BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY
CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT
Course Description
132
GENERAL SCIENCE II: A
study of some of the basic principles of physics, chemistry and geology, and
their applications to environmental issues such as pollution, global warming,
renewable energy sources, pesticides, acid rain etc. Also included is a brief
study of astronomy and meteorology. (3 0).
112 GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORETORY II: Which includes
experiments pertaining to topics covered in chemistry 132. Prerequisite: chem
132 or concurrent and chem 111. (0-3)
The experimental part: includes familiarization with
lab facilities and an introduction to simple glass blowing techniques,
properties of gases, reactions and stoichiometry, titration, colligative
properties of solutions, chemical equilibrium and equilibrium constant, a study
of physical properties of some elements and compounds.(3 3)
221 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY:(For biology
students only) A study of
laboratory methods in organic
chemistry including preparation, separation and identification of various
classes of organic compounds. Extraction of some chemical compounds from their
natural sources. Prerequisite :chem 241.No credits for
chemistry students.(1 3)
230 PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY : (For
Biology students only) An introduction to the main functional groups in
organic chemistry.The study includes alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aliphatic,
cyclic and aromatic compounds, halides,
alcohols, ethers, phenols thiols, carbonyls, amines and carboxylic acids and
their derivatives. Stereochemistry of these functional groups and their reactions.
Prerequisite: chem. 112 and chem 132. (4 0)
231
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I: A
study of the physicochemical properties and
preparation of various organic compounds. These include alkanes, alkenes,
alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers and dienes. Steriochemistry of carbon
compounds. Prerequisites : chem. 132 and chem. 112. (4-0)
232 ORGANIC CHEMSITYR II: A study of
physicochemical properties, preparation and reactions of cycloalkanes, aromatic
compounds, aldehydes, ketones, amines
and carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Also included are structural
studies of organic compounds employing I.R., U.V. mass and NMR. Spectroscopic
techniques. Prerequisite chem. 231. (4 0)
233 ORGANIC CHEMSITRY LABORATORY: Experiments on
the preparation, isolation and identification of various organic compounds
including ketones, aldehydes, acids, esters, amides, amines and aromatic
compounds. Prerequisite: chem 232 or concurrent. (1 6)
234 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY I: Theoretical and
laboratory study of the methods of quantitative analysis which includes
gravimetric, volumetric and a variety of titration methods (pH, Redox etc.)
Introduction to spectrophotometry. Prerequisites: chem 112 and chem132. (2 4)
331
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I: A study of
ideal and real gases, kinetic theory of gases and equipartition of energy,
calculation of heat capacity, free energy. A comprehensive study of the laws of
thermodynamics, free energy, spontaneity and chemical equilibrium.
Prerequisite: chem 132 and math 231 or
consent of department. (3 0)
332 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II: Chemical equilibrium in systems of variable composition, phase
equilibrium in some simple systems, a comprehensive study of thermodynanics of
solutions. Transport properties of gases such as thermal conductivity and
diffusion, a comprehensive study of chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: chem 331.
(3 0)
333 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I: A study of
atomic structure and the periodic table,
study of geometry, structure and
symmetry of inorganic compounds and their reactions, the magnetic and physical properties of
compounds of main group elements. Bonding and explanation of electronic,
magnetic and molecular spectra of compounds. Study of acid base chemistry.
Prerequisite chem 331 or concurrent. (3 0).
334 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY III: A study of the
chemistry of amines, phenols, carbanions and their application. Aldols,Claisen and
malonate condensations. Arylhalides, unsaturated carbonyl compounds, polycyclic
aromatic compounds, and heterocycles. A special attention is given to reaction
mechanisms and their use in synthesis and preparation of compounds.
Prerequisite 232: (3 0)
335 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY: Experiments in
physical chemistry. The experiments include thermodynamics, kinetics,
electrochemistry and quantum chemistry. Prerequisite: chem 332 or concurrent (1 6).
336 ANALYTICIAL CHEMISTRY II: Theory and
applications of modern instrumental methods of analysis including
spectrophotometry, atomic spectrometry, electrochemistry and chromatography.
Prerequisite: chem 234. (2 4 )
337 ANALYTICAL SEPERATIONS:
(Chemistry
Elective) Theory of analytical
separations based on chromatographic methods and its application in chemistry
and biology. Prerequisite : consent of department and chem 234. (3 0).
338 STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS: (Chemistry
Elective) Maxwell-Boltzman
statistics, calculations of thermodynamic properties of gases, internal
partition function, heat capacity, entropy of mixing of various phases,
transition state theory of reaction rates and thermodynamic properties of the
canonical ensemble. Prerequisite: chem 332 or concurrent. (Students who
complete physics 431 will not receive credit for this course). (3 0).
339 SPECTROSCOPY: (Chemistry Elective) Study
of UV, visible, IR, NMR, EPR and
Mossbauer spectroscopy pertaining to electronic and molecular transitions,
applications in determining the structure and bonding of molecular compounds.
Prerequisite: Consent of the department (3 0).
411
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR: Papers and
presentations on selected topics
in
chemistry prepared and given by students under the supervision of the chemistry
staff. The students are introduced to chemistry journals and specialized texts
and Databases. Prerequisite: consent of the department. (1 0).
430 BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY: (Chemistry
Elective)A study of various
metal containing systems such as hemoglobin myogolobin and biological
cobalamines, a study of iron -sulfur proteins. Role of metal ions in
biochemical reactions with emphasis on the electronic and stereochemical
structures of these ions. Prerequisite: chem. 434 or concurrent. (3 0).
431 ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: (Chemistry
Elective) A study of the mechanisms of organic reactions, carbocations
carbanions & carbenes, as reactive
intermediates. Prerequisite: chem. 334. (3 0).
432 SYSTEMATIC IDENTIFICATION
OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS: Physical,
chemical and spectroscopic methods for the identification of various classes of
organic compounds. Prerequisite: chem. 233. (1 8).
433 CHEMISTRY OF XENOBIOTIC METABOLISM: (Chemistry Elective) Presentation of the current principles and methods for studying the metabolic transformation and disposition of xenobiotics. Detailed examination of the chemistry of oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis and conjugation reaction from a mechanistic and empirical viewpoint and the importance of these reactions in the generation and removal of toxic intermediates. The role of structure, bonding, molecular configuration and physicochemical factors in the enzymatic reaction is assessed. Interaction of intermediates and metabolites with cellular macromolecules and possible toxic manifestations will be discussed. Prerequisite: chem 232 and biochem 331. (3 0).
434 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY II: Detailed study of bonding and structure of
coordination compounds of transition elements and their reactions. Physical
properties of coordination compounds and cluster compounds. Study of organometallic compounds. Prerequisite: chem 333. (3 0).
435 QUANTUM CHEMISTRY: Application of
quantum mechanics to atoms and
molecules with emphasis on wave functions of diatomic molecules and study of
resonance. Prerequisite: chem 332, math
231.(3 0).
436 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY:
Preparation and purification of inorganic compounds. Study of their physical
and chemical properties using modern spectrophotometers and instruments.
Prerequisite: chem 434 or concurrent. (1 6).
437 INDEPENDENT STUDY: (Chemistry
Elective) Research conducted by the students under the guidance of a
staff member: A written report is required. Prerequisite: Consent of the
department (For senior level students). (3 0).
438 SELECTED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY: (Chemistry
Elective) Study of a specified topic in chemistry selected according to
the interests and needs of students and availability of staff. Prerequisite:
consent of the department. (3 0) or (1 6).
APPLIED CHEMISTRY COURSES
APCH 330 INDUSTRIAL
CHEMISTRY: Introduction to chemical
industries. The role of the chemist, a study of industrial chemicals. Flow charts, unit
operations and chemical calculations as applied to manufacture of gases and
liquids. A theoretical study of a number of chemical industries such as: water
conditioning, industrial gases, salts, ceramics, cement, glass, vegetable oils,
soaps, detergents, fertilizers, plastics, paints, perfumes and paper. Prerequisite:
Chemistry 232 (3 0).
APCH 331 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY: The course is designed to offer chemistry students a
thorough knowledge and understanding of a wide range of environmental problems;
their causes and effects and how to control them. The course covers chemical
cycles, water pollution and water treatment, the atmosphere and atmospheric
pollutants-both organic and inorganic gases-the ozone layer, the global
warming, acid rain, photochemical smog and soil chemistry. It also covers the
nature and sources of hazardous wastes, their chemistry and toxicological
effect. The role of technology in both creating and solving environmental
problems will be discussed whenever appropriate. Prerequisite: chem. 232. (3
0).
APCH
332 DRUG CHEMISTRY:A study of the
physicochemical properties of natural synthetic organic substances which affect
their action as medicinal agents. Structural features such as optical and
geometric isomerism, conformational isomers, interatomic distances, degree of
ionization and electronic distribution and their effects on the biological
activity of selected major classes of compounds and drugs will be undertaken
including their design and synthesis. A consideration of the mechanisms of the
development of new drugs will be discussed. Structural modifications for the
preparation of Pro drugs and their current importance will be evaluated.
Prerequisite: chem 334 or concurrent. (3 0).
APCH
333 FOOD CHEMISTRY: This course
deals with the chemistry of food substances and food components. Included are
the constituents present in large amount as the carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
minerals, and water as well as those occurring in smaller quantities as
flavors, colors, vitamins, preservatives, trace metals and other intentional
and incidental additives. The course will also discuss, where appropriate, the
behavior of the above food components in storage, processing and cooking as well as possible
changes in nutritional values and toxic manifestations. Introduction to
regulatory control of food composition, quality and safety will be included.
Prerequisite:
consent of department. (3 0).
APCH
334 POLYMER CHEMISTRY: Introduction to
basic concepts in polymer science and technology. Basic concepts, including polymerization,
copolymerization processes, definitions,
classifications and structural relationships. Macrostructure and behavior of
polymers, including physical, mechanical and chemical behavior, additives,
copounding, testing and processing. Prerequisite: chem. 232. (3 0).
APCH 335 ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY:A study of the
nature,
distribution,
behavior and interaction of xenobiotics
(foreign chemicals) that have entered and become part of the atmosphere.
Discussions include their sources, factor affecting their physical
distribution, transformation, degradation and persistence in the environment.
It also involves the study of the mechanisms of their interaction with biota
including biochemical transformations and possible health hazards. Basic toxicological
principles such as mode of entry, mode of action, structure-toxicity
relationships and manifestation of toxicity on the cellular and organ levels
will be presented. The course will emphasize past and present trends in
monitoring and controlling pollutants through regulatory actions aimed at
limiting or containing their effects. Prerequisite: chem 232 and chem. 234.
(3-0)
APCH
430 INORGANIC INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY: The use of transition elements, their compounds and
complexes in industry as catalysts. Manufacture of inorganic gases,
fertilizers, semiconductors and superconductors. Prerequisite :
chem.
333. (3-0)
APCH
431 ISDUSTRIAL ANALYSIS LABORATORY:A practical
course that covers the chemistry and technology employed in a selected number
of industries. It includes analytical and purification methods and studies of
detergents, minerals, air samples, drugs and food samples, petroleum and
plastics. It also includes a study of manufacturing processes of polymers, and
an examination of their physical properties (solubility & mixing).
Prerequisite: chem 233 and chem 336. (1
6).