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.

Thermodynamics and Kinetics for Chemical and Biological Sciences In this course students will learn the central ideas that frame thermodynamics and kinetics.  The application of these ideas to chemical, biological, and the environmental processes will be covered using examples such as refrigerators, heat pumps, fuel cells, bioenergetics, lipid membranes, and catalysts (including enzymes).  (CHEM 0203 Or CHEM 0205 Or CHEM 0211 Or CHEM 0231) 3 hrs lect., 1 hr disc.

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.

Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy Quantum theory is developed and applied to atomic structure and molecular bonding. Spectroscopy is examined as an application of quantum theory.

Envisioning Future Energy Systems in a Time of Climate Change Energy is crucial to human survival and prosperity, yet the energy generation systems of the past ~150 years have created a warming climate. How might we provide more energy to more people with fewer negative impacts on Earth’s environment and its inhabitants? In this seminar, we will compare different primary energy sources such as fossil fuels, solar, nuclear, and wind in order to assess various pathways to a decarbonized future. Readings will include excerpts from government reports, scientific literature, popular media, as well as guest speakers.

Instrumental Analysis In this course we will learn fundamental concepts of analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and scientific writing. Lecture topics include experimental design and quality control; sample collection and preparation; calibration, error, and data analysis; statistics; and the theory and operation of chemical instrumentation. Multi-week laboratory projects provide hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis using a variety of research-quality instrumentation (e.g., UV/Vis spectrophotometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Writing workshops promote professional scientific writing skills through guided practice in writing analysis, peer review, and revision. (CHEM 0204 or CHEM 0242) 3 hr. lect., 6 hrs. lab.

Ben Cotts

Reviews and ratings for Ben Cotts at Middlebury College.Ben Cotts teaches Inorganic & Physical Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, General Chemistry I and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Ben Cotts good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I really enjoyed this class—it was fun, low-stress, and super engaging. The workload was very manageable, and the fact that there were no exams made it even better. Instead of memorizing facts, we focused more on math problems and understanding big ideas, which made the class feel much more relaxed and interesting.

Ben Cotts Thermodyanmics and Kinetics class is very physics based, which is not what I expected in a physical chemistry class but was very chill in terms of how much we learned and in what depth. The exams are take home and not bad. 

Professor Cotts is knowledgeable and easy to talk to. His lectures are always very informative and useful. His problem sets are also useful for understanding concepts and practicing equations taught in lectures. I would say it'll not be hard to get a good grade if you put in effort. 