Foundations of Chemistry CHEM 0102 is the foundational course required for all students beginning chemistry. In this course, we will introduce the essential vocabulary and symbolism used to describe matter, the chemical theories that relate microscopic structure and composition to macroscale physical properties, and the mathematical use of measurements and chemical equations to relate products and reactants (i.e., stoichiometry) in pure substances and solutions. We will use short lectures and small group work to solve problems collaboratively. During discussions, we will show demonstrations and apply theory to analyze observations. Students should visit go/chemplacement to determine if they are eligible to enroll directly into CHEM 0105.

Organic Chemistry I: Structure and Reactivity In this course we will provide students with an introduction to the structure and reactivity of organic molecules sufficient to continue directly to the study of biochemistry (CHEM 0322). Topics covered will include models of chemical bonding, acid-base relationships, three-dimensional molecular structure (conformations and stereochemistry), reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams, substitution and elimination reactions, carbonyl reactions (additions, reductions, interconversions, and alpha-reactivity), and the fundamentals of biological molecules (carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA). Laboratory experiments will relate to purification techniques (recrystallization, distillation, extraction, and chromatography), as well as microscale organic reactions that complement the lecture material.

Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Spectroscopy In this course we will explore how organic molecules are made and their structures are identified. The study of organic reactions will continue from CHEM 0203 with radical reactions, alkene and alkyne additions, aromatic reactions, oxidations and reductions, and additional carbonyl reactions. Emphasis in this course will be placed on using reactions in sequences to synthesize larger and more complex molecules. The theory and practice of mass spectrometry and UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy will be studied as a means to elucidate the exact structures of organic molecules. Laboratory experiments will focus on synthetic techniques that complement the lecture material and the identification of complex unknowns via  GC-MS, IR, and NMR.

Organic Chemistry I: Structure and Reactivity The course will provide students with an introduction to the structure and reactivity of organic molecules sufficient to continue directly to the study of biochemistry (CHEM 0322). Topics covered will include models of chemical bonding, acid-base relationships, three-dimensional molecular structure (conformations and stereochemistry), reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams, substitution and elimination reactions, carbonyl reactions (additions, reductions, interconversions, and alpha-reactivity), and the fundamentals of biological molecules (carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA). Laboratory experiments will relate to purification techniques (recrystallization, distillation, extraction, and chromatography), as well as microscale organic reactions that complement the lecture material.

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.

Medicinal Chemistry Medicinal chemistry combines organic chemistry with biochemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and medicine. As chemists we try to correlate the molecular structure of pharmaceutical treatments (i.e., "drugs") with their biological activity to understand disease and to develop both new and improved treatments. In this course we will survey the major categories of diseases, drug targets, and drugs using a case-study approach. In addition to mid-term exams and a shorter group presentation on a disease category, the course will culminate with group-based final projects (presentation and written paper) about the design, development, and proposed future directions of treatments targeting a specific disease.

Rick Bunt

Reviews and ratings for Rick Bunt at Middlebury College.Rick Bunt teaches Foundations in Chemistry, Organic I: Struct & Reactivity, Organic II: Synthesis & Spect and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Rick Bunt good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Rick is the best! His teaching is super clear and he is so kind and loves what he does. Weekly quizzes/assessments but they are fair and you can definitely do well by just staying on top of material. Ample practice problems were provided by Prof. Bunt.

Rick is a very nice, welcoming professor who is clearly very passionate about chemistry. I took this course as a refresher before taking General Chemistry, because I hadn't taken any chemistry since my sophomore year of high school. We went through all of the important basic concepts in chemistry. Rick encourages group work for practice problems in class.

Prof. Rick Bunt is amazing! He is very kind and accommodating. I found the class very helpful in preparing me for CHEM 105. There are weekly quizzes which can be difficult but if you study you'll be fine and prof. is very helpful in office hours. 