Chemistry

Kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions; nuclear chemistry and radioactivity; atomic and molecular structure; selected topics in environmental chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

Laboratory portion of CHEM BC2002.

Extension of concepts from Organic Chemistry I to conjugated systems; chemistry of the carbonyl group; NMR and IR spectroscopy; bioorganic chemistry.

Survey of topics appropriate for a student majoring in chemistry or biochemistry, including examinations of uncertainty analysis and data processing, use of basic laboratory equipment, complex equilibria (pH, solubility, etc.), advanced solution chemistry and chemical activity, and the theoretical foundations of modern techniques in electrochemistry, chromatography and analytical experimental techniques.

Introduction to the laws of thermodynamics; application primarily to ideal systems. Free energy and equilibrium. Kinetics: rate laws and mechanisms, experimental techniques.

Exact and approximate solutions to the Schrodinger equation. The structure of atoms and molecules. Chemical bonding and spectroscopy. Computer-based molecular modeling.

Structure, bonding and spectroscopy in inorganic compounds: applications of group theory to chemistry; ligand field theory; vibrational and electronic spectroscopy of transition metal complexes; selected topics from coordination chemistry, organometallics, bioinorganic chemistry, solid state and materials chemistry, mineralogy, and biogeochemistry.

Advanced topics in the field of biochemistry, including enzyme mechanisms, pharmaceutical drug design, and disease therapies. Emphasis will be placed on discussion of current scientific literature.

Identical to CHEM BC3338, but with a greater variety and number of experiments.

This course combines chemical synthesis, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and nanoscience into experiments with an emphasis using spectroscopy to determine chemical structure and reactivity. You will gain experience with a range of instruments, techniques, calculations, and theories. Instrumentation will include UV-Visible, infrared, near-infrared, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy.

Multistep and multi-day experiments in organic and inorganic synthesis via advanced synthetic methods. Experiments include solution phase, solid state, and photochemical syntheses. Products will be analyzed and characterized by a variety of methods, including: IR, NMR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and also by polarimetry, chiral GC, and GC/MS.

Experiments in kinetics, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry using instrumental methods; preparation and characterization of inorganic compounds; solids; some computer applications.

Experiments in spectroscopy and structure: UV-Vis, fluorescence, Raman, infrared spectra of organic and inorganic molecules and reactions.

Readings, discussions, and presentations about contemporary research in chemistry and biochemistry. Th 10:35-12:25.

Individual research projects at Barnard or Columbia, culminating in a comprehensive written report.

Individual research projects at institutions other than Barnard and Columbia, culminating in a comprehensive written report and oral presentation.

Individual research projects at Barnard or Columbia, culminating in a comprehensive written report.

Weekly seminar to accompany Senior Honors Thesis Lab (CHEM BC3903). Focus is on scientific presentation and writing skills and research conduct. 

Weekly seminar to accompany Senior Honors Thesis Lab (CHEM BC3903). Focus is on scientific presentation and writing skills and research conduct. 

Main group and transition metal organometallic chemistry: bonding, structure, reactions, kinetics, and mechanisms.

Powerful photonics and spectroscopy tools are changing the way many physical and biological problems are addressed by revealing direct and precious energetic and dynamic information of molecular species inside live cells or novel materials. This full semester graduate course will not only provide fundamental knowledge of optics, laser, photonics, linear and nonlinear molecular spectroscopy, but also introduce physical principles of various emerging optical techniques including femotosecond spectroscopy, single-molecule spectroscopy, multi-photon nonlinear microscopy, label-free chemical imaging, super-resolution imaging, optical coherence tomography.

This course will have two main themes. One theme will explore the design, synthesis, and properties of materials made from molecules. Topics that will be covered in this section of the course include the chemistry of liquid crystals, self-assembled monolayers, organic electronics, carbon-based nanostructures, self-assembled materials, and bio-inspired materials. A second theme will explore inorganic materials. It will compare the chemistry of chemical vapor deposition and vapor phase epitaxy to make solid state materials. It will further study the transformation from chemical bonds to solid-state band structure in materials and quantum size effects.

Recommended preparation: elementary biochemistry. Tactics and techniques for the study of large molecules of biological importance, analysis of the conformation of proteins and nucleic acids; hydrodynamic, scattering, and spectroscopic techniques for examining macromolecular structure.

Recommended preparation: advanced organic chemistry. Various topics in bioactive molecules in the field centered on natural-products chemistry, metabolic transformations, and enzyme mechanisms. Biosysnthesis of natural products and some other bioorganic topics.

This course offers undergraduate and graduate students an introduction to scientific writing and provides an opportunity for them to become more familiar with the skill and craft of communicating complex scientific research. This course will provide students with the basic grammatical, stylistic and practical skills required to write effective academic journal articles, theses, or research proposals. In addition, through an innovative partnership with Columbia University Libraries' Digital Science Center, students will learn how to apply these basic skills to their writing through the use of state-of-the-art software and on-line resources. Regular opportunities to write, peer edit and revise throughout the semester will allow students to put what they are learning into immediate practice. It is recommended that undergraduates have taken at least one semester of research for credit before taking this course. Undergraduates should plan to take this course after taking the required Core course University Writing.

Molecular modeling has become an integral part of research in many areas of chemistry, and in industry in drug discovery and materials design. Many experimental papers in the literature are routinely complemented by molecular modeling calculations. Experimental scientists working in industry have a significant advantage if they know how to optimally use modeling software. The course would consist of a normal lecture part plus a lab session every week in which the students learn to use modeling software by working on projects.

This is an introductory course to the emerging field macromolecular materials chemistry. The general topics will be based on the chemistry, self-assembly, and performance of block copolymers and conjugated polymers.  Particular emphasis will be devoted to the demands required to drive materials from scientific curiosity to commercialization.  At the fundamental level, the course will cover topics on polymerization techniques, electronic structure of organic semiconductors, characterization strategies, nanostructures and self-assembly.

This is an introductory course to the field of inorganic nanomaterials chemistry. The course will cover the synthesis, the structural, electronic and magnetic characterization, and the physical properties of zero-, one- and two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterials. Particular emphasis will be devoted to the design of building blocks that can organize into functional assemblies and to the emergence of collective physical properties. The course will also explore the recent and developing electronic and optoelectronic applications of these materials.

Atomic and molecular quantum mechanics: fundamentals of electronic structure, many-body wave functions and operators, Hartree-Fock and density functional theory, the Dirac equation.

Phase transitions and critical phenomena; renormalization group methods; classical theory of fluids.

Theory of the rates and temperature dependence of chemical reactions in gases and liquids.

Elements of the physical chemistry and electronic structure of interfaces and solid materials with application to organic conductors and semiconductors.

Principles of the interaction of molecules with radiation. Applications of spectroscopy to elucidate molecular structure and bonding.

The determination of structures by diffraction methods, focusing on single crystal X-ray diffraction, is described. Emphasis is placed on a critical evaluation of published data.

Coordination chemistry of proteins and nucleic acids and their synthetic analogs.

Kinetics and mechanisms of inorganic reactions.

Advanced topics in spectroscopic methods as applied to transition metal complexes.

Chemical applications of group theory: structure, bonding and spectroscopy. Ligand field and molecular orbital theories.

The use of transition-metal complexes as catalysts for olefin polymerization, and for atom transfer and chain transfer during free-radical polymerizations.

The use of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in the determination of the structures of inorganic molecules and the use of dynamic NMR spectroscopy (variable temperature NMR and magnetization transfer techniques) to provide information concerned with reaction mechanisms.

Polymeric materials have long been ubiquitous items and played important roles in revolutionizing the way we live. Due to the advent of modern polymerization fabrication strategies, polymers are rapidly gaining interest for the development of next generation devices and medical treatment. This course will focus on the chemistry polymers and their use as nanostructured materials created by self-assembly and top-down fabrication techniques. Specifically, the class will be divided into two sections describing the uses of organic nanostructures on a) surfaces and b) as particles. Patterned surfaces will be described in terms of photo-, imprint-, and block copolymer lithography. The preparation of nanoparticles through polymer synthesis, dendrimers, and mechanical manipulation will be the second part.

This course will provide a discussion of the thermodynamics and kinetics of colloidal crystallization and stabilization, the physical properties of quantum confined semiconductor and metal nanocrystals, methods of nanocrystal characterization, and examples of nanocrystals in technological applications.  Prospective students should be familiar with basic principles of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics of phase transitions, and inorganic chemistry – particularly molecular orbital theory.  Undergraduate students interested in this course should obtain approval from the instructor prior to registering.

Construction, analysis, and strategies for the synthesis of complex natural products.

Stochastic processes; Brownian motion; Langevin equations and fluctuation-dissipation theorems; reaction rate theory; time correlation functions and linear response theory.

Problems and methods in areas of current research interest.

Biophotonics tools are changing the way many biological problems are addressed by revealing direct and precious visualization information inside live cells, tissues and organisms. This interdisciplinary course will not only provide fundamental knowledge of optics, laser, microscopy, linear and nonlinear molecular spectroscopy, but also introduce physical principles of various emerging microscopy techniques including single-molecule biophysics, multi-photon microscopy, label-free chemical imaging, super-resolution imaging, novel molecular probes, optical coherence tomography and emerging technology. A few guest lectures from expert instructors across the campus are expected.

Recent advances in the development of homogeneous catalysis for selective organic synthesis. Emphasis on both mechanistic and synthetic aspects.

Topics from recent trends in natural products chemistry, especially in ligand/receptor interactions.

Review of principles of the mechanisms of organic photochemical reactions.

The chemistry of designing, synthesizing, and studying molecules that self-assemble.

Intermolecular interactions are at the structure-reactivity and structure-function relations of many issues in material sciences and biological chemistry. This course will describe the fundamental concepts and methodologies of the field and review its development over the past several decades. Emphasis will be placed on guest-host systems which can be developed based on the paradigm of the chemistry of enzymes.

This lecture course aims to address philosophical and ethical questions in scientific research.  What are the most important traits of successful scientists whose discoveries have greatly benefited humanity (and led to Nobel Prizes)?  What distinguishes great science from mediocre or pathological "science"?  What are the ethical standards of scientific research?  How do we identify scientific misconduct or fraud?  Why are ethical standards so critical to the integrity of the research enterprise?  The course requires extensive participation of students in the form of discussions and debates.  Grades will be based on participation, writing assignments, and one oral presentation.

Basic quantum mechanics: the Schrodinger equation and its interpretation, exact solutions in simple cases, methods or approximation, angular Mementum and electronic spin, and an introduction to atomic and molecular structure.

Topics include the classical and quantum statistical mechanics of gases, liquids, and solids.

Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt, and Arieh Warshel won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for laying the foundations for today's computer models that combine principles of classical (Newtonian) physics and quantum physics to better model the fine details of chemical processes.  In this course, you will learn the basics of these computational simulation methods, which are used to solve problems in biology, chemistry and physics.  Additionally, the course will introduce a chemistry - and physics - motivated perspective on computer science algorithms used to approximately solve classic NP-hard problems.  Topics will include several important and widely developed simulation methods in physical chemistry, including molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, and simulated annealing.  You will write your own code to simulate a liquid of interacting Lennard-Jones particles, model a carbon nanotube in aqueos solution, and approximate solutions to the traveling salesman problem.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN1507. A student-centered experimental course intended for students who are taking or have completed CHEM W1604 (Second Semester General Chemistry Intensive Lecture offered in Fall), CHEM W3045 (Intensive Organic Chemistry offered in Fall), or CHEM W3046 (Intensive Organic Chemistry Lecture offered in Spring). The course will provide an introduction to theory and practice of modern experimental chemistry in a contextual, student-centered collaborative learning environment. This course differs from CHEM W1500 in its pedagogy and its emphasis on instrumentation and methods. Students must also attend the compulsory Mentoring Session. Please check the Directory of Classes for details. Please note that CHEM W2507 is offered in the fall and spring semesters.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN2045. Premedical students may take CHEM W3045, CHEM W3046, CHEM W2507 and CHEM W3545 to meet the minimum requirements for admission to medical school. This course covers the same material as CHEM W3443 - CHEM  W3444, but is intended for students who have learned the principles of general chemistry in high school OR have completed CHEM W1604 in their first year at Columbia. First year students enrolled in CHEM W3045-CHEM W3046 are expected to enroll concurrently in CHEM W2507. Although CHEM W3045 and CHEM W3046 are separate courses, students are expected to take both terms sequentially. A recitation section is required. Please check the Directory of Classes for details and also speak with the TA for the course.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN3046. Premedical students may take CHEM W3045, CHEM W3046, and CHEM W3545 to meet the minimum requirements for admission to medical school. This course covers the same material as CHEM W3443-CHEM  W3444, but is intended for students who have learned the principles of general chemistry in high school OR have completed CHEM W1604 in their first year at Columbia. First year students enrolled in CHEM W3045-CHEM W3046 are expected to enroll concurrently in CHEM W2507. Although CHEM W3045 and CHEM W3046 are separate courses, students are expected to take both terms sequentially. A recitation section is required.  Please check the Directory of Classes for details and also speak with the TA for the course.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN2443. The principles of organic chemistry. The structure and reactivity of organic molecules are examined from the standpoint of modern theories of chemistry. Topics include stereochemistry, reactions of organic molecules, mechanisms of organic reactions, syntheses and degradations of organic molecules, and spectroscopic techniques of structure determination. Although CHEM W3443 and CHEM W3444 are separate courses, students are expected to take both terms sequentially.  Students must ensure they register for the recitation which corresponds to the lecture section. Please check the Directory of Classes for details.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN2444. The principles of organic chemistry. The structure and reactivity of organic molecules are examined from the standpoint of modern theories of chemistry. Topics include stereochemistry, reactions of organic molecules, mechanisms of organic reactions, syntheses and degradations of organic molecules, and spectroscopic techniques of structure determination. Although CHEM W3443 and CHEM W3444 are separate courses, students are expected to take both terms sequentially.  Students must ensure they register for the recitation which corresponds to the lecture section. Please check the Directory of Classes for details.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN2493. Techniques of experimental organic chemistry, with emphasis on understanding fundamental principles underlying the experiments in methodology of solving laboratory problems involving organic molecules.  Attendance at the first lab lecture and laboratory session is mandatory. Please note that CHEM W3493 is the first part of a full year organic chemistry laboratory course.  Students must register for the lab lecture section (CHEM W3495) which corresponds to their lab section. Students must attend ONE lab lecture and ONE lab section every other week.  Please contact your advisors for further information.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN2494. Please note that you must complete CHEM W3493 before you register for CHEM W3494. This lab introduces students to experimental design and trains students in the execution and evaluation of scientific data. The technique experiments in the first half of the course (CHEM W3493) teach students to develop and master the required experimental skills to perform the challenging synthesis experiments in the second semester. The learning outcomes for this lab are the knowledge and experimental skills associated with the most important synthetic routes widely used in industrial and research environments. Attendance at the first lab lecture and laboratory session is mandatory. Please note that CHEM W3494 is the second part of a full year organic chemistry laboratory course. Students must register for the lab lecture section (CHEM W3496) which corresponds to their lab section. Students must attend ONE lab lecture and ONE lab section every other week. Please contact your advisors for further information.

As of academic year 2016-17, this course is now CHEM UN2545. The course covers the same material as CHEM W3493-CHEM W3494, but is intended for those students who have taken Intensive Organic Chemistry, CHEM W3045-CHEM W3046, and for students who intend to major in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Physics, or Environmental Chemistry.