Chemistry Department Course Descriptions
Spring 2009
CHEM 100N 01. Chemistry & Society
(4 credits)
Dudek, Ray
Pre-requisite: Minimum Math Placement 22.
This class will explore the basic principles of chemistry as they relate to the world of art, beginning with the properties of light and color, then into chemistry of pigments, dyes and paints. If time permits, the topics of
photography and ceramics will also be included. At the end of the course students should have a greater appreciation for the contributions of science to art and its construction.
CHEM 100N 02. Chemistry & Society
(4 credits)
Hall, Mildred
Pre-requisite: Minimum Math Placement 22.
This course is designed to present some of the essential aspects of chemistry to the non-science major and applies to the Natural World non-lab general education requirement (N course). Emphasis will be placed on how chemistry connects with issues and problems of current concern for the liberally-educated person. Students will make group presentations relating to science and current societal issues during the semester.
CHEM 162B. Chemical Structure & Analysis
(5 credits)
Anderson, Amil; Finster, David; Hanson, Pete
Pre-requisites: Chem 121; Math Placement Score of 25 or Math 120 or simultaneous registration in Math 120.
This course follows Chem 121 and uses the same textbook. Topics include simple kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, basic thermodynamics and electrochemistry, wet and instrumental analytical techniques, and a selected survey of main group elements and transition metals and their compounds. The weekly laboratory will emphasize data gathering and analysis, the use of computers in the lab, analytical techniques and inorganic synthesis.
CHEM 281. Analytical Chemistry
(5 credits)
Cline, Kristin
Pre-requisites: Chem 162 and Math 201 or equivalent.
This course will emphasize problem solving through chemical analysis. Students will learn how to choose methods for analysis, acquire data and use statistics to analyze data. The course will cover complex chemical equilibria as it applies to quantitative analysis. Specific methods to be studied and used in lab include volumetric analysis, UV-Vis absorption spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, fluorescence spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography and potentiometry. Students will design and perform an independent lab project to analyze samples of their choice. The final exam will include the ACS standardized exam on Analytical Chemistry.
CHEM 290. Introduction to Research
(1-3 credits)
Staff
Pre-requisite: Permission of the supervising instructor.
Introduction to research methodology through the study of a laboratory research problem under the close supervision of a member of the faculty.
CHEM 300. Junior Seminar
(1 credit)
Cline, Kristin
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 302. Organic Chemistry II
(5 credits)
Houseknecht, Justin
Pre-requisite: Chem 201.
This is the second organic course in the two-tier sequence. It is designed for those students who need two semesters of organic chemistry for medical school and other health related careers, chemistry majors interested in organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, and biology majors interested in molecular biology who would benefit from an in-depth study of organic chemistry. The course will focus on organic spectroscopy, structure-reactivity relationships, reaction mechanisms, and organic multi-step synthesis. The course will be organized around a reaction mechanism format. The weekly laboratory will emphasize the synthesis and characterization of selected organic compounds.
CHEM 321. Inorganic Chemistry
(5 credits)
Finster, David
Pre-requisites: Chem 281, Math 202, and Physics 218
This course presents an overview of the quantum mechanical models of atomic and molecular structure, valence bond and molecular orbital theory, symmetry and group theory applied to molecular structure, acid-base models, ionic bonding and structure, transition metal chemistry, and selected topics from organometallic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry and instrumental techniques. While covering these traditional content areas, we will also focus on the development of careful critical thinking skills in science. Exams, homework and lab reports are the primary methods of assessment. Class participation is required. The weekly laboratory focuses on computational chemistry and the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds.
CHEM 352. Physical Chemistry II
(5 credits)
Dudek, Ray
Pre-requisite: Chem 311.
This course explores the structure and properties of individual atoms and molecules with emphasis on quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics. Laboratory required. Writing Intensive.
CHEM 372. Biochemistry II
(5 credits)
Anderson, Amil
Pre-requisites: Chem 271, Math 131 or 201, and Phys 200.
Experimental techniques for biochemical studies will be explored both in the lecture and the laboratory. The physical theory behind many experimental methods will be the focus of the lecture portion of the course. In conjunction with the lab, we will explore some aspects of scientific writing. Approximately five laboratory reports will be written and revised. The classroom sessions will be primarily lecture with students responsible for giving a short presentation. There will be two or three exams during the semester as well as a Final Exam. Laboratory will typically meet one afternoon a week. Writing Intensive.
CHEM 380. Computational Chemistry
(3 credits)
Houseknecht, Justin
Pre-requisite: Chem 201
This is a 3 credit lab course which counts as an elective toward the Chemistry major. The class will meet for 1 lecture and 1 lab period a week. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory and applications of computational chemistry. Computational resources available at Wittenberg will be used to explore both how computational chemistry works and how it can be used to better understand chemical phenomena. Student success will be assessed primarily through weekly laboratory reports.
CHEM 400. Senior Seminar
(1 credit)
Cline, Kristin
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 transpires 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. Writing Intensive.
CHEM 491. Internship
(2 - 4 credits)
Staff
Pre-requisites: Chem 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-requisite: Chem 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 Chem 290. Students must submit a comprehensive research report by the end of the semester. This course may be repeated for credit.
