Understanding what matter is, how matter and small molecules are studied, and how they can be manipulated is the gateway to technological solutions to many world challenges. Learn principles underlying optics, chemical identification, and chemical separation, and employ analytical tools for molecular and elemental analyses to tackle important interdisciplinary problems. In this course, we explore the application of analytical techniques to a range of topics, from everyday concerns of water quality, to major problems such as oil spill monitoring and cleanup, to ecosystem- and planetary-scale research questions that rely on remote sensing technologies. The first unit focuses on how light and electromagnetic radiation are used to view matter and molecules both directly and indirectly. The second unit focuses on identifying and quantifying molecules based upon their reactions and interactions with other, known chemicals. The third unit focuses on using sub-atomic properties, such as charge or isotopic composition, to characterize analytes. Students explore common techniques to separate and identify specific atoms or molecules within such mixtures. In the final unit we combine approaches from all earlier parts of the course to address current, multi-faceted research questions associated with the Earth’s past, present and future climate. NOTE: In addition to the listed prerequisites, the following courses are recommended prior to taking this course: CS111
