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Course Information
The following list provides a brief description of each existing Chemistry course along with the corresponding prerequisites and antirequisites.
For transfer students, Western credit for "Chemistry 1100A and 1200B" (former courses), when taken together only, is equivalent to the combination of "Chemistry 1301A and 1302A/B" for the purpose of fulfilling Chemistry course prerequisites. Please note, they are only equivalent when both are taken together and are not equivalent to either Chem 1301A/B or Chem 1302A/B on their own.
Chemistry Course Levels
1000-Level Courses
Chemistry 1027A - Everywhere and Everything
This course provides the background knowledge required to make informed decisions about how chemistry is presented to the public through various media. Topics will include environmental concerns, forensic chemistry, sources of energy, the chemistry of drugs. No chemistry background required; intended primarily for students from Faculties other than Science.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 1301A/B, 1302A/B, the former Chemistry 1100A/B, 1200B.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course
Chemistry 1301A - Discovering Chemical Structure
An introduction to the foundational principles of chemical structure and properties, emphasizing their relevance to modern science. Topics include: atomic structure, theories of chemical bonding, structure and stereochemistry of organic molecules, and structure of coordination complexes.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 1024A/B or the former Chemistry 1100A/B, 1050.
Prerequisite(s): Grade 12U Chemistry (SCH4U) or equivalent.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 1302A/B - Discovering Chemical Energetics
An examination of how the fundamentals of energetics influence chemical processes. Topics include: gases, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, solubility, weak acids and bases, electrochemistry, and chemical kinetics.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 1024A/B, or the former Chemistry 1200B, 1050.
Prerequisite(s): Grade 12U Chemistry (SCH4U) or equivalent. Grade 12U Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), or Mathematics 0110A/B or 0105A, is strongly recommended.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.
2000-Level Courses
Chemistry 2003B - Organic and Biological Chemistry for Food Science
An overview of the properties and common reactions of selected functional groups and biomolecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Emphasis with be placed on the importance and application of organic chemistry in the food sciences.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2213A/B, 2223B, 2273A, 2283G.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B, or the former Chemistry 1100A/B and 1200B, or the former Chemistry 1050.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course
Enrolment limited to students registered in Foods & Nutrition, Brescia University College, or by special permission of the Department of Chemistry
Chemistry 2210A - Chemistry of the Environment
The environmental chemistry of air, water, and soil.
Antirequisite(s): CEE 2217A/B, Chemistry 4491E.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B) or (Chemistry 1301 A/B and Integrated Science 1001X).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course. Cannot be taken at the same time as Chemistry 4491E
Chemistry 2211A - Inorganic Elements in Life
A discussion of the diverse roles of inorganic elements in the chemistry of life processes, with an emphasis on the chemistry of hydrogen, oxygen, and the cations of Groups 1 and 2. Bioenergetic processes, biomineralization and photosynthesis. The uptake, transport and storage of iron.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2271A.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B) or (Chemistry 1301A/B and Integrated Science 1001X). (Grade 12U Biology or a Year 1 University Biology course is highly recommended as preparation for this course).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2213A - Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences
An introduction to the basic concepts of structure, stereochemistry and reactions in organic chemistry with an emphasis on its connections to the biological, health or medical sciences.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2273A.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B) or (Chemistry 1301A/B and Integrated Science 1001X).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours (3 hours every other week) 0.5 course.
Note: The combination of Chemistry 2213A/B and Chemistry 2223B provides the equivalent of a full course in Organic Chemistry with a laboratory, which is a prerequisite for some professional programs.
Chemistry 2214B - Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
Basic thermodynamic concepts and relations and illustration of their relevance and applications to biological systems. In addition, some aspects of electrochemistry, and spectroscopic techniques will be introduced, again with emphasis on the role of these techniques in understanding the structure and nature of important biological molecules.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2374A, Chemistry 2384B.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B) or (Chemistry 1301A/B and Integrated Science 1001X); 0.5 course from: Calculus 1000A/B or Calculus 1500A/B, and 0.5 course from: Applied Mathematics 1201A/B, Calculus 1301A/B, Calculus 1501A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, Mathematics 1229A/B, Mathematics 1600A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours (3 hours every other week) 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2223B - Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
An examination of the chemistry of naturally occurring molecules, emphasizing organic compounds of importance in the Biological and Health Sciences.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2213A/B or 2283G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture/tutorial hours, 1.5 laboratory hours (3 hours every other week), 0.5 course.
Intended primarily for students in Biology, and students interested in the Health or Medical Sciences.
Note: The combination of Chemistry 2213A/B and Chemistry 2223B provides the equivalent of a full course in Organic Chemistry with a laboratory, which is a prerequisite for some professional programs.
Chemistry 2271A - Structure and Bonding in Inorganic Chemistry
An overview of the Periodic Table, stressing trends in properties of the elements and their compounds; principles of ionic and covalent bonding; molecular orbital theory of simple molecules; solution and solid state chemistry of Group 1 and 2 compounds, with examples relevant to biology and everyday life.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2211A/B.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B with a minimum mark of 60% in each) or (Chemistry 1301A/B and Integrated Science 1001X with a minimum mark of 60% in each).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours per week, 1.5 tutorial hours every week, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2272F - Introductory Analytical Chemistry
This course emphasizes the quantitative aspects of chemistry. Starting with classical measurements of volumes and masses, the course will develop statistical tools of estimation, confidence, accuracy, and precision in treating experimental data. This includes an introduction to instrumental methods of analysis.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B) or (Chemistry 1301A/B and Integrated Science 1001X)
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2273A - Organic Chemistry I: Structure and Spectroscopy
Introduction to 3D structure, spectroscopy and chemical reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, benzene, and alkyl halides. Introduction to reaction mechanisms and the interpretation of IR and NMR spectra. Laboratory: techniques of experimental organic chemistry; illustrative preparations of organic compounds.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2213A/B.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 1301A/B and Chemistry 1302A/B with a minimum mark of 60% in each) or (Chemistry 1301A/B and Integrated Science 1001X with a minimum mark of 60% in each).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours/week (3 hours every other week), 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2281G - Inorganic Chemistry of the Main Group Elements
Comparison of the structure and solution chemistry of the main group elements and their oxides, halides and hydrides; examples of these compounds in the world around us, with a discussion of the chemical principles involved; Molecular Orbital Theory of polyatomic molecules; metallic bonding and semiconductors.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2271A or (Chemistry 2211A/B with a minimum mark of 80%).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours; 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2283G - Organic Chemistry II: Mechanisms and Reactivity
Introduction to structure, spectroscopy and reactions of alcohols and derivatives, aromatic compounds and carbonyl compounds with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms and synthesis. Techniques of experimental organic chemistry will be introduced in the laboratory; illustrative preparations.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2273A or (Chemistry 2213A/B with a minimum mark of 80%).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2370B - Organic and Inorganic Structure Elucidation
Structure determination using common spectroscopic methods including vibrational and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry and x-ray crystallography.
Prerequisite(s): (Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2273A) and (Chemistry 2211A/B or Chemistry 2271A).
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2374A - Thermodynamics
An introduction to classical thermodynamics. Topics to be covered include: Zeroth law of thermodynamics, first law of thermodynamics, enthalpy, entropy, second and third law of thermodynamics, Helmholtz and Gibbs energies, chemical potential, non-ideal gases, phase diagrams, ideal and real solutions, properties of ionizing solvents, electrolyte solutions, electrochemical cells.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2214A/B.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1301A/B, Chemistry 1302A/B, 0.5 course from Calculus 1000 A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1412A/B, and any other 0.5 course at the 1000-level from Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, or Numerical and Mathematical Methods. Integrated Science 1001X may be used as a substitute for the combination of Chemistry 1302A/B and Calculus 1301A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 2384B - Microscopic Phenomena
Aspects of microscopic chemistry are covered including the introduction to statistical mechanics and its connection with thermodynamics, description of the kinetic theory in gas and liquid phases, chemical dynamics, kinetics, diffusion, and transport processes.
Antirequisite(s): Chemistry 2214A/B.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2374A.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1.5 laboratory hours/week (3 hours every other week), 0.5 course.
3000-Level Courses
Chemistry 3300B - Computer Methods in Chemistry
An introduction to computer methods and tools used in all branches of chemistry. Topics include molecular structure visualization, calculation of molecular structure and properties, analysis of reaction mechanisms using potential energy surfaces, simulation of molecular spectra, numerical methods, data processing, and symbolic computation software.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1301A/B, Chemistry 1302A/B, and any 1.0 courses at the 1000 level or higher from Calculus, Applied Mathematics or Mathematics, with no mark less than 60%. Integrated Science 1001X with a minimum mark of 60% may be used as a substitute for Chemistry 1302A/B and Calculus 1301A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour per week (2 hours every other week), 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3320B - Polymer Chemistry
A comprehensive treatment of the preparation and uses of polymers, and their chemical and physical properties in the solid state and in solution.
Antirequisite(s): CBE 4493A/B, the former CBE 3392A/B.
Prerequisite(s): Either (Chemistry 2273A and 2283G) or Chemistry 2213A/B, and either Chemistry 2214A/B or 2384B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours (4 lab hours every other week).
Chemistry 3330F - Industrial Chemistry (Not offered in Fall/Winter 2023)
Industrial applications of chemistry including a survey of the chemical industry and its principal products; mass and energy balances as applied to chemical processes and the comparative economics of chemical processes will be discussed.
Antirequisite(s): The former CBE 2216.
Prerequisite(s): Either (Chemistry 2273A and 2283G) or Chemistry 2213A/B, and either Chemistry 2214A/B or 2384B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3364B - Materials Chemistry
Introduction to the structure, properties, and functionalities of societally relevant materials including metals, semiconductors, soft materials, and nanostructures. Modern characterization techniques and applications of materials are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2214A/B or 2384B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3371F - Transition Metal Chemistry
The study of the effects of the electronic structure of transition metals on their properties, including coordination chemistry, electronic spectra, magnetic properties, and reactions. Introduction to organometallic chemistry. The laboratory experiments illustrate and amplify concepts discussed in the lectures.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2271A and 2281G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3372G - Instrumental Analytical Chemistry
This course deals with the principles and fundamentals of modern instrumentation in chemical analysis. The content involves quantitative analytical separation and spectroscopy, theoretical and practical aspects of instrumental techniques, and determination of metals and small molecules.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2272F.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3373F - Organic Chemistry III: Reactions and Strategies for Synthesis
An intermediate level course in organic chemistry designed to complete the core requirements in organic chemistry. The major topics include: concepts of organic synthesis, radical chemistry, the chemistry of beta-dicarbonyls, amines, heterocycles, cycloadditions and pericyclic reactions.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2273A and 2283G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3374A - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Basic concepts of quantum mechanics are introduced and applied to a variety of problems in chemistry and spectroscopy. Topics include quantum behavior of microscopic particles, principles of vibrational, rotational, and electronic spectroscopy, and the foundations of the quantum theory of chemical bonding.
Antirequisite(s): Physics 3200A/B.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1301A/B, Chemistry 1302A/B, 0.5 course from Calculus 1000 A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1412A/B, and any other 0.5 course at the 1000-level from Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, or Numerical and Mathematical Methods. Integrated Science 1001X may be used as a substitute for the combination of Chemistry 1302A/B and Calculus 1301A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3391B - Bioinorganic Chemistry
The role of the chemical elements and their compounds in biology. The emphasis will be on the functional and mechanistic aspects of the biological chemistry of the metallic elements. The toxicology and medicinal chemistry of metal ions will also be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3371F.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 3393B - Medicinal Chemistry
Ideas of enzyme action and metabolic patterns provide a framework for understanding the origins of medicinally useful natural products and the rationale for proceeding from natural lead compounds to pharmaceuticals. Chemical and biological constraints on drug structure. Drug discovery process. Classes of medicinal chemicals.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2213A/B or Chemistry 2283G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
4000-Level Courses
Chemistry 4400A/B - Current Topics in Chemistry (Not offered in Fall/Winter 2023)
Selected topics of current interest in Chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3371F, 3373F, and 3374A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 4415B - Applications of Synthetic Biology and Chemical Genetics in Medicine
This course will explore how metabolic pathways are currently being re-engineered in microorganisms to produce drugs that are otherwise difficult to manufacture. We will also investigate how drug targets are being identified using newly developed chemical genetic screening methods. The impact of both approaches on medicine will be evaluated.
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 4415B.
Prerequisite(s): Either (Biochemistry 3381A and Biochemistry 3382A) or (Biochemistry 2280A and one of Chemistry 3393A/B or Chemistry 4493A/B).
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours per week, 1 hr bi-weekly tutorial session. 0.5 course.
The course is cross-listed as Biochemistry 4415B. For further details, see Biochemistry 4415B in the Biochemistry Course Information.
Chemistry 4424B - Molecular Structure and Simulation
Exposition of modern computational methods used in chemistry, biological modeling, and materials research. Topics include molecular quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics, and elements of statistical and machine-learning techniques.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3374A/B or Physics 3200A/B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 4471A - Transition Metals and Catalysis
This course covers the fundamental basis of homogeneous catalysis using transition metal complex catalysts, illustrated by important industrial processes. It also treats heterogeneous and hybrid catalysts.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3371F.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 4472A - Advanced Analytical Chemistry
This course encompasses selected topics at the advanced level of analytical sciences. They include an introduction to chemometrics; advanced theory and practice of high-resolution separation techniques; recent advances in analytical electrochemistry, spectroscopy and microscopy; instrumentation and its applications in research.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3372F/G.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 4473A - Modern Chemical Synthesis
The tools and insight needed to design successful synthetic routes to complex organic molecules. The student will identify and design synthetic routes for key structural elements and be introduced to synthetic methods in a setting of problem solving and discussion.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3373F.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 4481B - Solid-state Inorganic Chemistry and Materials
A discussion of the structures and bonding in inorganic solids as well as of their physical and chemical properties. Links to practically important inorganic materials and solid-state devices will also be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3371F.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 4491E - Chemical Research Discovery and Scientific Communication
This is the signature course in chemistry. Under the supervision of a faculty member students will work on an independent research project, submit reports, write a thesis describing research findings and present and defend their findings in an oral seminar. Professional development activities include: skills for critical analysis of research, writing technical reports, ethics.
Antirequisite(s): The former Chemistry 4490E.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the courses required for a Major in Chemistry and registration in a Specialization in Chemistry, Honors Specialization in Chemistry, or Honors Specialization in Biochemistry and Chemistry.
Extra Information: 15 laboratory hours/week, 1.5 course.
Typically taken in the final year. Permission of the Department is required.
Chemistry 4493B - Chemistry of Biological Macromolecules
A survey of the chemistry of monosaccharides, amino acid and nucleosides with modern synthetic methods to oligosaccharides, polypeptides and polynucleotides.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 3373F.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
Chemistry 4494B - Biophysical Chemistry
An overview of the physical principles underlying the structure, function, and dynamics of biological systems, with focus on proteins and biomembranes. Topics to be covered include: Selected applications of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; inter- and intramolecular (noncovalent) interactions; protein folding; spectroscopic properties of biopolymers.
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 2374A or the former Chemistry 2284B.
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
