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Second Year Courses
Third Year Courses
Fourth Year Courses
Online Courses
From exploring the foundations of Chemistry in your first year to participating in research-based courses in your fourth year, a degree in Chemistry at Queen's University will equip you with a strong foundation for continuing academic studies or a career in the field.
Get started thinking about the future now – where do you want to go after your degree? Having tentative goals (like careers or grad school) while working through your degree can help with short-term decisions about courses and experiences, but also help you keep motivated for success. Queen’s provides you with a broad range of support services, with many offices dedicated to helping you learn, think and do.
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First Year Courses
In first year you will have the chance to explore the foundations of Chemistry in biology, chemistry, geography and geology along with some electives.
Description
This course combines fundamentals of chemistry and uses these fundamentals to gain an understanding of why materials have the characteristics they do. Areas of study are: gases and their behaviour; three states of matter and their properties; water and aqueous solutions; chemical bonding; quantum mechanics and atomic structure; solids; thermodynamic processes and thermo chemistry; and introduction to materials science.
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Description
The Section 900 Program is designed to give those students who have academic difficulties in their first year in Applied Science a second chance.
This course combines fundamentals of chemistry and uses these fundamentals to gain an understanding of why materials have the characteristics they do. Areas of study are: gases and their behaviour; three states of matter and their properties; water and aqueous solutions; chemical bonding; quantum mechanics and atomic structure; solids; thermodynamic processes and thermo chemistry; and introduction to materials science.
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Description
This course combines fundamentals of chemistry with the engineering issues associated with them. Areas of study are: entropy and the second law of thermodynamics; thermodynamics; chemical equilibrium; electrochemistry; chemical kinetics; and organic chemistry. Environmental issues associated with each of these topics will be discussed where appropriate.
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Description
The Section 900 Program is designed to give those students who have academic difficulties in their first year in Applied Science a second chance.
This course combines fundamentals of chemistry with the engineering issues associated with them. Areas of study are: entropy and the second law of thermodynamics; thermodynamics; chemical equilibrium; electrochemistry; chemical kinetics; and organic chemistry. Environmental issues associated with each of these topics will be discussed where appropriate.
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Description
A survey of modern chemistry: molecular structure, bonding, phases of matter, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, kinetics, polymers, organic and biochemistry. Using information technology, laboratories and formulation of problem-solving strategies, students will develop an appreciation for the relevance of chemistry to the solution of modern-day societal challenges.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Lab Safety
In order to attend labs, all CHEM112 students are required to complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Safety Training. Training sessions are arranged specifically for CHEM112 students at the beginning of term.
Instructors
FALL
Course Coordinator
Lab Coordinator
Lab Exemption
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ. Exemptions are not available for tutorial components.
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Second Year Courses
Start diving deeper into the discipline of Chemistry, while considering a minor and/or certificate program.
Description
An introduction to chemistry of main group inorganic and organic compounds with the use of fundamental quantum mechanics, molecular orbital diagrams and Lewis structures to describe the structure and bonding. The stereochemistry and chirality of organic compounds, solid state inorganic chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of compounds of the main group elements will be covered. The laboratory will introduce skills in inorganic and organic synthesis.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
Lab Coordinator
Lab Exemption
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ. Exemptions are not available for tutorial components.
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Description
An introduction to the kinetics and mechanisms of reactions in gaseous and condensed phases, including acid-base and nucleophilic substitution reactions at carbon and other main group centers. Other topics will include molecular dynamics and reactions in solution. The laboratory illustrates measurement techniques and develops laboratory skills.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
Lab Coordinator
Lab Exemption
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ. Registration in SOLUS will remain unchanged as you will still be required to attend tutorials.
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Description
Introduction to analytical chemical methods and science. Topics include statistical analysis of data, titrations and equilibrium theory, spectrophotometry and instrumental elemental analysis.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
Lab Coordinator
Lab Exemption
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ. Exemptions are not available for tutorial components.
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Description
A survey of the thermodynamic properties of gases and liquids, including phase and chemical equilibria and electrochemistry. An introduction to the properties of materials, interfaces, surfaces and aqueous solutions. The laboratory uses modern software to facilitate equilibrium calculations, illustrates measurement techniques and develops laboratory skills.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
Lab Coordinator
Lab Exemption
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ. Exemptions are not available for tutorial components.
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Description
A survey of practical spectroscopic and spectrometric methods for the determination of the structures of organic and inorganic compounds. Methods will include nuclear magnetic resonance, electronic, infrared/Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Tutorials will involve solving compound structures using spectroscopic data, and include an introduction to computational methods in spectroscopy.
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Description
Mechanistically oriented study of organic reactions with emphasis on applications to synthesis. The laboratory affords experience in organic synthesis.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
Lab Coordinator
Lab Exemption
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ. Exemptions are not available for tutorial components.
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Description
Offered to students in Engineering Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The course material builds upon concepts learned in ENCH 211 and 212; an introduction to a large number of organic reaction mechanisms will be the main focus of the course. This will be supplemented by examples of industrial chemical processes demonstrating the practical applications of these reactions.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
Lab Coordinator
Lab Exemption
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ. Exemptions are not available for tutorial components.
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Description
An introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry with emphasis on bonding, stereochemistry, reaction intermediates and reaction mechanisms, and structure-reactivity correlations. Intended for students in biological and life sciences. Students in chemistry or biochemistry programs should not enrol in this course.
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Description
A continuation from CHEM281 intended for students in biological life sciences, life sciences, and other programs taking no further courses in organic chemistry. Students in chemistry or biochemistry programs should not enrol in this course. Organic molecules and their reactions; relevance to biological systems. Illustrations using biomolecules such as carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The laboratory affords experience in elementary organic syntheses.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
Lab Coordinator
Are you retaking this course and have already completed all the in-person/wet labs? If so you may qualify for a lab exemption. If you would like to request a lab exemption, email ugadm@chem.queensu.ca and include your full name, student number, course, year and term taken. Please note that you must have successfully completed all in-person/wet labs from the course within the last 3 years with a lab mark of at least 65% for an exemption to be granted. Once the exemption is entered it will be confirmed by email and will appear on onQ.
Website
Third Year Courses
This is your chance to start grouping courses in areas of interest, or to keep it more general and explore many areas of Chemistry.
Description
Fundamental mechanistic concepts of organic reactions, structure-activity relationships, solvent effects and catalysis. Mechanistic aspects of substitution, addition, elimination and pericyclic reactions.
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Description
Introduction to the chemistry, bonding and structure of coordination compounds of the transition metals; transition metals in the solid state and in biological systems; industrial and environmental aspects of transition metal chemistry.
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Description
Elementary principles and applications of wave mechanics with special reference to molecular orbitals and chemical bonding.
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Description
One further step in mastering synthetic organic chemistry. Building on knowledge of introductory organic reactivity, essential principles underlying strategies in synthetic organic chemistry will be covered, with an emphasis on regio- and stereo-controls.
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Overview of instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Topics include gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometric detection, new separation methods, electrochemical analysis, inductively coupled plasma-based elemental analysis.
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The application of quantum mechanics to the structures and internal motions of molecules. The foundations of electronic, vibrational, rotational and NMR spectroscopy will be discussed together with their applications.
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Introduction to the chemical basis of biological systems and biomolecules, protein structure and synthesis, enzyme catalysis, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), carbohydrates, membranes, cell signaling, biosynthetic and metabolic pathways.
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Description
The first part examines chemical contaminants in the atmosphere, water, soils and sediments, including sources, behaviour, transport, and distribution among these environments. The second part introduces Green Chemistry, examining industrial sources of contaminants and the modification of industrial processes in order to minimize environmental impact.
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Description
The course covers four major topics. 1. The thermodynamic properties of interfaces (surface energy, wetting, surface area and porosity, capillary effects, work of adhesion/cohesion). 2. Models of adsorption/desorption phenomena. 3. The dynamics of phase transitions (meta-stability, nucleation, spinoidal decomposition). 4. The stability and characterization of colloidal systems. Student appreciation for the importance of these phenomena is cultivated using examples drawn from industrial processes/products including inks, paints, foods, polymer blends, and nanocomposites.
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Description
Laboratory course introducing modern experimental methods in chemistry, including synthesis, analytical instrumentation and computational methods. The integration of several methods will be emphasized in the synthesis and characterization of molecules.
Laboratory Supplies
The purchase of laboratory supplies is applicable to this course. Laboratory supplies, which could include goggles, lab coat, notebook, and lab manual are available through Science Stores (cash and debit only) during the first week of class. Proper laboratory supplies are required for students attending labs.
Instructor
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Fourth Year Courses
In fourth year you will have the chance to participate in research-based courses that can lead to Graduate School or to your future career path.
Description
A discussion of recent advances in analytical chemistry and its applications to the environmental, materials and biomedical fields. At least four topics will be covered from sample preparation, separation methods, multidimensional chromatography, elemental spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and surface analysis methods. Additional topics will be selected from the current literature.
Instructor
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Description
The fundamentals of statistical mechanics with applications to thermodynamic properties of gases, liquids and solids and to chemical equilibrium in dilute gases.
Instructor
TBA
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Description
The application of quantum mechanics to chemical structures, energetics, internal motions of molecules, and chemical reactions. An introduction to the use of modern electronic structure software in chemistry.
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Description
An advanced treatment of the concepts and applications of catalysis, including the kinetics of catalysis and topics selected from the areas of homogeneous, heterogeneous, and biocatalysis.
Instructors
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Description
The course covers concepts of equilibrium electrochemistry and examines the structure of the electrode-solution interface. It discusses the basics of electron transfer and derives electrochemical kinetics equations. It shows examples of several electrochemical reactions and overviews experimental methods used to study electrochemical phenomena.
Instructor
TBA
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Description
An advanced discussion of the chemical basis of biologically relevant molecules, pathways and methods of their characterization. Topics covered will draw from advanced properties, characterization and application of DNA/RNA, proteins/peptides, lipids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpenes and polyketides and bioanalytical/molecular biology techniques.
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Modern spectroscopic methods for the structural and electronic characterization of molecules will be discussed, including: NMR, X-ray and synchrontron-based spectroscopies, laser spectroscopy, surface spectroscopic methods and scanning probe methods.
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TBA
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Modern synthetic methods in organic chemistry. Principles of strategy in planning organic syntheses based on simple classifications of reagents and reactions, and on the control of stereochemistry.
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An examination of aspects of modern inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Topics will include metal-ligand bonding in organometallic complexes, applications of organometallics in organic synthesis, metal-metal bonding in dinuclear and polynuclear metal complexes, and may include reaction mechanisms of transition metal complexes, bioinorganic chemistry, and symmetry.
Instructors
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Description
Specific properties of polymers (glass transition, crystallinity, polydispersity, etc.) and their dependence on macromolecular structure and isomerism. Polymer synthesis overview: step and chain polymerization (free-radical, ionic and insertion mechanisms) and reactions on polymers. Examples of polymers and their uses.
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Description
Four topics covering a range of self-assembled molecular systems will be discussed: monolayers and bilayers, block co-polymers, nanoparticles, and liquid crystals. Material properties, synthetic methods and application of these systems in current and emerging technologies, including nanotechnologies, will be covered.
Instructor
TBA
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Description
A full-year research project on a topic in chemistry, supervised by a member of staff. Normally limited to students in the final year of a major or subject of specialization in Chemistry. May be taken in the Summer Term with permission. Additional restrictions may apply.
Course Coordinator
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Arts and Science Online Courses in Chemistry
Arts and Science Online offers courses through an online learning platform called OnQ. It works much like a web forum where courses are chronologically organized to lay out assignments, readings, videos, discussion forums, quizzes, group work, and tutorials, all of which are available 24/7.
There are four online Chemistry courses offered by Arts and Science Online at Queen’s University in the spring/summer terms:
- CHEM 113 – General Chemistry I: From Atoms to Matter, 3.0
Course Dates: May 1 - June 12, 2023
View Course Description and Details - CHEM 114 – General Chemistry II: Thermodynamics and Kinetics, 3.0
Course Dates: July 4 - August 15, 2023
View Course Description and Details - CHEM 281 – General Organic Chemistry I (with Virtual Laboratory), 3.0
Course Dates: May 1 - June 12, 2023
View Course Description and Details - CHEM 285 – General Organic Chemistry II (with Virtual Laboratory), 3.0
Course Dates: July 4 - August 15, 2023
View Course Description and Details
These courses are primarily for students who are NOT in degree programs at Queen’s University, as CHEM 113, 114, and 285 do not, at present, have a lab component. If, however, you have taken CHEM 112 or 282 previously, and failed the lecture component, but completed the wet lab component above the required threshold, you may use CHEM 113 + CHEM 114 to repeat CHEM 112 (with your lab exemption) and use CHEM 285 to repeat CHEM 282 (with your lab exemption). The online version of CHEM 281 is identical to the on-campus version of the course and may be taken as part of degree plans in Biology or Life Sciences at Queen’s University. Students in Chemistry or Biochemistry degree plans should NOT take CHEM 281 or CHEM 282 (285).
For more information or to ask questions about the courses and their use in degree plans or certificates, contact either:
- Meredith Richards, Undergraduate Assistant in Chemistry: ugadm@chem.queensu.ca
- Anne Petitjean, Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry: ugchair@chem.queensu.ca