Catalog 2024-2025

Chemistry

Teaching Faculty

Professors Caro, Hales, and Hatch

Associate Professors W. Gunderson and Kett (chair)

Assistant Professors Anderson, Hicks, and Truong
Laboratory Teaching Staff Desrochers and Palsa

Description

Major in Chemistry

13 courses distributed as follows:

  • CHEM 110 General Chemistry I (w/Lab)
  • CHEM 120 General Chemistry II (w/Lab)
  • CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I (w/Lab)
  • CHEM 250 Organic Chemistry II (w/Lab)
  • CHEM 280 Environmental Analysis (w/Lab)
  • CHEM 310 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
  • CHEM 320 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics
  • One course from
    • CHEM 330 Biological Chemistry (w/Lab)
    • CHEM 350 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
    • CHEM 440 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • MATH 130 Calculus I
  • MATH 140 Calculus II
  • One course from
    • PHYS 210 General Physics I (w/Lab)
    • PHYS 230 General Physics I (Calc-based w/Lab)
    • PHYS 235 Physics I - Workshop (w/Lab) (recommended)
  • One course from
    • PHYS 220 General Physics II (w/Lab)
    • PHYS 240 General Physics II (Calc-based w/Lab)
    • PHYS 245 Physics II - Workshop (w/Lab) (recommended) 
  • CHEM 497 Chemistry Senior Seminar
  •  All chemistry majors must take two semesters of CHEM ATC ATEC Laboratory concurrently with CHEM 310 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy  and CHEM 320 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics. CHEM ATC does not carry course credit.

     

    Senior Capstone Experience

    The Senior Capstone Experience for the chemistry major consists of a comprehensive standardized chemistry examination and a literature-based research paper written under the direct supervision of a faculty member and presented as a seminar in CHEM 497 Chemistry Senior Seminar. The grade for the Senior Capstone Experience is 50% research paper, 25% oral presentation, and 25% standardized chemistry examination.

    American Chemical Society Certified Degree in Chemistry

    Requirements for the chemistry major including the following courses:

    • CHEM 330 Biological Chemistry (w/Lab) 
    • CHEM 440 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
    • One of the following options
      • Option 1
        • CHEM 450 Directed Research (credit) and 
        • One additional course from the list below
          • CHEM 335 Advanced Biological Chemistry
          • CHEM 350 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
          • CHEM 410 Advanced Physical Chemistry (w/Lab)

        OR

      • Option 2
        • CHEM 460 Directed Research (no credit) and
        • Two additional courses from the list below
          • CHEM 335 Advanced Biological Chemistry
          • CHEM 350 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
          • CHEM 410 Advanced Physical Chemistry (w/Lab)

     

    Major in Chemical Physics

    Minor in Chemistry

    6 courses distributed as follows:

    • CHEM 110 and CHEM 120 General Chemistry I and II (w/ Lab)
    • CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I
    • Additional courses in Chemistry numbered above 240 for a total of 6 Chemistry courses 

    Program Course Listings

    The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

    Chemistry Courses

    CHEM 100

    Concepts of Chemistry

    The theories, models, structures, and reactions of modern chemistry are introduced to the non-science major. Historical antecedents in the development of current concepts of matter are explored. Mathematical problem-solving in a chemistry context is included. The content of the course will vary by section and only one section can be counted for course credit. The current offerings can be found by consulting the course schedule.

    Natural Science Inquiry NS
    CHEM 101

    Chemistry of Environment (w/Lab)

    Environmental issues are used as a basis to introduce the theories, models, structures, and reactions of modern chemistry to the non-science major. The states of matter are studied in the contexts of air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, and energy sources and consumption. Mathematical problem solving in a chemical context is included.

    Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
    CHEM 110

    General Chemistry I (w/Lab)

    Study of atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, and the states of matter, correlated with chemical reactivity including stoichiometry and thermochemistry. Laboratory course.

    Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
    CHEM 120

    General Chemistry II (w/Lab)

    Quantitative aspects of elementary thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and chemical systems in equilibrium, typically including acid-base, solubility and oxidation-reduction reactions. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: CHEM 110

    CHEM 110
    Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
    CHEM 240

    Organic Chemistry I (w/Lab)

    The compounds of carbon with an emphasis on structure, nomenclature, and stereochemistry. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: CHEM 120

    CHEM 120
    CHEM 250

    Organic Chemistry II (w/Lab)

    The compounds of carbon with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: CHEM 240

    CHEM 240
    CHEM 280

    Environmental Analysis (w/Lab)

    Quantitative chemical analysis techniques and skills are developed and applied to the analysis of environmental systems. Methods of sample collection, preparation and data analysis are learned in the classroom and in the laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 120

    CHEM 120
    Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
    CHEM 310

    Phys Chem: Quantum Mech & Spectrosc

    Application of physical principles and mathematical descriptions to chemical systems: quantum theory, atomic structure, molecular structure and bonding, and interactions of matter with electromagnetic radiation. Prerequisites: MATH 140, PHYS 220, 240, or 245, and CHEM 250 or consent of instructor. Co-requisite: CHEM ATC

    MATH 140, PHYS 220, 240, or 245, and CHEM 250 or consent of instructor. Co-requisite: CHEM ATC
    CHEM 320

    Phys Chem:Thermo & Chem Kinetics

    Application of physical principles and mathematical descriptions to chemical systems: chemical and statistical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and dynamics. Prerequisites: MATH 130, PHYS 210, 230, or 235, and CHEM 250 or consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students taking CHEM 320 after CHEM 310 must take CHEM ATC lab. Students taking CHEM 320 but not CHEM 310 must take CHEM 320L.

    MATH 130, PHYS 210, 230, or 235, and CHEM 250 or consent of instructor. Co-requisite: Students taking CHEM 320 after CHEM 310 must take CHEM ATC lab. Students taking CHEM 320 but not CHEM 310 must take CHEM 320L.
    CHEM 330

    Biological Chemistry (w/Lab)

    Fundamental biochemistry with emphasis on cellular constituents and molecular structure and function. Laboratory course. Prerequisite: CHEM 250

    CHEM 250
    CHEM 335

    Advanced Biological Chemistry

    Advanced Biological Chemistry will demonstrate how biomolecules interact with one another through various metabolic pathways. The course covers metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, amino acids and nucleotides, metabolic integration of major biochemical pathways, and hormones and signal transduction. Prerequisite: CHEM 330

    CHEM 330
    CHEM 350

    Advanced Analytical Chemistry

    Fundamental theory and practice of modern instrumental techniques, including atomic and molecular spectroscopic methods and spectral analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 240 and PHYS 220, 240, or 245, or consent of instructor.

    CHEM 240 and PHYS 220, 240, or 245, or consent of instructor.
    CHEM 410

    Advanced Physical Chemistry (w/Lab)

    Laboratory course. Cross-listed as PHYS 315 Modern Physics. Prerequisite: CHEM 320

    CHEM 320
    Natural Science Inquiry with Lab NS-L
    Quantitative Studies QS
    Writing Level 2 W2
    CHEM 440

    Adv Inorganic Chemistry

    This course is a study of inorganic material with a focus on synthesis, molecular structure, and bonding. Students expand their knowledge of symmetry, catalysis and solid state structures. This course integrates material from the previous chemistry curriculum. Prerequisite: CHEM 310 or instructor permission.

    CHEM 310 or instructor permission.
    CHEM 450

    Directed Research (credit)

    Independent laboratory research conducted across two semesters in conjunction with a specific faculty member whose approval is required prior to enrollment. A student receives one course credit after the two semesters of research. Research topics are selected on an individual basis. The results of the research are written as a final research report. To receive Odyssey UR credit for this course students must present their results in a public forum.

    Undergraduate Research UR
    CHEM 460

    Directed Research (no credit)

    Non-credit course for research conducted on or off campus. Approval required by department chair.

    CHEM 497

    Chemistry Senior Seminar

    A culminating senior experience involving seminars by invited speakers, common readings, research methods and both written and oral communication. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

    Senior standing.
    CHEM ATC

    Adv Technq in Experimentl Chem

    No Credit. Unified laboratory experience combining physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry techniques, including data analysis and computational modeling. Corequisite: CHEM 310 or 320

    CHEM 310 or 320
    Back to Program Course Listings

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