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Departmental Notes
Subject Code: CHEM
World Wide Web Address: http://www.chem.queensu.ca/
Head of Department: Richard Oleschuk
Department Manager: Lindsay Lee
Departmental Office: Chernoff Hall, Room 200
Departmental Telephone: 613-533-2616
Departmental Fax: 613-533-6669
Chair of Undergraduate Studies: Anne Petitjean
Undergraduate Assistant: Meredith Richards
Undergraduate Office E-Mail Address: ugadm@chem.queensu.ca
Coordinator of Graduate Studies: David Zechel
Graduate Assistant: Michelle Boutilier
Graduate Office E-Mail Address: gradadm@chem.queensu.ca
Overview
As one of the top chemistry teaching and research departments in Canada, we offer a stimulating learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students. Queen’s Chemistry programs have rich practical laboratory components, where you will put into practice key concepts learned from your lectures. In upper years, you can specialize in one or more of the fundamental branches of chemistry – analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical – or explore new applications such as environmental, materials, biological, computational, or polymer chemistry.
Departmental Policies
Safety in the Laboratories
The Departmental Safety Rules are strictly enforced. Everyone is required to wear protective goggles of an approved type at all times in the laboratories. If contact lenses are used, they must be worn underneath protective goggles. Arms, legs, and feet must be covered while working in laboratories. Open-toed shoes (sandals) are not permitted. The use of a laboratory coat is required. Protective gloves may be required.
Students must complete Queen’s WHMIS and Safety Awareness training in order to take a laboratory course in Chemistry. WHMIS and Safety Awareness training will normally be offered during the first two weeks of the Fall Term by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
Laboratory Costs
Some chemistry courses require students to purchase a laboratory manual produced in the Department for that particular course. The cost of these manuals will be approximately equal to their cost of production.
A standard scientific calculator (cost of about $25) is required for use in tests and examinations in many chemistry courses.
Advice to Students
Programs in Chemistry (Overview)
The Department of Chemistry offers a number of Plans, from the Minor (30.00 units plus 6.00 supporting units) to the Specialization (90.00 units). Students wishing to specialize in chemistry should follow the Major or Specialization Plans. Students wishing to study chemistry and another subject should consider chemistry as one component of a Major-Minor degree combination, or the Specialization Plan in Environmental Chemistry found in the Environmental Studies section of this Calendar.
Second-Year Courses in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 281 and CHEM 282 are intended primarily for students in Life Sciences or Biology Plans who are interested in organic chemistry. Students registered in or considering registering in any Plan in Chemistry or Biochemistry should not enrol in these courses. Organic chemistry is covered in a more integrated fashion in the courses CHEM 211, CHEM 212, CHEM 222 and CHEM 223; approximately 60% of the unit weighting in these courses involves instruction in organic chemistry, as determined by external accreditation. Students who are undecided about their choice of Plan before entering second year are strongly recommended to consult the Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry. Priority will be given to students in Chemistry and Biochemistry Plans for enrolment in CHEM 211, CHEM 212, CHEM 213, CHEM 221, CHEM 222 and CHEM 223.
Accreditation by the Canadian Society of Chemistry (CSC)
The Chemistry Major and Chemistry Specialization Plans are fully accredited by the Canadian Society of Chemistry. Students completing these plans will be eligible for membership in the Chemical Institute of Canada and for membership in the various provincial professional chemical associations.
Special Study Opportunities
Seminars in Chemistry
The seminar program is an important aspect of departmental offerings although seminars do not carry course credit. They may occur at various times during the week, but Friday (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) is the regularly scheduled seminar time. All third- and fourth-year students in chemistry programs are encouraged to attend.
Faculty
- Diane Beauchemin
- Amanda Bongers
- Stephen Brown
- Chantelle Capicciotti
- John Carran
- Tucker Carrington
- Cathleen Crudden
- Paul Duchesne
- P. Andrew Evans
- Farnaz Heidar-Zadeh
- Simon A. M. Hesp
- Hugh Horton
- Graeme Howe
- Gregory Jerkiewicz
- Philip Jessop
- Igor Kozin
- Guojun Liu
- Hans-Peter Loock
- Michael Mombourquette
- Nicholas Mosey
- Jean-Michel Nunzi
- Richard D. Oleschuk
- Anne Petitjean
- Avena Ross
- Zhe She
- Kevin Stamplecoskie
- Peng Wang
- Gang Wu
- David Zechel
Courses
A survey of modern chemistry: structure and bonding, phases of matter, thermodynamics, acids, bases, electrochemistry, equilibria, kinetics and organic chemistry. Using information technology, labs, and problem-solving strategies, students will develop an appreciation for the relevance of chemistry to the solution of modern-day societal challenges.
NOTE Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux. Learning Hours may vary.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Blue Lab Book: estimated cost $9, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
A quantitative treatment of chemical phenomena and materials. Critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized. Topics include atomic structure and molecular bonding, nomenclature, thermodynamics, phase-transitions and condensed phases. The virtual laboratory provides basic practice in different types of chemistry.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.
A quantitative treatment of chemical phenomena and materials. Critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized. Topics include thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, kinetics, electrochemistry and organic reactions. The virtual laboratory provides basic practice in different types of chemistry.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.
An introduction to chemistry of main group inorganic and organic compounds with the use of fundamental quantum mechanics, molecular orbital diagrams and Lewis structures to describe the structure and bonding. The stereochemistry and chirality of organic compounds, solid state inorganic chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of compounds of the main group elements will be covered. The laboratory will introduce skills in inorganic and organic synthesis.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Carbon Lab Book: estimated cost $16, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
An introduction to the kinetics and mechanisms of reactions in gaseous and condensed phases, including acid-base and nucleophilic substitution reactions at carbon and other main group centers. Other topics will include molecular dynamics and reactions in solution. The laboratory illustrates measurement techniques and develops laboratory skills.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Blue Lab Book: estimated cost $9, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
Introduction to analytical chemical methods and science. Topics include statistical analysis of data, titrations and equilibrium theory, spectrophotometry and instrumental elemental analysis.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Blue Lab Book: estimated cost $9, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
A survey of the thermodynamic properties of gases and liquids, including phase and chemical equilibria and electrochemistry. An introduction to the properties of materials, interfaces, surfaces and aqueous solutions. The laboratory uses modern software to facilitate equilibrium calculations, illustrates measurement techniques and develops laboratory skills. Winter Term.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Blue Lab Book: estimated cost $9, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
A survey of practical spectroscopic and spectrometric methods for the determinations of the structures of organic and inorganic compounds. Methods will include nuclear magnetic resonance, electronic, infrared/Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Tutorials will involve solving compound structures using spectroscopic data, and include an introduction to computational methods in spectroscopy.
Mechanistically oriented study of organic reactions with emphasis on applications to synthesis. The laboratory affords experience in organic synthesis.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Carbon Lab Book: estimated cost $16, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
An introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry with emphasis on bonding, stereochemistry, reaction intermediates and reaction mechanisms, and structure-reactivity correlations. Intended for students in biological and life sciences. Students in chemistry or biochemistry programs should not enrol in this course.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
NOTE Molecular Model Set: estimated cost $25.
A continuation from CHEM 281 intended for students in biological sciences, life sciences, and other programs taking no further courses in organic chemistry. Students in chemistry or biochemistry programs should not enrol in this course. Organic molecules and their reactions; relevance to biological systems. Illustrations using biomolecules such as carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The laboratory affords experience in elementary organic syntheses.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Carbon Lab Book: estimated cost $16, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
A continuation from CHEM 281/3.0 intended for students in biological sciences, and other plans taking no further courses in organic chemistry. Students in chemistry or biochemistry plans should not enrol in this course. Organic molecules and their reactions; relevance to biological systems. Illustrations using biomolecules such as carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The virtual laboratory provides knowledge of elementary organic syntheses.
NOTE Offered only online. Consult Arts and Science Online.
NOTE Life Sciences Honours students should not enroll in this course.
Fundamental mechanistic concepts of organic reactions, structure-activity relationships, solvent effects and catalysis. Mechanistic aspects of substitution, addition, elimination and pericyclic reactions.
Introduction to the chemistry, bonding and structures of coordination compounds of the transition metals; transition metals in the solid state and in biological systems; industrial and environmental aspects of transition metal chemistry.
Elementary principles and applications of wave mechanics with special reference to molecular orbitals and chemical bonding.
One further step in mastering synthetic organic chemistry. Building on knowledge of introductory organic reactivity, essential principles underlying strategies in synthetic organic chemistry will be covered, with an emphasis on regio- and stereo-controls.
Overview of instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Topics include gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometric detection, new separation methods, electrochemical analysis, inductively coupled plasma-based elemental analysis.
The application of quantum mechanics to the structures and internal motions of molecules. The foundations of electronic, vibrational, rotational and NMR spectroscopy will be discussed together with their applications.
Introduction to the chemical basis of biological systems and biomolecules, protein structure and synthesis, enzyme catalysis, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), carbohydrates, membranes, cell signalling, biosynthetic and metabolic pathways.
The first part examines chemical contaminants in the atmosphere, water, soils and sediments, including sources, behaviour, transport, and distribution among these environments. The second part introduces Green Chemistry, examining industrial sources of contaminants and the modification of industrial processes in order to minimize environmental impact.
The course covers four major topics. 1. The thermodynamic properties of interfaces (surface energy, wetting, surface area and porosity, capillary effects, work of adhesion/cohesion). 2. Models of adsorption/desorption phenomena. 3. The dynamics of phase transitions (meta-stability, nucleation, spinoidal decomposition). 4. The stability and characterization of colloidal systems. Student appreciation for the importance of these phenomena is cultivated using examples drawn from industrial processes/products including inks, paints, foods, polymer blends, and nanocomposites.
Laboratory course introducing modern experimental methods in chemistry, including synthesis, analytical instrumentation and computational methods. The integration of several methods will be emphasized in the synthesis and characterization of molecules.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Carbon Lab Book: estimated cost $16, Flame Gard Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $15, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
Laboratory course. In consultation with the course coordinator, and subject to availability, students may select experiments as are relevant to their degree program including synthesis, analytical instrumentation and computational methods. The integration of several methods will be emphasized in the design and characterization of molecules.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Carbon Lab Book: estimated cost $16, Flame Gard Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $15, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
Laboratory course. In consultation with the course co-coordinator, and subject to availability, students may select experiments as are relevant to their degree program including synthesis, analytical instrumentation and computational methods. The integration of several methods will be emphasized in the design and characterization of molecules.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17, Carbon Lab Book: estimated cost $16, Flame Gard Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $15, Disposable Face Shield (may require more than one): estimated cost $7.50, Disposable Face Mask (may require more than one): estimated cost $1.
A discussion of recent advances in analytical chemistry and its applications to the environmental, materials and biomedical fields. At least four topics will be covered from sample preparation, separation methods, multidimensional chromatography, elemental spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and surface analysis methods. Additional topics will be selected from the current literature.
The fundamentals of statistical mechanics with applications to thermodynamic properties of gases, liquids and solids and to chemical equilibrium in dilute gases.
The application of quantum mechanics to chemical structures, energetics, internal motions of molecules, and chemical reactions. An introduction to the use of modern electronic structure software in chemistry.
An advanced treatment of the concepts and applications of catalysis, including the kinetics of catalysis and topics selected from the areas of homogeneous, heterogeneous, and biocatalysis.
The course covers concepts of equilibrium electrochemistry and examines the structure of the electrode-solution interface. It discusses the basics of electron transfer and derives electrochemical kinetics equations. It shows examples of several electrochemical reactions and overviews experimental methods used to study electrochemical phenomena.
Modern spectroscopic methods for the structural and electronic characterization of molecules will be discussed, including: NMR, X-ray and synchrontron-based spectroscopies, laser spectroscopy, surface spectroscopic methods and scanning probe methods.
Modern synthetic methods in organic chemistry. Principles of strategy in planning organic syntheses based on simple classifications of reagents and reactions, and on the control of stereochemistry.
An examination of aspects of modern inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Topics will include metal-ligand bonding in organometallic complexes, applications of organometallics in organic synthesis, metal-metal bonding in dinuclear and polynuclear metal complexes, and may include reaction mechanisms of transition metal complexes, bioinorganic chemistry, and symmetry.
Specific properties of polymers (glass transition, crystallinity, polydispersity, etc.) and their dependence on macromolecular structure and isomerism. Polymer synthesis overview: step and chain polymerization (free-radical, ionic and insertion mechanisms) and reactions on polymers. Examples of polymers and their uses.
Four topics covering a range of self-assembled molecular systems will be discussed: monolayers and bilayers, block co-polymers, nanoparticles, and liquid crystals. Material properties, synthetic methods and application of these systems in current and emerging technologies, including nanotechnologies, will be covered.
A full-year research project on a topic in chemistry, supervised by a member of staff. Normally limited to students in the final year of a major or subject of specialization concentration in Chemistry. May be taken in the Summer Term with permission. Additional restrictions may apply.
NOTE Lab Coat: estimated cost $27, Goggles: estimated cost $17.
A Fall Term research project on a topic in chemistry, supervised by a member of staff. Normally limited to students in the final year of a major or subject of specialization concentration in Chemistry; where appropriate, students in a Chemistry Medial program may take the course with permission of the Department. Additional restrictions may apply.
A Winter Term research project on a topic in chemistry, supervised by a member of staff. Normally limited to students in the final year of a major or subject of specialization concentration in Chemistry; where appropriate, students in a Chemistry Medial program may take the course with permission of the Department. Additional restrictions may apply.