The chemistry program is devoted to offering a variety of high-quality courses designed to stimulate student interest in science and in chemistry. These courses are intended to serve both the students studying chemistry as a major or minor and the students studying other scientific disciplines that desire additional knowledge in the field of chemistry.
Please select from the course numbers below for a more detailed course description.
See course instructors for information pertaining to honors courses in CHEM 110, CHEM 112, CHEM 210, and CHEM 212.
- CHEM 001: Molecular Science
- CHEM 003: Molecular Science with Laboratory
- CHEM 020: Environmental Chemistry
- CHEM 021: Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 108: Problem Solving in Chemistry
- CHEM 110: Chemical Principles I
- CHEM 111: Experimental Chemistry I
- CHEM 112: Chemical Principles II
- CHEM 113: Experimental Chemistry II
- CHEM 130: Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
- CHEM 202: Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 203: Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 210: Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 212: Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 213: Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 227: Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM 294: Special Problems and Research
- CHEM 395: Chemistry Teacher Assistant Training
- CHEM 413: Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 430: Structural Analysis of Organic Compounds
- CHEM 450: Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics
- CHEM 451: Experimental Physical Chemistry I
- CHEM 452: Physical Chemistry - Quantum Chemistry
- CHEM 453: Experimental Physical Chemistry II
- CHEM 494: Introduction to Chemical Research
- CHEM 495: Internship
- CHEM 496: Independent Studies
- CHEM 497: Special Topics
- B M B 401: General Biochemistry
- B M B 402: General Biochemistry
Science Internships and Undergraduate Research Programs
Detailed Course Descriptions
CHEM 001 Molecular Science (GN) (3 credits)
CHEM 001 is designed for students who want to gain a better appreciation of chemistry and how it applies to everyone's everyday life. You are expected to have an interest in understanding the nature of science, but not necessarily to have any formal training in the sciences. During the course, you will explore important societal issues that can be better understood by knowing some concepts in chemistry. The course is largely descriptive, though occasionally a few simple calculations will be done to illuminate specific information. The course does rely on your ability to think systematically, and to relate things to each other. A laboratory component gives you hands-on projects that demonstrate principles of topics taught in class.
From year to year and instructor to instructor, the course may cover any number of a large variety of topics related to current events, including, but not limited to: air and water pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, new and old methods of energy generation and energy use in modern society, examples of production and use of modern polymers, examples of production and use of modern drugs, examples of the chemistry of nutrition, examples of advances in biochemistry and how they affect us.
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
Students who have received credit for CHEM 003, 101, or 110 may not schedule this course.
CHEM 003 Molecular Science with Laboratory (GN) (3 credits)
CHEM 003 is designed for students who want to gain a better appreciation of chemistry and how it applies to everyone's everyday life. You are expected to have an interest in understanding the nature of science, but not necessarily to have any formal training in the sciences. During the course, you will explore important societal issues that can be better understood by knowing some concepts in chemistry. The course is largely descriptive, though occasionally a few simple calculations will be done to illuminate specific information. The course does rely on your ability to think systematically, and to relate things to each other. A laboratory component gives you hands-on projects that demonstrate principles of topics taught in class.
From year to year and instructor to instructor, the course may cover any number of a large variety of topics related to current events, including, but not limited to: air and water pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, new and old methods of energy generation and energy use in modern society, examples of production and use of modern polymers, examples of production and use of modern drugs, examples of the chemistry of nutrition, examples of advances in biochemistry and how they affect us.
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
Students who have received credit for CHEM 001, 101, or 110 may not schedule this course.
CHEM 020 Environmental Chemistry (3 credits)
CHEM 020 is designed to teach students the applications of chemistry to environmental problems, including air, water, thermal pollution; pesticides; drugs and birth control agents; food additives; etc. For non-chemistry majors; chemistry majors will not receive credit.
CHEM 021 Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
CHEM 021 will provide an introduction to basic laboratory techniques and data analysis used in environmental chemistry. The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory will be a fifteen (15) week course that will meet once per week. The suggested laboratory experiments will consist of a broad range of scientific inquiry that will enhance the lecture material covered in Environmental Chemistry 020. The course will provide laboratory experience in the chemistry of air, water, and solids. It may also include experiments that address the manipulation of data in relation to environmental chemistry as the need arises. Experiments have been chosen that have a strong biology component such as Stream Ecology, Toxicity Testing, and Dissolved Oxygen experiments. These experiments should relate to Biology 110 and 220 courses. The Chi-Square and Probability experiments will relate to STAT 250 course. The course will be an integral part of the Environmental Studies major providing an experimental chemistry background and experience.
Concurrent: CHEM 020
CHEM 108 Problem Solving in Chemistry (1 credit)
CHEM 108 is designed to teach students the techniques, strategies, and skills for solving problems in general chemistry. The purpose of CHEM 108 is to facilitate success in the first-semester general chemistry course (CHEM 110). Students who need extra help in CHEM 110 are strongly encouraged to take CHEM 108 with CHEM 110. The course covers the same topics in the same sequence as the concurrent CHEM 110 course. It provides an opportunity for students to develop stronger problem solving skills through active and collaborative learning activities and skill building. CHEM 108 does not satisfy the General Education requirement and will not count toward graduation in some majors.
Prerequisite: required by NSO Concurrent: CHEM 110
CHEM 110 Chemical Principles I (GN) (3 credits)
CHEM 110 is the first semester of a two-semester, comprehensive general chemistry course that introduces the students to the basic principles of chemistry with an emphasis on the relationships between the microscopic structure and macroscopic properties of matter. The principles are illustrated with a wide variety of examples from the sciences, from engineering and technology, and from everyday life.
The course covers the following topics: matter and measurement, molecules and molecular compounds, ions and ionic compounds, chemical reaction types, atomic and molecular weights, the mole, quantitative calculations with chemical reactions, the periodic table, nomenclature, aqueous reactions and solution stoichiometry, thermochemistry, electronic structure of atoms, periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, the gaseous, liquid, and solid states of matter, properties of solutions, some basic aspects of chemical equilibrium, and applications to the real world including environmental chemistry.
The following combinations of courses must be taken to receive General Education credit in chemistry: CHEM 110 GN (or CHEM 106 GN) and CHEM 111 GN; CHEM 112 GN and CHEM 113 GN.
Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Chemistry and Math FTCAP tests, i.e., placement beyond the level of CHEM 101 and MATH 022; or CHEM 101, and MATH 022 or MATH 041.
CHEM 111 Experimental Chemistry I (GN) (1 credit)
CHEM 111 is a one-credit introductory general chemistry laboratory. It is designed to complement the lecture course CHEM 110. The students are introduced to good experimental techniques, interpretation of data, laboratory safety procedures, how to keep a laboratory notebook, how to write a formal report, experimental design, and an appreciation for what instruments can and cannot do.
The course introduces laboratory experimentation in the context of a variety of specific topics, for example: reactions in solutions, spectroscopy, chemistry of natural waters, the use and abuse of aluminum compounds, acids and bases, solubility and reactions of ionic compounds, synthesis and analysis of chemical compounds, and study of thermochemical systems.
The following combinations of courses must be taken to receive General Education credit in chemistry: CHEM 110 GN (or CHEM 106 GN) and CHEM 111 GN; CHEM 112 GN and CHEM 113 GN.
Prerequisite: or concurrent: CHEM 110 or CHEM 106
CHEM 112 Chemical Principles II (GN) (3 credits)
CHEM 112 is the second semester of a comprehensive, two-semester general chemistry sequence following CHEM 110. It uses the same text as CHEM 110 and builds upon the subject matter of that course.
The course covers the following topics: reaction rates and chemical kinetics, catalysis, acid-base equilibria, the pH scale, common-ion effect, acid-base titrations, factors that affect solubility, buffers, chemical thermodynamics, entropy, free energy, electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, oxidation numbers, voltaic cells, batteries, corrosion, electrolysis, chemistry of the nonmetals such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, halogens, noble gases, transition metals, modern materials, alloys and metallurgy, nuclear chemistry, radioactivity, fission and fusion.
The following combinations of courses must be taken to receive General Education credit in chemistry: CHEM 110 GN (or CHEM 106 GN) and CHEM 111 GN; CHEM 112 GN and CHEM 113 GN.
Prerequisite: CHEM 110 or CHEM 106
CHEM 113 Experimental Chemistry II (GN) (1 credit)
CHEM 113 is a second-semester, one-credit introductory general chemistry laboratory. It is meant to complement the lecture course CHEM 112. The course builds on material learned in CHEM 111. The emphasis is on quantitative analytical procedures. Essential material covered includes proper use of a laboratory notebook, writing of a formal laboratory report, use of the chemistry literature, experimental design, interpretation of data using statistics, laboratory safety procedures, and an appreciation for what instruments can and cannot do.
The course introduces laboratory experimentation in the context of a variety of specific topics, for example: halogens, their compounds and their reactions chemical kinetics of a simple chemical reaction; acid-base equilibria and titrations; oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry; separations of compounds using paper and liquid chromatography; separations using gas chromatography.
The following combinations of courses must be taken to receive General Education credit in chemistry: CHEM 110 GN (or CHEM 106 GN) and CHEM 111 GN; CHEM 112 GN and CHEM 113 GN.
Prerequisite: CHEM 111. Prerequisite or concurrent: CHEM 112
CHEM 130 Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry (3 credits)
CHEM 130 is a rigorous college-level introductory Chemistry course covering the fundamental principles of general, organic, and biochemistry.
Prerequisite: MATH 021 (or placement above this level) and one year of high school chemistry is strongly recommended.
CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
CHEM 202 is an introductory course to organic chemistry, with emphasis on the properties of organic compounds of biochemical importance. Because of duplication of subject matter, students may not receive credit for both CHEM 202 and CHEM 210.
Prerequisite: CHEM 101, CHEM 110 , or CHEM 106
CHEM 203 Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
CHEM 203 is a continuation of CHEM 202. This is an introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on the identification of organic compounds spectroscopy and bioorganic chemistry. This course contains a laboratory component, which includes learning the basic organic techniques and some organic syntheses or natural product isolations.
Prerequisite: CHEM 202
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
CHEM 210 describes the bonding theories for organic molecules; stereochemistry and conformational analysis; reactions (and mechanisms) of alkyl halides, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, and alcohols. Because of duplication of material, students may not receive credit for both CHEM 210 and 202.
Prerequisite: CHEM 112
CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
CHEM 212 is a continuation of CHEM 210. Emphasis is on the chemistry of carbonyl compounds, amines, spectroscopic analysis, and bioorganic chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 210
CHEM 213 Laboratory in Organic Chemistry (2 credits)
CHEM 213 provides students with a strong foundation in organic laboratory skills. This course involves extensive written work outside the laboratory. Laboratory work includes learning the basic techniques and recrystallization/melting point determination, distillation, liquid/liquid extraction, thin layer, chromatography and column chromatography. Mastery of these basic techniques lays the foundation for carrying out a number of organic syntheses or natural product isolations. Students are often provided with hands-on access to instrumentation for the characterization of synthetic products or organic unknowns using standard analysis methods such as IR, NMR, UV/V is spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, polarimetry, HPLC, GC and GC-MS. Chemistry 210 is a prerequisite and CHEM 212 is a co-requisite for this course, because they provide the theoretical background for the reaction chemistry as well as the spectroscopic characterization of organic molecules.
Prerequisite or concurrent: CHEM 212
CHEM 227 Analytical Chemistry (4 Credits)
CHEM 227 provides students with a rigorous and comprehensive exposure to the techniques and methods used in biotech, environmental, forensic, and pharmaceutical industrial and research laboratories. The principles, methodology and practical aspects of both traditional and modern chemical analysis will be discussed. Laboratory and lecture are fully integrated, emphasizing the importance of the laboratory component to achieving mastery of overall course content. Concepts will include acid-base, precipitation, chelation, electrochemistry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and introductory chromatography, as well as some more advanced topics at the instructor's discretion. Students will be expected to develop both their chemical problem solving and laboratory skills, and will be evaluated on their ability to speak and write clearly, solve context-based chemical problems, maintain a research style laboratory notebook, and carry out reliable chemical analysis individually as well as part of a team. This course is relevant to any student majoring or minoring in Chemistry or Forensic Science.
Prerequisite: CHEM 112, CHEM 113, and MATH 140 (a C or better is required in all of these courses)
CHEM 294 Special Problems and Research (1-4 credits per semester; maximum of 12)
CHEM 294 is designed for first-year or sophomore students who are prepared to undertake special problems and research by arrangement with a faculty member.
CHEM 395 Chemistry Teacher Assistant Training (1-2 credits per semester; maximum of 2)
CHEM 395 provides instruction and practice in the role of the teaching assistant in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory.
CHEM 413 Chemistry of the Elements (4 credits)
CHEM 413W is divided into two parts that together give an overview of modern inorganic chemistry. The first part involves the descriptive and theoretical aspects of atomic structure (including periodic trends), theories and models of chemical bonding (ionic, valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory), solid-state structure and chemical consequences of structure (polarity and acid/base properties). Symmetry and some group theory are introduced early and used throughout the course. In the second half of the course, coordination chemistry is the major focus. Theoretical aspects of the structure, bonding (crystal and ligand field theories), magnetism, electronic spectra, and kinetics and thermodynamics of ligand substitution reactions of transition metal complexes are explored. Organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry is discussed as special topics, time permitting. The laboratory consists of a small part of the classic qualitative analysis scheme to encourage an understanding of descriptive chemistry and additional experiments (involving the synthesis of coordination compounds) that require more advanced laboratory skills such as inert atmosphere and gas handling techniques.
Prerequisite: CHEM 213
CHEM 430 Structural Analysis of Organic Compounds (3 credits)
CHEM 430 is designed to introduce students to the spectroscopic techniques that are used to elucidate the structures of organic molecules of various molecular weights. Some theoretical background will be provided and is necessary, but the emphasis is on solving problems. The course starts with fundamental concepts and techniques learned in sophomore organic chemistry and builds toward state-of-the-art methods used by modern organic and bioorganic chemists. Topics to be covered include: advanced mass spectroscopic techniques, UV spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and advanced NMR topics, including advanced 1D NMR and 2D NMR correlation spectroscopies.
Prerequisite or concurrent: CHEM 213
CHEM 450 Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics (3 credits)
CHEM 450 is an introduction to physical chemistry for students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, the materials sciences and related fields. This course is largely devoted to an introduction to classical and statistical chemical thermodynamics and equilibrium systems. This course introduces students to chemical properties of matter and the fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics. The theoretical foundations of thermodynamic principles are covered and illustrated with a wide variety of examples from the sciences, engineering and technology fields. The course covers the following topics: gas laws, equations of state, the First Law of Thermodynamics, work and heat, internal energy, enthalpy changes, heat capacity, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, entropy and entropy changes, the Third Law of Thermodynamics, Helmholtz and Gibbs energies, phase stability and phase boundaries, phase diagrams, phase equilibrium, surface tension, capillary action, partial molar quantities, thermodynamics of mixing, chemical potential, solvent and solute activities, colligative properties, the phase rule, thermodynamics of two-component systems, chemical equilibrium, spontaneity of chemical reactions, the response of equilibria to experimental conditions, and equilibrium electrochemistry.
Prerequisite: CHEM 112 , MATH 141 , PHYS 202 or PHYS 212
CHEM 451 Experimental Physical Chemistry I (1 credit)
CHEM 451 is a laboratory course designed to illustrate several of the principles of chemical thermodynamics presented in CHEM 450 and to demonstrate proper treatment and presentation of quantitative data. The experimental topics for this course include heat capacity ratio of gases, diffusion of gases, Joule-Thomson coefficients for gases, enthalpies of combustion, freezing point depression, and vapor pressures of liquids. Students will learn how to write quantitative laboratory reports complete with analysis of the uncertainties of the measurements they make. They will also learn how these uncertainties are propagated through each calculation that make use of the initial measurements. Students will become more aware of the importance of experimental design, proper use of instrumentation, and careful data collection.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: CHEM 450
CHEM 452 Physical Chemistry - Quantum Chemistry (3 credits)
CHEM 452 is an introductory physical chemistry course that covers quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, and chemical kinetics. If time permits, other possible topics include statistical thermodynamics, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, structures of solids, X-ray scattering, and processes at surfaces.
Quantum chemistry includes: development of wave mechanics, Schrodinger's equation, particle in a box, in a ring, on a spherical surface, free particle, barrier penetration, harmonic oscillator, postulates, hydrogen atom, helium atom, electron spin, atomic and molecular structure and symmetry. Spectroscopy includes: atomic spectra, microwave, infrared, and visible spectra of molecules. Chemical kinetics includes: rate laws, mechanisms, chain reactions, polymerization reactions, catalysis, molecular reaction dynamics (collision theory and activated complex theory), and nature of potential energy surfaces for reactions.
Prerequisite: CHEM 112 , MATH 141 , PHYS 202 or PHYS 212
CHEM 453 Experimental Physical Chemistry II (1 credit)
CHEM 453 is a laboratory course designed to illustrate several of the principles of chemical kinetics and quantum mechanics presented in CHEM 452, and to demonstrate proper treatment and presentation of quantitative data. The experimental topics for this course include kinetics of decomposition and hydrolysis reactions, and different spectroscopic techniques such as ultra violet-visible, infrared, emission and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Students will learn how to write quantitative laboratory reports complete with analysis of the uncertainties of the measurements they make. They will also learn how these uncertainties are propagated through each calculation that make use of the initial measurements. Students will become more aware of the importance of experimental design, proper use of instrumentation, and careful data collection.
Prerequisite or Concurrent: CHEM 452
CHEM 494 Introduction to Chemical Research (1-10 credits per semester; maximum of 20)
CHEM 494 is for students wishing to pursue an experimental investigation of an original research problem, including a literature search. A formal thesis may be required by your adviser.
CHEM 495 Internship (1-18 credits)
CHEM 495 is a supervised off-campus, non-group instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. Prerequisite: prior approval of proposed assignment by instructor
CHEM 496 Independent Studies (1-18 credits)
CHEM 496 is for students wishing to pursue studies independently.
CHEM 497 Special Topics (1-9 credits)
CHEM 497 is a course designation which represents courses that allow faculty members to exhibit their areas of specialty.
B M B 401 General Biochemistry I (3 credits)
B M B 401 introduces students to the principles of the structure and function of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, proteins, and enzymes.
Prerequisite: CHEM 212; B M B 251 OR BIOL 230
B M B 402 General Biochemistry II (3 credits)
B M B 402 is a comprehensive survey of the pathways and regulation of intermediary metabolism.
Prerequisite: B M B 401 OR CHEM 476
