Rayane Moreira

In this course we will examine how interaction between matter and energy governs chemical reactions and other chemical processes. Largely through the lens of chemical thermodynamics, we will gain both qualitative and quantitative insight into a range of chemical changes, building predictive capabilities within the overlapping topics of thermochemistry, intermolecular forces, solution equilibria, electrochemistry, acids and bases, and nuclear reactions. Assignments will include in-class, small group, and self-guided problem solving, three cumulative problem sets, and a presentation on a topic of the student's choice. Students will also be registered in NS-0219, the laboratory section of this course

In this lab, we will explore experimentally quantitative aspects of chemical equilibrium, thermochemistry, and kinetics, alternately following and preceding coverage of these topics in the classroom. Emphasis will be placed on experimental design, accuracy and precision of measurement, data analysis, and on using the power of experiment to shed light on fundamental behaviors of chemical substances. After exposure to a toolbox of experimental techniques, including familiarization with a range of instrumentation and experience analyzing individual and pooled class data, students will work in small groups to carry out a project of their own design. Students taking this laboratory are required to enroll in the corresponding classroom component of the course (NS-0203)

This semester we will explore organic structure, reactivity, and spectroscopy through the study of aromatic molecules, carbonyl compounds, nitrogen-containing compounds, pericyclic reactions, and radical chemistry. The emphasis will be on organic mechanism and synthesis, along with relevance of the chemistry to biology, medicine, society, and environment. By the end of the semester you will have a solid intuitive sense of how organic molecules react and how to manipulate them in the lab. Just as importantly, we will strive to understand the importance of the field of organic chemistry in the past, present, and future. Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry I. Keywords:Chemistry organic

This course will explore the chemical ecology and natural products chemistry of New England native and crop plants through a combination of classroom, field and lab experiences. We'll take advantage of both the Farm Center and the richly forested areas on and around Hampshire's campus to learn about the molecules that plants use to communicate and interact with the organisms around them, and how humans have learned to purify and adapt them for use as materials and medicines. Many of our plant species are being influenced by climate change; we will observe how this is disrupting the networks of interdependence in the plant communities that have evolved to live here, and consider what role humanity may have in their future. Student work will include full-class creation of a field guide to Hampshire plants, their natural history, ethnobotany, and response to rising temperatures and atmospheric carbon dioxide; exploration of secondary metabolite structure, function and evolution; purification of natural products from raw plant material; and independent research on a plant of the student's choice. We will critically analyze primary scientific literature as well as gaining a working knowledge of chemistry and a familiarity with common local plants.

This course is an introduction to the structure, properties, reactivity, and spectroscopy of organic molecules, as well as their significance in our daily lives. We will first lay down the groundwork for the course, covering bonding, physical properties of organic compounds, stereochemistry, and kinetics and thermodynamics of organic reactions. We will then move on to the reactions of alkanes, alkyl halides, alcohols and ethers, alkenes, and alkynes, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms that allow us to predict and understand chemical behavior. Lastly, we will discuss the identification of compounds by mass spectrometry, NMR and infrared spectroscopy. Student-led discussions will address the role organic molecules play in biology, industry, society, and the environment. Additionally, weekly problem-solving sessions will be held to foster skill in mechanistic and synthetic thinking. The laboratory will provide an introduction to the preparation, purification, and identification of organic molecules. PREREQUISITE: NS-202 Chemistry 1 OR instructor permission.