with problems, form study and review sessions, and/or meet with faculty and/or staff. Non-graded. May be repeated.

ACHM 100 Chemistry and Sustainability (3)

The course discusses, from chemistry point of view, air quality, water pollution, green energy, food and drug safety, fitness and health, agro- and household chemicals, and other topics related to sustainable chemistry. The basic concepts of chemistry, such as atomic theory, bonding, chemical reactions, gas laws, molecular structure, and intermolecular forces will also be covered. The course integrates both lectures and lab assignments. Two lectures and one lab period per week. Does not yield credit toward the major or minor in chemistry. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 101 The Chemistry of Sex, Drugs, and Sports (3)

This is a general education course designed for an audience with a casual interest in scientific matters. This course will focus on topics related to everyday life experiences and activities, such as human behavior, nutrition and medicines/drugs from the chemistry point of view, and the impact of our activities on health, education, law and public policy. We will analyze the social consequences and ethical dimensions of developing technologies. The ultimate goal of this class is to encourage a lifelong interest and learning in scientific issues using chemistry principles and technological developments. Two lectures and one lab period per week. Does not yield credit toward the major or minor in chemistry. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 105 Chemistry in Our Lives (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications in everyday life. The course will explore the impact of chemistry on modern life by looking at its role in the environment, medicine, nanotechnology and polymers. Does not yield credit toward the major or minor in chemistry.

ACHM 108 Left of Boom: The Chemistry of Disasters, Manmade and Natural (4)

This is a general course designed for students from the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) and other undergraduates who are not affiliated with CEHC but who are interested in the subject matter. It focuses on the basic chemical principles underlying environmental and manmade events that threaten the security of our society. In particular, chemical principles behind events like fires, explosions, chemical and biological weapons and radiation will be discussed and analyzed. The class will examine how understanding of basic chemical principles will help us be prepared for these potentially life-threatening events and guide us on how to mitigate their consequences. The course includes a lab component that will provide a hands-on experience under controlled and supervised settings. Three lectures and one lab period per week. Does not yield credit toward the major or minor in chemistry.

ACHM 115 General Chemistry I and Lab (4-5)

Atomic theory, quantitative relationships in chemical change, electronic structure of atoms and chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, and states of matter. This is a combined lecture and lab. The lab includes laboratory techniques and experiments demonstrating chemical principles. Experiments including stoichiometry, calibration curves, titrations, empirical formula, solubility and chemical synthesis. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 116 General Chemistry II and Lab (4)

Elementary principles of chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics; electrochemistry; descriptive chemistry of the elements and their compounds. This is a combined lecture and lab. The lab includes laboratory techniques and experiments demonstrating chemical principles. Experiments including solution properties, kinetics, equilibrium, spectroscopy and a final project. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 115 or 120/124 (or TCHM 130/124 or TCHM 135). Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 120 General Chemistry I (3)

Atomic theory, quantitative relationships in chemical change, electronic structure of atoms and chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, and states of matter.

ACHM 121 General Chemistry II (3)

Elementary principles of chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics; electrochemistry; descriptive chemistry of the elements and their compounds. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 115 or 120/124 (or TCHM 130/124 or TCHM 135).

ACHM 124 General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

Introduction to laboratory techniques, experiments demonstrating chemical principles in General Chemistry I, including stoichiometry, calorimetry, and properties of some elements and compounds. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 120 or TCHM 130. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 125 General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

Application of laboratory techniques, experiments demonstrating chemical principles of General Chemistry II, including solution properties, kinetics, equilibrium, and qualitative analysis of some anions and cations. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 124 or 115; corequisite(s) or prerequisite(s): ACHM 121 or TCHM 131. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 126 Problem Solving: General Chemistry I (1)

Applications of the principles and methods studied in General Chemistry I. Assignments selected from the subject matter of General Chemistry I are aimed at aiding the student to develop a more thorough understanding of the subject. Corequisite(s): ACHM 120. Corequisite(s): ACHM 120. S/U graded.

ACHM 127 Problem Solving: General Chemistry II (1)

Applications of the principles and methods studied in General Chemistry II. Assignments selected from the subject matter of General Chemistry II are aimed at aiding the student to develop a more thorough understanding of the subject. Corequisite(s): ACHM 121. S/U graded.

TCHM 130 Advanced General Chemistry I (3)

TCHM 131 Advanced General Chemistry II (3)

Chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, spontaneity, entropy, free energy, electrochemistry, transition metals, coordination chemistry, organic and biochemical molecules. Honors College students only. Only one of ACHM 121 or TCHM 131 or ACHM 136 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 115 or 120/124 (or TCHM 130/124 or TCHM 135).

ACHM 133 Problem Solving: Chemical Principles I (1)

Discussions and applications of the principles and methods studied in Chemical Principles. Assignments selected from the subject matter of Chemical Principles are aimed at helping the student develop a more thorough understanding of the subject. Corequisite(s): ACHM 130. S/U graded.

ACHM 134 Problem Solving: Chemical Principles II (1)

TCHM 135 Advanced General Chemistry I and Lab (4)

Energy, enthalpy, thermochemistry, quantum mechanics and atomic theory, general concepts of bonding, covalent bonding and orbitals, gases, liquids, and solids. Students will be introduced to faculty research within the Department of Chemistry, as well as interdisciplinary areas. Experiments including stoichiometry, calibration curves, titrations, empirical formula, solubility and chemical synthesis. Only one of ACHM 120, TCHM 130, and TCHM 135 may be taken for credit. Honors College students only. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

TCHM 136 Advanced General Chemistry II and Lab (4)

Chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, spontaneity, entropy, free energy, electrochemistry, transition metals, coordination chemistry, organic and biochemical molecules. Experiments including solution properties, kinetics, equilibrium, spectroscopy and a final project. Only one of ACHM 121, TCHM 131, and TCHM 136 may be taken for credit. Honors College students only. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 115 or 120/124 (or TCHM 130/124 or TCHM 135). Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 143 Pre-Organic Chemistry (1)

The course provides a background and review of those topics necessary for success in organic chemistry. Topics may include bonding, Lewis acid/bases, hybridization, electronegativity, polarizability, 3-D structures, energy profile diagrams, oxidation states, and reaction mechanisms. Carbon containing compounds will be emphasized. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 120. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 121.

ACHM 199 Current Topics in Chemistry (1-3)

Selected topics from the current chemical literature in selected areas of chemistry. Particular areas of study to be announced each semester. Intended for students interested in exploring in depth themes and topics covered in larger lecture courses or topics in addition to those that can be treated in such settings. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

ACHM 220 Organic Chemistry I (3)

Structure, synthesis, and reactions of the principal classes of organic compounds, stressing the underlying principles of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry techniques. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 116 or 121/125 (or TCHM 131/125 or TCHM 136).

ACHM 221 Organic Chemistry II (3)

Introduction to spectroscopic characteristics or organic compounds; continued classification of “reaction types” exhibited by organic molecules; chemistry of carbonyl compounds; aspects of aromatic chemistry, heterocycles, nitrogen compounds, polymers, and biologically important molecules. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 220.

ACHM 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)

Basic techniques of organic chemistry including extraction, crystallization, distillation, and chromatography; physical properties of compounds. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 220. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

Application of basic techniques of organic chemistry to the synthesis and qualitative analysis of organic compounds. Applications of IR and NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 222; prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 221. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 226 Quantitative Analysis (3)

Theory of quantitative analysis based on modern chemical principles. The theory and practical applications of gravimetric, volumetric, potentiometric and colorimetric analysis. The statistical treatment of experimental data is described. Three lecture periods per week. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 225. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 116 or 121/125 (or TCHM 131/125 or TCHM 136).

ACHM 227 Quantitative Analysis Lab (1)

Applications of the principles and methods discussed in ACHM 226. Experiments chosen for ACHM 227 aid the student in developing a more detailed understanding of quantitative methods. Specifically, students will perform quantitative experiments in spectroscopy, titration and gravimetric analysis using modern instrumentation. Statistical analysis of data will be performed. One 3.5 hour lab period per week. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 225. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 226. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 250 Introduction to Forensic Chemistry (3)

Descriptive discussion of the role of chemistry in modern forensic science. The main emphasis is in chemical methods and techniques used in criminalistics. Lectures only. Only one of ACHM 250 and ACHM 260 may be taken for credit. Offered through the UAlbany in the High School only. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 116 or 121/125 (or TCHM 131/125) or permission of instructor.

ACHM 251 Introduction to Forensic Chemistry Lab (1)

Applications of the principles and methods discussed in ACHM 250. Experiments chosen for ACHM 251 aid students in developing a more detailed understanding of modern forensic methods. Specifically, students will perform experiments in microscopy, questioned documents, glass analysis, TLC, latent prints, spot testing, field testing and crime scene investigation. One 3 hour lab period per week. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 250 or ACHM 260. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 260 Chemistry for Forensics and Global Challenges

This course will cover how chemistry plays a critical role in the many challenges facing modern society. The course focuses on the role of chemistry in modern forensic science and emerging global challenges including Homeland Security, Cosmetic and Food Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry & Biotechnology, Environmental/Green Chemistry, and Advanced Materials. Modern chemical methods and analytical techniques used to address these global challenges will be discussed. Only one of ACHM 250 and ACHM 260 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 116 or 121/125 (or TCHM 131/125).

ACHM 300 Chemistry Practicum In College Teaching (1)

Practicum assisting in delivery of course curriculum in chemistry, including laboratory instruction. May be repeated for total of no more than four credits. Does not satisfy major requirements. Prerequisites: ACHM 116 or ACHM 121 and ACHM 125 or TCHM 131 and ACHM 125, and consent of instructor. S/U graded.

ACHM 307 (= AATM 307) Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry (3)

Chemical principles and concepts leading to understanding the composition and change in the chemical/atmospheric environment; sources and links of chemical constituents; chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere; measurement and theory of greenhouse gases; global pollution and ozone depletion. Only one version of AATM/ACHM 307 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): AMAT 111 or 112 or 118 or TMAT 118; APHY 105 or 140 or 141 or TPHY 141; ACHM 116 or 121 (or TCHM 131 or TCHM 136). Offered alternate fall semesters.

ACHM 326 Quantitative Analysis for Industry (3)

An enhanced, capstone version of ACHM 226 intended for B.A. Chemistry majors intending to enter the workforce after graduation. In addition to topics covered in ACHM 226 (Quantitative Analysis), this course includes additional career development activities and is designed to be taken in conjunction with ACHM 327. Three lecture periods per week. B.S. Chemistry majors should take ACHM 226 and may enroll in the optional ACHM 329 seminar to participate in these career development activities. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 226. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 116 or ACHM 121 or TCHM 131 and ACHM 125.

ACHM 327 Quantitative Analysis for Industry Lab (2)

An enhanced, capstone version of ACHM 227 intended for Chemistry B.A. majors intending to enter the workforce after graduation. In addition to topics covered in ACHM 227 (Quantitative Analysis Lab), which include experiments in spectroscopy, titration and gravimetric analysis using modern instrumentation, students will also learn how these techniques are commonly utilized in chemical careers from external guest speakers representing a range of industries that employ chemists. Additional career development activities may include: introduction to undergraduate research opportunities, participation in career fairs, interview and resume preparation, and field trips to local employers. One 3.5 hour lab period per week plus one-hour career development seminar/activity per week. B.S. Chemistry majors should instead take ACHM 227 and may enroll in the optional 1-credit ACHM 329 seminar to participate in these career development activities. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 227. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 326.

ACHM 342 Introduction to Biochemistry (3)

A one semester overview of protein and nucleic acid structural biology, synthesis, and function; with a brief introduction to metabolism, signal transduction, and carbohydrate chemistry. This course is suggested for chemistry majors who will not be taking the two semester Comprehensive Biochemistry sequence (ACHM 442 and 443) as part of their degree curriculum. May not be taken by students with credit for ABIO 365. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 220 and 221.

ACHM 343 Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory (1)

Experiments illustrating the fundamentals of biochemistry as discussed in ACHM 342. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 222. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 342.

ACHM 344 Bioanalytical Chemistry (3)

The objective of this course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of biomolecule analysis. Students will learn how to carry out different types of characterization and quantitative determinations, while becoming familiar with general laboratory practices and the operation of common bioanalytical instrumentation. The Lecture part will introduce the principles of common bioanalytical approaches used in biological and clinical settings, which will enable students to understand, carry out, and troubleshoot typical determinations of biopolymers. The lectures will not cover advanced instrumental techniques that are taught in specialized upper-level courses, but will deal instead with separations, spectroscopy, bioassays, and other common biochemical methods. The lectures will stress the chemical and structural aspects of target analytes as the basis for their identification and quantification. Laboratory experiments will provide the hands-on experience necessary to link personal observations with the sometimes dry and impersonal knowledge provided by textbooks and research articles. The selected experiments are aimed at developing observation and interpretation skills that will be honed by using the actual data obtained by the students. Two lectures and one lab meeting per week. Prerequisite(s): ABIO 365 or ACHM 342 or ACHM 442. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 350 Physical Chemistry I (3)

Mathematical description of physicochemical systems and their interpretation in terms of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, reaction rates and statistical mechanics. Atomic and molecular structure from the viewpoint of quantum theory with special emphasis on bonding and spectra. This is the required physical chemistry course for B.S. Chemistry students with emphasis in Chemistry. Only one of ACHM 350 or ACHM 444 may be taken for credit toward the major for B.S. Chemistry with emphasis in Forensic Chemistry or Chemical Biology or B.A. Chemistry. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221, AMAT 113 or 119, and APHY 150. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s) AMAT 214.

ACHM 351 Physical Chemistry II (3)

A continuation of ACHM 350. The course contains the principles of chemical kinetics, quantum theory and spectroscopy. Topics include the rate laws, systems displaying complex kinetics, enzyme catalysis, atomic structure, molecular structure, microwave, Raman, infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and statistical mechanics. This is the required physical chemistry course for B.S. Chemistry students with emphasis in Chemistry. Only one of ACHM 351 or ACHM 445 may be taken for credit toward the major for B.S. Chemistry with emphasis in Forensic Chemistry or Chemical Biology or B.A. Chemistry. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 350.

ACHM 352Z Physical Chemistry Lab (3)

The experimental understanding of the basic principles of physical chemistry and development of familiarity with instrumentation. Includes experiments on the electrical properties of solutions, chemical kinetics, spectroscopy, microcalorimetry and computer experiments in molecular orbital theory. The course also includes instruction on searching the chemical literature, data processing, and writing laboratory reports. One lecture and two laboratory periods each week. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 226 and 227; corequisite(s) or prerequisite(s): ACHM 350 or 444. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 390 Chemistry Internship (1-4)

Students will have the opportunity to acquire practical, "hands-on" experience in chemistry by participating as an intern in the work of an agency, institution, or corporation other than the University. The student's work will be supervised and evaluated by a designated individual at the internship site. The supervisor will provide an evaluation of the student's work to the University at Albany Department of Chemistry faculty member who is the instructor of record for final assessment and grading. Students majoring in Chemistry may apply to the Department of Chemistry for permission to enroll in this course. Admission to ACHM 390 will be dependent upon the acceptability of the candidate to the Department of Chemistry and to the host institution or agency. Enrollment in the course is limited in number in order to provide substantial individual hands-on training, and therefore, is determined on a competitive basis. S/U graded. Repeatable up to a maximum of 6 credits.

ACHM 401 Current Topics in Advanced Chemistry (1-3)

Intensive examination of emerging trends in chemistry from the chemical literature. New information emerging from recent studies will be stressed. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

ACHM 408 Polymer Chemistry (3)

Polymers represent a large fraction of the materials individuals interact with on a daily basis. Products as diverse as paints, clothes, soaps and detergents, and contact lenses are all based on polymers. In this course, students will learn what polymers are, how they are made, and how their often complex characteristics can be studied and understood. Due to the applied nature of polymers and polymeric materials, the course will draw on concepts from many other branches of chemistry including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Three lecture meetings per week. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 222/223 and ACHM 226/227.

ACHM 411 Computational Chemistry I (3)

Practical applications of quantum chemical calculations for chemical research. Overview of different levels of molecular orbital theory with case studies highlighting selected applications to organic, inorganic, and biophysical chemistry. Evaluation of each technique's strengths and limitations. Prior programming experience is not required. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 351 or APHY 440, or permission of instructor.

ACHM 412 Computational Chemistry II (3)

Molecular mechanics as a tool in biochemical and biophysical research. Statistical mechanics of equilibrium systems and enhanced sampling techniques in different thermodynamic ensembles will be reviewed. Strengths and limitations of commonly used methods will be explored. Prior programming experience is not required, but prior exposure to Linux will be helpful. Note that this course may be taken independently of ACHM 411. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 351 or 445 or APHY 440 or 460, or permission of instructor.

ACHM 417 Advanced Synthesis Laboratory (3)

Experimental investigation of advanced synthetic methods for the preparation, separation and analysis of inorganic, organometallic and organic compounds with an emphasis on the former two types of materials. The development of skills and understanding for the application of complex procedures and techniques common in current practice, including airless chemistry and catalysis, as well as the exploration and application of modern spectroscopic and diffraction methods, including vibrational, electronic and NMR spectroscopies and powder X-ray diffraction. One lecture and two laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221 and ACHM 223. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 420 Inorganic Chemistry I (3)

Bonding and reactivity in inorganic systems, including metal complexes and covalent molecules. Applications of crystal field theory and introductory molecular orbital theory to coordination compounds, including group theory and symmetry, the spectrochemical series, and substitution mechanisms. Metal carbonyl complexes and an introduction to organometallic compounds and their reactions. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 350 or 444.

ACHM 421 Inorganic Chemistry II (3)

Topics in advanced inorganic chemistry, including organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and bioorganic chemistry. Other selected topics may include solid-state chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, electron-transfer, applications of vibrational and electronic spectroscopies, and the chemistry of the main-group elements. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 420.

ACHM 424 Retrieval and Presentation of Chemical Information (1)

Instruction and practice in modern methods of searching the chemical literature. Students are required to develop their skills in preparing written presentations and speeches. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing. S/U graded.

ACHM 425 Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (2)

Original experimental and theoretical research problems. A printed or typewritten final report is required. Laboratory and conference hours to be arranged. May not be repeated for credit. No more than 3 credits of ACHM 425 and/or 426 may be applied toward the advanced course requirement of the chemistry major. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, and permission of instructor; prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 424. S/U graded.

ACHM 426 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (3)

Original experimental and theoretical research problems. A printed or typewritten final report is required. May be repeated for credit but not more than 3 credits of ACHM 425 and/or 426 may be applied toward the advanced course requirement of the chemistry major. Laboratory and conference hours to be arranged. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and permission of instructor. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 424. S/U graded.

ACHM 427 Honors Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (4)

Original experimental and theoretical research problems in chemistry with the results reported in a written Honors Thesis, as well as a public Department Seminar. S/U graded.

ACHM 428 Forensic Chemistry Research (3)

Original experimental and theoretical research problems. A printed or typewritten final report is required. May be repeated for credit but not more than 6 credits total may be applied toward the advanced elective course requirement of the comprehensive forensics chemistry or honors forensics chemistry emphases. Laboratory and conference hours to be arranged. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and permission of instructor. S/U graded.

ACHM 429 Instrumental Analysis (3)

Theoretical principles and chemical applications of selected methods of instrumental analysis. Main emphasis is on modern analytical methods including polarography, conductance, potentiometry, and coulometric methods, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption as well as absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy. Statistical analysis of data will be discussed. Three lecture periods per week. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 430. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 226 and 227.

ACHM 431 Instrumental Analysis Lab (1)

Applications of the principles and methods discussed in ACHM 429. Experiments chosen for this course aid students in developing a more detailed understanding of analytical methods. Specifically, students will perform analytical experiments in absorbance, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, atomic absorption and gas chromatography using modern instrumentation. Statistical analysis of data will be performed. One 3.5 hour lab period per week. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 430. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 429. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 432 Advanced Mass Spectrometry for Bioanalysis and Sequencing (3)

This course explores the principles, technologies, and applications of mass spectrometry (MS) in bioanalysis and sequencing of biomolecules, including RNA, DNA, and peptides. Students will learn how modern ionization, detection, and data-analysis techniques enable structural and quantitative analysis of biomolecules and will gain insight into MS-based sequencing, a rapidly emerging field critical to biotechnology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics. Building on recent innovations such as NextGen MassSpec-Seq, the course connects fundamental MS science with applications in RNA and protein sequencing, drug development, and precision medicine. Students will analyze real-world LC–MS datasets, apply biostatistics and bioinformatics tools, and explore the mass spectrometry frontier topics in direct RNA sequencing and the Human RNome Project. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 226 and 227.

ACHM 433 Electronics for Scientific Instrumentation (3)

The objective of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge and a fundamental understanding of electronics as applied to modern research laboratory. Students will learn the basic principles of key electronic components and circuits, with special emphasis on circuit analysis and design. The properties and applications of major components and modules will be studied, including transducers, amplifier, and digitizers. The fundamental elements of TTL and serial interfacing will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

ACHM 434 Advanced Separation Science - HPLC (3)

This course aims at providing students with fundamental skills and knowledge in advanced separation science, in particular HPLC. The course will enable students to understand, develop and execute analytical protocols involving recent HPLC methodologies and instrumentation. The lecture will consider all common techniques in liquid chromatography such as gradients, normal and reversed phase, gel permeation, ion exchange, bioaffinity, and chiral columns, as well as RI, UV-vis, fluorescent, luminescent, electrochemical, and MS detection. Students will learn by lectures, class activities, and homework assignments how to plan analytical tasks considering the available HPLC techniques in a modern routine laboratory, as well as how to optimize the conditions in order to obtain sufficient analytical performance parameters in terms of selectivity, detection limit, cost, and analysis time. The lab will introduce the students in reverse phase HPLC using RI and UV-vis detection. Practical examples in the lab section will include food and soil analysis considering analytes and separation problems that can only be addressed by HPLC. Two lecture and one lab meetings per week. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 225 or ACHM 250.

ACHM 435 Advanced Physical Chemistry (3)

This course will develop classical and statistical thermodynamics for solving chemical and molecular problems important in modern chemistry research. The specific topics will be: the mathematical and physical underpinnings of the theory, the models to approximate reality, the discussion of the weaknesses of those approximations, and the application of classical and statistical thermodynamics to modern research problems in all flavors of physical chemistry. Prerequisite(s): two semesters of undergraduate physical chemistry (ACHM 350 and 351) and at least three semesters of calculus (through AMAT 214), or permission of instructor.

ACHM 436 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3)

Organic chemistry at an advanced level, including introduction of theoretical background and application in synthesis. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 351 or 445.

ACHM 437 Organic Synthesis (3)

The course will focus on the total synthesis of complex organic molecules, such as natural products. Synthetic strategies as well as reaction mechanisms of every step will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221.

ACHM 438 Forensic Trace Metal Analysis (3)

This course aims at providing students with fundamental skills and knowledge in trace metal analysis, in particular for forensic applications. The course will enable students to understand, develop and execute analytical protocols involving recent trace metal analysis methodologies and instrumentation, namely atomic spectroscopies and voltammetry. The lecture will consider all common techniques such as inorganic sample preparation, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AAS, X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation, polarography, and stripping voltammetry. Students will learn by lectures, class activities, and homework assignments how to plan analytical tasks considering the available ICP, AAS, and voltammetry techniques in a modern routine laboratory, as well as how to optimize the conditions in order to obtain sufficient analytical performance parameters in terms of selectivity, detection limit, cost, and analysis time. Three lecture meetings per week. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 226 and 227 or 250 and 251. Corequisite(s): ACHM 350 or 444.

ACHM 439 Introduction to Toxicology (3)

Objective for this course is to provide the students with an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles of toxicology such as the basic chemistry of the toxicants, sources and fate of contaminants in the human organism, and effects of toxicants. While primarily designed for students of analytical chemistry, it is a beneficial course also for students from other backgrounds (biology, forensics, environmental sciences, etc.). Topics to be discussed will include major classifications of drugs as they relate to organ systems or major pathophysiological disease entities. The clinical toxicology section of the course will review the more common toxins, their effects, and appropriate treatments. Three contact hours of lecture meetings per week. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 342 or 442 or ABIO 365.

ACHM 442 (formerly ACHM 440A) Comprehensive Biochemistry I (3)

Chemical characteristics of living matter, amino acids, polypeptides and proteins, enzyme mechanisms and kinetics; bioenergetics and chemistry of metabolism. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221 or permission of instructor.

ACHM 443 (formerly ACHM 440B) Comprehensive Biochemistry II (3)

Biosynthesis, storage, and expression of genetic information; electron transport and other transports across membranes, membrane protein structure and function. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221 or permission of instructor.

ACHM 444 (formerly ACHM 441A) Biophysical Chemistry I (3)

Foundations of the physical principles and their applications to biochemical systems. Topics include first and second laws of thermodynamics, applications of these to chemical reactions and equilibria, and molecular motion and transport phenomena. Does not yield credit toward the major for B.S. Chemistry students with emphasis in Chemistry. Only one of ACHM 350 or ACHM 444 may be taken for credit toward the major for B.S. Chemistry with emphasis in Forensic Chemistry or Chemical Biology or B.A. Chemistry. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221, AMAT 113 or 119, and APHY 150.

ACHM 445 Biophysical Chemistry II (3)

Foundations of the physical principles and their applications to biochemical systems. Topics include transport phenomena and sedimentation and electrophoresis, chemical and biochemical kinetics, chemical quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Does not yield credit toward the major for B.S. Chemistry students with emphasis in Chemistry. Only one of ACHM 351 or ACHM 445 may be taken for credit toward the major for B.S. Chemistry with emphasis in Forensic Chemistry or Chemical Biology or B.A. Chemistry. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 444.

ACHM 446 Chemical Biology Laboratory (3)

The lab will provide the basics for protein purification, protein characterization, and DNA manipulation through the use of chromatographic, electrophoretic, and spectroscopic tools of biochemistry and biophysics. One class period, two laboratory periods each week. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221 and 223; corequisite(s): ACHM 350, 442, and 443. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 447 Advanced Forensic Chemistry (3)

This course focuses on current topics and analytical methods utilized in today's modern forensic laboratories. Forensic Chemistry will include topics such as introduction to criminalistics, ethical dilemmas, computer-assisted data analysis, public speaking on technical and non-technical subjects, as well as courtroom testimony. The course will also include a detailed description of how modern analytical techniques are applied to forensic chemistry. Specifically, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DART, headspace chromatography, TLC, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, immunoassay and electrochemistry will be applied to the fields of forensic drug chemistry and toxicology. The course includes advanced statistical methods such as chi-square tests, multiple regression and correlation, nonparametric statistics, and analytical variances. Three lecture periods per week. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 450 or 451. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 226 and 227.

ACHM 448 Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab I (2)

Applications of the principles and methods discussed in ACHM 447. Experiments chosen for ACHM 448 aid the student in developing a more detailed understanding of quantitative methods. Specifically, students will perform method development in gas chromatography. Students will also perform electrochemical and immunoassay experiments. Statistical analysis of data will be performed. Two 3.5 hour lab periods per week. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 450 or 451. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ACHM 447. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 449 Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab II (2)

Applications of the principles and methods discussed in ACHM 447 and a continuation of ACHM 448. Experiments chosen for ACHM 449 aid the student in developing a more detailed understanding of quantitative methods as they apply to forensics. Specifically, students will perform method development in solid phase extraction. Students will also perform atomic absorption and GC-MS experiments. This course will culminate in a final project where students will apply what they have learned to independently research a forensic chemistry problem. Statistical analysis of data will be performed. Two 3.5 hour lab periods per week. May not be taken by students with credit for ACHM 450 or 451. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 448. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 451 Forensic Chemistry II (3)

Continuation of ACHM 450. This course combines a series of advanced seminars, lectures and laboratories in Forensic Chemistry. Topics such as: public speaking on technical and non-technical subjects, as well as courtroom testimony, will be covered. Lecture and laboratory topics will include: DNA, Quantitative Methodologies in Drug Chemistry and Toxicology, as well as Advanced Statistical Methods such as: chi-square tests, multiple regression and correlation, nonparametric statistics and analytical variances.

ACHM 455 Forensic Chemistry Internship (1-4)

Students will have the opportunity to acquire practical "hands-on" experience in forensic chemistry by participating as an intern in the work of an agency, institution, or corporation other than the University. The student's work will be supervised and evaluated by a designated individual at the internship site. This supervisor will provide an evaluation of the student's work to the University at Albany faculty member who is the instructor of record for final assessment and grading. Students majoring in chemistry with a forensic chemistry emphasis may apply to the Department of Chemistry for permission to enroll in this course. Admission to the Forensic Chemistry Internship course will be dependent upon the acceptability of the candidate to the Department of Chemistry and the host institution or agency. Among the criteria used by these agencies will be completion of ACHM 447 and 448 and a possible background check of the applicant. Enrollment in the course is limited in number in order to provide substantial individual hands-on training, and therefore is determined on a competitive basis. Application to the program must be made six months in advance of the beginning of the proposed internship. S/U graded. May be repeated once for a maximum of 8 credits.

ACHM 458 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry/Pharmacology (3)

Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary course at the interface of chemistry and pharmacy and is involved with designing, synthesizing and developing pharmaceutical drugs. It will include the following topics: molecular modeling, rational drug design, combinatorial chemistry, QSAR, and cheminformatics. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221, 442.

ACHM 470 Crystallography (3)

The geometry and structure of crystalline solids and methods of importance in their investigation. Internal and external symmetry properties as a consequence of atomic types and bonding possibilities: lattice types and space groups, x-ray diffraction, and optical techniques. This course will include real-time demonstrations and practical crystallographic work, including the opportunity to work on a provided structural experiment or a crystal from an undergraduate research project. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.

ACHM 471 Theory and Techniques of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry (3)

Introduction to basic theory and general applications of spectroscopic methods in biophysics and biochemistry. Discussion will be based on classical and quantum mechanical approach. Topics include: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and vibrational spectroscopy; determination of structure by diffraction and scattering techniques. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 350 and 351 or APHY 450, and permission of instructor.

ACHM 472 Experimental Methods of Organic Structure Determination (3)

Discussion of modern methods of organic structure determination such as multinuclear NMR and 2D-NMR techniques, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Interpretation and correlation of spectral results in order to assign structures of organic, biological, and related molecules. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221 and 223 and permission of instructor. Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.

ACHM 473 Chemical and Enzymatic Kinetics (3)

Empirical and theoretical treatment of reaction rates and reaction mechanisms; experimental techniques. Emphasis on reactions in solutions, complex reactions, enzyme kinetics, homogeneous catalysis (enzymatic and nonenzymatic), and transition state theory. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 351, AMAT 214, APHY 240, and permission of instructor.

ACHM 474 Physical Organic Chemistry I (3)

Topics in physical organic chemistry including electronic structure, stereochemistry, and conformational analysis. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221 and consent of instructor.

ACHM 475 Physical Organic Chemistry II (3)

Organic reaction mechanisms with emphasis on the theoretical and experimental tools used in their elucidation. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 221 and consent of instructor.

ACHM 476 Materials Chemistry (3)

Materials constitute an important role in modern society. This course covers materials chemistry from synthesis to properties. Topics include (but are not limited to) semiconductors, metallic alloys, magnetism, optical properties, and energy storage. Prerequisite(s): ACHM 420.

ACHM 477 Advanced Biochemistry (3)

This course describes the structures, mechanisms and chemistry principles that underlie biological activities in diverse processes. Students will gain an advanced understanding of what makes living systems work at the molecular level. A comprehensive survey and discussion of biological molecules, especially nucleic acids, protein interactions with various molecules, covalent protein modifications, cellular organization, cells and synapses will be presented. We will also discuss virus, viral infection and immune system response as well as cell death. These phenomena will be further discussed in the context of human diseases, such as neurological diseases, cancer and viral illnesses and disorders in the immune system. Special techniques used for studying proteins, especially membrane proteins, will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in ACHM 220, 221, 442 and 443.

ACHM 495 Materials Independent Study (3)

Individually selected topic of independent study in materials science (chemistry) culminating in a comprehensive written report. The material covered is to be beyond that offered in any other formal undergraduate course. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and permission of instructor. S/U graded.

ACHM 497 Independent Study (3)

Individual, independent study of selected topics above or beyond those offered in formal undergraduate courses. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and permission of instructor. S/U graded.