Explores integrative approaches to address critical threats to the global water supply, drawing on principles of environmental science, sustainable development, and green technology. Through scientific inquiry, policy analysis, and creative problem solving, students develop critical multidisciplinary research and writing skills while investigating a selection of case studies in groundwater depletion, wetland habitat destruction, wastewater remediation, and other emerging sustainability challenges surrounding one of the world’s most vital and most threatened natural resources. This course originates in Environmental Studies and is crosslisted with: Chemistry. (Same as: ENVS 1028)

Terms offered: 2024 Fall Semester

This course will cover (on a week-by-week basis) the fundamental processes that underpin our natural and human world. Such processes include the structure of matter (both on the macro - and microscopic level), how energy gives rise to matter changing forms and makes new matter, how matter and energy interact in the environment, and how science informs and explains topics in medicine and food. The course will also explore science’s role in human relationships and how science has both improved and hindered human development. The course will be held Monday through Thursday, with daily class lectures, weekly laboratory meetings, and weekly meetings to work on final presentations. In addition to the content above, the course will also feature how a scientist looks at the world to solve problems and how scientist convey ideas to the public.

Terms offered: 2023 Summer Semester; 2024 Summer Semester; 2025 Summer Semester

Examines the intersections of chemical science with the visual and performing arts. Fundamental concepts of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions are introduced through discussions of the material composition of artists’ tools and media. Selected topics include the molecular origin of color in pigments and dyes, the aging and weathering of architectural structures over time, the science behind the preservation and restoration of works of art, and the development of polymers for 3D printing. Laboratory activities include hands-on applications of the scientific method to answer questions about the chemistry of artistic media as well as the creation of an original work of art inspired by chemistry. Assumes no background in science. Not open to students who have credit for a chemistry course numbered 1000 or higher or who have placements in CHEM 1109, CHEM 2000 level, or CHEM 2000/1109.

Terms offered: 2023 Spring Semester; 2023 Fall Semester

Methods of food and wine preparation and production emerged from essentially controlled scientific experiments, even if the techniques of cooking are often carried out without thought of the underlying physical processes at play. Considers the science behind food and wine using bread baking, cooking techniques, the role of microbes in our diet, and wine making and appreciation to explore the chemistry and biology that underlie our gastronomy. Molecular structures and complex interactions central to cooking and wine are examined in integrated laboratory exercises. Assumes no background in science. Not open to students who have credit for a chemistry course numbered 1090 or higher.

A study of scientific principles that underlie chemical, instrumental, and some biological techniques used in criminal investigations by forensic scientists. Focuses on understanding materials at an atomic or molecular level to learn how forensic chemistry is used to make qualitative and quantitative measurements key to forensic investigations. Makes use of case studies and the study of specific chemical, physical, and spectroscopic techniques used in forensic investigations. Assumes no background in science. Students take part in three to four laboratory experiences. Not open to students who have credit for a chemistry course numbered 1090 or higher or to students who have credit for Mathematics 1300, Psychology 2520, or Economics 2557.

Scientific reasoning and public engagement are parts of civic responsibility, necessary in our pursuit of the common good. From concerns about equal access to clean air and water to realization of the devastating effects of the opioid crisis, future leaders in the community who plan to engage in meaningful discussions of society’s pressing issues must develop an appreciation of the science that underlies these issues. This course will develop students’ knowledge of chemistry through examination of a broad range of community issues, discovering how knowledge of chemistry is integrated into both our understanding and proposed solutions to today’s problems. Students work together to actively explore related chemical concepts and the process of scientific inquiry in integrated lab exercises. Throughout the semester, students reflect, discuss, and reevaluate how their growing knowledge of chemistry impacts their own commitments and approaches to community activities. Assumes no background in science. Not open to students who have credit for a Chemistry course numbered 1000 or higher or who have placements in CHEM 1109, CHEM 2000 level, or CHEM 2000/1109.

The process of drug discovery of medicinal compounds has evolved over millennia, from the shaman’s use of medicinal herbs to the highly evolved techniques of rational design and high-throughput screening used by today’s pharmaceutical industry. Examines past and present approaches to drug discovery, with an emphasis on the natural world as a source of drugs, historical examples of drug discovery, and the experiments undertaken to validate a drug. Encourages students to take initial steps to identify novel therapeutics and to directly compare conventional versus herbal remedies in integrated laboratory exercises. Assumes no background in science. Not open to students who have credit for a chemistry course numbered 1090 or higher.

Natural and synthetic “chemicals” make up virtually everything we purchase and consume from breakfast cereals to soaps, shampoo bottles, and over-the-counter medications. Examines the chemical components of food, drugs, soaps, plastics, and other consumer goods we encounter daily. Explores scientific resources that can be used to obtain information on product components, safety, and regulations. Also considers topics related to some of the current safety concerns raised by chemicals found in common household items through case studies and research projects. Assumes no background in science. Not open to students who have credit for a chemistry course numbered 1090 or higher.

An exploration of the nature and evolution of the scientific discovery process as viewed through the lens of important historical and contemporary innovations in the field of chemistry. Examines relationships between cultural context and the motivation, practice, and impact of scientific research. Assumes no background in science. Students participate in weekly laboratory discovery experiences. Not open to students who have credit for a chemistry course numbered 1090 or higher.

Computers can offer interactive learning experiences, visualization, simulations, and data analysis tools, making the subject more accessible and enjoyable. Students learn about nanoscale forces, using hands-on software exploration to run simple simulations (self-assembly, dissolving salt in water, buffer preparation, free energy estimations, material design for quantum computations) and undertake molecular visualization of their systems. Students learn animation and cinematic representations to explain complex concepts and dynamic processes. All computer codes and other materials will be provided. Assumes no background in science. Two hours lecture and 1-hour hands-on lab. Not open to students who have credit for a chemistry course numbered 1090 or higher.

Terms offered: 2023 Fall Semester

The first course in a two-semester introductory college chemistry sequence covering the same content as Chemistry 1101/1102 with additional instruction focused on developing quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills in the context of learning chemistry. Topics include the properties of matter, atomic and molecular structure, quantum and periodic trends, chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, stoichiometry, and aqueous solutions. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory work per week. To ensure proper placement, students must take the chemistry placement examination prior to registration and must be recommended for placement in Chemistry 1091. Not open to students who have taken Chemistry 1101, 1102, or 1109. Students continuing in chemistry take Chemistry 1092 as their next chemistry course.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

The second course in a two-semester introductory college chemistry sequence that follows Chemistry 1091. Incorporates additional instruction focused on developing quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills in the context of learning chemistry. Topics include gases, properties of solutions, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and acid-base chemistry. Three hours of lecture, mandatory one-hour problem-solving session, and four hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Climate science. Quantum Physics. Bioengineering. Rocket science. Who can understand it? Anyone with high school mathematics (geometry and algebra) can start. Getting started in physics requires an ability to mathematically describe real world objects and experiences. Prepares students for additional work in physical science and engineering by focused practice in quantitative description, interpretation, and calculation. Includes hands-on measurements, some introductory computer programming, and many questions about the physics all around us. Registration for this course is by placement only. To ensure proper placement, students must have taken the physics placement examination prior to registering for Physics 1093. This course originates in Physics and Astronomy and is crosslisted with: Chemistry. (Same as: PHYS 1093)

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester

The first course in a two-semester introductory college chemistry sequence. Introduction to the states of matter and their properties, stoichiometry and the mole unit, properties of gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, and periodic properties of the elements. Lectures, review sessions, and four hours of laboratory work per week. To ensure proper placement, students must take the chemistry placement examination and must be recommended for placement in Chemistry 1101. Students continuing in chemistry take Chemistry 1102, not Chemistry 1109, as their next chemistry course.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

The second course in a two-semester introductory college chemistry sequence. Introduction to chemical bonding and intermolecular forces, characterization of chemical systems at equilibrium and spontaneous processes, the rates of chemical reactions, and special topics. Lectures, review sessions, and four hours of laboratory work per week. Students who have taken Chemistry 1109 may not take Chemistry 1102 for credit.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Understanding environmental challenges requires scientific knowledge about the different spheres of the Earth -- land, water, air, and life -- and how they interact. Presents integrated perspectives across the fields of biology, chemistry, and earth and oceanographic science to examine the scientific basis for environmental change from the molecular to the global level. Foundational principles are developed to address major course themes, including climate change, energy, soil/air/water pollution, chemical exposure and risk, land use change, and biodiversity loss. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic scientific literature. This course originates in Environmental Studies and is crosslisted with: Biology; Chemistry. (Same as: ENVS 2201, BIOL 1158)

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

A one-semester introductory chemistry course. Introduction to models of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and intermolecular forces; characterization of chemical systems at equilibrium and spontaneous processes; the rates of chemical reactions; and special topics. Lectures, review sessions, and four hours of laboratory work per week. Students who have taken Chemistry 1102 may not take Chemistry 1109 for credit. To ensure proper placement, students must take the chemistry placement examination and must be recommended for placement in Chemistry 1109.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Spring Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Spring Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Focuses on two key processes that influence human and wildlife exposure to potentially harmful substances, chemical speciation and transformation. Equilibrium principles as applied to acid-base, complexation, precipitation, and dissolution reactions are used to explore organic and inorganic compound speciation in natural and polluted waters; quantitative approaches are emphasized. Weekly laboratory sections are concerned with the detection and quantification of organic and inorganic compounds in air, water, and soils/sediments. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies; Earth & Oceanographic Science. (Same as: ENVS 2255, EOS 2325)

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester

Methods of separating and quantifying inorganic and organic compounds using volumetric, spectrophotometric, electrometric, and chromatographic techniques are covered. Chemical equilibria and the statistical analysis of data are addressed. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Introduction to the chemistry of the compounds of carbon. Describes bonding, conformations, and stereochemistry of small organic molecules. Reactions of hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, and alcohols are discussed. Kinetic and thermodynamic data are used to formulate reaction mechanisms. Lectures, review sessions, and four hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Continuation of the study of the compounds of carbon. Highlights the reactions of aromatic, carbonyl-containing, and amine functional groups. Mechanistic reasoning provides a basis for understanding these reactions. Skills for designing logical synthetic approaches to complex organic molecules are developed. Lectures, review sessions, and four hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

This laboratory section will differ from the others associated with this course by focusing on the conduct of actual research, in which students will design, construct, and test new enzyme mimics intended to facilitate to the discovery of new medicines. As in the other laboratory sections, students will learn to generate experimental plans based on those found in the literature, execute experiments efficiently and safely, analyze and explain their data, and generate appropriate reports of their activities. The assessment and time expectations both in and outside of the laboratory are designed to be identical to those of the other laboratory sections, while giving the participants a perspective on modern chemistry research techniques and allowing them to contribute to advancing an important scientific field.

Terms offered: 2024 Spring Semester

Focuses on the chemistry of living organisms. Topics include structure, conformation, and properties of the major classes of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids); enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and regulation; metabolic transformations; energetics and metabolic control. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week. This course satisfies a requirement for the biochemistry major. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Biochemistry. (Same as: BIOC 2320)

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Biological membranes serve much more than a passive interface with which to establish a physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a cell or to compartmentalize organelles. In concert with the many proteins that interface with them (approximately 20–30 percent of our genome encodes membrane proteins), membranes make up a rich physical system that undergoes dynamic reshaping and transduce and integrate signaling events crucial for cell function and survival. Topics include lipid synthesis and their catabolism for energy production, hydrophobic and electrostatic forces governing lipid self-assembly, membrane organization and dynamics, membrane transport phenomena, structure adoption of integral proteins, and receptor-mediated signaling. Four hours of laboratory work per week will accompany in-class lectures. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Biochemistry. (Same as: BIOC 2330)

Terms offered: 2025 Fall Semester

An introduction to the chemistry of the elements with a focus on chemical bonding, periodic properties, and coordination compounds. Topics in solid state, bioinorganic, and environmental inorganic chemistry are also included. Provides a foundation for further work in chemistry and biochemistry. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Thermodynamics and its application to chemical changes and equilibria that occur in the gaseous, solid, and liquid states. The behavior of systems at equilibrium and chemical kinetics are related to molecular properties by means of statistical mechanics and the laws of thermodynamics. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week. Mathematics 1800 is recommended.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

Development and principles of quantum chemistry with applications to atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactivity, and molecular spectroscopy. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week. Mathematics 1800 is recommended. Note: Chemistry 2510 is not a prerequisite for Chemistry 2520 .

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

An introduction to theories, models, and methods in computational chemistry. Computational modeling is used to explain observed chemical phenomena, predict properties of hypothetical chemical systems, and design or propose molecules and/or materials with specific properties. Depending on the nature of the chemical system and the information desired, different approximations and computational approaches are needed and explored in class. Students use existing computational modeling codes running on the Bowdoin high-performance computing grid to apply theories and methods to chemical problems. Three hours of lecture and one hour open lab session per week.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester

Every year, 300 million tons of synthetic organic chemicals enter natural waters. Seminar examines the fate of organic contaminants in aquatic environments. Uses chemical structures and properties to predict contaminant partitioning, biodegradation, and transport, and evaluate the implications for human health and aquatic ecosystems. Case studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals, oil spills, and pharmaceuticals allow for critical examination into inherent tensions between compound-specific chemical analyses and toxicity bioassays between studies of single-compounds and complex mixtures, and between empirical and predictive approaches. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies. (Same as: ENVS 3903)

More than 100,000 synthetic chemicals are currently in daily use. In order to determine the risk posed to humans and ecosystems, the extent and routes of chemical exposure must be understood and anticipated. Addresses the fate of organic chemicals following their intentional or unintentional release into the environment. Why do these chemicals either persist or break down, and how are they distributed between surface water, ground water, soil, sediments, biota, and air? Analysis of chemical structure used to gain insight into molecular interactions that determine the various chemical transfer and transformation processes, while emphasizing the quantitative description of these processes. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies. (Same as: ENVS 3905)

Catalysis is a versatile tool in the development of sustainable chemical processes and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and petrochemicals. The introduction of catalysis to an industrial chemical process provides opportunities for improved energy efficiency, reduced waste, conservation of scarce natural resources, lower costs, and greater selectivity, potentially facilitating chemical transformations that are otherwise inaccessible. This course covers essential concepts in transition state theory and chemical kinetics and the application of catalysis to outstanding problems in global chemical sustainability. Approaches to the design, characterization, and optimization of inorganic, organic, and biological catalysts are discussed in the context of applications including chemical energy storage, carbon capture and utilization, biomass conversion, sustainable plastics and polymers, and environmental remediation. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies. (Same as: ENVS 3904)

Terms offered: 2022 Fall Semester; 2025 Spring Semester

Human activities result in the intentional or inadvertent release of organic chemicals into the natural environment. Interconnected physical, chemical, and biological processes influence the environmental fate of chemicals and the extent human and ecosystem exposure. Focuses on the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical transformations in the natural environment via nucleophilic, redox, photolytic, and biological (microbial) reactions. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Environmental Studies. (Same as: ENVS 3906)

Theoretical and practical aspects of instrumental techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry are covered, in conjunction with advanced chromatographic methods. Applications of instrumental techniques to the analysis of biological and environmental samples are covered. Lectures and two hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester

In-depth study of compounds containing metal-carbon bonds and their reactions, with emphasis on synthesis and spectroscopy. A mechanistic approach is used to discover how these species act as catalysts or intermediates in synthetic organic reactions. Special techniques for handling these often sensitive molecules are introduced.

The theory and application of spectroscopic techniques useful for the determination of the molecular structures of organic molecules are discussed. Mass spectrometry and infrared, ultraviolet-visible, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies are applied to structure elucidation. Heavy emphasis is placed on applications of multiple-pulse, Fourier transform NMR spectroscopic techniques. Lectures and at least two hours of laboratory work per week.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2023 Fall Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

A guided exploration of the primary scientific literature concerning weak covalent and noncovalent interactions that collectively determine the three-dimensional structures of biomimetic and foldameric molecules and that govern the aggregation of molecules into discrete multi-molecular assemblies. Surveys practical applications in biochemical investigation, catalysis, and medicine, as well as in the young but rapidly expanding sciences of molecular and nanostructural engineering. NOTE: There is NO LABORATORY WORK associated with this course. The required designated lab is a required discussion session.

Terms offered: 2022 Spring Semester; 2022 Fall Semester; 2024 Fall Semester

The power of organic synthesis has had a tremendous impact on understanding of biological systems. Examines case studies in which synthetically derived small molecules have been used as tools to tease out answers to questions of biological significance. Topics include synthetic strategies that have been used to make derivatives of the major classes of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and the experimental breakthroughs these molecules have enabled (e.g., polymerase-chain reaction, DNA sequencing, microarray technology). Emphasis on current literature, experimental design, and critical review of manuscripts.

Terms offered: 2021 Fall Semester; 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2025 Fall Semester

This course will take a quantitative approach relying on principles from thermodynamics, kinetics and mechanics to explore how the structure, function and assembly of molecular components like lipids, proteins and DNA govern biological systems and their physical-chemical behavior. Topics will include: (1) lipid membrane organization and lipid-protein interactions, (2) transport mechanisms, (3) compartmentalization through liquid-liquid phase separation, and (4) mechanisms of force generation through molecular motors and cytoskeletal polymers. Emphasis throughout the course will be placed on experimental methodologies employed in these topic areas such as optical microscopy, single-molecule approaches, and force spectroscopies. The format will be a combination of lectures, discussions and journal article presentations. This course originates in Chemistry and is crosslisted with: Biochemistry. (Same as: BIOC 3320)

Terms offered: 2023 Fall Semester

Provides an introduction to the field of materials science, emphasizing the relationships between structure, processing, and properties of materials. Topics include imperfections in crystalline solids, crystal nucleation and growth, and solution-phase materials synthesis and crystallization methods. Examples from the current literature will be discussed to familiarize students with the state-of-the-art of the field and to provide opportunities to critically review manuscripts.

Terms offered: 2023 Spring Semester; 2024 Spring Semester; 2024 Fall Semester

Explores reactivity and kinetics from a physical chemistry perspective. We will survey theories and applications to model observed synthetic, gas phase, surface, and biological reactions. In particular, we will utilize a molecular picture to rationalize current and past discoveries in chemistry. Planned topics include aspects of the isotope effect and tunneling in catalysis, potential energy surfaces and molecular dynamic models, photochemistry and conical intersections, reaction dynamics and molecular beam experiments, enzymology, surface catalysis, polymer-binding, and charge-transfer models. Emphasis will be placed on reading and discussing scientific literature.

Terms offered: 2025 Spring Semester

Modern computational tools have deepened understanding of nearly all aspects of chemistry. Introduces a wide array of computational methods to solve problems ranging from atomic and molecular structure to experimental data analysis. Students work with commercial and open-source tools such as Matlab, R, GAMESS, Gaussian, and LabView.