Chemistry courses

Chemistry 301: Introduction to Biochemistry (Rev. C6)

CHEM 301 focuses on the understanding of biochemical processes in the context of chemical principles; and the importance of research design and application to investigate questions in biochemistry. Because the field of biochemistry is continually evolving and touches many areas of cell biology, this course also includes an elementary introduction to the study of molecular biology.

Chemistry 311: Analytical Chemistry I (Revision 2)

Chemistry 311: Analytical Chemistry I, the first of Athabasca University’s two courses in analytical chemistry, provides an introduction to commonly used “wet chemical” analytical methods. An emphasis is placed on the background theory of the techniques, combined with applications of the techniques in the laboratory. Topics covered in the course include a discussion of the analytical process, experimental measurement, and tools used by an analytical chemist.

Chemistry 313: Analytical Chemistry II (Revision 2)

Chemistry 313: Analytical Chemistry II is the second of two three-credit courses designed to give you a thorough grounding in the principles of analytical chemistry at the undergraduate level. Together, Chemistry 311 and Chemistry 313 are equivalent to an eight-month, two-semester course at a traditional university. Topics covered in the course include the more common instrumental methods used in chemical analysis, the background theory of the techniques, the components of the instruments, and common methods of analysis.

Chemistry 330: Environmental Chemistry (Rev. C5)

Issues concerning our health and environment have become increasingly important in recent years. Ozone depletion, the “green house effect,” heavy metal poisoning and acid rain are only a few controversial issues that have come to the public’s attention through the media. Often, in discussions of these phenomena, “facts” are (intentionally or unintentionally) misrepresented, exaggerated or taken out of context. It becomes difficult to weigh the importance of much of this information when one is constantly bombarded by media sensationalism.

It has become increasingly important for young scientists not only to be aware of environmental and health issues, but also to be well informed about them. Chemistry 330: Environmental Chemistry will provide abroad overview of many important environmental issues. It will also give students the most reliable and recent scientific information available, so that they may draw independent and informed conclusions about these issues.

Chemistry 350: Organic Chemistry I (Rev. C8)

CHEM 350 deals with the chemistry of carbon compounds through a study of the characteristic reactions of the common functional groups. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of reaction mechanisms in an attempt to show similarities between apparently unrelated reactions. The importance of stereochemistry is stressed throughout the course. The course also includes an introduction to the use of spectroscopy in the analysis of organic compounds. The compulsory laboratory component of CHEM 350 introduces the basic techniques employed in modern organic chemistry laboratories. Experiments have been selected to illustrate many of the principles encountered in the theoretical part of the course.

Chemistry 360: Organic Chemistry II (Rev. C8)

CHEM 360 is the continuation of CHEM 350: Organic Chemistry I. Together, the two courses provide a comprehensive introduction to organic chemistry at the second-year university level. CHEM 360 deals with the chemistry of carbon compounds through a study of the characteristic reactions of the common functional groups. The chemistry of alcohols, ethers, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, carbohydrates, and amines are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of reaction mechanisms, in an attempt to show similarities between apparently unrelated reactions. The importance of stereochemistry is stressed throughout the course.

Chemistry 495/496: Chemistry Projects (Rev. A1)

CHEM 495/496 are based on contracted study arrangements between the student and an approved supervisor. Students improve their skills to choose and define problems, obtain information from libraries or experiments, organize facts and ideas, and report ideas and conclusions in written form.