CHEM 5: Big Ideas: Conversations with Stanford's Own Nobel Laureates & MacArthur "Genius" Fellows (ECON 3)
10 weekly one-on-one conversations with Nobel Laureates and MacArthur fellows, talking about their life story, how they got to their ideas, what they discovered, how the world is a better place as a result, what advice they have for students and young researchers, etc. Readings related to guest research will be assigned. Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Last offered: Autumn 2024
| Units: 1
CHEM 10: Exploring Research and Problem Solving Across the Sciences
Development and practice of critical problem solving and study skills using a wide variety of scientific examples that illustrate the broad yet integrated nature of current research. Students will build a problem solving tool-kit and apply chemical and mathematical concepts to solve problems related to energy, climate change, water resources, medicine, and food & nutrition. Note: course offered in August prior to start of fall quarter, and only Leland Scholar Program participants will register.
Last offered: Autumn 2024
| Units: 1
CHEM 11: Foundational Concepts and Study Skills for General Chemistry
Chemistry is a central science that provides critical knowledge for many majors. Chem11 is intended as an on-ramp into STEM and the
Chem 31A/B course for students with minimal background in chemistry. Content will focus on the mastery of foundational skills that are only briefly reviewed in
Chem 31A including unit conversions, writing and balancing different types of chemical reactions, determining empirical formulas, molecular weights, mass percentages, and stoichiometry. Lectures will provide active individual and group practice with critical problem solving and study skills necessary for success in college STEM courses. The course will also incorporate mentor groups that will support and travel with students into
Chem 31A the following year. Prerequisites:
Math 18; Placement through the Autumn General Chemistry Placement Test. See the following website for more information on course placement:
https://chemistry.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/how-choose-your-first-class. Note: This course is not eligible for transfer credit.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Schwartz Poehlmann, J. (PI)
CHEM 23N: Seeing the Invisible (RAD 23N)
How do you see the inside of a kiwi without slicing it open? Is it possible to make invisible bacteria glow bright green? Ever wondered how cathedrals created those magnificent stained glass panes? Do radioactive brain scans really lead to better mental health diagnoses - as shown in The Kardashians? We'll be exploring these questions together through a low-stakes introduction to biomedical imaging breakthroughs such as fluorescence microscopy and MRI. Class discussions span from applications in physiology to AI, featuring guest lectures by distinguished scientists along with fun labs, lunch & learns, and imaging facility tours. Assessments include class participation, monthly presentations and a final project!
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Rao, J. (PI)
CHEM 25N: Science in the News
Preference to freshmen. Possible topics include: diseases such as avian flu, HIV, and malaria; environmental issues such as climate change, atmospheric pollution, and human population; energy sources in the future; evolution; stem cell research; nanotechnology; and drug development. Focus is on the scientific basis for these topics as a basis for intelligent discussion of societal and political implications. Sources include the popular media and scientific media for the nonspecialist, especially those available on the web.
Last offered: Autumn 2021
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
CHEM 29N: Chemistry in the Kitchen
This course examines the chemistry relevant to food and drink preparation, both in homes and in restaurants, which makes what we consume more pleasurable. Good cooking is more often considered an art rather than a science, but a small bit of understanding goes a long way to make the preparation and consumption of food and drink more enjoyable. The intention is to have demonstrations and tastings as a part of every class meeting. We will examine some rather familiar items in this course: eggs, dairy products, meats, breads, vegetables, pastries, and carbonated beverages. We shall playfully explore the chemistry that turns food into meals. A high-school chemistry background is assumed; bring to class a good appetite and a healthy curiosity.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Zare, R. (PI)
CHEM 31A: Chemical Principles I
31A is the first half of a two-part course designed to provide a robust foundation in key chemical principles for students with a background in high school chemistry (non-AP/IB), who have already placed into
Math 19 or higher. The course engages students in group problem-solving activities throughout class periods to deepen their ability to analyze and solve chemical problems. Students will also participate in a weekly laboratory activity that will provide hands-on practice and applications of chemical phenomena discussed in lecture. Students entering the course are expected to be able to balance chemical equations, calculate empirical formulas, and use stoichiometry to determine the limiting reagent. Students will explore chemical principles that allow them to analyze the carbon efficiency of fossil fuels by applying their knowledge of stoichiometry and energetics, apply multiple structural models to describe interactions critical for biomolecules such as DNA, and use gas laws to det
more »
31A is the first half of a two-part course designed to provide a robust foundation in key chemical principles for students with a background in high school chemistry (non-AP/IB), who have already placed into
Math 19 or higher. The course engages students in group problem-solving activities throughout class periods to deepen their ability to analyze and solve chemical problems. Students will also participate in a weekly laboratory activity that will provide hands-on practice and applications of chemical phenomena discussed in lecture. Students entering the course are expected to be able to balance chemical equations, calculate empirical formulas, and use stoichiometry to determine the limiting reagent. Students will explore chemical principles that allow them to analyze the carbon efficiency of fossil fuels by applying their knowledge of stoichiometry and energetics, apply multiple structural models to describe interactions critical for biomolecules such as DNA, and use gas laws to determine the pressure exerted on a deep-sea diver or how to put out a forest fire at high altitude. Prerequisites:
Math 18 (or placement beyond), and Chem11 or placement into Chem31A with Autumn General Chemistry Placement test. All students who are interested in taking general chemistry at Stanford must take the General Chemistry Placement Test before the Autumn quarter begins, regardless of chemistry background, to enroll. See the following website for more information on course placement:
https://chemistry.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/how-choose-your-first-class
Terms: Aut, Sum
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Brown, N. (PI)
;
Kromer, M. (PI)
;
Schwartz Poehlmann, J. (PI)
;
Emtage-Cave, J. (TA)
...
more »
Instructors:
Brown, N. (PI)
;
Kromer, M. (PI)
;
Schwartz Poehlmann, J. (PI)
;
Emtage-Cave, J. (TA)
;
Guo, A. (TA)
;
Li, C. (TA)
;
Russo, L. (TA)
;
Shi, P. (TA)
;
Ta, M. (TA)
;
Thai, C. (TA)
CHEM 31B: Chemical Principles II
Chem 31B is the second half of a two-part course, therefore only students who have completed
Chem 31A may enroll in 31B. As with 31A, students will continue to engage in group problem-solving activities throughout class and participate in weekly laboratory activities. Labs will allow students to more deeply explore and observe the different facets of chemical reactivity, including rates (kinetics), energetics (thermodynamics), and reversibility (equilibrium) of reactions. Using these methods, we will estimate the possible levels of lead and other toxic metals in drinking water. We will also explore the role of buffers and antacids in our bodies, as well as ocean acidification and the impact on coral reefs. Finally we will explore how we harness work from redox reactions, building both voltaic cells (i.e. batteries) and electrolytic cells in the lab. We will look at the applications of redox chemistry in electric and fuel cell vehicles. The course's particular emphasis on understanding the driving forces of a reaction, especially the influence of thermodynamics versus kinetics, will prepare students for further study of predicting organic chemical reactivity and equilibria from structure in
Chem 33. Prerequisite:
Chem 31A.
Terms: Win, Sum
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Liu, X. (PI)
;
Schwartz Poehlmann, J. (PI)
;
Eig, E. (TA)
;
Emtage-Cave, J. (TA)
...
more »
Instructors:
Liu, X. (PI)
;
Schwartz Poehlmann, J. (PI)
;
Eig, E. (TA)
;
Emtage-Cave, J. (TA)
;
Ertekin, U. (TA)
;
Guo, A. (TA)
;
Li, C. (TA)
;
Russo, L. (TA)
;
Thai, C. (TA)
;
You, S. (TA)
CHEM 31E: Chemical Foundations and 21st Century Problems
This course offers students a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry and an expansive view of the central role of chemical science on problems of profound societal import - from energy, sustainability, agriculture, health and medicine, to many others. Students will gain an appreciation for the creativity of chemistry as a discipline and how chemical insight drives technological innovation. Course content will largely cover molecular structure and bonding, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy. A two-hour weekly lab will reinforce lecture concepts through experiential learning. This course was formerly
CHEM 31M.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Du Bois, J. (PI)
;
Kanan, M. (PI)
;
Eig, E. (TA)
;
Ha, D. (TA)
;
Lee, S. (TA)
;
Tang, B. (TA)
;
Xiang, R. (TA)
;
You, S. (TA)
CHEM 31S: STEMentors in Chemistry
For students concurrently enrolled in
CHEM 31A, STEMentors is designed to provide timely support with study and problem-solving skills applicable in both chemistry and STEM courses in general. Students will join a small cohort of other
CHEM 31A students looking to build community with and support other students in STEM. Weekly sections will focus on group activities and individual check-ins facilitated by a peer mentor who has previously taken the
CHEM 31A/B sequence. These activities are designed to normalize challenging experiences within a college science course, build key study skills such as how to effectively review lecture notes and practice problems, prepare for and reflect on exams, and develop a consistent problem-solving process that will build student confidence over the quarter. Students should enroll in a weekly mentor section, occurring on Thursdays. You can read more about our mentor program here:
https://chemistrystementors.sites.stanford.edu. Co-Requisite:
CHEM 31A
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
Instructors:
Schwartz Poehlmann, J. (PI)
;
Chong, M. (TA)
;
Cuellar, V. (TA)
;
Pena, I. (TA)
...
more »
Instructors:
Schwartz Poehlmann, J. (PI)
;
Chong, M. (TA)
;
Cuellar, V. (TA)
;
Pena, I. (TA)
;
Riley, I. (TA)
;
Sisay, M. (TA)
;
Vaezeafshar, B. (TA)
