Course Descriptions

CELL 8450 - Effective science writing for grants and fellowships

The ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and justify proposed experiments are essential skills for biomedical researchers. The goals of this course are for trainees to learn and practice effective scientific proposal writing. The course will provide students with extensive peer and faculty mentoring in a workshop format as they each prepare an NIH NRSA-style fellowship application.
Prerequisite: BIMS 600

 



Credits: 2

CELL 8559 - Molecular & Cellular Mechanisms of Animal Development

This course will cover aspects of the mechanisms controling the development of the embryo both at the molecular and cellular levels. It will be done for graduate students (if the number is too small, postdocs would be welcome to participate too) and will be organized during the fall semester.



Credits: 5

CELL 8650 - Colloquium in Developmental Biology

Discusses selected topics related to growth, cell differentiation, organogenesis, and regeneration. Includes current topics in developmental biology as a basis for normal and abnormal development.



Credits: 2

CELL 8660 - Colloquium in Cell Biology

Considers selected topics on the structure of the cell and the relationship of this structure to cellular functions focusing on the ultrastructure of animal cells and the functioning of their subcellular components. The topics emphasize current advances in cell biology.



Credits: 2

CELL 9030 - Research in Cell Biology

CELL 9040 - Research in Cell Biology

CELL 9559 - New Course in Cell Biology

CELL 9995 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research

CELL 9998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research

CELL 9999 - Non-Topical Research

CHE 5561 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering

Applies engineering science, design methods, and system analysis to developing areas and current problems in chemical engineering. Topics are announced at registration.



Credits: 1 to 3

CHE 5562 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering

Applies engineering science, design methods, and system analysis to developing areas and current problems in chemical engineering. Topics are announced at registration.



Credits: 1 to 3

CHE 5600 - Energy Outlook and Technology Options

This course is intended to educate scientifically literate persons on the status of the energy challenge and to motivate them to contribute to solutions for energy needs. Historic patterns and future predictions for energy consumption, production and resources are reviewed, with a particular focus on transportation fuels and electric power generation. Challenges for fossil fuels, renewable energy and nuclear energy are discussed.
Prerequisite: 4th year or higher standings in SEAS or Instructor Permission



Credits: 3

CHE 6438 - Process Control and Dynamics

Introduction to dynamics and control of process systems, controllers, sensors, and final control elements. Development and application of time- and frequency-domain characterizations of subsystems for stability analyses of closed control loops. State-space models, principles of sampled-data analysis and digital control techniques. Elementary systems identification with emphasis on dead time, distributed parameters, and nonlinearities.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 6442 - Applied Surface Chemistry

Factors underlying interfacial phenomena, with emphasis on thermodynamics of surfaces, structural aspects, and electrical phenomena; applications such as emulsification, foaming, detergency, sedimentation, flow through porous media, fluidization, nucleation, wetting, adhesion, flotation, electrocapillarity.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 6447 - Biochemical Engineering

Introduction to properties, production, and use of biological molecules of importance to medicine and industry, such as proteins, enzymes, and antibiotics. Topics may include fermentation and cell culture processes, biological mass transfer, enzyme engineering, and implications of recent advances in molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 6448 - Bioseparations Engineering

Principles of bioseparations engineering including specialized unit operations not normally covered in regular chemical engineering courses. Processing operations downstream of the initial manufacture of biotechnology products, including product recovery, separations, purification, and ancillary operations such as sterile processing, clean-in place and regulatory aspects. Bioprocess integration and design aspects.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 6449 - Polymer Chemistry and Engineering

Analyzes the mechanisms and kinetics of various polymerization reactions; relations between the molecular structure and polymer properties, and how these properties can be influenced by the polymerization process; fundamental concepts of polymer solution and melt rheology. Applications to polymer processing operations, such as extrusion, molding, and fiber spinning. Three lecture hours.
Prerequisite: CHE 3321 or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 6476 - Process Design and Economics

Factors that determine the genesis and evolution of a process. Principles of marketing and technical economics and modern process design principles and techniques, including computer simulation with optimization.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 4

CHE 6615 - Advanced Thermodynamics

Development of the thermodynamic laws and derived relations. Application of relations to properties of pure and multicomponent systems at equilibrium in the gaseous, liquid, and solidphases. Prediction and calculation of phase and reaction equilibria in practical systems.
Prerequisite: Undergraduate-level thermodynamics or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 6618 - Chemical Reaction Engineering

Fundamentals of chemical reaction kinetics and mechanisms; experimental methods of determining reaction rates; introduction to heterogeneous catalysis; application of chemical kinetics, along with mass-transfer theory, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, to the design and operation of chemical reactors.
Prerequisite: CHE 6625 and 6665.



Credits: 3

CHE 6625 - Transport Processes

Integrated introduction to fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mass transfer. Development of the basic equations of change for transport of momentum, energy, and mass in continuous media. Applications with exact solutions, consistent approaches to limiting cases and approximate solutions to formulate the relations to be solved in more complicated problems.
Prerequisite: Undergraduate transport processes;
corequisite: CHE 6665.



Credits: 3

CHE 6630 - Mass Transfer

Fundamental principles common to mass transfer phenomena, with emphasis on mass transfer in diverse chemical engineering situations. Detailed consideration of fluxes, diffusion with and without convection, interphase mass transfer with chemical reaction, and applications.
Prerequisite: CHE 6625 and 6665.



Credits: 3

CHE 6665 - Techniques for Chemical Engineering Analysis and Design

Methods for analysis of steady state and transient chemical engineering problems arising in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, kinetics, and reactor design.
Prerequisite: Undergraduate differential equations, transport processes, and chemical reaction engineering.



Credits: 3

CHE 7716 - Applied Statistical Mechanics

Introduction to statistical mechanics and its methodologies such as integral equations, computer simulation and perturbation theory. Applications such as phase equilibria, adsorption, transport properties, electrolyte solutions.
Prerequisite: CHE 6615, or other graduate-level thermodynamics course, and instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 7744 - Electrochemical Engineering

Electrochemical phenomena and processes from a chemical engineering viewpoint. Application of thermodynamics, electrode kinetics, interfacial phenomena, and transport processes to electrochemical systems such as batteries, rotating disk electrodes, corrosion of metals, and semiconductors. Influence of coupled kinetics, interfacial, and transport phenomena on current distribution and mass transfer in a variety of electrochemical systems.
Prerequisite: Graduate-level transport phenomena (e.g., CHE 6625) and graduate-level mathematical techniques (e.g., CHE 6665), or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 7796 - Graduate Seminar

Weekly meetings of graduate students and faculty for presentations and discussion of research in academic and industrial organizations. May be repeated.



Credits: 1

CHE 7993 - Independent Study

CHE 7995 - Supervised Project Research

Formal record of student commitment to project research for Master of Engineering degree under the guidance of a faculty advisor. May be repeated as necessary.



Credits: 1 to 12

CHE 8581 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering

CHE 8582 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering

CHE 8819 - Advanced Chemical Engineering Kinetics and Reaction Engineering

Advanced study of reacting systems, such as experimental methods, heterogeneous catalysis, polymerization kinetics, kinetics of complex reactions, reactor stability, and optimization.
Prerequisite: CHE 6618 or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 8820 - Modeling of Biological Processes in Environmental Systems

Use of mathematical models to describe processes such as biological treatment of chemical waste, including contaminant degradation and bacterial growth, contaminant and bacterial transport, and adsorption. Engineering analyses of treatment processes such as biofilm reactors, sequenced batch reactors, biofilters and in situ bioremediation. May include introduction to hydrogeology, microbiology, transport phenomena and reaction kinetics relevant to environmental systems; application of material and energy balances in the analysis of environmental systems; and dimensional analysis and scaling. Guest lectures by experts from industry, consulting firms and government agencies to discuss applications of these bioremediation technologies.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 8833 - Specialized Separation Processes

Less conventional separation processes, such as chromatography, ion-exchange, membranes, and crystallization using in-depth and modern chemical engineering methods. Student creativity and participation through development and presentation of individual course projects.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHE 8897 - Graduate Teaching Instruction

CHE 8993 - Independent Study

CHE 8998 - Master’s Research

Formal record of student commitment to master’s thesis research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Registration may be repeated as necessary.



Credits: 1 to 12

CHE 9897 - Graduate Teaching Instruction

CHE 9999 - Dissertation Research

Formal record of student commitment to doctoral research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Registration may be repeated as necessary.



Credits: 1 to 12

CHEM 5110 - Organic Chemistry III

Systematic review and extension of the facts and theories of organic chemistry; includes the mechanism of reactions, structure, and stereochemistry.
Prerequisite: One year of organic chemistry. In addition, one year of physical chemistry is recommended.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5120 - Organic Chemistry IV

CHEM 5120 - Organic Chemistry IV

A comprehensive survey of synthetic organic reactions and their application to the design and execution of syntheses of relatively complex organic substances.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5140 - Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds and Related Topics

The application of the concepts of organic chemistry, especially structure and reaction mechanisms, to the discussion of heterocyclic compounds. Emphasizes heteroaromatic compounds of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Offered as required.
Prerequisite: CHEM 5110 or permission of instructor.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5180 - Instrumental Theory and Techniques in Organic Chemistry

Studies the theory and application of instrumental techniques in solving organic structural problems. Topics include ultraviolet and infrared absorption spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, rotatory dispersion, and circular dichroism.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5210 - Advanced Physical Chemistry I

Studies introductory quantum mechanics. Topics include the application of group theory to molecular orbital theory; and rotational, vibrational and electronic spectra.
Prerequisite: CHEM 3410, 3420.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5212 - Principles of Quantum Mechanics

Development of principles of quantum mechanics and application to simple systems; and discussion of angular momentum, variation method, and perturbation theory.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5214 - Chemical Applications of Quantum Mechanics

Application of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular systems; includes molecular orbital and valence bond theory. Group theory is developed from first principles and applied to molecular systems.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5220 - Advanced Physical Chemistry II

Studies the laws of thermodynamics and extra-thermodynamic principles; statistical mechanics; theory of reaction rates, and the interpretation of experimental kinetic data.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5224 - Reaction Kinetics and Dynamics

Introduces the practice and theory of modern chemical kinetics, emphasizing reactions occurring in gases, liquids, and on catalytic surfaces. Develops basic principles of chemical kinetics and describes current experimental and analytic techniques. Discusses the microscopic reaction dynamics underlying the macroscopic kinetics in terms of reactive potential energy surfaces. Develops statistical theories of reactions that simplify the description of the overall reaction dynamics. Includes the transition state theory, Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory for unimolecular reactions, Kramers’ theory, Marcus electron transfer theory, and information theory. Presents current topics from the literature and illustrates applications of basic principles through problem-solving exercises.
Prerequisite: CHEM 5210, 5220, or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5250 - Molecular Spectroscopy

Studies basic theoretical principles and practical experimental methods of modern molecular spectroscopy, including microwave, infrared, Raman, visible, and ultraviolet spectroscopy.
Prerequisite: CHEM 5210, 8210, or group theory equivalent to that covered in CHEM 5210 or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5310 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I

Introduces the electronic structure of atoms and simple molecules, including basic concepts and applications of symmetry and group theory. The chemistry of the main group elements is described using energetics, structure, and reaction pathways to provide a theoretical background. Emphasizes applying these concepts to predicting the stability and developing synthetic routes to individual compounds or classes.
Prerequisite: CHEM 4320 or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5320 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II

Introduces the electronic structure of compounds of the transition metals using ligan field theory and molecular orbital theory. Describes the chemistry of coordination and organometallic compounds, emphasizing structure, reactivity, and synthesis. Examines applications to transformations in organic chemistry and to catalysis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 4320 or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5330 - Physical Inorganic Chemistry

An advanced treatment of inorganic chemistry emphasizing structure, physical properties, the physical techniques employed in inorganic chemistry, including ESR, NMR, Mossbauer, NQR and electronic spectroscopy, magneto-chemistry and high pressure chemistry. Application of the experimental and theoretical aspects to bioinorganic chemistry.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5380 - Determination of Molecular Structure by Diffraction Methods

Studies the principles of X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction by ordered solids; and the use of these phenomena in molecular structure determination.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5410 - Advanced Biological Chemistry I

Introduces the components of biological macromolecules and the principles behind their observed structures. Examines the means by which enzymes catalyze transformations of other molecules, emphasizing the chemical principles involved, and describes key metabolic cycles and pathways, the enzymes that catalyze these reactions, and the ways in which these pathways are regulated. Three class hours (Y)
Prerequisites: One year of biochemistry; one year of organic chemistry; one semester of thermodyanmics.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5420 - Advanced Biological Chemistry II

Covers three main areas: (1) the structure and function of biological membranes, (2) complex biochemical systems and processes, including photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, vision, neurotransmission, hormonal regulation, muscle contraction and microtubules, and (3) molecular biology, including DNA metabolism, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression and recombinant DNA methodology. Three class hours,. (Y)
Prerequistes: CHEM 7430 or permission of instructor.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5450 - Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms

Studies the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis of organic reactions, emphasizing the transformation of substrates to products rather than focusing on protein chemistry. Includes the application of physical organic techniques to the study of enzymatic reactions. Major reaction types considered include hydrolases, group transfer reactions, coenzyme-catalyzed reactions, biological redox reactions, eliminations, racemizations, and aldol cleavage reactions. Considers the regulation of enzymatic activity and the validity of current techniques of investigating enzyme catalysis.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5510 - Selected Topics in Organic Chemistry

CHEM 5520 - Selected Topics in Physical Chemistry

CHEM 5530 - Selected Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

CHEM 5559 - New Course in Chemistry

CHEM 5560 - Special Topics in Biochemistry

Selected topics in advanced biochemistry developed to the depth required for modern research
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission



Credits: 3

CHEM 5570 - Selected Topics in Analytical Chemistry

Studies recent developments in instrumentation and their significance to physical-analytical problems. Includes the theory and application of specialized techniques in analytical chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 5710 or Permission of Instructor



Credits: 3

CHEM 5599 - Tutorial in Electronic Structure Modeling

We develop the theoretical foundation for modern methods of electronic structure methods, and apply these to a range of molecular properties with the help of software suites including Gaussian, Spartan, and GAMESS
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor



Credits: 3

CHEM 5710 - Analytical Chemistry

Study of the utilization of modern analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis. Includes emission and mass spectrometry, ultraviolet, visible, and infrared absorption spectroscopy, atomic absorption, electrical methods of analysis, chromatography, neutron activation analysis, and X-ray methods.
Corequisite: CHEM 3410 or CHEM 3810 or instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5730 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry

Advanced level survey of instrumental methods of analysis, theory and application of spectrochemical, electrochemical techniques; separations, surfaces, special topics, and recent developments from the literature.



Credits: 3

CHEM 5740 - Analytical Chemistry: Separations

Theory and practice of separation science are introduced. Topics include theoretical aspects of separations, including equilibrium theory, flow, diffusion, and solution theory. Major analytical separation techniques covered include liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 5710 or Permission of Instructor



Credits: 3

CHEM 5750 - Analytical Chemistry Spectroscopy

Theory and practice of separation science are introduced. Topics include theoretical aspects of separations, including equilibrium theory, flow, diffusion, and solution theory. Major analytical separation techniques covered include liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 5710 or Permission of Instructor



Credits: 3

CHEM 5800 - Introduction to Astrochemistry

This interdisciplinary course will introduce advanced undergraduates and graduates to molecules and their chemistry in different sources throughout the universe, especially in clouds of gas and dust lying among the stars in our Milky Way Galaxy and external galaxies. Among the topics to be studied: a brief intro to stars & the interstellar medium, astronomical spectroscopy, & molecular spatial maps.
Prerequisite: Students should have a basic knowledge of chemical kinetics, such as that obtained in an undergraduate course in physical chemistry, and a basic knowledge of either atomic or molecular spectroscopy.



Credits: 3

CHEM 7010 - Research Seminar I

Entering graduate students attend departmental seminars and colloquia. These lectures expose the student to a wide range of the latest theoretical and experimental topics in chemistry. Chemistry 7010, 7020, and 7030 provide graduate students with an introduction to the theory and practice of scientific research and professional development. Issues of safety in the laboratory, literature searching, ethical conduct in research, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, federal funding agencies, job opportunities in academe, industry, and national laboratories, curriculum vitae/résumé writing, web-site creation, and effective written and oral communication skills are discussed. Students are required to attend departmental seminars and colloquia in order to learn about a broad range of current experimental and theoretical topics in chemistry. Each student will prepare at least one oral and one written presentation for the class.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 7020 - Research Seminar II

Entering graduate students attend departmental seminars and colloquia. These lectures expose the student to a wide range of the latest theoretical and experimental topics in chemistry. Chemistry 7010, 7020, and 7030 provide graduate students with an introduction to the theory and practice of scientific research and professional development. Issues of safety in the laboratory, literature searching, ethical conduct in research, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, federal funding agencies, job opportunities in academe, industry, and national laboratories, curriculum vitae/résumé writing, web-site creation, and effective written and oral communication skills are discussed. Students are required to attend departmental seminars and colloquia in order to learn about a broad range of current experimental and theoretical topics in chemistry. Each student will prepare at least one oral and one written presentation for the class.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 7030 - Research Seminar III

Entering graduate students attend departmental seminars and colloquia. These lectures expose the student to a wide range of the latest theoretical and experimental topics in chemistry. Chemistry 7010, 7020, and 7030 provide graduate students with an introduction to the theory and practice of scientific research and professional development . Issues of savety in the laboratory, literature searching, ethical conduct in research, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, federal funding agencies, job opportunities in academe, industry, and national laboratories, curriculum vitae/resume writing, web-site creation, and effective written and oral communication skills are discussed. Students are required to attend departmental seminars and colloquia in order to learn about a broad range of current experimental and theoretical topics in chemistry. Each student will prepare at least one oral and one written presentation for the class.



Credits: 3

CHEM 7500 - Topics of Current Interest and Pedagogy

Explores current topics in chemistry unified by a specific theme. Designed to aid teachers in promotion of scientific literacy among the student population of Virginia. Emphasizes topics suitable for stimulating interest among the majority of secondary school students rather than specialized material for advanced students.



Credits: 3

CHEM 7559 - New Course in Chemistry

CHEM 7710 - Analytical Chemistry

Advanced level survey of instrumental methods of analysis, theory and application of spectrochemical, electrochemical techniques; separations, surfaces, special topics, and recent developments from the literature.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.



Credits: 3

CHEM 8540 - Selected Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

CHEM 8559 - New Course in Chemistry

CHEM 8560 - Selected Topics in Advanced Physical Chemistry

CHEM 8998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research

CHEM 8999 - Non-Topical Research

CHEM 9070 - Research in Infrared Spectroscopy

CHEM 9080 - Research in Infrared Spectroscopy

CHEM 9110 - Research in Inorganic and Organometallic Reactions

CHEM 9120 - Research in Inorganic and Organometallic Reactions

CHEM 9150 - Research in Photochemistry and Luminescence

CHEM 9160 - Research in Photochemistry and Luminescence

CHEM 9170 - Research in Theoretical Astrochemistry

CHEM 9180 - Research in Theoretical Astrochemistry

CHEM 9210 - Research in High Resolution Molecules

CHEM 9220 - Research in High Resolution Molecules

CHEM 9230 - Research in Mass Spectrometry

CHEM 9240 - Research in Mass Spectrometry

CHEM 9250 - Research in Bioorganic Chemistry

CHEM 9260 - Research in Bioorganic Chemistry

CHEM 9270 - Research in Biophysical Chemistry

CHEM 9280 - Research in Biophysical Chemistry

CHEM 9290 - Research in Physical Chemistry of Surfaces

CHEM 9300 - Research in Physical Chemistry of Surfaces

CHEM 9310 - Research in Bioorganic Mechanism and Synthesis

CHEM 9320 - Research in Bioorganic Mechanism and Synthesis