CHEM 121. Models of Chemical Systems
(5 credits)
Anderson, Amil; Dudek, Ray; Finster, David
Pre-requisite: Minimum Math Placement score of 24.
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.
CHEM 201. Organic Chemistry
(5 credits)
Hanson, Pete; Houseknecht, Justin
Pre-requisite: Chemistry 162. Required for all chemistry and biology majors.
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.
CHEM 271. Biochemistry I
(4 credits)
Anderson, Amil
Pre-requisites: Chemistry 201 and Biology 170 or permission of instructor.
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.
CHEM 290. Introduction to Research
(1-3 credits)
Staff
Pre-requisite: approval of the Department.
Pursuit of a special project or problem under the supervision of a member of the faculty involving either laboratory or library work.
CHEM 300. Junior Seminar
(0 credits Fall Semester)
Finster, David
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)
Dudek, Ray
Pre-requisites: Chemistry 281, Mathematics 202, and Physics 218.
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.
CHEM 400. Senior Seminar
(0 credits Fall Semester)
Finster, David
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
Pre-requisites: Approval of both study supervisor and Department.
An individual project conducted with a supervising professor.
CHEM 491. Internship
(2 - 4 credits)
Staff
Pre-requisites: Chemistry 281 and prior approval of the department.
Chemical research or activity during the summer or academic semester at an approved site or program.
CHEM 492. Directed Research
(2 - 4 credits)
Staff
Pre-requisites: Chemistry 271, 311, 321, or 382 and permission of the supervising instructor.
Laboratory research project (which can include computational research) in collaboration with a member of the faculty. This may be a more intense continuation of a project started in Chemistry 290. Students must submit a comprehensive research report by the end of the semester.
CHEM 499. Honors Thesis/Project
(variable credit)
Staff
Pre-requisite: 3.5 GPA, permission of the Department Chair.
