Chemistry Department

The major in chemistry leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree and the chemistry curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society.

The chemistry department provides intellectual and professional training for students in the field of chemistry and in support of the American Chemical Society charter “to encourage in the broadest and most liberal manner the advancement of chemistry in all its branches; the promotion of research in chemical science and industry, the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of chemists through high standards of education to promote scientific interests and inquiry.”

Chemistry is a foundation science for many professions. Graduates with degrees in chemistry find employment in such diverse areas as biotechnology, health sciences, forensic science, agricultural and environmental fields, transportation industries, the semi-conductor industry, teaching and research.

Consequently, the chemistry department provides students with a number of diverse programs to assure each student versatility and a sound education in the fundamental areas of modern chemistry.

In addition to curricula for students who wish to pursue chemistry as a profession, programs can be designed for pre-professional areas including pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry and pre-veterinary medicine.

A core curriculum for the major exists and many emphasis areas are open to students to combine other interests with a major in chemistry. For example, while medical schools do not mandate any particular major for entering students, biology and chemistry have been the leading majors of students entering medical school. The requirements for a pre-medicine/chemistry major are the same as for the chemistry major emphasis.

Additionally, the student must complete specific courses required by the medical schools to which they are applying. It is recommended that pre-medical and other pre-professional students coordinate the program with the appropriate pre-professional advisor, as well as the chemistry advisor, to assure that specific course requirements are completed.

Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences

The College of Science and Mathematics offers Master of Science degrees in three disciplines within the Natural Sciences: Biology MS, Chemistry MS, and Biochemistry MS. Students completing any of these degrees will develop advanced skills in the general discipline of choice and will apply these skills in the completion of a thesis research project or internship. GRE scores of at least 300 (verbal and quantitative) based on the current GRE exam are required for regular admission to GPNS programs.

Pre-Professional

Students ultimately seeking professional degrees such as Pharmacy, PharmD, MD, DVM, DO, DDS, and DC, may opt to complete a bachelors, or minor, in chemistry as preparation for future professional studies. A solid understanding of the chemistry and analysis of biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, etc. serves as an excellent foundation for professional programs in the health sciences. Selection of the Biochemistry or Double Major Emphasis is recommended for pre-professional students completing the BS in chemistry. Pre-professional students must work closely with academic advisors to ensure completion of specific curricular requirements needed for admission into specific professional programs.

Co-Curricular Requirements

Students should experience co-curricular activities which enhance, broaden and reinforce the academic experience; therefore, the faculty support and encourage students to participate in science-related, as well as in general activities such as:

Science or chemistry clubs
Student government
Scientific meetings, seminars, symposia, field trips, tours, etc.
Internships
Research

Academic Programs

Chemistry (CHEM)

Undergraduate Courses

CHEM 101 Chemistry and Society 3(3-0)

Chemistry related to the everyday world. Drugs, food, pollution, pesticides, consumer products, energy, and home health. Principally for non-science majors. (S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)

CHEM 101L Chemistry and Society Lab 1(0-2)

Laboratory is optional. Experiments to exemplify the logical steps of problem solving and explore the physical and chemical world. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 101. (S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)

CHEM 111 Principles of Chemistry 3(3-0)

Fundamental laws, theories and principles of chemical reactions. Credit not applicable for chemistry majors or minors. Prerequisite: MATH 097 or equivalent math placement score or permission of instructor. (F,S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)

CHEM 111L Principles of Chemistry Lab 1(0-2)

Experiments using common chemical equipment and techniques to aid the student in learning what occurs in the chemical laboratory. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 111. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)

CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 4(4-0)

(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)

CHEM 121L General Chemistry Lab I 1(0-2)

General Chemistry Lab I. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 121. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)

CHEM 122 General Chemistry II 4(4-0)

Continuation of CHEM 121. Thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, acids and bases, solutions, descriptive inorganic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)

CHEM 122L General Chemistry Lab II 1(0-2)

Laboratory component to CHEM 122. Prerequisite: CHEM 121L. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 122. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)

CHEM 125 Environmental Science 3(3-0)

An overview of terrestrial and aquatic environments, the atmosphere, energy, climate change, and natural resources. Emphasis is placed on sustainability needs and challenges. (F) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)

CHEM 125L Environmental Science Laboratory 1(0-2)

Laboratory course to accompany CHEM 125. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 125. (F) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)

CHEM 150 (PHYS 150) Elementary Concepts in Phys & Chem 4(3-2)

Hands-on standards-based approach to understanding basic concepts of physics and chemistry. Integrated lecture, lab and discussion periods. Recommended: enrollment in the Teacher Education Program. (S)

CHEM 160 Introduction to Forensic Science 3(3-0)

Overview of Forensic Science. Crime scene investigation. Evidence collection. Microscopy techniques. Arson analysis. Fingerprints. Serology and DNA use. (F, S, SS) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)

CHEM 160L Intro to Forensic Science Lab 1(0-2)

Overview of Forensic Science Laboratory. Evidence handling and collection. Microscopy techniques. Arson analysis, Fingerprints. DNA fingerprinting. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 160. (F, S, SS) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)

CHEM 170 Academic Orientation 0.5(0.5-0)

Chemistry majors entering the program are introduced to principles of academic communication and professionalism relevant to freshman year. Chemistry careers, study skills, and academic advisement are also included. (F, S)

CHEM 211 Introduction to Organic Chemistry 3(3-0)

Survey of organic chemistry chemical structure, reactivity and functional groups are presented in context of relevance to society. Prerequisite: CHEM 111. (F)

CHEM 211L Intro to Organic Chemistry Lab 1(0-3)

Survey of organic chemistry laboratory course. Basic organic laboratory techniques and skills, both micro and macro scale are presented. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 211. (F)

CHEM 221 Inorganic Chemistry 3(3-0)

Basic principles of inorganic chemistry. The main properties, reaction chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of inorganic elements and compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 122. Corequisite: CHEM 221L. (F)

CHEM 221L Inorganic Chemistry Lab 1(0-3)

Inorganic laboratory techniques, inorganic qualitative analysis, synthesis and characterization. Corequisite: CHEM 221. (F)

CHEM 260 Forensic Chemistry I 3(3-0)

Investigation of comparative/visual forensic analysis techniques. Topics include fingerprinting, bloodstain pattern analysis, fiber comparisons, and firearms analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 111 or CHEM 121 and CHEM 160. (S)

CHEM 260L Forensic Chemistry I Laboratory 1(0-3)

Development of laboratory skills for comparative/visual forensic analysis. Topics include fingerprinting, bloodstain pattern analysis, fiber comparisons, and firearms analysis. A more in-depth examination of CHEM 160L topics. Prerequisite: CHEM 111 or CHEM 121 and CHEM 160 and CHEM 160L. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 260. (S)

CHEM 291 Special Topics (1-5 V)

Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

CHEM 292 Research (1-3 V)

Faculty directed research project for undergraduate first or second-year student. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits total. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (3).

CHEM 301 Organic Chemistry I 3(3-0)

For majors and pre-professional students requiring a strong background in organic chemistry. Organic reactions and mechanisms as related to molecular structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 122. (F, S)

CHEM 301L Organic Chemistry Lab I 2(0-6)

Organic Chemistry Lab I. Prerequisite: CHEM 122L. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 301. (F, S)

CHEM 302 Organic Chemistry II 3(3-0)

Continuation of CHEM 301. Prerequisite: CHEM 301. (F, S)

CHEM 302L Organic Chemistry Lab II 2(0-6)

Organic Chemistry Lab II. Prerequisite: CHEM 301L. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 302. (F, S)

CHEM 311 Biochemistry Survey 3(3-0)

Survey of biochemistry. For pre-health professional students. Intermediary metabolism is taught at an intermediate level and in the context of human nutrition and clinical applications. Prerequisite: CHEM 301. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 302. (F)

CHEM 317 Quantitative Analysis 3(3-0)

Volumetric and gravimetric analysis integrated with instrumental analysis, both optical and electrometric methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122. (F)

CHEM 317L Quantitative Analysis Lab 2(0-6)

Quantitative Analysis Lab. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 317. (F)

CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I 3(3-0)

Chemical thermodynamics, chemical dynamics (kinetics), chemical structure and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: CHEM 322. (S)

CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II 3(3-0)

Quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, chemical structure, and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and MATH 126. Corequisite: Pre and corequisite: MATH 224 and PHYS 201 or PHYS 221. (F)

CHEM 323 Experimental Physical Chemistry 2(0-4)

Laboratory techniques in thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, phase phenomena, kinetics, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 322. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 321 or permission of instructor. (S)

CHEM 370 Academic Enrichment 0.5(0.5-0)

Chemistry majors in the third year of the program and above review principles of academic communication, professionalism, as well as academic progress and skills in relation to industrial/academic career preparation. Prerequisite: CHEM 170 or permission from the department chair. (F, S)

CHEM 378 Practicum in Laboratory Instruction 1(0-2)

Laboratory preparation, instruction, safety, and methods under the guidance of an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (F, S) Repeatable (2).

CHEM 389 Scientific Literature Review 1(1-0)

Surveys of both print and web-based chemical and biochemical literature. Prerequisite: CHEM 302. (F, S) Repeatable (2).

CHEM 401 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3(3-0)

Topics of advanced organic chemistry, including organic reactions, mechanisms, natural products, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or permission of instructor. (AN)

CHEM 401L Advanced Organic Chemistry Lab 2(0-4)

Laboratory course to accompany CHEM 401. Molecular structure determination by chemical and instrumental methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 and 302L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: CHEM 401. (AN)

CHEM 402 Spectroscopy 3(3-0)

An advanced study of topics of spectroscopy focusing on the structure determination of compounds. Emphasis on IR, NMR, MS, and UV-VIS spectroscopies. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or equivalent. (AN)

CHEM 403 Polymer Chemistry 3(3-0)

Study of synthetic polymers including synthesis, mechanisms of formation, structure of elucidation, reactivity, properties, and industrial application. Biopolymers also will be considered. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 and 302L. (AN)

CHEM 411 Biochemistry I 3(3-0)

Chemistry of constituents of living matter, including proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids. An introduction to enzymes and coenzymes. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or permission of instructor. (F)

CHEM 412 Biochemistry II 3(3-0)

Continuation of CHEM 411. Intermediary metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. Bioenergetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 411 or CHEM 511 or permission of instructor (S)

CHEM 412L Biochemistry II Lab 2(0-6)

Biochemistry II Lab. Prerequisite: CHEM 302. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 412. (AN)

CHEM 413 Molecular Basis of Disease 3(3-0)

This advanced seminar course explores the molecular nature of disease and engages students in the study of diseases using current topical biochemical literature. Prerequisite: CHEM 411 or CHEM 511 or permission of instructor. (AN)

CHEM 419 Instrumental Analysis 3(3-0)

Instrumental techniques in chemical separations, electrochemistry, atomic, and molecular spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 317 and CHEM 322 or permission of instructor. (S)

CHEM 419L Instrumental Analysis Lab 2(0-6)

Instrumental Analysis Lab. Prerequisite: CHEM 317 and CHEM 322 or permission of instructor. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 419. (S)

CHEM 420 Inorganic Chemistry (3.0 V)

A foundations in inorganic chemistry survey course, which includes atomic and molecular structure, symmetry, simple solids, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction reactions, coordination chemistry, and physical methods. Corequisite: CHEM 221L Prerequisite: CHEM 122 (F)

CHEM 420L Inorganic Chemistry Lab 1(0-3)

Inorganic laboratory techniques, inorganic qualitative analysis, synthesis and characterization. Corequisite: CHEM 420 Prerequisite: CHEM 122L (F)

CHEM 421 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3.0 V)

Detailed examination of inorganic chemistry with emphasis on symmetry and group theory, chemical bonding and structure, electronic spectroscopy, and reactivity. Prerequisite: CHEM 420 and CHEM 322 or permission of instructor. (S)

CHEM 425 Environmental Chemistry 3(3-0)

Chemical process in air, water and soil. Air, water analysis and treatment, pollution. Prerequisite: CHEM 321 or permission of instructor. (AN)

CHEM 425L Environmental Chemistry Lab 2(0-4)

Laboratory course to accompany CHEM 425. Explores sampling and laboratory techniques utilized in the analysis of environmental samples or to address environmental issues. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 425. (AN)

CHEM 431 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3(3-0)

Emphasizes latest developments in applied physical chemistry, including advanced theory, and instrumental and computational applications. Prerequisite: CHEM 321 and CHEM 322 or permission of instructor. (F, O)

CHEM 460 Forensic Chemistry II 2(2-0)

Investigation of identification techniques for forensic analysis. Topics include arson, biological fluid and drug identification, and DNA analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 and CHEM 260L and CHEM 302 and CHEM 302L or permission of instructor. (F)

CHEM 460L Forensic Chemistry II Lab 2(0-4)

The laboratory will accompany CHEM 460, Forensic Chemistry II lecture. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 and CHEM 260L and CHEM 302 and CHEM 302L or permission of instructor. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 460. (F)

CHEM 491 Special Topics (1-5 V)

Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

CHEM 492 Research (1-3 V)

Faculty directed research project for undergraduate student. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (4).

CHEM 493 Seminar 1(1-0)

Presentation of a formal presentation on chemical research or a current topic in the chemical literature using software-based delivery methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 370. (F) Repeatable (2).

CHEM 495 Independent Study (1-7 V)

Independent Study. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

CHEM 498 Internship (1-6 V)

Work experience in the chemistry discipline under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).

Graduate Courses

CHEM 501 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3(3-0)

Topics of advanced organic chemistry including organic reactions, mechanisms, natural products, spectroscopy, and industrial applications. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or permission of instructor. (AN)

CHEM 501L Advanced Organic Chemistry Lab 2(0-4)

Molecular structure determination by chemical and instrumental methods. Advanced synthetic techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 and 302L or permission of instructor. Corequisite: CHEM 501 (AN)

CHEM 502 Spectroscopy 3(3-0)

An advanced study of topics of spectroscopy focusing on the structure determination of compounds. Emphasis on IR, NMR, MS, and UV-VIS spectroscopies. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or equivalent. (AN)

CHEM 503 Polymer Chemistry 3(3-0)

Study of synthetic polymers including synthesis, mechanisms of formation, structure elucidation, reactivity, properties, and industrial application. Biopolymers also will be considered. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or permission of instructor. (AN)

CHEM 510 Foundations in Graduate Studies 3(3-0)

Laboratory safety. Effective sourcing, use, and interpretation of the literature. Scientific methodology, writing, and review of research ethics. Development of a thesis or internship plan. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (F)

CHEM 511 Biochemistry I 3(3-0)

Chemistry of constituents of living matter, including proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acid and lipids. An introduction to enzymes and coenzymes. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or permission of instructor. (F)

CHEM 512 Biochemistry II 3(3-0)

Intermediary metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Bioenergetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 411 or CHEM 511 or permission of instructor. (S)

CHEM 512L Biochemistry II Lab 2(0-6)

Biochemistry II Lab. Prerequisite: CHEM 302. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 512. (AN)

CHEM 513 Molecular Basis of Disease 3(3-0)

CHEM 519 Instrumental Analysis 3(3-0)

Instrumental techniques in chemical separations, electro-chemistry, atomic, and molecular spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 317 and CHEM 322 or permission of instructor. (S)

CHEM 519L Instrumental Analysis Lab 2(0-6)

Instrumental Analysis Lab. Prerequisite: CHEM 317 and CHEM 322 or permission of instructor. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 519. (S)

CHEM 521 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3(3-0)

Structure and bonding, coordination theory, periodic relations, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, descriptive chemistry, industrial applications. Prerequisite: CHEM 221 and CHEM 322 or permission of instructor. (S)

CHEM 525 Environmental Chemistry 3(3-0)

Chemical processes in the air, water and soil. Air, water soil analysis and treatment. Special emphasis upon the problems and effects of industrial and other pollution. Prerequisite: CHEM 321 or permission of instructor. (AN)

CHEM 525L Environmental Chemistry Lab 2(0-4)

Laboratory course to accompany CHEM 525. Explores sampling and laboratory techniques utilized in the analysis of environmental samples or to address environmental issues. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 525. (AN)

CHEM 529 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3(3-0)

Emphasizes latest developments in applied analytical chemistry, including advanced theory, wet chemical methods, and the design and application of advanced instrumentation. Prerequisite: CHEM 419 and CHEM 419L and CHEM 321 or permission of instructor. (S,E)

CHEM 531 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3(3-0)

CHEM 550 Industrial Chemistry 2(2-0)

The economic importance and special characteristics of the chemical industry. Feedstocks, intermediates and products of the chemical industry including thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, paints and coatings, elastomers, fibers, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, paper, acids, etc. Market demands, price and cost factors, scale, research, process chemistry and process control, product development. Case studies illustrating above topics. (AN)

CHEM 560 Forensic Chemistry II 2(2-0)

CHEM 560L Forensic Chemistry II Laboratory 2(0-4)

The laboratory will accompany CHEM 560, Forensic Chemistry II lecture. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 and CHEM 260L and CHEM 302 and CHEM 302L or permission of instructor. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 560. (F)

CHEM 578 Practicum in Laboratory Instruction 1(0-2)

Laboratory preparation, instruction and methods under the guidance and supervision of an instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (4).

CHEM 580 Graduate Writing in the Sciences 1(1-0)

This one-credit course is designed to help prepare students for the rigors of academic writing at the graduate and professional levels. (AN)

CHEM 588 Internship Defense 1(1-0)

Graduate internship presentation, satisfactory report, and examination for completion of MS degree option within the Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. (F, S, SS)

CHEM 589 Thesis Defense 1(1-0)

Thesis presentation and satisfactory written thesis for completion of MS degree option within the Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. (F, S, SS)

CHEM 591 Special Topics (1-4 V)

Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

CHEM 592 Research (1-6 V)

Faculty directed research project for graduate students. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).

CHEM 593 Seminar 1(1-0)

An interdisciplinary seminar on topics appropriate to the application of natural sciences. Prerequisite: CHEM 510 and graduate standing. (AN)

CHEM 595 Independent Study (1-4 V)

Independent Study. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

CHEM 598 Internship (1-4 V)

Volunteer or paid work experience under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).

CHEM 599 Thesis Research (1-6 V)

Thesis Research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

2020-2021 Catalog

Academic Catalog

Chemistry Department

Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences

Pre-Professional

Co-Curricular Requirements

Academic Programs

Chemistry (CHEM)

Undergraduate Courses

Graduate Courses

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