Course Descriptions

101 The Chemical Science

The student gains an insight into modern chemical theory, fundamental concepts, and the methodology of a physical science. (Credit will not be awarded for both Chem 101 and Chem 105. May not be taken for major credit.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.

105 Investigating Forensic Chemistry

An introduction to fundamental concepts of chemistry through their applications in forensic chemistry. (Credit will not be awarded for both Chem 101 and Chem 105. May not be taken for major credit.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.

110 General Chemistry: Modern Chemical Analysis

Integrated lecture/laboratory exploring the use of chemical analysis techniques in field studies and traditional research. A variety of classical and instrumental methods will be studied and applied to one or more research or community service projects. The methods will be linked to concepts in general chemistry. This course is intended for students with prior chemistry experience that makes placement in CHEM 111 inappropriate. (1)
Lecture/laboratory: 6 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: Permission. Not available to students who have already completed Chem 221 or higher.

111, 112 General Chemistry I and II

The introductory course in chemistry. (Required for all chemistry, biochemistry, pre-medical, pre-dental, pharmacy, medical technology and paramedical students. Recommended for all science majors.) (1, 1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.

140 Nutritional Chemistry

A study of the chemical nature of the basis classes of foods, their functions, and their metabolism. Also discussed will be the chemistry of food additives, diet, food processing and nutritional deficiencies. (May not be taken for major credit.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.

205 Research Experience

A research project in chemistry or biochemistry. May not be used to satisfy the BA Chemistry elective or BS Chemistry research requirement. May be repeated for credit. (1/2)
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.

221, 222 Organic Chemistry I and II

A study of the chemistry of the compounds of carbon. Fundamental concepts of chemical bonding are employed to develop chemical models and to correlate structure-property relationships within and among the various classes of carbon compounds. (1,1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 112.

250 Environmental Analytical Chemistry

Analysis of environmental samples, with equal emphasis on analytical principles and the specifics of environmental samples. Includes both instrumental methods (HPLC, GC/MS, AA, UV-Visible) and wet chemical methods (Titrations, gravimetry). Principles of data analysis and quality
assurance. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 112.
(Offered in 2006-2007 and alternate years.)

260 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

A study of the elements and their compounds. The properties of these substances, spanning the entire periodic table, will be described and explained through the connections to chemical theories and concepts. The occurrence, isolation, uses, and compounds of elements will be explored. Biochemical and industrial applications will be considered. This course will be required in the BS Chemistry major; it will be an elective in the BA Chemistry and BS Biochemistry majors and the Chemistry minor. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 112. 

280 Sophomore Seminar: Communicating Chemistry

Scientific communication skills: literature searching skills, written and oral scientific presentation skills. Introduction to research methods: planning and organizing a research project, data analysis techniques. (1/2)
Lecture: 1 1/2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 221.

299 Special Topics in Chemistry

The study of a special topic in chemistry that is not normally offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Permission.

331, 332 Physical Chemistry I & II

The physical aspects of chemical phenomena, including the properties of solids, liquids, gases and solutions; thermodynamics; kinetics; electrochemistry; and elementary quantum theory. (1,1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Chem 112, Math 122, and two units of general physics.

340 Pharmaceutical Chemistry

A study of the chemistry of pharmaceuticals, with emphasis on the molecular-level interactions between drugs and the body. Drug metabolism, drug-receptor interactions, and drug development are explored with case studies including cancer drugs, opiates, and antibiotics. This course will be an elective in the BA and BS Chemistry and BS Biochemistry majors and the Chemistry minor. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 222.

341 Biochemistry I

An introduction to the structures and reactions of the major components of living organisms. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 222.

342 Biochemistry II

Further study of the components and reactions in living cells with an emphasis on the integration of metabolic pathways. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 341.

350 Instrumental Analysis

The theory and practice of the principal methods of instrumental analysis. Areas include electrochemistry, chromatography (GC and LC), spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, IR, NMR), mass spectrometry, X-ray analysis, and atomic absorption. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory, 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 331.
(Offered in 2005-2006 and alternate years.)

370 Environmental Chemistry

A study of the sources, reactions, transport, and fate of chemicals in the air, water and soil environments, as well as the effects of these compounds on human health and the natural environment. The chemistry of both natural and anthropogenic processes will be examined. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 112 and Envi 200.
(Offered in 2005-2006 and alternate years.)

399 Special Topics in Chemistry

The study of a special topic in chemistry that is not normally offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Permission.

405, 406, 407 Independent Study and Research

A research project in chemistry or biochemistry that results in the production of a scholarly paper and an oral presentation. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.

416 Internship

Practical experience in a setting where chemistry is applied, under the guidance of a member of the chemistry department faculty. (1)
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and permission of the Department.

420 Advanced Organic Chemistry

An in-depth study of selected topics in organic chemistry, with particular emphasis on physical organic chemistry. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory, 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Chem 222 and 331.
(Offered in 2005-2006 and alternate years.)

430 Advanced Physical Chemistry

The relations of atomic and molecular theory to the development of modern chemical bonding concepts. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 332.

460 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on bonding and structure. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory, 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Chem 222 and 331.
(Offered in 2006-2007 and alternate years.)

480 Senior Seminar: Chemistry Capstone

Advanced scientific presentation skills. Advanced literature searching and analysis techniques. Scientific professionalism, including professional meetings and career planning. Integrative review of all areas of chemistry. (1/2)
Lecture: 1 1/2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Chem 280 and senior standing.

495, 496, 497 Honors Project

A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance.
Prerequisite: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major a student in his/her senior year or in the summer prior to the senior year must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and the department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. (1/2, 1, 1/2)

499 Special Topics in Chemistry

The study of a special topic in chemistry that is not normally offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Permission.