Course Descriptions
Fall 2005
CHEM 121 - Models of Chemical Systems
(5 credits)
A. Anderson, D. Finster, Staff
This is the first semester of the two-semester sequence in General Chemistry to be taken by all science majors. Chem 121 introduces the student to the study of chemistry and the variety of models that are used to describe atoms, molecules and their reactions. Topics include atomic structure, molecular structure, elementary bonding models, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, acid-base chemistry, and safety in chemistry. Classroom sessions will include lecture and discussion of homework problems and labs. Weekly lab experiments will parallel the content of the lecture. There will be hour exams, a final exam and lab reports. Prerequisite: Minimum Math Placement score of 24.
CHEM 201 - Organic Chemistry
(5 credits)
P. Hanson, Staff
This is a one semester survey course of organic chemistry. The course will cover aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds and will focus on most common functional groups. The emphasis will be on bonding and structural theory, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and reactions of organic molecules. The course has an interactive lecture format where students will be free to ask questions. Many problems will be assigned as homework. Reaction mechanisms will be emphasized as the basis for understanding organic reactions. The course will meet MWF and have a weekly 4-hour laboratory. The laboratory will emphasize the techniques for preparation, isolation, analysis, and spectral identifications of organic compounds. Prerequisite: Chemistry 162. Required for all chemistry and biology majors.
CHEM 271 - Biochemistry I
(4 credits)
A. Anderson
A survey of biochemistry is provided in this lecture-based course. Topics to be covered include the structure and function of biological macromolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids), a brief introduction to enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, biochemical thermodynamics, and a survey of metabolic pathways. There is no laboratory with this course. Prerequisites: Chemistry 201 and Biology 170 or permission of instructor.
CHEM 290 - Introduction to Research
(1-3 credits)
Staff
Pursuit of a special project or problem under the supervision of a member of the faculty involving either laboratory or library work. Prerequisite: approval of the Department.
CHEM 300 - Junior Seminar
(0 credits Fall Semester)
D. Finster
Required of each Chemistry major of junior standing. Attendance at weekly one-hour seminars and discussions is required throughout the year. Each student delivers a one-half hour presentation on a chemical topic prepared under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Several sessions in the fall are devoted to bibliographic instruction, on-line searching, and standard formats for oral and written communication used by practicing chemists. Students register for this course for 0 credits in the fall semester and for 1 credit in the spring semester.
CHEM 311 - Physical Chemistry I
(5 credits)
Staff
Introduction of the basic principles of physical chemistry, concentrating on the kinetics and molecular dynamics of chemical reactions and the laws of thermodynamics and their relationship to equilibria in chemistry. Emphasis on analyzing and solving complex problems, making physical measurements, and reporting laboratory results. Laboratory required. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Chemistry 281, Mathematics 202, and Physics 218.
CHEM 382 - Advanced Instrumentation
(5 credits)
K. Cline
This course will focus on fundamentals of instrumental analysis - components of instruments, strengths and limitations of analytical techniques, experimental design, signal processing, and interpretation of results. Topics will include electronics, spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Students will perform experiments with a variety of instruments and will work in groups throughout the semester on a self-designed project. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Chemistry 281.
CHEM 400 - Senior Seminar
(0 credits Fall Semester)
D. Finster
Required of each Chemistry major of senior standing. Attendance at weekly one-hour seminars and discussions is required throughout the year. Each student delivers a one-hour presentation on a chemical topic prepared under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Several sessions in the fall are devoted to discussions of the social context in which science operates in our culture and the ethical and professional issues of being a chemist. Students register for this course for 0 credits in the Fall semester and for 1 credit in the spring semester.
CHEM 490 - Independent Study
(variable)
Staff
An individual project conducted with a supervising professor. Prerequisites: Approval of both study supervisor and Department.
CHEM 491 - Internship
(2 - 4 credits)
Staff
Chemical research or activity during the summer or academic semester at an approved site or program. Prerequisites: Chemistry 281 and prior approval of the department.
CHEM 492 - Directed Research
(2 - 4 credits)
Staff
Laboratory or library research project in collaboration with a member of the faculty. This is often a more intense continuation of a project started in Chemistry 290. Prerequisites: Permission of the supervising instructor.
CHEM 499 – Honors Thesis/Project
(variable credit)
Staff
Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA, permission of the Department Chair.
