Department of
Chemistry
Chair and Professor Strommen
Professors Benson, Ronald, Sutter, Wiegand
Associate Professors Kalivas, Wells
Assistant Professors Rodriguez, Rosentreter, Wigal
Combined BS/MS Program in Chemistry
Students may be admitted to the program after having completed 64 credit hours. Application for admission must be made to the Chemistry Department. In addition, the student should have completed the following courses or the equivalent:
CHEM 121-122 General Chemistry 9 cr
CHEM 126 Cations and Anions 1 cr
CHEM 211 Inorganic Chemistry I 2 cr
CHEM 232 Quantitative Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 234 Quantitative Analysis
Laboratory 2 cr
CHEM 301-302 Organic Chemistry 6 cr
CHEM 303-304 Organic Chemistry
Laboratory I & II 2 cr
PHYS 221-222 Engineering Physics 8 cr
PHYS 223-224 Engineering Physics
Laboratory 2 cr
MATH 121 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry I 4 cr
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry II 4 cr
MATH 223 Calculus and Analytic
Geometry III 4 cr
First Year Requirements (Junior Year)
See the suggested schedule.
During the first semester, each student is expected to select three faculty members to serve as his/her advisory committee subject to the approval of the Department Chair. The research advisor may be selected from another institution such as the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) with the approval of the Chemistry Department. The student is expected to begin his/her research no later than the beginning of the summer session. Progress reports will be required thereafter.
Students must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School prior to their final year in the program. Continuation in the program requires that the student maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 from date of admission and annual approval of his/her committee.
Other Requirements
A typical sequence of courses will include:
MATH 230 Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 cr
MATH 360 Differential Equations 3 cr
CHEM 305 Organic Chemistry
Laboratory III 2 cr
CHEM 313 Instrumental Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 334 Instrumental Analysis
Laboratory 2 cr
CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 352 Physical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 407 Inorganic Chemistry II 2 cr
CHEM 408 Preparative Inorganic
Chemistry 1 cr
CHEM 435 Senior Research 8 cr
CHEM 453 Modern Experimental
Physical Chemistry 2 cr
CHEM 466 Structural Analysis in Chemistry 2 cr
CHEM 491 Seminar 1 cr
CHEM 510 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 530 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 555 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 571 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 601 Seminar 2 cr
CHEM 635 Masters Research 10 cr
The student must complete an additional 3 credit hours of 600 level courses and additional electives for a total of 158 credit hours. This corresponds to 128 credit hours for the BS degree and 30 credit hours for the MS degree. The final course selection must be approved by the candidate's BS/MS committee. Students are required to have completed all general education requirements by the end of their second year in the combined BS/MS program. They will be permitted to take 500-level courses in the fall and spring semesters of that year. It is the intent that all students will finish within the period of 3 years after admission to the program. Successful completion of the program requires that the student write and defend a summary embodying his/her research before a faculty committee.
Suggested Schedule
The following schedule will show how a typical student might progress through the BS/MS program
Third Year (Junior)
Fall/Spring
*CHEM 305 Organic Chemistry Laboratory III 2 cr
*CHEM 313 Instrumental Analysis 2 cr
*CHEM 334 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 2 cr
*CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry 3 cr
*CHEM 352 Physical Chemistry 3 cr
MATH 230 Linear Algebra 2 cr
MATH 360 Differential Equations 3 cr
Electives 11 cr
TOTAL 28 credits
*Must be completed by the end of the junior year.
Summer
CHEM 435 Senior Research 8 cr
Fourth Year (Senior)
Fall/Spring
CHEM 407 Inorganic Chemistry II 2 cr
CHEM 408 Preparative Inorganic Chemistry 1 cr
CHEM 453 Modern Experimental
Physical Chemistry 2 cr
CHEM 466 Structural Analysis in
Chemistry 2 cr
CHEM 491 Seminar 1 cr
CHEM 510 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 571 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr
Electives 13 cr
TOTAL 27 credits
Summer
CHEM 635 Master's Research 6 cr
Fifth Year
Fall/Spring
CHEM 530 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 555 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 601 Seminar 2 cr
CHEM 635 Master's Research 4 cr
Electives 12 cr
TOTAL 24 credits
Master of Natural Science in Chemistry
The Master of Natural Science in Chemistry is designed primarily for teachers and prospective teachers who want to improve their understanding of the subject matter of chemistry. Emphasis is upon the subject matter and it is generally a non-thesis program. Individuals interested in this degree should hold a teaching certificate or be working towards one. The program of study will be determined in consultation with the student's advisor and committee. The program requires a minimum of at least 30 credits, 22 of which must be taken in residence. A final oral examination is required.
Chemistry
Graduate Courses
CHEM g301 Organic Chemistry I 3 credits. The fundamentals of organic chemistry are examined through nomenclature, structure, physical and chemical properties, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy and principal synthetic methods. PREREQ: CHEM 122 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g302 Organic Chemistry II 3 credits. A continuation of CHEM g301. The further study of the preparation, reactions, properties, reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy of organic compounds. PREREQ: CHEM g301 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g303 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 credit. Introductory laboratory work in organic chemistry. Study and development of elementary techniques and their application to the preparation, isolation and characterization of simple organic compounds. COREQ: CHEM g301 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g304 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 1 credit. Further experience in the fundamental operations of organic chemistry laboratory work including the preparation and analysis of typical compounds. PREREQ: CHEM g303. COREQ: CHEM g302 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g305 Organic Chemistry Laboratory III 2 credits. Intermediate laboratory course in modern methods of preparative organic chemistry. Primary emphasis on reactions, synthesis, separation, and spectral structural analysis techniques. PREREQ: CHEM g304 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g313 Instrumental Analysis 2 credits. Advanced quantitative analysis dealing chiefly with quantitative applications of instrumental methods. PREREQ: CHEM 232 AND CHEM 234 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g334 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 2 credits. Laboratory course giving experience in fundamental operations of modern instrumental methods of analysis. PREREQ: CHEM 313 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g335 Environmental Chemistry 2 credits. This course applies chemical principles and calculation to investigate environmental issues. Natural systems, environmental degradation and protection, and the methodology of chemical detection and monitoring, PREREQ: CHEM 232 AND CHEM 234 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g337 Environmental Chemistry Laboratory 1 credit. This laboratory course utilizes both structured and self-designed field and classroom experiments to emphasize principles of environmental chemistry. COREQ: CHEM 335 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g351-g352 Physical Chemistry 3 credits each. The fundamental principles of physical chemistry: thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular structure, quantum theory, spectroscopy, and solution chemistry. PREREQ: CHEM 122, MATH 222, AND PHYS 222, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g370 Analytical Geochemistry 3 credits. A survey of geochemical analysis techniques. All aspects of analysis, including sample collection, preparation, instrumental analysis, QA/QC procedures, interpretation and presentation are discussed. Cross-listed as GEOL g370, PHYS g370. PREREQ: CHEM 122 AND PHYS 212.
CHEM g400 Practicum in Physical Science 2 credits. Practical problems associated with equipping, setting up, and operating laboratories in chemistry and physics. Cross listed with PHYS 400. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF DEPARTMENT CHAIR.
CHEM g407 Inorganic Chemistry II 2 credits. Structure and reactivity of inorganic compounds including coordination compounds; acid-base chemistry and nonaqueous solvent systems; organometallic chemistry and other special topics of current interest. PREREQ: CHEM 211, CHEM g352 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g408 Preparative Inorganic Chemistry 1 credit. A laboratory course for the preparation of selected inorganic compounds utilizing various methods of synthesis and purification employing physical, chemical and spectroscopic methods of characterizations. COREQ: CHEM g407 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g410 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 credits. Modern physical methods in inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on the application of group theory to spectroscopic analysis. CO-REQ: CHEM g466 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g425 Equilibrium and Stoichiometry 3 credits. Extension of stoichiometric concepts. Calculations related to complex analytical systems involving multiple, simultaneous equilibria; relationships between exact and approximate methods. PREREQ: MATH 222 AND GRADE OF B IN CHEM 232, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g430 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3 credits. Advanced treatment of standards, sampling, special methods of analysis, and methods of separation. PREREQ: CHEM g302, CHEM g352 AND CHEM g425, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g432 Chemometrics 4 credits. Data analysis of chemical measurements and design or selection of optimal measurement procedures and experiments by mathematical and statistical analysis including sampling theory, optimization, factor analysis, pattern recognition, and multicomponent analyses. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g446 Computer Applications in Science 2 credits. Emphasis will be on Basic Programming and Chemistry. Students will be allowed opportunity to concentrate on problems which may be of special interest to them in their science field.
CHEM g453 Modern Experimental Physical Chemistry 2 credits. Magnetic, optical, and electrical properties of materials, calorimetry, voltammetry, optical and laser spectroscopic techniques. PREREQ: CHEM 334 AND CHEM 352.
CHEM g455 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 credits. Introductory material from quantum chemistry and statistical mechanics with applications in chemical thermodynamics. PREREQ: CHEM g302 AND CHEM g352 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g466 Structural Analysis in Chemistry 2 credits. The application of spectra-structure correlations to the solution of chemical structural problems. PREREQ: CHEM g302 AND CHEM g407, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g471 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 credits. Kinetics and mechanisms in organic reactions. PREREQ: CHEM g302 AND CHEM g352, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM g481-482 Independent Problems in Chemistry 1-4 credits each. Directed library and laboratory research. Courses may be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits.
CHEM g491-492 Seminar 1 credit each. Oral reports of library and laboratory research. COREQ: CHEM g481-482 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM 597 Professional Education Development Topics. Variable credit. May be repeated. A course for practicing professionals aimed at the development and improvement of skills. May not be applied to graduate degrees. May be graded S/U.
CHEM 601 Seminar 1 credit. Oral reports of current literature and research in chemistry.
CHEM 610 Special Topics in Chemistry 3 credits. Detailed consideration of a limited phase of chemistry; course content will vary with current demand and with the instructor; may be repeated with departmental approval for non-repetitive course content. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR AND APPLICABLE ADVANCED COURSES IN CHEMISTRY.
CHEM 615 Neutron Activation Analysis 4 credits. Theory and use of neutron activation methods for quantitative chemical analysis of natural and synthetic materials. Applications in geologic systems will be emphasized. Cross-listed as GEOL 615, PHYS 615. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
CHEM 617 Environmental Geochemistry 3 credits. Geochemistry of environmental systems. Emphasis given to low-temperature water-rock interactions, including sorption processes, retardation, reaction kinetics and reaction-mass transport modeling. Cross-listed as GEOL 617. PREREQ: GEOL 420, OR CHEM 351 AND GEOL 109.
CHEM 621 Organic Reactions 3 credits. Advanced study of organic chemical reactions with emphasis on synthetic applications. PREREQ: CHEM 302.
CHEM 625 Quantitative Geochem Lab 3 credits. Applications of instrumental methods for geochemical analysis. Cross-listed as GEOL 625.
CHEM 635 Master's Research 2-6 credits. A continuation of CHEM 435 to improve ability of students to solve chemical problems independently and pursue research at an advanced level. May be repeated for up to 12 credits. PREREQ: CHEM 435.
CHEM 640 Research Techniques in Chemistry 2-6 credits. Designed to improve the ability of students to solve chemical problems independently in the laboratory; special emphasis on development of manipulative skills, instrumental methods and supporting library research; nature of the projects dictated by students' needs; may be repeated with departmental approval for nonrepetitive course content. Limit 12 credits.
CHEM 650 Thesis 1-10 credits.