Department of Chemistry — Academic Catalog
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Combined B.S./M.S. Program in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
- Teaching Major in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- Associate of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Natural Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Chemistry Courses
Chair: Karl De Jesus (Organic)
Professors: Robert Holman (Organic), John Kalivas (Analytical), Josh Pak (Organic), Rene Rodriguez (Physical), Jeffery Rosentreter (Analytical), Karl De Jesus (Organic)
Associate Professors: Lisa Goss (Physical), Andrew Holland (Inorganic)
Assistant Professors: Byron Bennett (Inorganic), Todd Davis (Organic), Caryn Evilia (BioChemistry)
Associate Lecturer: Enouri Omar, Rene Rosentreter
Assistant Lecturer: Sharlene Jolley, Swatje Quarder
Adjunct Instructor: Anne Halpenny-Weathersby, Carolina Gonzalez-Aller
Visiting Faculty:
Affiliate Faculty: Ryan Pattie, Patricia Paviet Hartmann
Professors Emeriti: Loren Braun, Kenneth Faler, Bruce Ronald, Dennis Strommen, John Sutter, Gayl Wiegand
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 B.S./M.S. 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 B.S./M.S. 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.
Course work to be used as a prerequisite for a chemistry class must be no more than 5 years old unless the student obtains permission of the instructor and department chair. All credits applied to a chemistry degree or applied to Chemistry courses used to satisfy Goal 5 must have been taken within 10 years immediately prior to granting of the degree unless it can be shown that the course work taken more than 10 years earlier covers material which has not changed substantially during the intervening time, or that the student has been able to remain current in the topics covered in the course. Evidence that the older course work is still appropriate must be approved by the department chairperson.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
A suggested sequence for taking the required science courses is given below. Students who opt for a variation from the suggested sequence should check to ensure 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 1111 CHEM 1111,1111L General Chemistry I, and Lab 5 cr CHEM 1112,1112L General Chemistry II, and Lab 4 cr MATH 1170 Calculus I 4 cr MATH 1175 Calculus II 4 cr
Second Year
CHEM 2211 Inorganic Chemistry I 2 cr CHEM 2213 Inorganic Chemistry I Lab 1 cr CHEM 2232 Quantitative Analysis 2 cr CHEM 2234 Quantitative Analysis Lab 2 cr CHEM 3301 Organic Chemistry I 3 cr CHEM 3302 Organic Chemistry II 3 cr CHEM 3303 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 cr CHEM 3304 Organic Chemistry Lab II 1 cr PHYS 2211,2212 Engineering Physics 8 cr PHYS 2213,2214 Engineering Physics Labs 2 cr
Third Year
CHEM 3331 Instrumental Analysis 2 cr CHEM 3334 Instrumental Analysis Lab 2 cr CHEM 3351,3352 Physical Chemistry 6 cr
Fourth Year
BIOL 4432 Biochemistry 3 cr CHEM 3365 Synthetic Methods 2 cr CHEM 3366 Synthetic Methods Lab 2 cr CHEM 4453 Modern Experimental Physical Chemistry 2 cr CHEM 4481 or 4482 Independent Problems 3 cr CHEM 4491 Seminar 1 cr
Students working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry should note the following considerations for General Education Requirements: ENGL 1101 (Goal 1) and COMM 1101 (Goal 2) should be completed during the freshman year, and ENGL 1102 should be passed during the sophomore year. The mathematics requirement (Goal 3) should be fulfilled by MATH 1170 and 1175 as early as feasible.
Combined B.S./M.S. Program in Chemistry
Students may be admitted to the program after having completed 64 credit hours, which typically is at the beginning of the junior year. At this point, the chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses completed should include:
CHEM 1111,1112 General Chemistry 9 cr CHEM 2211,2213 Inorganic Chemistry I, and Lab 3 cr CHEM 2232,2234 Quantitative Analysis, and Lab 4 cr CHEM 3301,3302 Organic Chemistry I and II 6 cr CHEM 3303,3304 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and II 2 cr MATH 1170 Calculus I 4 cr MATH 1175 Calculus II 4 cr PHYS 2211,2212 Engineering Physics 8 cr PHYS 2213,2214 Engineering Physics Laboratory 2 cr
Application for admission must be made to the Chemistry Department.
Overview of B.S./M.S. Program
Year 1 in the B.S./M.S. Program (Junior Year): During the first semester each student is expected to select three faculty members to serve as an advisory committee subject to the approval of the Department Chair. In the second semester, each student will form a planned program of study with a research advisor, write a research overview of a chosen project, and apply and be admitted to the Graduate School. The student must score at or above the 35th percentile in two areas of aptitude (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) of the Graduate Record Exam. The student is expected to begin his/her research no later than the beginning of the summer semester. Thereafter, individual sections of the research paper will be required as the student progresses through the program.
Year 2 in the B.S./M.S. Program (Senior Year) and year 3 (Graduate standing): To remain in the program a student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 from date of admission and must earn a grade of C- or better in all 6000-level courses. The students’ committees will assess student standing annually, and will recommend that students who are not making adequate progress discontinue the program. Students are required to have completed all general education requirements by the end of their second year in the combined B.S./M.S. program.
Suggested Schedule in the B.S./M.S. Program
First year (Junior year )
Fall/Spring
CHEM 3331* Instrumental Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 3334* Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 2 cr
CHEM 3351* Physical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 3352* Physical Chemistry 3 cr
MATH 3360 Differential Equations 3 cr
Electives 11 cr
TOTAL: 24 cr
*Must be completed by the end of the junior year.
Summer
CHEM 4485 Senior Research 6 cr
Second Year (Senior year)
BIOL 4432 Biochemistry 3 cr
CHEM 3365 Synthetic Methods 2 cr
CHEM 3366 Synthetic Methods Lab 2 cr
CHEM 4407 Inorganic Chemistry II 2 cr
CHEM 4453 Modern Experimental
Physical Chemistry 2 cr
CHEM 4485 Senior Research 2 cr
CHEM 4491 Seminar 1 cr
CHEM 6609 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 6655 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 cr
Electives 8 cr
TOTAL: 28 cr
Summer
CHEM 6635 Master's Research 6 cr
Third Year (Graduate standing)
Fall/Spring
CHEM 6630 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 6671 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr
CHEM 6601 Seminar 2 cr
CHEM 6635 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 1111 General Chemistry I 5 cr
CHEM 1112 General Chemistry II 4 cr
MATH 1170 Calculus I 4 cr
OR
MATH 1160 Applied Calculus 3 cr
Second Year
CHEM 2111,1213 Inorganic Chemistry I, and Lab 4 cr
CHEM 2232,2234 Quantitative Analysis, and Lab 4 cr
CHEM 3301,3303 Organic Chemistry I, and Lab 4 cr
CHEM 3302,3304 Organic Chemistry II, and Lab 4 cr
PHYS 1111,1113 General Physics I, and Lab 4 cr
PHYS 1112,1114 General Physics II, and Lab 4 cr
OR
PHYS 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214 Engineering Physics,
and Lab 10 cr
Third Year
BIOL 4432 Biochemistry 3 cr
OR
BIOL 4445, 4447 Biochemistry I and II 6 cr
CHEM 3341, 3342 Topics in Physical Chemistry 6 cr
OR
CHEM 3351, 3352 Physical Chemistry 6 cr
Fourth Year
CHEM 3391 Seminar 1 cr
Plus 8 additional upper-division (3000-4000 level) credits in chemistry, approved by the department and not to include CHEM 4491. No more than 2 credits of CHEM 3311 and 2 credits in 4481-4482 may be used to satisfy these electives. If BIOL 4445 and 4447 sequence is taken, 3 credits may be used to satisfy elective credits. No more than 40 credits in chemistry will count toward graduation in this program.
Students working on a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry should complete ENGL 1101 and COMM 1101 (Goal 2 of the General Education Requirements) during the freshman year and ENGL 1102 (Goal 1) should be passed by, or during, the sophomore year. Goal 3 (mathematics) should be fulfilled by MATH 1160 or 1170 as early as possible. The other General Education Requirements (Goals 4 and 6-12) should be taken as credit load allows.
Teaching Major in Chemistry
Students wishing to pursue a teaching major in chemistry should make an appointment to meet with the Department Chair.
Minor in Chemistry
Required courses:
CHEM 1111 General Chemistry I 5 cr
CHEM 1112 General Chemistry II 4 cr
CHEM 2211 Inorganic Chemistry I 3 cr
CHEM 2213 Inorganic Chemistry I Lab 1 cr
CHEM 2232 Quantitative Analysis 2 cr
CHEM 2234 Quantitative Analysis Lab 2 cr
CHEM 3301 Organic Chemistry I 3 cr
CHEM 3302 Organic Chemistry II 3 cr
CHEM 3303 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 cr
CHEM 3304 Organic Chemistry Lab II 1 cr
Approved upper division CHEM courses,
excluding CHEM 4400, 4481, and 4491 4 cr
TOTAL: 29 cr
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.
Master of Natural Science in Chemistry
The Master of Natural Science (MNS) 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.
Master of Science in Chemistry
Thesis Option: The M.S. program, thesis option, requries a substantial, original research project that culminates in a thesis, a minimum of 30 credits (including thesis credit) earned in graduate courses and seminars.
- Graduates will attain a broad knowledge in the four major areas of Chemistry.
- Graduates will conduct novel research in Chemistry.
- Graduates will be prepared to continue their education in pursuit of a Ph.D.
Admission
Candidates must have at least a 3.0 GPA for all upper-division credits taken in the previous degree program (a B.S. or a B.A. in Chemistry). Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores must be reported. The score in two portions of the GRE (verbal, quantitative, or analytical) must be in the 35th percentile or higher to be considered for admittance with Classified status. If either the GPA or GRE requirement is not met, the Department may recommend to admit the candidate to conditional status.
Several courses are prerequisite for the M.S. degree programs; any student who has not met these requirements through previous course work must take them as part of his/her M.S. program. These are: one semester of calculus, one year of physics, one semester of inorganic chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one semester of analytical chemistry, and one year of physical chemistry. Because these are undergraduate course prerequisities, any credit earned in taking these courses does not count toward the 30 credit requirement for the M.S.
Requirements
The Master of Science in Chemistry (Thesis Option) requires a minimum of 30 total credits approved by the Department of Chemistry and the Graduate School. Required courses include three of the following:
CHEM 6609 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr CHEM 6630 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3 cr CHEM 6655 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 cr CHEM 6671 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr AND CHEM 6601 Seminar 2 cr (min.) CHEM 6650 Thesis 6-10 cr
Non-Thesis Option
A non-thesis option exists in which students are required to take 15 credits of approved 6000-level chemistry courses, including CHEM 6601 (Seminar, 2 credits), and 15 credits of graduate electives.
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1100, 1111, and 1112 have required laboratory components that are listed separately in the Class Schedule. These laboratories are integral to the courses. Register for a laboratory section in addition to the lecture.
CHEM 1100 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 1101 Introduction to General Chemistry 3 credits. Atomic structure, chemical calculations, solutions, acid-base reactions, and equilibrium. May not be used as a prerequisite to other courses in chemistry except CHEM 1102. PREREQ: MATH 1108 or equivalent. F, S
CHEM 1102 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 3 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 1101, or CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1111L. COREQ: CHEM 1103. F, S
CHEM 103 Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory 1 credit. Laboratory course introducing fundamental measurement techniques, methods and materials used in general, organic and biochemistry. PREREQ: CHEM 1101, or CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1111L. COREQ: CHEM 1102. F, S
CHEM 1111 General Chemistry I 4 credits. Introductory course for students in scientific and technical fields; structure and reactivity of elements and compounds, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, and chemical periodicity. May be repeated upon completion of CHEM 1111L. PREREQ: MATH 1143 or MATH 1147 or equivalent. F, S
CHEM 1111L General Chemistry I Lab 1 credit. Laboratory course to accompany General Chemsitry I. PREREQ OR COREQ: CHEM 1111. F, S
CHEM 1112 General Chemistry II 3 credits. Introduction to kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. May be repeated upon completion of CHEM 1112L. PREREQ: CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1111L or equivalent and MATH 1143 or MATH 1147 or equivalent. F, S
CHEM 1112L General Chemistry II Lab 1 credit. Laboratory course to accompany General Chemsitry II. PREREQ OR COREQ: CHEM 1112. F, S
CHEM 2211 Inorganic Chemistry I 3 credits. An introduction to the chemistry of the elements, including: molecular and solid-state structure, aqueous chemistry (acid/base, solubility, and redox phenomena), and coordination chemistry (ligand field theory, and reaction mechanisms). Selected topics in materials, bioinorganic, and/or environmental inorganic chemistry will be surveyed. PREREQ: CHEM 1112 and CHEM 1112L or permission of instructor. COREQ: CHEM 2213. F
CHEM 2213 Inorganic Chemistry I Laboratory 1 credit. Qualitative and quantitative inorganic chemistry, including: precipitation, acid/base and reduction/oxidation reactions in aqueous media, preparation and isolation of inorganic compounds, characterization techniques for inorganic compounds (e.g. magnetic susceptibility measurements, electrochemistry, UV-vis). COREQ: CHEM 2211 or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 2232 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 1112, CHEM 1112L, and MATH 1160 or MATH 1170. S
CHEM 2234 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory 2 credits. Laboratory experiments in gravimetric, volumetric, and colorimetric analysis. PREREQ: CHEM 1112 and CHEM 1112L. COREQ: CHEM 2232 or permission of instructor. S
CHEM 3301 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 1112 and CHEM 1112L or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 3302 Organic Chemistry II 3 credits. A continuation of CHEM 301. The further study of the preparation, reactions, properties, reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy of organic compounds. PREREQ: CHEM 3301 or permission of instructor. S
CHEM 3303 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 3301 or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 3304 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 3303. COREQ: CHEM 3302 or permission of instructor. S
CHEM 3311 Introduction to Research 1-2 credits. Directed library and laboratory research. CHEM 3311 and 3312 may be repeated for up to 6 credits. F, S
CHEM 3312 Introduction to Research 1-2 credits. Directed library and laboratory research. CHEM 3311 and 3312 may be repeated for up to 6 credits. F, S
CHEM 3331 Instrumental Analysis 2 credits. Advanced quantitative analysis dealing chiefly with quantitative applications of instrumental methods. PREREQ: CHEM 2232 and CHEM 2234 or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 3334 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 2 credits. Laboratory course giving experience in fundamental operations of modern instrumental methods of analysis. PREREQ: CHEM 2234 and CHEM 3331 or permission of instructor. S
CHEM 3341 Topics in Physical Chemistry 3 credits. Topics in physical chemistry with application to biological systems are covered. Molecular structure, thermodynamics of gases and solutions, reaction rates and mechanisms, basic quantum mechanics, and spectroscopic principles are covered in this first course of a two semester sequence. PREREQ: CHEM 1112, CHEM 1112L, MATH 1160 or 1170, PHYS 1112 or 2212, or permission of instructor. F, S.
CHEM 3342 Topics in Physical Chemistry 3 credits. Topics in physical chemistry with application to biological systems are covered. Molecular structure, thermodynamics of gases and solutions, reaction rates and mechanisms, basic quantum mechanics, and spectroscopic principles are covered in this two semester sequence. PREREQ: CHEM 3341, or permission of instructor. F, S.
CHEM 3351 Physical Chemistry 3 credits. The fundamental principles of physical chemistry; thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular structure, quantum theory, spectroscopy, and solution chemistry. PREREQ: CHEM 1112 CHEM 1112L, MATH 1175, and PHYS 2212, or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 3352 Physical Chemistry 3 credits. The fundamental principles of physical chemistry; thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular structure, quantum theory, spectroscopy, and solution chemistry. PREREQ: CHEM 3351. S
CHEM 3365 Synthetic Methods 2 credits. Practical aspects of chemical synthesis: preparation, purification, and spectral interpretation for organic and inorganic molecules. PREREQ: CHEM 2211 and CHEM 3304. F
CHEM 3366 Synthetic Methods Laboratory 2 credits. Advanced laboratory methods for preparation of organic and inorganic molecules: synthetic techniques, air-sensitive methods, purification techniques, and characterization methods. PREREQ: CHEM 3365. S
CHEM 3391 Seminar 1 credit. A formal introduction to scientific presentations including a short student presentation on selected library or laboratory research. PREREQ: CHEM 3301, 3303 or permission of instructor. R1
CHEM 4400 Practicum in Physical Science 2 credits. Practical problems associated with equipping, setting up and operating laboratories in chemistry. PREREQ: Permission of department Chair. D
CHEM 4407 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 2211 and CHEM 3352, or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 4433 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 2232 and CHEM 2234 or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 4437 Environmental Chemistry Laboratory 1 credits. Utilizes both structured and self-designed field and classroom experiments to emphasize principles of environmental chemistry. COREQ: CHEM 4433 or permission of instructor. F
CHEM 4438 Experimental Biochemistry 1 credit. Laboratory course including both qualitative and quantitative experiments. Cross-listed as BIOL 4437. PREREQ or COREQ: BIOL 4432 or BIOL/CHEM 4445. F, S
CHEM 4445 Biochemistry I 3 credits. Introduction to basic aspects of biochemical systems, including fundamental chemical and physical properties of biomolecules. Enzymology, including allosterism, metabolic regulation, bioenergetics, and carbohydrate metabolism. Cross-listed as BIOL 4445. PREREQ: BIOL 1101 and CHEM 3301. F
CHEM 4447 Biochemistry II 3 credits. Functional continuation of g445. Lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism. Emphasis is on regulation of metabolism, metabolic dysfunctions, biochemical mechanisms of hormone action, biochemical genetics, protein synthesis, and metabolic consequences of genetic defects. Cross-listed as BIOL 4447. PREREQ: BIOL/CHEM 4445. S
CHEM 4448 Advanced Experimental Biochemistry 2 credits. Advanced laboratory projects designed to emphasize techniques of qualitative and quantitative biochemical analysis. Cross-listed as BIOL 4448. PREREQ: BIOL 4437/CHEM 4438. COREQ: BIOL 4447. S
CHEM 4453 Modern Experimental Physical Chemistry 2 credits. Magnetic, optical and electrical properties of materials, calorimetry, voltammetry, optical and laser spectroscopic techniques. PREREQ: CHEM 3334 and CHEM 3352. F
CHEM 4481 Independent Problems in Chemistry 1-4 credits. Directed library and laboratory research. Courses g481 and g482 may be repeated for up to 6 credits. PREREQ: CHEM 3352. F
CHEM 4482 Independent Problems in Chemistry 1-4 credits. Directed library and laboratory research. Courses g481 and g482 may be repeated for up to 6 credits. PREREQ: CHEM 3352. S
CHEM 4485 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. May be repeated for up to 8 credits. PREREQ: Acceptance into the B.S./M.S. program. D
CHEM 4491 Seminar 1 credit. A formal introduction to the chemical literature including electronic methods of literature searching. A detailed treatment of methods for presenting scientific seminars including a full-length student presentation on selected library or laboratory research. COREQ: CHEM 4481, 4482, 4485, or permission of instructor. F, S
CHEM 4498 Seminar in Biochemistry 1 credit. Review of current research and literature in the field of biochemistry. Cross-listed as BIOL 4498. PREREQ: senior standing or permission of department. F, S