Many of the courses listed below have course websites within McMaster's ELM server. The course content can be accessed by registered students, after logging on to the ELM site.
INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY I A discussion of chemical fundamentals, including bonding, structure, reactivity and energetics, with emphasis on applications to health, energy and the environment. Laboratories highlight hands-on experimental techniques; tutorials support the development of problem solving skills. The textbook for Chem 1A03 is: General Chemistry: Principles & Modern Applications, by Petrucci, Harwood, Herring, and Madura; 10th Edition, Pearson, Prentice Hall. Three lectures, one tutorial, one lab (3 hours) every other week; 1 term. Term 1 & Summer 1.
A discussion of organic chemistry, chemical kinetics, acid-base equilibrium and the energetics of phase transformations, with emphasis on relevant experimental techniques and solving real problems ranging from drug discovery to environmental chemistry. The textbook for Chem 1AA3 will be: General Chemistry: Principles & Modern Applications, by Petrucci, Harwood, Herring, and Madura; 10th Edition, Pearson, Prentice Hall. Three lectures, one tutorial, one lab (3 hours) every other week; one term. Term 2 & Summer 2.
GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERING I An introduction to chemical principles for Engineering students, including reactivity, bonding, structure, energetics and electrochemistry. The textbook for Chem 1E03 is: General Chemistry: Principles & Modern Applications, by Petrucci, Harwood, Herring, and Madura; 10th Edition, Pearson, Prentice Hall. Three lectures, one tutorial (one hour), one lab (three hours), every other week; one term. Term 1 & Summer 1.
GENERAL CHEMISTRY A general introduction to chemistry, suitable for students without OAC / Grade 12 chemistry. Three lectures; second term. Term 2.
Chemistry 1A03 (or 1E03) and 1AA3 are prerequisites for all Chem 2xx3 courses. Chemistry 1E03 is a prerequisite for Chem 2WW2. Some second year courses are aimed at Chemistry Majors (Major) while others are service courses (Service) for students in other programs. Check the Calendar for specific requirements.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY I An introduction to the basic principles of analytical chemistry, with particular emphasis on solution equilibria and classical methods of analysis. Two lectures, one lab (3 hours); one term.
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS The art and science of performing quantitative analysis on samples based on classical volumetric techniques and modern instrumental methods including electrochemistry, optical spectroscopy, and chromatography. Three lectures; one term.
INTRODUCTORY ORGANIC CHEMISTRY An introduction to the chemistry of monofunctional aliphatic and aromatic compounds with emphasis on reactions and their mechanisms. Special topics will include synthetic and natural polymers. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
IINTRODUCTORY ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: STRUCTURE AND BONDING The basic theories and models of bonding and structure that explain the combination of elements across the periodic table, with primary emphasis on the main-group elements. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
TOOLS FOR CHEMICAL DISCOVERY I Selected experiments that introduce and develop the basic techniques and skills associated with the synthesis of organic and inorganic molecules; characterization and analysis of molecules, materials and solutions. Two lectures, two labs; one term.
Chemistry 2LB3
(Major)
TOOLS FOR CHEMICAL DISCOVERY II Advanced techniques for synthesis and characterization of organic and inorganic molecules and materials, and the use of modern instrumentation in chemistry. Two lectures, two labs; one term.
Chemistry 2OA3 and Chemistry 2OB3 are a sequence of introductory courses in organic chemistry for scientists not majoring in chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the structure of organic compounds and on the reactivity associated with functional groups.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I An introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on the reactions of functional groups and an introduction to spectroscopic techniques for structure determination. Three lectures, one lab (3 hours) every other week, one tutorial (2 hours) every other week; one term.
Chemistry 2OB3
(Service: Bio)
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II Nucleophilic substitutions and carbonyl centres, aromatic chemistry, carbohydrates, applications of spectroscopic techniques in organic chemistry. Three lectures, one lab (3 hours) every other week, one tutorial (2 hours) every other week; one term.
STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY OF ORGANIC MOLECULES Examines how structure affects properties and chemistry of organic molecules important for life, health, and advanced technologies. Fundamentals of organic reaction mechanisms and structure determination. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 2OD3
(Major)
SYNTHESIS AND FUNCTION OF ORGANIC MOLECULES Survey of fundamental reactions used to construct organic molecules, with emphasis on reaction mechanisms. Introduction to functional group interconversions, and construction of complex organic molecules. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 2PC3
(Major)
MATHEMATICAL TOOLS FOR CHEMICAL PROBLEMS An introduction to vector calculus, differential equations and linear algebra - including solving linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors - motivated by problems of chemical equilibrium and kinetics. Three lectures; one term.
Chemistry 2PD3
(Major)
EQUILIBRIA AND KINETICS Thermodynamics and its application to physical transformations and equilibria. Microscopic and macroscopic aspects of chemical kinetics. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 2Q03
INQUIRY IN CHEMISTRY An introduction to the tools of inquiry and their use in the investigation of modern issues of chemical and societal importance, with emphasis on central applications of chemistry and the role chemistry plays in addressing problems of societal relevance. Three lectures; one term.
Chemistry 2WW2
(Service: Eng.)
INTRODUCTORY INORGANIC CHEMISTRY An introduction to inorganic chemistry. Emphasis on bonding and structure in inorganic compounds of representative main group and transition elements. Two lectures; one term.
Third and fourth year courses are open to all students with the appropriate prerequisites, but are generally aimed at Chemistry majors, unless otherwise noted.
INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS Modern instrumental analytical techniques will be examined, including atomic molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography with emphasis on analytica design and data interpretation. Three lectures; one term.
A systematic study of modern processes in chemical, petrochemical and polymer industries, as well as their environmental impact and the role of emerging green chemistry technologies. Three lectures; one term.
STRADEGIES FOR CHEMICAL DISCOVERY An advanced laboratory course that emphasizes the principles of inquiry and the development of advanced experimental techniques. Two lectures, two labs; one term
A survey of organic synthesis, including functional group manipulations, use of protecting groups, and strategic carbon-carbon bond forming reactions. Applications involving multistep syntheses of complex organic molecules will be presented. Three lectures; one term.
Chemistry 3PA3
QUANTUM MECHANICS AND SPECTROSCOPY
An introduction to quantum chemistry and its applications in spectroscopy and structure and unusual phenomena at the nanoscale. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 3PB3
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
Microscopic origins of macroscopic properties with applications to nanomaterials, optical and magnetic materials, and green chemistry. Three lectures; one term.
The chemistry of the transition elements with emphasis on bonding, electronic spectra and magnetic properties of the transition metal complexes. An introduction to metal-metal bonding, organometallic chemistry and chemistry of f-elements.
Chemistry 3QA3
RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY
A 12-16 week research project undertaken in a chemistry laboratory during the summer following completion of Level III of an Honours Chemistry program, requiring the submission of a formal report. Students are responsible for arranging a suitable project, location, and agreement of the supervisor and the Department by May 1st.
SENIOR THESIS A thesis based on a project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. Occasion seminar/discussion; two terms.
Chemistry 4IA3
PHYSICAL METHODS OF INORGANIC STRUCTURE DETERMINATION
Structure methods such as multi-NMR, NQR, EPR, Mossbauer and vibrational spectroscopy are covered. Inquiry directed problems and topics illustrate applications in contemporary inorganic chemistry. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 4IB3
BIO-INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Inorganic elements and their behaviour in biological systems. Topics for study include metalloenzymes, bio-redox agents, transport proteins, biomimetric inorganic complexes, metallodrugs, and radiopharmaceuticals.Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 4IC3
SOLID STATE INORGANIC MATERIALS: STRUCTURES, PROPERTIES, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS
Structure-property relationships that form the basis for the technological applications of non molecular inorganic solids, including oxides, metals and intermetallic compounds. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 4II3
TRANSITION METAL ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY AND CATALYSIS
Organometallic complexes and their reactivity, with a view towards catalyst design. An inquiry project is included. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chemistry 4OA3
NATURAL PRODUCTS
A description of basic building blocks and reaction mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of naturally occurring compounds. Three lectures; one term.
Chemistry 4OB3
POLYMERS AND ORGANIC MATERIALS
Fundamental and modern polymerization methods, industrially and biomedically relevant polymers and their uses, will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on structure-property relationships. Three lectures; one term.
Chemistry 4PA3
MOLECULAR DRIVING FORCES
The microscopic underpinnings of chemical, biological and physical processes are explored using statistical thermodnamics, affording a deeper understanding of chemical and phase equilibria and kinetics. Three lectures; one term.
Chemistry 4PB3
COMPUTATIONAL MODELS FOR ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL BONDING
Modern computational methods for studying atoms, molecules, and materials. Three lectures; one term.
Recent advances in Analytical chemistry will include and introduction to chemometrics and multivariate analysis, as well as new developments in separation science and mass spectrometry. Three lectures; one term.
Chemical Biology Course Descriptions
Chem Bio 2A03
INTRODUCTIONTO BIO-ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY An introductory course covering basic principles of quantitative analysis of biological samples based on classical volumetric techniques and modern instrumental methods including spectroscopy and chromatography. Three lectures, one lab; one term.
Chem Bio 2AA3
INTRODUCTION TO BIO-ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY An introductory course covering basic principles of quantitative analysis of biological samples based on classical volumetric techniques and modern instrumental methods including spectroscopy and chromatography. Three lectures, one lab; one term.
Chem Bio 2L03
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY LAB I Introduction to the standard tools and techniques employed in Chemical Biology research. One lecture, one lab; one term.
Chem Bio 2OA3
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I An introduction to organic chemistry with emphasis on the reactions of functional groups and an introduction to spectroscopic techniques for structure determination. Three lectures, one lab (3 hours) every other week, one tutorial (2 hours) every other week; one term.
Chem Bio 2OB3
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II Nucleophilic substitutions at carbonyl centres, aromatic chemistry, carbohydrates, applications of spectroscopic techniques in organic chemistry. Three lectures, one lab (3 hours) every other week, one tutorial (2 hours) every other week; one term.
Chem Bio 2P03
BIO-PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A survey of thermodynamic and kinetic principles and their application to biological and environmental systems. Three lectures, one tutorial; one term.
Chem Bio 2Q03
INQUIRY FOR CHEMICAL BIOLOGY Systematically investigate issues in Chemical Biology while developing skills in formulating and refining questions, searching and analyzing the scientific literature, and written and oral presentation. Three lectures; one term.
Chem Bio 3L03
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY LAB II A research project will be formulated and addressed using the tools of Chemical Biology. One lecture, one lab; one term.
Chem Bio 3OA3
BIO-ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Chemistry and biology of primary metabolism. Synthesis, biosynthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, nucleotides, and proteins are compared and contrasted by studying reaction mechanisms and catalysis. Three lectures, one lab; one term.
Chem Bio 3OB3
APPLICATIONS OF SPECTROSCOPY: STRUCTURAL ELUCIDATION Applications of spectroscopy detailing the use of NMR, MS, IR, and UV in determining structures of small molecules and biomolecules with a particular focus on natural products. Three lectures; one term.
Chem Bio 3P03
BIOMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS Principles of interactions between macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids), and macromolecules with small ligands. Techniques for characterizing and quantifying biomolecular interactions in vitro and in vivo. Three lectures; one term.
Chem Bio 4A03
BIO-ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY & ASSAY DEVELOPMENT Advanced separation and detection principles for high-throughput bio-assays for drug targets, as well as recent global analytical strategies for genomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses. Three lectures; one term.
Chem Bio 4G03
RESEARCH PROJECT IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY A project supervised by a member or associate member of the Department of Chemistry involved in the Chemical Biology program.
Chem Bio 4GG9
SENIOR THESIS IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY A thesis based on a major research project supervised by a member or associate member of the Department of Chemistry involved in the Chemical Biology program.
Chem Bio 4IB3
BIO-INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Inorganic elements and their behaviour in biological systems. Topics for study include metalloenzymes, bio-redox agents, transport proteins, biomimetic inorganic complexes, metallodrugs, and radiopharmaceuticals. Three lectures; one term.
Chem Bio 4OA3
NATURAL PRODUCTS A description of basic building blocks and reaction mechanisms involved in the (bio)synthesis of naturally occurring compounds. Three lectures; one term.
Chem Bio 4OB3
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY: DRUG DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Topics will include lead compound discovery strategies; high-throughput screening and "in silico" screening; exploration of structure-activity relationships; drug targets and molecular mechanisms of drug action; strategies for drug optimization. Three lectures; one term.
Chem Bio 4Q03
PEER TUTORING IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
Provides students with theoretical and practical experience with teaching methods in Chemical Biology and focuses on effective presentaton and scientific writing skills. One lecture (3 hours), tutorial; one term.
Course Outline(PDF)
Chemical Biology Course Descriptions