Disclaimer: Sample course outlines linked below are provided for general information on the expectations with regard to course content, workload, requirements, and policies involved in the course. Please note, the most recent syllabus is available from your course instructor or from your course website, once you are enrolled.
1000 Level Courses
Introduction to chemistry with emphasis on physical and electronic structure of matter, including gases, liquids and solids. Topics include behaviour of gases; thermochemistry; atomic structure and periodic table; chemical bonding and architecture; structure of liquids and solids; frontiers of chemistry.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisites: 12U chemistry or SC/CHEM 1500 4.00 or equivalent.
Course credit exclusions: SC/CHEM 1100 3.00, SC/ISCI 1201 3.00, SC/ISCI 1210 6.00.
View the CHEM 1000 Course Outline
This course complements SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 – with emphasis on chemical change and equilibrium. Topics include chemical kinetics; chemical equilibrium; entropy and free energy as driving forces for chemical change; electrochemistry; frontiers in chemistry.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisites: 12U chemistry or SC/CHEM 1500 4.00 or equivalent.
Course credit exclusions: SC/ISCI 1202 3.00, SC/ISCI 1210 6.00.
The course is designed for Engineering students interested in refreshing and expending their general chemistry knowledge while exploring the relationship between structure of matter, properties and processing. This course will focus mainly at covering important introductory concept to understand solution chemistry including reactivity, thermochemistry, structure and properties of materials.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisites: 12U chemistry or equivalent.
Course credit exclusion: SC/CHEM 1000 3.00.
An introductory course in chemistry for students needing an adequate preparation for SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 and SC/CHEM 1001 3.00. Topics include basic atomic theory, stoichiometry, the periodic table, chemical bonding, equilibria, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction and organic chemistry. Each student is counselled by a faculty adviser to enrol either in this course or in SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 and SC/CHEM 1001 3.00 depending on previous chemistry experience.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisites: May not be taken by any student who has taken or is currently taking another university course in chemistry.
2000 Level Courses
This course introduces students to fundamental methods and techniques that are needed to view and solve problems in chemistry. The instructor first gives a brief overview and introduction of mathematical knowledge that is needed in solving general chemistry problems. The knowledge is then applied to develop concepts of a variety of fields in chemistry. The concepts include: (1) thermodynamic state functions and their analyses; (2) numerical analysis in experiments; (3) evolution of material quantities in chemical kinetics; (4) linear algebra application in chemistry; (5) vector analysis in chemistry Overall, the purpose of this course is to prepare students for the more advanced third- and fourth-year chemistry courses.
Format: Lecture
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 1000 3.00, SC/CHEM 1001 3.00, SC/MATH 1013 3.00. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SC/MATH 1014 3.00.
View the CHEM 2000 Course Outline
This course is an introduction to equilibrium chemical thermodynamics. The three laws of thermodynamics and the thermodynamic state functions are described. Many applications are considered, including the operation of heat engines, phase transformations, thermochemistry and chemical reaction equilibria.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials
Prerequisites: SC/MATH 1014 3.00, or SC/MATH 1505 6.00 with a minimum grade of B; SC/CHEM 1001 3.00 or SC/CHEM 1100 4.00.
An introduction to organic chemistry: nomenclature, bonding, structure, resonance, reactivity, thermodynamics, kinetics, preparation and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols, with mechanisms.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 1000 3.00, SC/CHEM 1001 3.00.
Course credit exclusion: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00.
An introduction to organic chemistry: spectroscopic determination, preparation and reactions of ethers, epoxides, aromatic rings, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, with mechanisms.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2020 3.00.
Course Credit exclusion: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00.
An overview of the Periodic Table, with a focus on trends in properties of the elements and their compounds; principles of ionic and covalent bonding; molecular orbital theory of simple molecules; solution and solid-state chemistry of the main group elements compounds, with examples relevant to everyday life.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials
Prerequisites: Both SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 and SC/CHEM 1001 3.00.
An introduction to biochemistry for chemistry students. Course material includes cellular functions, biomolecules and metabolism.
Format: Lectures, Labs
Prerequisite or corequisite: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00.
Course credit exclusions: SC/BIOL 2020 3.00, SC/BCHM 2020 3.00.
Introduction to quantitative chemical analysis and the analytical method; errors and statistical analysis of data; gravimetric and volumetric methods of analysis including acid-base, precipitation, complexation and redox titrimetry, the effect of equilibria on chemical analysis; introduction to potentiometry and spectrophotometry.
Format: Lectures, Labs
Prerequisites: Both SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 and SC/CHEM 1001 3.00.
3000 Level Courses
A laboratory course in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, including basic instruction in data handling, use of the literature and formal report writing.
Format: Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00, SC/CHEM 2030 3.00, SC/CHEM 2080 4.00. Prerequisite or corequisite: SC/CHEM 2011 3.00.
A second, advanced laboratory course in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, building on SC/CHEM 3000 3.00.
Format: Tutorials, Labs
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3000 3.00.
An introduction to quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and statistical thermodynamics with applications to atoms and small molecules. Electronic structure and chemical bonds.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2011 3.00, SC/CHEM 2030 3.00.
This is an introductory course in chemical kinetics as applied primarily to reactions in the gas phase but also in solution and at electrode surfaces.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 2011 3.00
Intermediate topics in NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, carbanion and enol chemistry and introductory heterocyclic chemistry, with biochemical examples.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00.
A course building on SC/CHEM 3020 3.00, dealing with a variety of advanced reactions and stereochemistry.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3020 3.00.
The chemistry of the transition metals is discussed from an historical perspective and within the context of modern theories of bonding, structure and spectroscopy. Topics include classical coordination compounds, organometallics, metallocenes, metal carbonyls and bioinorganic chemistry.
Format: Lectures, Tutorials
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2021 3.00 or SC/CHEM 2020 6.00; SC/CHEM 2030 3.00
An introduction to physical and theoretical methods in inorganic chemistry. Topics are selected from the following: atomic structure and spectra, molecular orbital and ligand field theory, bonding, electronic spectroscopy, magnetism of metal complexes, photochemistry, electrochemistry, solid state chemistry, metal-metal bonding.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3030 3.00.
A detailed discussion of enzyme structure and function. The chemistry and metabolism of biological molecules. Metabolic regulation at the level of enzyme activity. Knowledge of general concepts of metabolism and of basic aspects of enzyme structure and function is assumed.
Format: Lectures
Note: Cross-listed to SC/BIOL 3010 and SC/BCHM 3010
Prerequisites: SC/BIOL 2020 3.00 or SC/BCHM 2020 3.00 or SC/CHEM 2050 4.00; SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00.
A discussion of the structures and functions of naturally occurring macromolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides and related macromolecular conjugates.
Format: Lectures
Note: Cross-listed to SC/BIOL 3051 and SC/BCHM 3051
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00 and either SC/CHEM 2050 4.00 or SC/BCHM 2020 3.00 or SC/BIOL 2020 3.00.
An introductory course linking chemistry and atmospheric science. Topics include atmospheric evolution; biogeochemical cycles; sources, transformations and sinks of atmospheric species; human impacts such as acid rain, photochemical smog and depletion of the ozone layer.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: Both SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 and SC/CHEM 1001 3.00; one of SC/MATH 1010 3.00, SC/MATH 1014 3.00, SC/MATH 1310 3.00, SC/MATH 1505 6.00.
This course introduces students to mechanisms underlying chemical sources and fate in the environment. The reactions and partitioning of organic and inorganic compounds will be discussed on a molecular level allowing students to understand and predict chemical fate and distribution. Critical environmental processes that determine the fate of organic pollutants, including abiotic oxidation and reduction reactions, as well as biological processing, will be examined. The biogeochemical cycles and reactions that determine the environmental fate of metals will be described. The chemistry driving important environmental issues, including ocean acidification, pollutant transport, and bioaccumulation will also be addressed. Students will gain an appreciation for and become familiar with the current state of understanding of the chemical mechanisms in the environment.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: CHEM 2021 3.00.
An in-depth look at various topics on the evolution of chemistry in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, dye, agrichemical, food, personal care, cosmetic and detergent industries, including recent environmentally friendly approaches (green chemistry).
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00.
A practical look into the pharmaceutical industry, providing an overview of the drug discovery process. Topics include choosing disease states to study, pharmacological assays, rational drug design, synthetic and analytical chemistry, toxicology, drug metabolism and clinical trials.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/BIOL 2020 3.00 or SC/BCHM 2020 3.00 or SC/CHEM 2050 4.00; SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00.
Course credit exclusion: SC/CHEM 3075 3.00.
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of modern drug development such as how the structure, metabolism, route of administration, additives in formulation, etc. play key roles in determining a drug’s activity and efficacy. The course explains how a molecule can be identified as a leading compound (by high throughput screenings or computational modeling) and then optimized to ensure maximum efficacy and minimal side effects. The course is mainly focused on elements of structural biology and the pharmacological aspects of medicinal chemistry. Overall, the course is designed to make sure that students are familiarized with the idea of drug design and development, and the recent approaches taking place in this field of science.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2020 3.00, SC/CHEM 2021 3.00 and either SC/CHEM 2050 4.00 or SC/BIOL/BCHEM 2020 3.00.
Course Credit Exclusion: SC/CHEM 3071 3.00.
The theory and application of a variety of common modern quantitative instrumental methods. Topics include calibrations; basic electronics; signal processing; optical systems; atomic and molecular absorption and emission spectroscopies; gas, liquid, and ion chromatography; and electroanalytical techniques. This course covers applications to modern chemical analysis of samples relevant to industry, medicine, environment, and others.
Format: Lectures, Labs
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2080 4.00; SC/PHYS 1010 6.00 or SC/PHYS 1410 6.00 or SC/PHYS 1420 6.0 or SC/PHYS 1012 3.00 or SC/PHYS 1412 3.00 or SC/PHYS 1422 3.00 or SC/ISCI 1310 6.0 or SC/ISCI 1302 3.00.
Course Credit Exclusions: SC/SENE 2081 3.00 and SC/SENE 2082 3.00
Classification and structure of polymers: molecular weights, synthesis, kinetics, statistics, characterization techniques and thermodynamics. Polymers in the solid state, crystallinity and advanced materials.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00.
4000 Level Courses
An original laboratory or theoretical project, supported by studies of the relevant scientific literature. Evaluation is based on practical performance, an oral presentation and a written thesis. May be carried out in one term or two consecutive terms. At least 288 hours of work on the project are required. Detailed guidelines are given in the departmental handbook.
Format: Lectures, Labs
Prerequisite: This course is open only to Honours students with at least 84 credits and has special enrolment requirements. Please contact the chemistry department well in advance for enrolment details.
An original laboratory or theoretical project, supported by studies of the relevant scientific literature. Evaluation is based on practical performance, an oral presentation and a written thesis. May be carried out in one term or two consecutive terms. At least 288 hours of work on the project are required. Detailed guidelines are given in the departmental handbook.
Format: Lectures, Labs
Prerequisite: This course is open only to Honours students with at least 84 credits and has special enrolment requirements. Please contact the chemistry department well in advance for enrolment details.
Course credits exclusion: SC/BCHM 4000 8.00.
An independent research project, supervised by a faculty member specializing in Biochemistry. Evaluation is based on practical performance, an oral presentation and a written thesis. May be carried out in one term or two consecutive terms. At least 288 hours of work on the project are required. Detailed guidelines are provided in the Biochemistry Handbook.
Format: Lectures, Labs
Prerequisite: Only open to Honours Biochemistry students in the final year of study, or by permission of the program.
Course credits exclusion: SC/CHEM 4000 8.00.
Introduction to quantum mechanics; solutions of the Schroedinger equation describing molecular vibrations and rotations; electronic structure; molecular orbitals; computational methods.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3010 3.00.
A course concentrating on strategies of synthesizing complex molecules, with emphasis on carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, blocking groups, regioselectivity and stereochemical methods.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3021 3.00
Advanced topics, including methods for determining mechanisms, the study of reactive intermediates (carbocations, carbanions, carbenes, carbon radicals), acid catalysis and other aspects of mechanistic organic chemistry.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3021 3.00
Explores, in detail, the application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the identification of organic reaction products and other organic and organometallic unknowns. It is intended primarily for students with a basic knowledge of NMR spectroscopy. The main focus is to establish molecular structure using modern NMR techniques.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3020 3.00 or SC/CHEM 3000 3.00.
Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry, including organometallic synthesis and characterization, ligand classification, reaction types and catalysis.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3030 3.00; SC/CHEM 3031 3.00 is recommended.
This course describes modern methods of bioanalytical chemistry in their application to the analysis of biological polymers: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Analytical aspects of genomics and proteomics are considered.
Format: Lectures
Note: Cross-listed to SC/BIOL 4051 and SC/BCHM 4050
Prerequisites: SC/BIOL 2020 3.00 or SC/BCHM 2020 3.00 or SC/ CHEM 2050 4.00; SC/BIOL 2021 3.00 or SC/BCHM 2021 3.00; SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00.
Bio-organic and bio-inorganic topics: active sites in enzymes and metalloproteins, coenzymes; abiotic models; aromatic natural products, terpenoids and some alkaloid classes.
Format: Lectures
Note: Cross-listed to SC/BCHM 4051
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2020 6.00 or SC/CHEM 2021 3.00 and either SC/BCHM 2020 3.00 or SC/BIOL 2020 3.00 or SC/CHEM 2050 4.00 or SC/BCHM 2020 4.00 or SC/BIOL 2020 4.00; SC/CHEM 2030 4.00 or SC/CHEM 2030 3.00 is strongly recommended.
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of chemical biology, which focuses on the use of chemistry to study, probe, re-engineer, and exploit biological systems. Topics covered will include cellular profiling or biomolecules; chemical genetics; genetic and protein engineering; and synthetic biology. The course will focus largely on the applications of chemical biology to human health and disease.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 3021 3.00, and SC/CHEM 2050 4.00 or SC/BCHM 2020 3.00 or SC/BIOL 2020 3.00. NCR
Note: Not open to students who have passed CHEM 4051 3.00 in FW 2018 or FW 2019.
Advanced theory and practice of high-resolution separation techniques, especially high-resolution chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, with emphasis on the practical application of advanced theories and the problem of optimizing separation procedures. Analytical procedures as integrated methods. Possibilities and limitations of interfacing sample injection, separation method and detection.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisite: SC/CHEM 3080 4.00.
This course will develop Mass Spectrometry as an analytical tool in chemistry and biochemistry, at an advanced level. The course will be delivered in three sections: instrumentation, theory and applications. Topics will include ionization, mass analyzers, ion dissociation, ion mobility, qualitative and quantitative analysis with various applications, including in the health and medical sciences.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 3020 3.00 or SC/CHEM 3080 4.00.
Exploring the chemistry behind novel materials relevant to electronics, alternative energy sources, life sciences and polymer sciences.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 3021 3.00 and SC/CHEM 3030 3.00; SC/CHEM 3031 3.00 is strongly recommended.
Principles, practical details and computational methods of X-ray crystallographic structure determination. Students carry out an original structure determination from raw reflection data.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 2011 3.00 and SC/CHEM 3051 3.00.
An introduction to materials used for biomedical applications for students with background in chemistry, physics and biology. Emphasis is on biological and biomimetic surfaces, interactions at the biomaterial/tissue interfaces, and mechanisms involved with biologically driven materials self-assembly.
Format: Lectures
Prerequisites: SC/CHEM 3051 3.00 or SC/CHEM 3090 3.00.