UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

CHM201 Organic Chemistry Lab
This is a lab session of 2nd year organic chemistry courses, which covers basic organic transformations, purifications, and characterizations of organic compounds. The lab sessions provide basic knowledge and skills for simple reactions in organic chemistry. Safety will be a high priority.
CHM211 Organic Chemistry I
This class is an introduction to the classification, structure, and reaction mechanism of organic compounds. aThe class is set up so that, upon completion, students will understand the different characteristics of organic compounds, including their classification, structure, nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis.
CHM212 Organic Chemistry II
This is a continuation of lectures in a two-semester organic chemistry course that is being offered to introduce students to the comprehensive principles of organic chemistry and to communicate the excitement of scientific discovery. The basic objective of Organic Chemistry 2 is to continue to lay a solid organic chemistry foundation for further studies in chemistry and related fields.
CHM231 Physical Chemistry I
This essential course is for undergraduate students who are interested in chemistry and chemistry-related fields. The course is designed to build basic physical concepts for fundamental understanding of equilibria in chemistry. Equilibria include physical change, such as fusion and vaporization, and chemical change including electrochemistry. The details cover classical thermodynamics, particularly in terms of enthalpy and entropy. The students are expected to obtain a unified view of equilibrium and the direction of spontaneous change under the chemical potentials of bulk substances.
CHM232 Physical Chemistry II
A series of lectures on quantum chemistry is provided in this course. In the introductory part, lectures introduce the history of quantum mechanics including blackbody radiation, Planck’s hypothesis, and Schrodinger equation. Basic concepts required for understanding quantum chemistry, such as discontinuity of energy states, wave function, and uncertainty principle are covered in the beginning of the course. Principles and applications of various spectroscopic techniques incorporating electronic, vibrational, rotational, and Raman spectroscopy are described in the following lectures.
CHM291 Analytical Chemistry I
The main purpose of the course is to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical grounding in the principles and practices of analytical chemistry, including classical and instrumental analytical techniques. This introductory course also covers the principles of spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry.
CHM302 Analytical/Physical Chemistry Lab
This experimental course is designed to provide students a chance to experience up-to-date experimental physical chemistry instruments and experimentation as well as state-of-the art analytical instruments to characterize organic, inorganic, and biological molecules and materials.
CHM321 Biochemistry I
Biochemistry is one of essential courses in understanding life at molecular level, the chemical reactions of biomolecules inside our bodies. The course is divided into Biochemistry I and II over two semesters because it deals with a vast store of knowledge. Of the two parts, Biochemistry I is the first half of the one-year course. We learn the fundamentals of Biochemistry (ch 1-2) and then mainly the structural and functional properties of the molecular building blocks of life: proteins (ch 3-6), carbohydrates (ch 7), nucleic acids (ch 8-9), and lipids (ch 10-11). Enzyme catalysis (ch 6), DNA technologies (ch 9), and biosignaling (ch 12) are also covered. By taking this course, students will be equipped with the basic chemistry background of life sciences.
CHM351 Inorganic Chemistry I
The course is designed for undergraduate students who plan to major in chemistry and materials science and engineering. The objective of this course is to understand basic principles of modern inorganic chemistry. Topics covered in this course include atomic and molecular structures, molecular shape and symmetry, structure of solids, acid-base, oxidation-reduction, and molecular bonding.
CHM311 Synthetic Organic Chemistry
This course covers topics on the structure and reactivity of organic molecules with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms. Students will be introduced frontier molecular orbital theory and pericyclic reactions including Diels-Alder reaction, sigmatropic rearrangement, and elecrocyclization. Also, reactivity of various functional groups and stereochemistry of reactions will be discussed. This course recommends prerequisites of Organic Chemistry 1 and 2.
CHM313 Fundamentals of Energy Materials
This course offers basic understandings and applications of the energy materials related to energy conversion and storage using organic and inorganic materials. It covers the roles of bonding defining the fundamental types of energy materials and structural defects, kinetics, and expands to in-depth understanding of electronic, magnetic materials, and metals and ceramics, glasses and polymers. Finally, this course focuses on the material selection and design for the solar cells, fuel cell, and batteries.
CHM322 Biochemistry II
Biochemistry II is the second half of one-year Biochemistry course. Biochemistry is one of essential courses in understanding life from Chemistry perspective. Biochemistry I (the first half) was devoted to the structure and function of the major classes of cellular constituents like proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Biochemistry II (the second half) will be devoted to the metabolism and bioenergetics of the building blocks: how the cellular constituents are broken down and synthesized inside your bodies and their related energetics. We will focus on the central metabolic pathways, which are remarkably similar in all forms of life. We begin this course with brief review of Biochemistry I and then a discussion of the basic energetic principles that govern all metabolism (Chapter 13). We then look at major catabolic (breakdown) and anabolic (biosynthesis) pathways during the whole semester: the catabolic pathways by which cells obtain energy from the oxidation of various molecular fuels like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins (Chapters 14-19); the anabolic pathways by which cells use energy in ATP to produce carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides from simpler precursors (Chapters 20-22).
CHM323 Medicinal Chemistry
This course covers structures and functions of drug targets including proteins, DNA, and RNA, and their interactions with small organic molecules. These interactions between macromolecules and small molecules serve as the basis for inhibition/activation of their biological functions. Students will also learn the concepts in phamacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug metabolism. The basic processes involved in drug discovery from hit identification to clinical candidates will be covered with case studies on examples of life saving drugs. This course recommends prerequisites of organic chemistry and biochemistry.
CHM324 Spectroscopy in Organic Chemistry
This course will provide the students with a fundamental understanding of the theory and practice of common spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, UV-vis, and MS) used in the identification of organic compounds. Special emphasis will be given in the application and interpretation of these analytical spectra. Students are expected to have taken ‘Organic Chemistry I’ and ‘Organic Chemistry II’.
CHM333 Physical Chemistry III
Statistical thermodynamics and kinetic theory are the two main topic s of the course. Derivation of the Boltzmann distribution is introduced in the beginning and followed by lectures on basic concepts of statistical thermodynamics such as ensemble, partition function and entropy. In the second half of the course, basic kinetic theory including reaction rate, collision, diffusion, and activated complex theory (Eyring equation) are covered.
CHM352 Inorganic Chemistry II
Electronics structures, spectroscopic and magnetic properties of the coordination compounds will be discussed based on the crystal field theory and molecular orbital theory. In addition to the reactions and properties of the coordination compounds, and the catalytic properties of the organometallic compounds also will be discussed.
CHM371 Introduction to Nanochemistry
This course is intended primarily as an introduction course to nano chemistry for undergraduate students. The objective is to understand basic concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology from a chemical perspective and introduce general synthesis principles, characterization techniques, and potential technological applications of nanostructured materials. Such issues will be discussed in terms of presently important nano materials, including silica, magnetic, semiconducting, and carbon nanostructures.
CHM372 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
This course is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in synthetic and physical chemistry of molecules of high molecular weight. This introductory course covers basic concepts of polymer such as molecular weights and their distribution, synthetic chemistry of various polymerizations, behavior of polymers in solution and bulk, and physical properties of synthetic macromolecules. Recent developments in synthetic chemistry, a convergence of synthetic and biopolymers, and the fascinating world of applications of polymers will also be introduced. Students are expected to have second-year level knowledge of organic and physical chemistry.
CHM391 Instrumental Analysis
This course introduces the principles of analytical instruments which are essential for the characterization of various compounds and materials. The course provides students with the opportunity to learn how to operate them in laboratories. This course deals with many instruments for spectroscopic analysis (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, Raman), x-ray analysis (XRD, XRF), surface analysis (AFM, XPS, SIMS), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy.
CHM421 Introduction to Chemical Biology
Chemical biology can be defined as a biological study with chemical approaches. In recent two decades, chemical biology has been expanded to make lots of fascinating discoveries in biological field and some approaches of chemical biology have been essential tools in some biological research field. In this course, we will learn and discuss about concepts, mechanisms and applications of newly developed chemical tools in chemical biology field from current chemical biology research topics such as biological surrogates for glyco-and lipid biology, total protein synthesis, unnatural amino acid polymerization, biomimetic synthetic enzymes, activity-based proteomics, affinity-based inhibitor, protein tagging tools, fluorescent chemical probes. Students are expected to have third year level knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and cellular biology.
CHM422 Introduction to Supramolecular Chemistry
Supramolecular chemistry involves the use of non covalent bonding interactions to self-assemble molecules into thermodynamically stable and well-defined structures. The course explores the field of supramolecular chemistry from molecules to nano materials. This course will provide students with an introduction to recent interesting research. The topics will cover the types of non-covalent bonding, molecular recognition, the role of molecular recognition in biological systems, synthesis of new materials through supramolecular chemistry, applications for new nano materials. Students will be introduced to essential background concepts such as types of non covalent bonding and strategies for the design of supramolecular assemblies.
CHM431 Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy
This course is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in spectroscopy and experimental physical chemistry. In addition to basic concepts of spectroscopy, this advanced course covers cutting edge spectroscopy which is still under development such as 2D IR, optical force, correlated rotational alignment spectroscopy, and time-resolved electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Students are expected to have second-year levels knowledge of physical and quantum chemistry and spectroscopy.
CHM451 Inorganic Materials Analysis
This course covers the principles of analytical instruments which are needed in the characterization of organic and inorganic materials, and provides students with the opportunity to learn how to operate them in laboratories. This course deals with many instruments for spectroscopic analysis, x-ray analysis, surface analysis, thermal analysis, mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy.
CHM452 Organometallic Chemistry
The focus of this course is on the synthesis, structure and bonding, properties and reactivity of main group organometallics (including Grignard reagents, organolithium reagents, organophosphorus compounds, etc), organotransition metal chemistry and organometallic catalysis. The course is of particular relevance for students interested in synthetic chemistry.
CHM453 Bioinorganic Chemistry
This course covers fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry in the context of the role of metals in biological systems. Special emphasis is put on the role of metals in biological systems, and the connection between fundamental knowledge of biological processes with respect to metals, and their relation to commonly known phenomena such as diseases, pollution, alternative energies, evolution and industrial processes.
CHM454 Solid State Chemistry
This course focuses on the basic principles of solid state chemistry. Structural, chemical, and physical aspects of inorganic solids, such as ionic solids, metal, and molecular solids, will be discussed. The course explores the relationship between electronic structure, chemical bonding, and atomic order. It also investigates the characterization of atomic arrangements in crystalline and amorphous solids: metal, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers. Topics include: symmetry, basic crystallography, crystal structure, bonding in solids, characterization technique (X-ray diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy) and crystal defects.
CHM471 Block Copolymers
Block copolymers are increasingly attracting interest as well-defined architectural polymers. This course delivers fundamentals of synthetic and physical chemistry of block copolymers. Topics to be discusses involves modern controlled polymerization techniques, phase behavior of block copolymers, solution physical chemistry, and structure-function relationships. Application of block copolymers to biomedical sciences, pharmaceutics, and nano sciences will also be discussed.
CHM473 Nanomaterials Chemistry
This course introduces basic concepts of nanomaterials and nanochemistry and applications of basic concepts to modern materials for electronics, catalysis, and optics. Inorganic chemistry for synthesis and characterization of 2-D materials will also be covered.
CHM401~3 Special Topics in Chemistry I~III
In recent years nanoscience and nanotechnology have grown rapidly. Chemical science, in particular, presents a unique approach to building novel materials and devices with a molecular-scale precision. One can envision the advantages of nanoscale materials and devices in medicine, computing, scientific exploration, and electronics, where nanochemical science offers the promise of building objects atom by atom. This course reviews current developments in chemical science.
CHM475 Electrochemistry
This course aims at providing the upper undergraduate-level student the basics of electrochemistry.
CHM303 Analytical/Materials Chemistry Lab
This course deals with various experimental tools for the students to understand and experience a fundamental experimental process of analytical/materials chemistry.
CHM301 Inorganic Chemistry Lab
This is a lab session of 3rd year inorganic chemistry courses, which covers basic synthetic techniques, and characterizations of inorganic compounds. The lab sessions provide basic knowledge and skills for simple reactions in inorganic chemistry.
CHM400 Thesis
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CHM335 Quantum Chemistry
Chemistry is defined as “a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo” (Merriam Webster Dictionary). This course will introduce molecular structure and the important spectroscopic and spectrometric tools for structure analysis of small and large molecules. The kinetics of chemical and physical transformations, as relevant to chemistry and biology, will be covered in the second part of the course. Modern experiments will be discussed to show capabilities and limits of current spectroscopic technologies.
CHM336 Chemical Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics enables us to find an equilibrium phase of materials and to study its physical and chemical properties. This course is intended to study phase equilibria of various systems such as gases and condensed materials involving surfaces. Mainly focusing on practical problems, it can help develop one’s confidence and ability to apply thermodynamics in novel situations.
CHM337 Computational Chemistry
Computational chemistry plays a very important role in chemical researches since it provides in-depth understanding of mysterious chemical properties of molecular systems. This course offers a basic understanding of the role of computational chemistry. Based on physical/chemical principles including quantum mechanics and classical mechanics, this course covers how to calculate electronic structures, spectroscopic properties, thermal properties, and chemical reactions in molecular systems, solid state systems, and biological systems with molecular modelling by using computers.
CHM455 Crystallography
Basic group theory dealing with molecular structure and symmetry is introduced. The properties of crystals and X-rays and the interaction between the crystals and X-rays will be discussed. The theory of the molecular structure determination by X-ray diffraction is discussed and the crystal structure determination using a single crystal diffraction data is practiced.
CHM474 Advanced Polymer Chemistry
This course will provide advanced level topics in Polymer Chemistry including an introduction to Polymer Chemistry. This course is designed to deliver undergraduate/graduate students a comprehensive understanding of the polymer synthesis, the synthetic mechanism, and design strategy for various polymers including vinyl polymers, polyethers, polysulfides, polyesters, polyamides, heterocyclic polymers, inorganic polymers, and miscellaneous organic polymers. Recent synthetic advances in polymer chemistry will be covered as well.