Chemistry Courses at Cooper Union
The following is a partial, unofficial list of
course descriptions for chemistry offerings, taken from "The Cooper Union
for the Advancement of Science and Art Catalog 1997-1999" and
subsequently modified to reflect more recent changes. This document
is fairly accurate and complete but it is not exhaustive,
i.e., it is not a complete
list of all courses taught by the chemistry
faculty. Please proceed with caution...
This document was last updated on October 29, 2002 by RQT.
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An introduction to the general scientific principles associated with
chemistry. This course will deal with fundamental ideas, such as
the concept of the atom, the molecule, the mole, and their applications
to chemical problems. The classical topics include: dimensional
analysis and significant figures; atomic weights; periodic properties;
chemical reactions and stoichiometry; redox reactions; ideal gas law and
real gas equations of state; the liquid state and intermolecular
forces; solution concentrations; chemical equilibrium and equilibrium
constants; acids and bases; solubility equilibria; nomenclature of
inorganic and organic compounds. The topics for atomic and molecular
properties include: atomic structure and the quantum theory; electronic
structure of atoms; the covalent bond and bond properties; molecular
geometries and hybridization; molecular orbital theory.
- 3 credits.
Contact: Bove, Newmark, Topper.
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Methods of quantitative analysis are used to explore chemical
reactions and analyze unknowns. Modern chemical instrumentation
as well as "classic" wet chemistry analytical techniques are
covered. Statistical analysis of the experimental data is used
to analyze results. Chemical laboratory safety and industrial
chemical regulations are covered, as are the fundamentals of
writing a technical report.
- 1.5 credits. Prerequisite:
Ch 110; corequisite:
Ch 160.
Contact: Topper.
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The study of physicochemical properties will be extended and advanced.
The laws of thermodynamics, which involve energy, enthalpy, entropy, and
free energy concepts will be applied to chemical systems. Other topics
include: vapor pressures and colligative properties of solutions;
the phase rule; kinetics of homogenous reactions; electrolytic conductance
and electrochemistry.
- 3 credits. Prerequisite:
Ch 110; corequisite:
Ch 111.
Contact: Newmark, Topper.
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Bond types and strengths, structural theory, bond angles and hybrid bonds;
covalent bonds; polarity of bonds and molecules; dipole moments;
molal refraction; melting points and boiling points relative to
properties and natures of molecules; solubilities based on structures;
functional groups; critial temperature, pressure and volume as a
function of structural and functional groups, prediction of vapor
pressure curves, latent heats. Nomencalture isomers and properties.
Resonance and delocalization of charge phenomena; acidity and basicity
(Lewis concept).
- 3 credits. Prerequisite:
Ch 160.
Contact: Bove.
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Extension of Ch 231 to systematic study of aliphatic and aromatic
compounds, with emphasis on functional behavior and interpretation of
mechanisms and bond types, polyfunctional compounds, carbohydrates
and heterocyclic compounds.
- 2 credits.
Prerequisite:
Ch 231, corequisite:
Ch 233.
Contact: Bove.
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Laboratory work will cover subject matter studied in Ch 231 and
Ch 232, including synthesis and type reactions and identification
of organic compounds.
- 2 credits (4 laboratory hours).
Prerequisite:
Ch 231, corequisite:
Ch 232.
Contact: Bove.
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Fundamental principles of instrumental methods will be covered, including
their use, applications and limitations in scientific research.
Specific methods include electrometric, such as polarography,
electrogravity and potentiometry; optical (such as visible and
ultraviolet absorption) spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, and
infrared spectroscopy; and other techniques, such as chromatography
and mass spectroscopy shall be introduced.
- 2 credits (2 lecture hours).
Prerequisite:
Ch 160, corequisite:
Ch 251.
Contact: Newmark.
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Laboratory work will cover the use of instruments studied in Ch 250.
Unless special provision has been made with the instructor,
this course shall be taken concomitantly with Ch 250.
- 2 credits (5 laboratory hours).
Prerequisite:
Ch 160, corequisite:
Ch 250.
Contact: Newmark.
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This course will stress fundamental principles of instrumental
analysis theory as applied to modern environmental analysis
with emphasis on sample collection as well as sample analysis
and data interpretation. Experiments will deal with the
application of the following techniques to specific engineering
problems: atomic absorption/emission; ultraviolet; visible and
infrared spectroscopies; gas chromatography and high performance
liquid chromatography; mass spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis will be performed.
This course is not to be taken by students who are required to take
Ch 250.
- 2 credits (2 lecture hours).
Prerequisite:
Ch 160, corequisite:
Ch 256. Taught upon request.
Contact: Newmark.
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Laboratory work will cover the use of instruments studied in Ch 255.
Unless a special provision has been made with the instructor, this
course shall be taken concomitantly with Ch 255.
- 2 credits (5 laboratory hours).
Prerequisite:
Ch 160, corequisite:
Ch 255. Taught upon request.
Contact: Newmark.
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With an emphasis on the basic theoretical justification underlying
observed physical phenomena, quantum mechanics will be developed and
applied to the study of chemical
systems. Special emphasis is placed upon using quantum mechanics
as an aid to the interpretation of spectroscopic data.
Modern methods of computational molecular modeling are introduced.
Statistical mechanics is introduced as a link between quantum
mechanics and thermodynamics.
- 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
Ch 160 and
Ph 214.
Contact: Topper.
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Continuation of Ch 261 with emphasis on electrochemistry,
chemical kinetics and solid state chemistry. Selected topics.
- 2 credits.
Prerequisite:
Ch 261.
Contact: Newmark, Topper.
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Modern areas of organic chemistry, including synthesis, structure
determination, stereochemistry and conformational analysis,
reaction mechanisms, photochemistry, conservation of orbital
symmetry, molecular rearrangements and other selected topics.
Advanced laboratory studies in research problem form. Typical
problems would include studies of the synthesis, structure and
properties of organic compounds, utilizing modern instrumental
techniques. Independent laboratory work may be arranged.
- 4 credits (2 hours of lecture; 4 hours of laboratory).
Prerequisite:
Ch 232. Taught upon petition.
Contact: Bove.
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Molecular orbital theory in organic chemistry, orbital symmetry
and stereoelectronic selection rules, rate theory, kinetic
isotope effects, carbonium ions and rearrangements, acid-base
catalysis, quantitative correlations of reactivity and other
selected topics.
- 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
Ch 232,
Ch 261. Taught upon petition.
Contact: Bove, Topper.
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This course in the fundamentals of biochemistry
will cover the following:
Hierarchal nature of biology; Subcellular and molecular
scale; Architecture of the cell; Chemistry of carbohydrates,
lipids, amino acids; Chemistry of proteins and nucleotides;
Bioenergetics; Enzymes and kinetics and mechanisms;
The action of vitamins, hormones and cofactors;
Intermediate metabolism;
Introduction to molecular genetics;
Biochemical dynamics of DNA and RNA;
Applications of biochemical principles to cell
excitation, cell motility, cell communication,
degradation of pollutants, introductory pharmacology
and toxicology.
- 3 credits.
Prerequisites:
Ch 231,
Ch 232 (Organic chemistry mandatory;
Ch 262 or ESC 121 desirable, not mandatory).
Contact: Bove, Brazinsky (ChE).
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Modern applications of physical chemistry are introduced
which may be useful to the working chemical engineer.
Topics covered include: quantum and classical statistical
mechanics, phase space and fluctuations. Prediction of
thermodynamic properties of superheated gases (combustion
regime). Intermolecular interactions and their experimental/
theoretical determination. Ab initio, semiempirical and
molecular mechanics predictions of molecular properties.
Applications to polymers, surface adsorbates and biomolecules
are considered throughout the course. Guest speakers from
academia and industry are invited to share their perspectives.
- 3 credits. Prerequisites:
Ch 261 and
Ch 262. Taught upon petition.
Contact: Topper.
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Crystal Chemistry: Fundamentals of bonding and crystal structure
including experimental methods. Crystal structure to be dealt at
three levels; 1) crystal structure of ideally pure solids,
2) defect structure of solids including non-stoichiometry and surfaces,
3) texture of polycrystalline solids.
Kinetics and thermodynamics including diffusion, phase diagrams and solid-state electrochemistry.
Material synthesis, purification and processing including single crystals,
bulk materials (glasses, ceramics and composites) and thin films.
Structure-Property relationships: Thermal, electrical, magnetic,
optical and mechanical properties of different types of materials
including organic and bio-materials will be reviewed to emphasize
the possibility of designing new materials with specific structure
and properties.
- 3 credits. Prerequisite:
Ch 160 . Ch 262 or
equivalent course is recommmended.
Taught upon petition.
Contact: Bove, Topper.
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The chemistry of inorganic compounds and materials, and the models
used to describe this chemistry, is covered. Atomic structure and
the periodic table; molecular models and bonding theories;
molecular symmetry with applications to spectroscopy;
chemistry of ionic and molecular solids; advanced acid/base and
redox chemistry; coordination chemistry; ligand-field theory and other
electrostatic bonding models; reaction mechanisms; organometallic
chemistry; chemistry and physics of atomic and molecular clusters;
cage compounds and catalysts; bioinorganic chemistry. A useful
course for chemical engineers to extend their knowledge of inorganic
chemistry beyond the content of Ch110.
- 3 credits. Prerequisites:
Ch 261 and
Ch 231/
Ch 232. Taught upon petition.
Contact: Topper.
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Study of topics related to specialized areas as well as advanced fundamentals.
- 2-8 credits. Faculty approval is required.
Contact: any Chemistry faculty member.
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An elective course available to any qualified and interested
student irrespective of year and major.
Students may approach a faculty member and apply to carry out
independent research on problems of mutual interest, in
pure or applied chemistry.
Topics may range from the completely practical to the
highly theoretical,
and each student is encouraged to
do creative work on his/her own with faculty guidance.
- 3 credits. Faculty approval is required.
Contact: any Chemistry faculty member.
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Continuation of Ch 391. Ch 392 is then followed by Ch 393, etc..
- 3 credits.
Faculty approval is required.
Contact: any Chemistry faculty member.
Cooper Links:
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Cooper Union Chemical Engineering B.Eng. Curriculum
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Cooper Union
Chemical Engineering & Chemistry