Students who wish to major in chemistry may take courses which will prepare them for industrial or governmental laboratory work, for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, or allied fields, or lead toward professional training in medicine or dentistry.
The department offers three traditional degree programs and a combined BS/MS program which is designed for highly motivated students who wish to progress more rapidly. The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who desire a flexible program so they can develop more interdisciplinary competence. The Bachelor of Science degree places greater emphasis on chemistry. It is designed to lead to American Chemical Society (ACS) certification upon graduation. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry is a joint program with the Department of Biological Sciences. It is directed toward future work in the field of molecular biology. Students may be admitted to the combined BS/MS program at the beginning of their junior year. This program allows the student to receive the ACS certified Bachelor of Science degree and the Master of Science degree at the end of the fifth year.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
A suggested sequence for taking the required science courses is
given below. Variations on the sequence should be checked to
insure that course prerequisites have been satisfied. Because
many courses have structured prerequisites, major deviations
from this schedule could increase the time required to obtain
the degree.
First Year
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 cr
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 cr
CHEM 114 Cations and Anions 1 cr
MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr
MATH 175 Calculus II 4 cr
Second Year
CHEM 211 Inorganic Chemistry I 2 cr
CHEM 232 Quantitative Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 234 Quantitative Analysis
Lab 2 cr
CHEM g301 Organic Chemistry I 3 cr
CHEM g302 Organic Chemistry II 3 cr
CHEM g303 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
CHEM g304 Organic Chemistry
Lab II 1 cr
PHYS 211-212
Engineering Physics 8 cr
PHYS 213-214
Engineering Physics Lab 2 cr
Third Year
CHEM g305 Organic Chemistry
Lab III 2 cr
CHEM g313 Instrumental Analysis 2 cr
CHEM g334 Instrumental Analysis
Lab 2 cr
CHEM g351-g352
Physical Chemistry 6 cr
Fourth Year
CHEM g407 Inorganic Chemistry II 2 cr
CHEM g408 Preparative Inorganic
Chemistry 1 cr
CHEM g453 Modern Experimental
Physical Chemistry 2 cr
CHEM g466 Structural Analysis in
Chemistry 2 cr
CHEM g481-g482
Independent Problems 3 cr
CHEM g491 Seminar 1 cr
OR
CHEM g492 Seminar 1 cr
Bachelor of Science chemistry majors should note the following considerations for General Education Requirements: ENGL 101 (Goal 1) and COMM101 (Goal 2) should be completed during the freshman year, and ENGL 201 should be passed during the sophomore year. The mathematics requirement (Goal 3) should be fulfilled by MATH 170 and 175 as early as feasible.
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 must have
completed the following courses or the equivalent:
CHEM 111-112 General Chemistry 9 cr
CHEM 114 Cations and Anions 1 cr
CHEM 211 Inorganic Chemistry I 2 cr
CHEM 232 Quantitative Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 234 Quantitative Analysis
Lab 2 cr
CHEM 301-302 Organic Chemistry 6 cr
CHEM 303-304 Organic Chemistry
Laboratory I and II 2 cr
MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr
MATH 275 Calculus II 4 cr
PHYS 211-212 Engineering Physics 8 cr
PHYS 213-214 Engineering Physics Lab 2 cr
Requirements (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. In the second
semester, each student will form their planned program of study
with their research advisor, write a research overview of their
project, apply and be admitted to the Graduate School. The
student is expected to begin his/her research no later than the
beginning of the summer session. Thereafter, individual sections
of the research paper will be required as students progress
through the program.
Students must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School prior to their fourth year. The student must score at or above the 35th percentile in two areas of the aptitude sections (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical). 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. It will be recommended that students who are not making adequate progress discontinue the program.
The student must complete 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 Chemistry Graduate Program Committee. Students are required to have completed all general education requirements by the end of their second year in the combined BS/MS program. 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 research paper embodying his/her research before his/her research committee.
Suggested Schedule
The following schedule will show how a typical student might
progress through the BS/MS program. Even though courses are
listed as suggested, each student is required to meet all course
requirements for the BS degree in chemistry (except independent
problems CHEM 481 and CHEM 482.) Each student is also required
to complete all four advanced chemistry courses at the 500 level
(CHEM 510, CHEM 530, CHEM 555, and CHEM 571.) These courses are
taken during the second and third years of the program.
Third Year (Junior)
Fall/Spring
*CHEM 305 Organic Chemistry Lab III 2 cr
*CHEM 313 Instrumental Analysis 2 cr
*CHEM 334 Instrumental Analysis Lab 2 cr
*CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry 3 cr
*CHEM 352 Physical Chemistry 3 cr
MATH 230 Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 cr
MATH 360 Differential Equations 3 cr
Electives 11 cr
TOTAL: 28 cr
*Must be completed by the end of the junior year.
Summer
CHEM 435 Senior Research 6 cr
Fourth Year (Senior)
Fall/Spring
CHEM 407 Inorganic Chemistry II 2 cr
CHEM 408 Preparative Inorganic Chemistry 1 cr
CHEM 435 Senior Research 2 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 555 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 cr
Electives 11 cr
TOTAL: 27 cr
Summer
CHEM 635 Master's Research 6 cr
Fifth Year
Fall/Spring
CHEM 530 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 571 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 601 Seminar 2 cr
CHEM 635 Master's Research 4 cr
Electives 13 cr
TOTAL: 25 cr
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
A suggested sequence for the science requirements is listed
below. Variations in this sequence should be checked to see that
course prerequisites are met.
First Year
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 cr
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 cr
CHEM 114 Cations and Anions 1 cr
MATH 170 Calculus I 4 cr
MATH 175 Calculus II 4 cr
Second Year
CHEM 211 Inorganic Chemistry I 2 cr
CHEM 232 Quantitative Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 234 Quantitative Analysis
Lab 2 cr
CHEM g301 Organic Chemistry I 3 cr
CHEM g302 Organic Chemistry II 3 cr
CHEM g303 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
CHEM g304 Organic Chemistry
Lab II 1 cr
PHYS 211-212
Engineering Physics 8 cr
Third Year
CHEM g351-g352
Physical Chemistry 6 cr
Plus 6 additional upper-division credits in chemistry, approved by the department and not to include CHEM g481-g482, CHEM g491-g492.
No more than 40 credits in chemistry will be allowed toward graduation in this program.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry majors should complete ENGL 101 and COMM 101 (Goals 1 and 2 of the General Education Requirements) during the freshman year and ENGL 201 should be passed by or during the sophomore year. Goal 3 (mathematics) should be fulfilled by MATH 170 and 175 as early as feasible. The other General Education Requirements (Goals 4 and 6-12) should be taken as credit loads allow.
Teaching Major in Chemistry
Students wishing to pursue a teaching major in chemistry should
see the department chairman.
Minor in Chemistry
Required courses:
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 cr
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 cr
CHEM 211 Inorganic Chemistry I 2 cr
CHEM 232 Quantitative Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 234 Quantitative Analysis Lab 2 cr
CHEM g301 Organic Chemistry I 3 cr
CHEM g302 Organic Chemistry II 3 cr
CHEM g303 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
CHEM g304 Organic Chemistry Lab II 1 cr
TOTAL: 23 cr
In addition to the 23 hours specified above, the chemistry minor shall consist of six additional hours of approved upper division electives in chemistry, (excluding CHEM 333, CHEM g400, CHEM g481-g482, and CHEM g491-g492), for a total of 29 credits.
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
The Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of
Chemistry jointly offer the B.S. degree in biochemistry. The
curriculum is designed to prepare the student for graduate work
in biochemistry and related fields, as well as for admission to
medical, dental, or other health professional schools. The
graduate also is prepared to go directly into research or
industrial positions which require preparation only at the
B.S. level.
A detailed description of the program is listed under the Department of Biological Sciences.
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 100 Architecture of Matter 4 credits. How scientific thought has produced chemical models of the structure of the material world, and the ethical and social consequences of its applications. Recommended for students not majoring in the natural sciences. Satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements. S
CHEM 101 Essentials of Chemistry I 5 credits. Atomic structure, kinetic molecular theory, chemical calculations, solutions, acid-base reaction, equilibrium, and some descriptive inorganic chemistry. COREQ: MATH 143 OR MATH 147 OR EQUIVALENT. F
CHEM 102 Essentials of Chemistry II 5 credits. Descriptive organic and biochemistry with emphasis on organic compounds of biological importance. May not be used as a prerequisite to other courses in chemistry. PREREQ: CHEM 101 OR CHEM 111. S
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 5 credits. Introductory course for students in scientific and technical fields; structure of matter, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, equilibrium and chemical periodicity. COREQ: MATH 143 OR MATH 147 OR EQUIVALENT. F, S
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 4 credits. Introduction to kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. PREREQ: CHEM 111 OR EQUIVALENT AND MATH 143 OR MATH 147 OR EQUIVALENT. S
CHEM 114 Cations and Anions 1 credit. Qualitative analysis of a selected group of cations and anions by wet chemical and instrumental means. PREREQ OR COREQ: CHEM 112 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S
CHEM 211 Inorganic Chemistry I 2 credits. The chemistry of a representative selection of the chemical elements and their compounds: types of compounds, their preparation, and their reactions under various conditions. PREREQ: CHEM 112 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
CHEM 232 Quantitative Analysis 2 credits. Theoretical foundations of quantitative analysis including an introduction to statistical analysis of chemical data generated from gravimetric, volumetric and colorimetric methods. PREREQ: CHEM 112 AND MATH 170. S
CHEM 234 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory 2 credits. Laboratory experiments in gravimetric, volumetric, and colorimetric analysis. PREREQ: CHEM 112. COREQ: CHEM 232 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S
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 112 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. Recitation section attendance will be required. F
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. Recitation section attendance will be required. S
CHEM g303 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 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. F
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. S
CHEM g305 Organic Chemistry Laboratory III 2 credits. Intermediate laboratory course in modern methods of preparative organic chemistry. Primary emphasis is on reactions, synthesis, separation and spectral structural analysis techniques. PREREQ: CHEM g304 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
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. F
CHEM 317 Principles of Nuclear Science 3 credits. Radioactive decay and growth, interactions of radiation with matter, radiation detection and radiochemical techniques. Experiments in radioactivity measurements. PREREQ: CHEM 111 AND PHYS 112 OR PHYS 212 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
CHEM 333 Science and Civilization 3 credits. A critical examination of the methods of physical science, its contributions to civilization, and its inherent limitations. No science or mathematics prerequisite. Junior standing or consent of instructor required. Cross-listed with PHYS 333. D
CHEM g334 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 2 credits. Laboratory course giving experience in fundamental operations of modern instrumental methods of analysis. PREREQ: CHEM g313 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. S
CHEM g335 Environmental Chemistry 2 credits. Application of chemical principles and calculations 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. F
CHEM g337 Environmental Chemistry Laboratory 1 credits. Utilizes both structured and self-designed field and classroom experiments to emphasize principles of environmental chemistry. COREQ: CHEM g335 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
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 112, MATH 175, AND PHYS 212, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F, S
CHEM g370 Analytical Geochemistry 3 credits. A survey of geochemical analysis techniques. All aspects of analysis, including sample collection, preparation, instrumental analysis, QA/AC procedures, interpretation and presentation are discussed. Cross-listed as PHYS g370, GEOL g370. PREREQ: CHEM 112 AND PHYS 112. D
CHEM 397 Workshop 1-2 credits. Workshops aimed at the development and improvement of skills. Does not satisfy requirements for a major or a minor. May be repeated. Graded S/U. D
CHEM g400 Practicum in Physical Science 2 credits. Practical problems associated with equipping, setting up and operating laboratories in chemistry and physics. Cross-listed as PHYS g400. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF DEPARTMENT CHAIR. D
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 and CHEM g352, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
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 characterization. COREQ: CHEM g407 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F
CHEM g410 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 credits. Modern physical methods of inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on the application of group theory to spectroscopic analysis. COREQ: CHEM g466 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
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 175 OR GRADE OF B IN CHEM 232 AND CHEM 234 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
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, CHEM g425, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
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 analysis. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
CHEM 435 Senior Research 1-4 credits. The student will be introduced to research techniques, development of manipulative skills, instrumental methods, laboratory notebook keeping, data interpretation and library research. PREREQ: ACCEPTANCE IN THE BS/MS PROGRAM. LIMIT 8 CREDITS. D
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. F
CHEM g453 Modern Experimental Physical Chemistry 2 credits. Magnetic, optical and electrical properties of materials, calorimetry, voltammetry, optical and laser spectroscopic techniques. PREREQ: CHEM g334 AND CHEM g352. F
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. F
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. F
CHEM g471 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 credits. Kinetics and mechanisms in organic reactions. PREREQ: CHEM g302 AND CHEM g352 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. D
CHEM g481-g482 Independent Problems in Chemistry 1-4 credits each. Directed library and laboratory research. Courses may be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits. F, S
CHEM g491-g492 Seminar 1 credit. Oral reports of library and laboratory research. COREQ: CHEM g481, CHEM g482, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. F, S
IDAHO
STATE
UNIVERSITY