Highlighted courses

The Ams lab research projects investigate fundamental questions in physical organic chemistry, which motivates my teaching. While I teach courses at all levels of our curriculum, my main focus is on our introductory and organic sequences, as well as our advanced organic course.  Below are brief descriptions of each of these courses:

Chemical Concepts 1

An introduction to atomic and molecular structure and reactivity. Topics include quantum theory, bonding theories, molecular interaction, and reaction. An emphasis is placed on the use of mathematical reasoning to solve problems and obtaining a quantitative understanding of chemical systems. One three-hour laboratory period per week. 

Chemical Concepts 2

An introduction to chemical equilibrium and reactivity. Topics include thermodynamics, solution equilibrium and kinetics. An emphasis is placed on the use of mathematical reasoning to solve problems and obtaining a quantitative understanding of chemical systems. One three-hour laboratory period per week. 

 Organic Chemistry 1: Form & Function

An examination of the structure and reactivity of small organic molecules. Discussion of molecular architecture includes bonding, geometry and conformation. These considerations are applied to a survey of organic reactions, mechanisms and energetic. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills and the concise communication of chemical ideas. One laboratory per week.

Organic Chemistry 2: Synthetic Strategies

A continued examination of the structure and reactivity of small organic molecules, with an emphasis on synthetic methodology. The mechanistic background developed in Chemistry 231 is expanded to include aromatic compounds, and this comprehensive knowledge is applied to the study of methods for the construction of diverse synthetic targets. Also continued from Chemistry 231 is the discussion of molecular structure, which is examined from the standpoint of spectroscopic analysis. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills and the concise communication of chemical ideas. 

 Current Topics in Organic Chemistry

An examination of methods, theories, and practices in the discipline of organic chemistry. Group discussion is based on readings from journal articles and monographs. Students contribute to the class through literature research, discussion, and brief presentations.