Dr. Parson works in two areas. Research in Theoretical Chemistry centers around the simulation of reaction dynamics in small molecular clusters, with a particular focus on electron transfer processes in these systems. Research chemistry education includes the use of new teaching models, such as the CU Undergraduate Learning Assistant program, in undergraduate chemistry courses, the design of computer simulations for science education, and assessment of student conceptual understanding in general chemistry and physical chemistry.
keywords
theoretical chemistry, nonadiabatic molecular dynamics, molecular cluster, chemistry education, interactive engagement strategies, assessment of conceptual learning in chemistry, computer simulations for science education.
CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry 1
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2018 / Spring 2022
Intended for first-semester students whose academic plans require advanced work in chemistry. Subjects: components of matter, stolchiometry, classes of reactions, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, electron configuration, chemical bonding, molecular shapes, covalent bonding, organic compounds, intermolecular forces, equilibrium. Department enforced prerequsites: one year high school chemistry or CHEM 1021 (min grade C-); high school math through pre-calculus. Not recommended for students with grades below B- in CHEM 1021. Department enforced corequsite: CHEM 1114. Not open to engineering students with exception of EPEN majors. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 1400 or CHEN 1211.
CHEM 1134 - Laboratory in General Chemistry 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Intended for second-semester students whose academic plans require advanced work in chemistry. Instruction in experimental techniques which coordinate with lecture topics in CHEM 1133. Department enforced corequisite: CHEM 1133. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 2101.
CHEM 1400 - Foundations of Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2022
Covers core concepts in chemistry: nature of matter (atomic and molecular structure, bonding and macroscopic properties), transformations of matter (chemical reactivity), and quantifying chemical transformations (thermochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics). Emphasizes critical thinking and cultivate core problem solving skills utilized by scientists. Intended for first semester CHEM/BCHM majors. Department enforced prerequisites: one year high school chemistry or CHEM 1021 (minimum grad C-) and high school math through pre-calculus. Not recommended for students with grades below B- in CHEM 1021. Department enforced corequisite: CHEM 1401. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 1113.
CHEM 2101 - Laboratory in Foundations of Chemistry 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
Coordinates with the lectures topics in CHEM 2100. Emphasizes the acquisition of more advanced laboratory skills, experimental design, data interpretation and analysis. Department enforced corequisite: CHEM 2100. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 1134.
CHEM 4511 - Physical Chemistry 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Includes study of laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, entropy, free energy, chemical potential, chemical equilibriums, and the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions. Department enforced prereq or coreq., PHYS 1120 (minimum grade C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and BCHM 4400 and BCHM 5400.
CHEM 5531 - Statistical Mechanics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
Lect. Fundamental concepts of quantum and classical statistical mechanics. Applications to properties ofgases, liquids, solids, spin and polymer systems. Reaction, fluctuation, nucleation and relaxation phenomena. Department enforced prerequisite: undergraduate physical chemistry.
CHEM 5541 - Chemical Dynamics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Lect. Discussion of mechanism and rate of chemical reactions from a fundamental point of view. Discusses nature of collision and develops concepts of cross section and rate constant. Theories of elementary bimolecular and decay processes are critically examined. Department enforced prerequisite: undergraduate physical chemistry.
CHEM 5581 - Introductory Quantum Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Lect. Basic principles and techniques of quantum mechanics with applications to questions of chemical interest. Quantum dynamics of atoms, molecules and spin; electronic structure of atoms and molecules. Department enforced prerequisite: two semesters of physical chemistry and graduate standing or instructor consent.
