Chemistry 1

CHEMISTRY depends on the level of preparation of the individual

student and is determined by the combination
of results from a placement questionnaire and
Department Website: individual consultation. Students with no to limited
https://www.haverford.edu/chemistry previous chemistry experience enter the first-year
The program in chemistry is designed to meet the chemistry sequence with the intensive courses
needs of students who are pursuing chemistry CHEM H113 (Structure and Bonding), followed by
either for a variety of pre-professional reasons or to CHEM H114 (Chemical Dynamics). Students with
increase their knowledge of the natural sciences. typical high school chemistry preparation enroll in
Therefore, Haverford has a chemistry major program non-intensive courses that cover the same material.
that provides preparation for careers in science, The third entry point is for students with an excellent
medicine, law, business, K-12 education, as well as a high school chemistry background, who take
number of other professions. CHEM H115, which includes the CHEM H111 lecture
and a more investigative, independent lab program,
The major program recognizes that chemistry as a followed by CHEM H112. All students can continue
discipline is a core science but is also intertwined the following year with CHEM H222, a course in
with a number of other fields, including physics, organic biological chemistry and CHEM H225, which
biology and math/computer science. In fact, some is focused on organic synthesis. Pre-medical students
of the most exciting areas in science today are should continue through at least CHEM H222, and
found in the interdisciplinary fields of chemical may need to take additional organic or biochemistry
physics, chemical biology, theoretical/ computational courses depending on the requirements of medical
chemistry, environmental studies and materials schools.
science. The chemistry major allows the student
flexibility in designing a program that can be The Chemistry Department also occasionally offers a
directed toward such interdisciplinary areas or to one course at the 150 level that is without prerequisites
of the more traditional areas of organic, physical, and does not count toward the major. These courses
or inorganic chemistry. In addition, the Chemistry are designed to give students majoring in all
Department is one of the sponsor departments fields an appreciation for and understanding of
of the concentrations in Scientific Computing and important chemical concepts and theories and their
Biochemistry and Biophysics and contributes courses applications to our contemporary world.
to the minor in Environmental Studies.
Research
Learning Goals Research is the characteristic activity of chemists,
and the Chemistry Department believes that
Our major goal is to provide our students with the students should be involved in research as part
most rigorous education in the core concepts of of their chemical education. As juniors (typically)
chemistry. our majors take intensive integrated laboratory
• Students will understand and apply basic research courses (“Superlabs”; CHEM H301, CHEM H302
methods as used professionally in chemistry, and CHEM H303) designed to teach the laboratory,
including research design, data analysis, and computer, experimental design and communication
interpretation. skills needed for independent research. All senior
chemistry majors are required to write a senior
• Students will understand the fundamental basis
thesis based on mentored research for which
for the structures and reactivities of atoms,
they receive course credit. Students at any level
molecules and non-molecular solids and the
of the curriculum can obtain laboratory research
analytical techniques used for their determination.
experience through paid summer internships or
Haverford’s Institutional Learning Goals are by enrolling in research tutorial (CHEM H26x and
available on the President’s website, at http://hav.to/ CHEM H36x) courses during the academic year,
learninggoals. and most majors do both. Typically two to seven
students work in each faculty member’s laboratory
Curriculum during any given semester or summer. Chemistry
majors who wish to work elsewhere for the summer
Introductory Courses
have been successful at securing summer research
Students interested in majoring or minoring in positions in university, government, and industrial
chemistry, or those who wish to take chemistry in chemical laboratories. The senior research thesis
support of another science major or a preparation also includes communicating research work in
for careers in medicine or other health-related fields, different formats, including an oral presentation in
have three possible entry points into our course our weekly, year long departmental seminar series,
sequences. The particular entry point or placement
2 Chemistry

which also includes invited speakers, and a poster • two semesters of either introductory physics
presentation at the end of the academic year. (PHYS H101/PHYS H102 or PHYS H105/PHYS H106)
or biology (BIOL H200/BIOL H201).
This research experience nurtures talents and
abilities, encourages independent problem solving, ACS-Certified Chemistry Major
and builds on concepts and principles discussed An American Chemical Society (ACS) certified major
in prior formal class work. It also can help the requires additional coursework and is recommended
student define choices for careers after graduation. for students interested in pursuing graduate study
Research allows students to discover and develop in science and engineering, or who wish to directly
creativity and independence, which the well- enter the job market in a chemistry- related field
structured programs of the formal courses do not after graduation.
always adequately address. Student and faculty
research in the department is supported by grants In order to receive ACS certification, students
from the National Science Foundation, the National must satisfy all of the major requirements in a way
Institutes of Health, and several other external that includes a year of physics and a semester of
sources as well as substantial internal support biochemistry (this is automatic for biochemistry
from the College. Students are also encouraged concentrators), and also must take one additional
and enabled to present their research work at physical chemistry course. Specifically, ACS-certified
regional and national conferences. Students and majors must complete:
faculty from the Chemistry Department publish their
• both semesters of physical chemistry (CHEM H304
research findings in top tier peer-reviewed journals;
and CHEM H305); for ACS-certified majors these
publications are listed at the Chemistry Department
courses do not fulfill the additional advanced
web site.
course requirement.
Major Requirements • two semesters of introductory
physics (PHYS H101/PHYS H102 or
The core required courses are:
PHYS H105/PHYS H106).
• two semesters of introductory chemistry with lab • one semester of biochemistry, which can
(CHEM H111 or CHEM H113 or CHEM H115, and be BIOL H201 (second semester), two half-
CHEM H104 or CHEM H112 or CHEM H114). semester courses from CHEM H351, CHEM H352,
• two semesters of organic chemistry with lab and ,CHEM H357 or equivalent, such as Bryn Mawr
(CHEM H222, and CHEM H225). CHEM B242 or higher.
• one semester of advanced integrative • A second semester of advanced integrative
chemistry laboratory (“Superlab”): chemistry, biochemistry or biology laboratory
CHEM H301 or CHEM H302. (“Superlab”: CHEM H301, CHEM H302, or
• one semester of physical chemistry: CHEM H304 CHEM H303, or BIOL H300 or BIOL H301), or,
or CHEM H305. subject to approval by the Chemistry department,
a similar course at another institution or a
• one semester of senior research tutorials: CHEM
significant independent research experience, such
36x or CHEM H380 ("Independent Research in
as enrollment in one semester of a CHEM H36x
Chemistry").
course (in addition to the semester of CHEM H36x
• two half-semester courses in inorganic already required for the major) or a full summer
chemistry: CHEM H320 and one of CHEM H351, (or equivalent) independent/mentored research
CHEM H353, CHEM H354, or CHEM H359. experience at Haverford or elsewhere.
• Departmental Seminar: CHEM H391 (a half credit
course spread over two semesters).
Senior Project
Chemistry majors must also complete: The senior project in chemistry has two major
components. First, all seniors enroll in CHEM H391
• one additional full credit or two half-credit
Departmental Seminar, a year-long seminar course.
advanced chemistry courses numbered between
Second, all seniors enroll in at least one credit of
CHEM H304 and CHEM H359.
research, either experimental, computational or
• a course in integral calculus (MATH H118 or literature-based. The course numbers for research
equivalent), or placement into a more advanced as specific to the faculty advisors, often with a
Mathematics course (e.g., MATH H121 or above). CHEM H36x designation. CHEM H36x work involves
Completion of an additional (MATH H121 or the design, articulation and conduction of an
higher) course is optional, but encouraged. independent research project. Students are expected
to be in the laboratory for at least 15 hours per
 Chemistry 3

week performing experiments, analyzing data and components: research efforts, oral presentation skills
designing future experiments. Additional activities and the written thesis. We seek to help students
include participation in research group meeting, develop and demonstrate the following behaviors
where data, experiments and literature articles and skills.
are discussed. Each student prepares a formal
document (the "senior thesis" at the end of their Chemistry Research Grades
spring semester detailing their work in the Senior Senior research grades encompass several different
Project. components, including research efforts, the quality of
the senior thesis, and student participation in senior
CHEM H391 exposes students to chemistry through seminar. The text below conveys our expectations
talks by chemists from other institutions and for the research experience:
provides enrolled students with opportunities to
present their own work formally. Each student Research
prepares and delivers both an oral and poster
A 4.0 student will:
presentation. The oral presentations occur
throughout the academic year, and the poster • demonstrate independent intellectual involvement
presentations occur in April. The audience for these in their project.
presentations is all chemistry seniors, underclass • show evidence of productivity that is
students involved in research, post-doctoral fellows commensurate with the amount of credit assigned
and the faculty in chemistry. to 36x.
Senior Project Learning Goals • make creative contributions to the design and
Identify and describe research methods used to analysis of experiments.
probe specific chemical motifs. • propose independent ideas to overcome research
obstacles.
• This learning objective involves the correct • proactively use the primary literature as an
use various instrumental analyses in the full integral resource.
characterization of different reaction types. This
• interpret their own data and develop ideas for
learning objective most likely fits into the junior
subsequent studies.
level CHEM H301/CHEM H302 Lab in Chemical
Structure and Reactivity (Superlab). • maintain a clear and complete laboratory
notebook.
Design and articulate an independent research • display critical thinking in lab meetings.
project. • work to maximize research progress during the
• This learning objective is designed to probe a year.
student’s ability to digest the chemical literature,
Thesis
formulate new ideas and articulate them clearly.
A 4.0 student will:
This objective will take the form of an independent
research proposal that is based upon the primary • clearly describe the context of the project in the
literature and includes new ideas and directions. greater literature.
This would serve a few purposes. First, it would • briefly summarize the history or related studies.
provide preparation for senior thesis experience
• explain the novelty of the work described in the
in that they need to be able to propose future
thesis.
experiments in current projects. Second, it would
provide another source for the evaluation of their • detail experimental methodologies to the level
critical thinking skills. of detail with which one could reproduce all
experiments.
Critique conclusions presented in the primary • identify the strengths and limitations of each
literature. technique used.
• This learning objective is designed to measure • summarize and interpret all results.
a student’s ability to analyze and critique the • analyze the outcome of their experiments in the
primary literature. This is performed routinely context of the greater literature, with particular
in the advanced level courses offered by the emphasis on continued progress of the research
Chemistry Department. project.
• clearly display experimental data through the use
Senior Project Assessment of tables and figures, when appropriate.
The Chemistry Department’s assessment of a • fully and consistently cite literature precedence.
student’s capstone experience involves three major
4 Chemistry

Seminar take at least three of the course credits for

A 4.0 student will: the chemistry minor at Haverford College. The
Departmental Seminar (CHEM H391) is not required,
• clearly construct and deliver an oral and poster but recommended.
presentation in which the relevance, novelty and
preliminary results are communicated clearly Concentrations and Interdisciplinary
within the given constraints.
• demonstrate the progress of their project between
Minors
the oral and poster presentations. Students who major in chemistry may choose to
minor or concentrate in any of several related
• answer post presentation questions completely.
disciplines. For more information about these
• be an active participant in other presentations (by programs and their requirements, please see each
both students and outside speakers) by asking program’s website or catalog entry.
questions.
Biochemistry Concentration
Grades for each student are assigned by the
Haverford’s Concentration in Biochemistry and
student’s research supervisor using the criteria
Biophysics is located at the interface between
described above. Student theses, presentations and
the biological, chemical, and physical sciences.
experimental efforts are all discussed at a meeting
For our ambitious students and faculty who seek
of the chemistry faculty at the end of each academic
to understand biological processes from physical
year.
and chemical points of view, this is an especially
An additional level of assessment is used for each exciting place to be. We offer a range of courses
student for internal purposes. The department of study depending on the student’s particular
scores each student in the following categories; oral area of interest, and a biologically flavored version
presentations, intellectual contributions, command of of the major for biochemistry concentrators.
the literature, experimental skills, and written work. Biochemistry concentrators can enroll in
These “scores” for each student are either “fails either CHEM H303 or BIOL H300 / BIOL H301 as
to meet expectations”, “meets expectations”, or one of their junior "Superlab" semesters: these are
“exceeds expectations”. These data are tracked from integrated laboratory courses in biochemistry and
year to year and allow the department to observe biology, respectively. Biochemistry concentrators
and emerging trends and challenges and to adapt also take advanced electives offered by the Biology
our program to foster success in our students. department.

Requirements for Honors Environmental Studies Minor

The Environmental Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
All students who participate in Senior Research
aims to cultivate in students the capacity to identify
(CHEM H36x) for two semesters (or for one semester
and confront key environmental issues through
with an appropriate summer research experience)
a blend of multiple disciplines, encompassing
will be considered for departmental honors.
historical, cultural, economic, political, scientific and
Successful honors candidates will be expected to do
ethical modes of inquiry.
superior work in major courses and to complete a
research project at a level superior both in quality In the Chemistry Department, courses that
and quantity of effort to that expected in normal contribute to this minor are CHEM H112, CHEM H150
course work. and CHEM H358.

Minor Requirements Neuroscience Minor

• two semesters of introductory chemistry with lab The minor in Neuroscience is designed to allow
(CHEM H111 or CHEM H113 or CHEM H115, and students with any major to pursue interests in
CHEM H104 or CHEM H112 or CHEM H114). behavior and the nervous system across disciplines.
• two semesters of organic chemistry with lab Students should consult with any member of the
(CHEM H222, and CHEM H225). Neuroscience advisory committee in order to declare
the minor.
• one semester of physical chemistry: CHEM H304
or CHEM H305. Scientific Computing Concentration
• one additional full credit or two half-credit The Concentration in Scientific Computing gives
advanced chemistry courses numbered between students an opportunity to develop a working
CHEM H301 and CHEM H369. knowledge of the tools and concepts involved in
applying computation to a scientific problem, and to
Students may substitute similar courses taken
at Bryn Mawr College or elsewhere but must
 Chemistry 5

explore the specific computational aspects of their

own major disciplines.
Faculty
Karin Åkerfeldt
In the Chemistry Department, courses that Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
contribute to this concentration are CHEM H304,
CHEM H305, and CHEM H361 or CHEM H362; Anagha Aneesh
students are also encouraged to enroll in CHEM B322 Research Assistant
when it is offered at Bryn Mawr College. Scientific Frances Rose Blase
Computing concentrators in the Chemistry Associate Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Department typically do senior thesis research with a
strong computational focus. Lou Charkoudian
Professor of Chemistry
Affiliated Programs Yae In Cho
Accelerated Master's in Engineering Program with the Postdoctoral Scholar in Chemistry/Biochemistry
University of Pennsylvania
Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania Clyde Daly
have formed a partnership that enables qualified Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Haverford undergraduates to gain early and Charles Ferguson
expedited admission into a Master’s degree offered Research Associate in Chemistry/Biochemistry
by Penn Engineering. Study for four years at
Haverford, then one year at Penn, and receive a Theresa Gaines
Bachelor of Science degree from Haverford and Assistant Professor of Chemistry
a Master’s in Engineering from Penn. Haverford
was the first liberal arts college in the world to Zijian Huo
enter into such an agreement with an Ivy League Postdoctoral Scholar
engineering program. Accelerated Master's Casey Londergan
programs of particular synergy with the Chemistry Professor and Chair of Chemistry
major include Bioengineering, Materials Science, and
Nanotechnology. Alberto Lopez
Organic Chemistry Laboratory Instructor and
Study Abroad Coordinator
Chemistry majors wishing to study abroad during the Kelly Matz
junior year should confer with their faculty advisors: General Chemistry Laboratory Instructor and
such students typically take at least one chemistry Coordinator
or biochemistry course per semester at the foreign
institution. The Chemistry Department has currently Terry Newirth
approved and active international study abroad Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
programs at Oxford University (England), University
College London (England), University of Melbourne Alexander Norquist
(Australia), and University of Aberdeen (Scotland). Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry majors have also recently studied Gordon Peterson
at University of Stockholm (Sweden), Queen’s Assistant Professor of Chemistry
University (Northern Ireland), National University
of Ireland (Ireland), University of the West Indies Robert Scarrow
(Barbados) and University of Cape Town (South Professor of Chemistry
Africa), among other programs.
Leah Seebald
After Graduation Assistant Professor of Chemistry
About one third of Haverford’s chemistry majors Samuel Shepard
enter top-ranked graduate programs leading to a Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Ph.D., and approximately another third enter medical
school after graduation. The remaining third of Joseph Smith
Haverford’s chemistry majors obtain challenging Visiting Associate Professor of Chemistry
and rewarding positions as teachers, laboratory
Kristina Streu
scientists, and information specialists, among other
Post Doctorate Scholar
professions.
Angus Unruh
6 Chemistry

Chemistry Instrument Specialist Division: Natural Science; Quantitative

Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Helen White An introduction to chemical thermodynamics,
The William H. and Johanna A. Harris Professor in equilibrium, electrochemistry and kinetics.
Environmental Studies and Chemistry; Associate Microscopic properties are used to develop basic
Provost for Curricular Development & Research; chemical concepts of energy, enthalpy, entropy,
Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies and the Gibbs Energy, and their applications to
thermochemistry, equilibria, and electrochemistry.
Affiliated Faculty Chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, and
Amy Cooke applications to chemical problems are also
Assistant Professor of Biology; Coordinator of discussed. Three lectures and one lab period per
Biochemistry and Biophysics week required. Students must register separately
for the lab, CHEM H112L Prerequisite(s):Completion
Robert Fairman of, or prior placement into CHEM 111, or
Professor of Biology recommendation of CHEM 113 instructor.
Rachel Hoang (Offered: Spring 2025)
Associate Professor of Biology; Director of Marian E.
Koshland Integrated Natural Sciences Center CHEM H113 INTENSIVE: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
AND BONDING (1.0 Credit)
Roshan Jain Kelly Matz, Theresa Gaines
Associate Professor and Chair of Biology Division: Natural Science; Quantitative
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Karl Johnson Structure and bonding in molecules starting from
Professor of Biology nuclear and electronic structure of atoms. This
Sara Mathieson course introduces the theories of chemical bonding
Associate Professor of Computer Science; that rationalize and predict the structures and
Coordinator of Scientific Computing bulk properties of molecules and materials. It also
introduces modern instrumental and computational
Eric Miller methods used to study chemical structure and
Assistant Professor of Biology bonding. CHEM111 and CHEM113 are designed to
cover the same material while catering to different
Kristen Whalen student learning styles. CHEM113 is an intensive
Associate Professor of Biology course that involves 5 lecture hours per week while
CHEM111 involves 3 lecture hours per week. Five
Courses lectures and one lab period per week required via
CHEM H111 CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND co-enrollment in CHEM H113L. Prerequisite(s):
BONDING (1.0 Credit) Self-Placement following Chemistry Department
Clyde Daly, Gordon Peterson, Kelly Matz guidelines. Intended for first-year students.
Division: Natural Science; Quantitative (Offered: Fall 2024)
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Structure and bonding in molecules starting from CHEM H114 INTENSIVE: CHEMICAL
nuclear and electronic structure of atoms. This DYNAMICS (1.0 Credit)
course introduces the theories of chemical bonding Casey Londergan, Kelly Matz
that rationalize and predict the structures and Division: Natural Science; Quantitative
bulk properties of molecules and materials. It also Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
introduces modern instrumental and computational An introduction to chemical thermodynamics,
methods used to study chemical structure and equilibrium, electrochemistry and kinetics.
bonding. CHEM111 and CHEM113 are designed to Microscopic properties are used to develop basic
cover the same material while catering to different chemical concepts of energy, enthalpy, entropy,
student learning styles. CHEM111 involves 3 lecture and the Gibbs Energy, and their applications to
hours per week while CHEM113 is an intensive thermochemistry, equilibria, and electrochemistry.
course that involves 5 lecture hours per week. Three Chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, and
lectures and one lab period per week required via co- applications to chemical problems are also
enrollment in CHEM H111L. discussed. This is a more intensive offering of CHEM
(Offered: Fall 2024) 112 designed for students with little or no experience
in chemistry. Students must register for the lab
CHEM H112 CHEMICAL DYNAMICS (1.0 Credit) separately, CHEM H114L. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 113
Kelly Matz, Md Kausar Raza, Samuel Shepard or recommendation of CHEM 111 instructor
 Chemistry 7

(Offered: Spring 2025) Instructor consent: interested students should

discuss possible enrollment with the instructor.
CHEM H222 ORGANIC BIOLOGICAL (Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit)
Alberto Lopez, Leah Seebald CHEM H262 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
Division: Natural Science THEORETICAL CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit)
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Clyde Daly
Survey of organic chemistry reactions in an aqueous Division: Natural Science
environment, highlighting transformations important Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
for understanding the properties and reactivity One-half credit course for the year designed for
of biomolecules in the cell, with emphasis on students interested in the chemistry research
functional groups, acids and bases, chirality, experience in theoretical physical chemistry,
energetics, reaction mechanisms, enzyme inhibitors with emphasis on methods for prediction of
and drug design. Three lectures and one lab optical, electronic, and mechanical properties of
period per week required via co-enrollment in semiconductor nanostructures. (Not open to seniors.)
CHEM H222L. Prerequisite(s): CHEM H111 lecture Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
and lab, or CHEM H113 lecture and lab; and (Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
CHEM H112B lecture and lab, or CHEM H114
lecture and lab. Students who have taken a two CHEM H263 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN ORGANIC
semester General Chemistry course elsewhere CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit)
(for instance, CHEM B103 and CHEM B104) must, Leah Seebald, Theresa Gaines
prior to the start of CHEM H222, demonstrate Division: Natural Science
knowledge (by a self-scheduled assessment) of Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
common organic functional group structures and One-half credit course for the year designed for
spectroscopic methods (as covered by CHEM H111 students interested in the chemistry research
and CHEM H113); students should contact the experience in synthetic organic chemistry and
Department Chair and/or the instructor immediately physical-organic chemistry. Topics include total
after preregistration to obtain access to a self-guided synthesis of biologically significant molecules, new
course centered on these topics. Such students are methods of enantioselective synthesis, and the
not guaranteed entry into Chem 222A. study of organic reaction mechanisms. (Not open to
(Offered: Fall 2024) seniors.) Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
(Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
CHEM H225 ORGANIC REACTIONS AND
SYNTHESIS (1.0 Credit) CHEM H265 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
Alberto Lopez, Joseph Smith, Theresa Gaines BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit)
Division: Natural Science Robert Scarrow
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Division: Natural Science
This course will explore complex syntheses in Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
mechanistic details. We will employ prior knowledge One-half credit course for the year designed for
in more advanced topics such as chemical and students interested in the chemistry research
physical properties of dienes, aromatics, carbonyl experience in spectroscopic and kinetic studies
compounds, carboxylic acids and derivatives. of metalloproteins and inorganic coordination
Students mus register for the lab separately, CHEM compounds. (Not open to seniors.) This course is
H225L. Prerequisite: CHEM H222 graded universal P/F in which no numerical grade
(Offered: Spring 2025) is assigned. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
(requires prior discussion of, and agreement
CHEM H261 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN PHYSICAL on, type of research to be pursued; this assures
CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit) that necessary resources will be available and
Casey Londergan that the student’s knowledge of chemistry is
Division: Natural Science sufficient to safely and effectively carry out the
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes research). Interested students should reach out to
One-half credit course for the year designed for the instructor to discuss potential enrollment
students interested in the chemistry research
experience in physical chemistry, condensed phase CHEM H267 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
chemical physics, and biophysical chemistry, with BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit)
emphasis on spectroscopic studies of peptides and Lou Charkoudian
proteins. (Not open to seniors.) Prerequisite(s): One-half credit course for the year designed for
students interested in the chemistry research
8 Chemistry

experience in natural product biosynthesis. (Not relationship to chemical reactivity. Physical methods
open to seniors.) This course is graded universal are used in studies of organic, inorganic, and
P/F in which no numerical grade is assigned. biochemical reactions. Chemical synthesis and the
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent modern methods of computation and instrumental
(Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025) analytical chemistry are particularly stressed.
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CHEM H268 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit) CHEM H302 LAB IN CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND
Helen White REACTIVITY (1.0 Credit)
Division: Natural Science Joseph Smith, Leah Seebald
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Division: Natural Science
One-half credit course for the year designed for Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
students interested in the chemistry research Two lectures and two laboratory periods. An
experience in the field of biogeochemistry, a introduction to the methods of research in chemistry.
multidisciplinary approach focused at understanding Inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, and
the chemical composition and processes of Earth's biochemical concepts are integrated in a broad
biosphere. (Not open to seniors.) Prerequisite(s): laboratory study of structure and its relationship
Instructor consent to chemical reactivity. Physical methods are used
(Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025) in studies of organic, inorganic, and biochemical
reactions. Chemical synthesis and the modern
CHEM H269 RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN methods of instrumental analytical chemistry are
MATERIALS SCIENCE (0.5 Credit) particularly stressed. Instruments such as lasers,
Alexander Norquist, Gordon Peterson the 500 MHz NMR spectrometer, and the mass
Division: Natural Science spectrometer combined with either gas or liquid
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes chromatography are used by students, with faculty
One-half credit course for the year designed for supervision. Prerequisite(s): CHEM H225 and either
students interested in the chemistry research CHEM H304, or CHEM H305 (which may be taken
experience in the field of biogeochemistry, a concurrently)
multidisciplinary approach focused at understanding (Offered: Spring 2025)
the chemical composition and processes of Earth's
biosphere. (Not open to seniors.) Prerequisite(s): CHEM H303 LABORATORY IN BIOCHEMICAL
Instructor consent RESEARCH (1.0 Credit)
(Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025) Amy Cooke, Md Kausar Raza
Division: Natural Science
CHEM H269I RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
MATERIALS SCIENCE (0.5 Credit) An introduction to the laboratory concepts and
Alexander Norquist, Gordon Peterson techniques at the chemistry-biology interface
Division: Natural Science including: molecular cloning, protein purification,
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes biophysical spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and
One-half credit course for the year designed for biochemical assays. Crosslisted: Chemistry, Biology
students interested in the chemistry research Prerequisite(s): CHEM H225
experience in the field of biogeochemistry, a (Offered: Spring 2025)
multidisciplinary approach focused at understanding
the chemical composition and processes of Earth's CHEM H304 STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS
biosphere. (Not open to seniors.) Prerequisite(s): AND KINETICS (1.0 Credit)
Instructor consent Samuel Shepard
(Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025) Division: Natural Science; Quantitative
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
CHEM H301 LAB IN CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND A quantitative approach to the description and
REACTIVITY (1.0 Credit) prediction of behavior in chemical systems. Topics to
Joseph Smith, Md Kausar Raza be covered include: introductory quantum mechanics
Division: Natural Science and energy in molecules, statistical mechanics
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes and energy partitioning, thermodynamics of
Two lectures and two laboratory periods. An molecules and larger systems, physical and chemical
introduction to the methods of research in chemistry. equilibrium, and chemical kinetics. Systems of
Inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, computational interest range from single molecules to complicated
chemistry, and biochemical concepts are integrated condensed-phase macromolecular assemblies;
in a broad laboratory study of structure and its specific experimental examples of single-molecule
 Chemistry 9

observation, phase changes in lipids and liquid CHEM H350 TOPICS IN COMPUTATIONAL
crystals, and observations of protein folding will CHEM (0.5 Credit)
be discussed in the context of the course material. Clyde Daly
Prerequisite(s): MATH H118 (or placement beyond Division: Natural Science
MATH H118) and either CHEM H104 or CHEM H112 or Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
CHEM H114 This course will follow the development of methods
(Offered: Fall 2024) for calculating vibrational lineshapes from a
grounding in quantum chemistry methods such as
CHEM H305 QUANTUM CHEMISTRY (1.0 density functional theory. Harmonic and anharmonic
Credit) methods for calculating vibrational frequencies will
Clyde Daly be introduced and used by students. Water will be
Division: Natural Science; Quantitative used as an example system for these calculations,
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes and experimental comparisons will be made. Pre-
Two lectures. The quantum theory of atoms and requisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in or completion
molecules as applied to problems in molecular of CHEM 305 or instructor consent.
structure, computational chemistry, and basic (Offered: Spring 2025)
spectroscopic techniques. Emphasis on computer-
based solutions and visualization. Prerequisite(s): CHEM H351 BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY (0.5
MATH 121 or 216, or instructor consent Credit)
(Offered: Spring 2025) Md Kausar Raza
Division: Natural Science
CHEM H310 SEMINAR IN THE SOCIAL Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
RELEVANCE OF CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit) Three lectures for one-half semester (one-half
Helen White course credit). Biological cells require metals such
Division: Natural Science as zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and molybdenum;
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes metal-binding abilities of various functional groups
This seminar will explore, articulate, and discuss within proteins and nucleic acids, metal-based
the influence that Chemistry and society have on reactivity involved in reaction mechanisms of
each other. Participants will develop awareness specific metalloenzymes, and medically-relevant
of the historical, political and cultural context of topics such as bioaccumulation and storage of
western science, with specific attention to how metal ions, the toxicity of heavy metals, and use of
chemistry affects, and is affected by, the exclusion metal-containing drugs in treating disease will be
of people and ideas based on race, ethnicity, discussed. Prerequisite(s): Chem H222 and either
ability, socioeconomic status, and other identities. CHEM H320 or BIOLH201
Participants will connect these topics of study to (Offered: Spring 2025)
their current roles at Haverford and future careers.
Pre-requisite(s): One semester of CHEM 225 or CHEM H352 TOPICS IN BIOPHYSICAL
a declared Chemistry major Lottery Preference: CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit)
Declared Majors: Seniors, then Juniors Md Kausar Raza
(Offered: Fall 2024) Division: Natural Science
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
CHEM H320 CONCEPTS OF INORGANIC The specific content of the course varies, depending
CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit) on faculty and student interests. The course will
Gordon Peterson focus on biophysical chemistry and related topics.
Division: Natural Science Prerequisite(s): Chem H304 or equivalent (depending
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes on material), or instructor consent.
Three lectures for one-half semester (one-half course (Offered: Fall 2024)
credit). An introduction to structure and reactivity
of inorganic molecules and materials. Topics CHEM H355 TOPICS IN ADVANCED ORGANIC
include: theories of chemical bonding, symmetries CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit)
of molecules and solid state materials, acid-base, Joseph Smith
oxidation-reduction reactions, and structures Division: Natural Science
and nomenclature of coordination complexes. Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Prerequisite(s): CHEM H225 Advanced multidimensional and decoupled NMR,
(Offered: Spring 2025) and mass spectroscopy, techniques associated with
molecular characterizations in organic chemistry
Prerequisite(s): Chemistry H225.
10 Chemistry

(Offered: Spring 2025) Directed research in synthetic organic chemistry,

and physical-organic chemistry. Topics include total
CHEM H357 TOPICS IN BIOORGANIC synthesis of biologically significant molecules, new
CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit) methods of enantioselective synthesis and the study
Division: Natural Science of organic reaction mechanisms. Prerequisite(s):
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes Instructor consent
The specific content of the course varies, depending (Offered: Fall 2024)
on faculty and student interests. The course will
focus on organic chemistry as applied to biological CHEM H365 SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
systems and related topics. Prerequisite(s): Chem BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit)
225 or instructor consent Robert Scarrow
Division: Natural Science
CHEM H359 TOPICS IN INORGANIC Directed research in bioinorganic and coordination
CHEMISTRY (0.5 Credit) chemistry. Topics include synthesis and
Division: Natural Science spectroscopic and kinetic studies of inorganic
Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes coordination compounds that can aid in
The specific content of the course varies, depending understanding the chemistry of metalloproteins.
on faculty and student interests. The course will Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
focus on a specific topic within the realm of Inorganic
Chemistry; example topics include electrochemical CHEM H367 SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
technology, organometallic catalysis, main group BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit)
chemistry, and f-block elements. The Spring 2022 Lou Charkoudian
topic is organometallic catalysis, and the course will Division: Natural Science
introduce fundamental concepts in organometallic Topics include synthesis and reactivity of chiral
chemistry including different types of organometallic platinum complexes; structural characterization of
reactions, catalyst development and applications in platinum oligonucleotide complexes by combined
organic synthesis. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 225 and multidimensional NMR/computational methods.
CHEM 320 Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
(Offered: Spring 2025) (Offered: Fall 2024)

CHEM H361 SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN CHEM H368 SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit) ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit)
Casey Londergan, Samuel Shepard Helen White
Division: Natural Science Division: Natural Science
Directed research in physical chemistry, condensed Directed research in environmental chemistry,
phase chemical physics, and biophysical chemistry, centered in the field of biogeochemistry, a
with emphasis on spectroscopic studies of site- multidisciplinary approach focused at understanding
specific environmental and conformational dynamics the chemical composition and processes of Earth's
in peptides and proteins. Prerequisite(s): Instructor biosphere. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
consent (Offered: Fall 2024)
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CHEM H369 SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN
CHEM H362 SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN MATERIALS SCIENCE (1.0 Credit)
THEORETICAL CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit) Alexander Norquist, Gordon Peterson
Clyde Daly Division: Natural Science
Division: Natural Science Domain(s): C: Physical and Natural Processes
Directed research in computational and theoretical Directed research in inorganic materials
physical chemistry, with emphasis on development chemistry. Topics include synthesis and structural
and application of methods for prediction of optical, characterization of organically templated
electronic, and mechanical properties of organic microporous materials. Prerequisite(s): Instructor
and inorganic semiconductor nanostructures. consent
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent (Offered: Spring 2025)
(Offered: Fall 2024)
CHEM H380 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN
CHEM H363 SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit)
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (1.0 Credit) Division: Natural Science
Leah Seebald, Theresa Gaines This course is designed for chemistry majors
Division: Natural Science who want to pursue a non-experimental research
 Chemistry 11

experience. Students will work closely with a faculty

member on a topic in the current chemical literature
to prepare a thesis paper. Prerequisite(s): CHEM
221b and CHEM 304a

CHEM H391 CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENTAL

SEMINAR (0.5 Credit)
Casey Londergan
Presentation and discussion of current research
topics in the various areas of chemistry by faculty,
students and outside speakers. One meeting
per week throughout the year (one-half course
credit). This course is graded universal P/F in which
no numerical grade is assigned. Prerequisite(s):
concurrent enrollment in a research tutorial course
(CHEM H361 to CHEM H369, or equivalent).
(Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025)

CHEM H480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1.0 Credit)

Leah Seebald
Division: Natural Science
Independent Study
(Offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2025)

CHEM H480J INDEPENDENT STUDY (0.5 Credit)

Staff