DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
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 the first course in organic chemistry. The emphasis will be on bonding and structural theory, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and reactions of organic molecules. Reaction mechanisms will be emphasized as the basis for understanding organic reactions. The relation between chemical reactivity and biological processes will be presented throughout the semester. Classes of organic molecules presented are alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, alcohols, organohalides, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives. The course has an interactive lecture format where students will be free to ask questions. Many problems will be assigned as homework. The course will meet three hours per week and have a weekly 4-hour laboratory. Examinations will take place outside of regularly scheduled class time. The laboratory will emphasize the techniques for preparation, isolation, analysis, and identification of organic compounds. Laboratory experience will be directly related to the course lecture.
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
Staff
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
Prerequisites: Chemistry 281, Math 202, and Physics 218. Recommended: Math 215.
This class offers an in depth look into the energy relationships that govern chemistry. It begins with the 4 laws of thermodynamics and exploring ideal systems, and ends with looking at complex mixtures and phase diagrams. The last portion of the course examines reaction kinetics and mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on solving problems in class, both individually and as part of a group. In the lab portion students will continue to learn good
scientific technique, different aspects of experimental design, and how to write lab reports in the ACS style. Writing Intensive.
CHEM 380. Advanced Computational Chemistry
4 credits
Stahlberg, Eric
Pre-requisite: Chemistry 352 or permission of instructor
This course will develop understanding of fundamental principles of computational chemistry, extending the foundations prepared in CHEM 352. The course will investigate implementations of several methods including ab initio, density functional theory, semi-empirical and molecular mechanics. Applications and techniques for geometry optimization, spectra analysis, molecular dynamics and molecular docking will be studied. The course will integrate laboratory experiences designed to prepare students for graduate school and future employment, developing a stronger mathematical foundation for computational chemistry.
CHEM 382. Advanced Instrumentation
5 credits
Cline, Kristin
Pre-requisite: Chemistry 281.
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.
CHEM 400. Senior Seminar
0 credits Fall Semester
Staff
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
1 - 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
1 - 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.
