General Chemistry In this course we will introduce students to the fundamental theories and concepts in chemistry. We will consider matter at the electronic level and build up to various bonding theories, apply thermodynamics to explore physical and chemical processes, and study fundamental concepts of equilibrium and kinetics. Class time will include short lectures and group-based problem-solving sessions. Lab work includes qualitative and quantitative analysis, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry.

Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry This course will expand on general chemistry topics (atomic structure, periodic trends, and bonding theory) to survey inorganic chemistry. This course introduces students to new topics such as solid-state materials chemistry and coordination chemistry and applies these topics in areas such as acid-base and redox chemistry. The relevance of this content to energy technologies, medicine, environmental chemistry, and industrial processes will be discussed. Students will develop an understanding of chemical reactivity across the periodic table, while learning science communication skills through project-based learning. The laboratory component of the course introduces students to the synthesis of inorganic molecules and materials and physical characterization methods 3 hr. lect., 3 hr. Lab. (CHEM 0104 or 0105 or 0107).

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Atomic structure, bonding theories, and properties applicable to inorganic and organometallic compounds will be developed in depth. Specific topics will include valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, ligand field theory, applications of group theory, and reaction mechanisms. ((CHEM 0205 Or CHEM 0203) AND (CHEM 0305 Or CHEM 0204))

General Chemistry I Major topics will include atomic theory and atomic structure; chemical bonding; stoichiometry; introduction to chemical thermodynamics. States of matter; solutions and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory work deals with testing of theories by various quantitative methods. Students with strong secondary school preparation are encouraged to consult the department chair for permission to elect CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107 in place of this course. CHEM 0103 is also an appropriate course for a student with little or no prior preparation in chemistry who would like to learn about basic chemical principles while fulfilling the SCI or DED distribution requirement. Students with AP Chemistry scores of 4 or 5 OR Chemistry Placement scores of 21 or higher are NOT allowed to enroll in CHEM 103. Students MUST have taken the Chemistry placement exam and earned a score of 20 or less.

Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Laboratory In this course students will carry out experiments in the field of inorganic and physical chemistry and write journal-style reports based on their results.  In the first half of the semester students will conduct a multi-step synthesis and characterization of a Mo-Mo complex with a quadruple bond.  Students will learn inert atmosphere synthetic techniques and how to use a glove box.  The synthesized Mo-Mo complex will be characterized by UV-Vis, IR, 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetry.  In the second half of the semester students will conduct two physical chemistry experiments.  First students will carry out a kinetic study of the  isomerization of the  Mo-Mo (alpha to beta or beta to alpha) complex by UV-Vis spectroscopy.  Finally, students will obtain the high-resolution IR spectra of acetylene and deuterated acetylene and analyze the rotation-vibration spectra using statistical and quantum mechanics to obtain structural data and interpret the peak intensities.  In addition to the laboratory activities, there will be lectures on metal quadruple bonds, principles of UV-Vis , IR, 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, and statistical mechanics.

Alex Bredar

Reviews and ratings for Alex Bredar at Middlebury College.Alex Bredar teaches General Chemistry, Foundations of Inorg. Chem, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Alex Bredar good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Prof. Bredar is an enthusiastic, high energy, and kind instructor. Very enjoyable to learn from, and to yap to outside of class. I highly recommend any course by her. 231 was interesting and I found some topics pretty neat.

The class material was not super difficult and definitely an intro class for the major. There was a lot that contributed to the final grade so there are many chances to improve on grades etc. The most fun experience from the class is definitely the final project where you get to write a paper and also do a poster session for the final class. 

This course was pretty neat.  I took AP chem in high school and it definetely helped with the course and made it easier to follow along.  However, if I did not understand a topic, Professor Bredar was very flexible with office hours and helped no matter how long it took.  Highly recommend this course with her! 