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
- Biochemistry 3+2 Plan, Joint Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
- Biochemistry, Master of Science
- Cannabis Biology & Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: Analytical Emphasis
- Cannabis Biology & Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: Natural Products Emphasis
- Chemistry 3+2 Plan, Joint Bachelor of Science/Master of Science
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: ACS Certified Emphasis
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: Basic Chemistry Emphasis
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry Emphasis
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: Double Major Emphasis
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: Environmental Chemistry Emphasis
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science: Secondary Teaching Certification Emphasis
- Chemistry, Master of Science
- Chemistry, Minor
Chemistry (CHEM)
Undergraduate Courses
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)
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)
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)
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)
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
General Chemistry Lab I. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 121. (F, S) (Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Survey of organic chemistry chemical structure, reactivity and functional groups are presented in context of relevance to society. Prerequisite: CHEM 111. (F)
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)
Inorganic laboratory techniques, inorganic qualitative analysis, synthesis and characterization. Corequisite: CHEM 221. (F)
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)
Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
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).
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)
Volumetric and gravimetric analysis integrated with instrumental analysis, both optical and electrometric methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122. (F)
Quantitative Analysis Lab. Prerequisite: Pre or corequisite: CHEM 317. (F)
Chemical thermodynamics, chemical dynamics (kinetics), chemical structure and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: CHEM 322. (S)
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)
Laboratory preparation, instruction, safety, and methods under the guidance of an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (F, S) Repeatable (2).
Surveys of both print and web-based chemical and biochemical literature. Prerequisite: CHEM 302. (F, S) Repeatable (2).
Topics of advanced organic chemistry, including organic reactions, mechanisms, natural products, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or permission of instructor. (AN)
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)
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)
Chemical process in air, water and soil. Air, water analysis and treatment, pollution. Prerequisite: CHEM 321 or permission of instructor. (AN)
Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate student. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (4).
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).
Independent Study. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
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
Topics of advanced organic chemistry including organic reactions, mechanisms, natural products, spectroscopy, and industrial applications. Prerequisite: CHEM 302 or permission of instructor. (AN)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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).
This one-credit course is designed to help prepare students for the rigors of academic writing at the graduate and professional levels. (AN)
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)
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)
Special Topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Faculty directed research project for graduate students. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. (F, S, SS) Repeatable (99).
An interdisciplinary seminar on topics appropriate to the application of natural sciences. Prerequisite: CHEM 510 and graduate standing. (AN)
Independent Study. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
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).
Thesis Research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).