NCSSM COURSE CAtAlOG - North Carolina School of Science and ...

Chemistry (Advanced I), or exemption from the NCSSM core chemistry
requirement, and permission of the Dean of Science.
Meeting pattern: Five periods per week including lab.
This course introduces students to the structure, synthesis, and reactions of the
major organic functional groups present in biochemical compounds. Reaction
mechanisms, stereochemistry, inter-and intra-molecular interactions, and
reaction kinetics of biological reactions are covered with an emphasis on amino
acids and protein chemistry. The laboratory involves identification of properties
of biological compounds, synthetic and separation techniques, and kinetic
analysis.
CH422 Polymer Chemistry
One trimester
Credit: One unit core elective credit.
Prerequisite: Final grade of A- or higher in CH305 Chemistry by Inquiry or CH307
Chemistry, or final grade of B or higher in CH401 AP Chemistry (I) or CH405 AP
Chemistry (Advanced I), or exemption from NCSSM core chemistry requirement,
and permission of the Dean of Science.
Meeting pattern: Five periods per week including lab.
This course is an introduction to polymer science. Its scope includes fundamental
principles of bonding as related to macromolecules and important structureproperty
relationships. Laboratory work includes natural polymer modification,
synthesis of linear and cross-linked polymers, characterization of polymers using
infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and viscosity measurements.
CH442 Research in Chemistry I
One trimester
Credit: One unit core elective credit.
Prerequisite: Trimester grade of B or higher in an NCSSM chemistry course, or
exemption from NCSSM core chemistry requirement, and permission of the Dean
of Science.
Meeting pattern: Eight periods per week including three labs.
This is an advanced course for second or third trimester junior students with the
maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own
research project. Students learn scientific methodology and experimental
design before conducting a trial experiment on a small scale. Students then
write their own research proposals on a problem of interest to them. Throughout
the term students read from the primary scientific literature and participate in
discussion groups on current issues in scientific research. Based on the outcomes
of the semester’s work, students may be given an opportunity to participate in
summer research programs on campus or in the Triangle area. Students with a
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