
Course Listings
100N. Chemistry and Society. 4 semester hours.
Designed to introduce the study of chemistry to the non-science major. Particular focus on science and society connections. Topics vary with instructor. Some laboratory experience may be included, but this course does not satisfy the Natural World requirement for a lab course. Credit cannot be applied toward a chemistry major or minor or toward science course requirements for other science majors. Prerequisite: Math Placement level 22.
121B. Models of Chemical Systems. 5 semester hours.
Introduction to the study of chemistry and to the variety of models that are used to describe atoms, molecules and their reactions. Topics include atomic structure, molecular structure, elementary bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, solutions and acid-base chemistry. Weekly lab required. Prerequisite: Math Placement level 24. Mathematics 120 is recommended as a pre- or co- requisite. Every year. Note: Students with strong high school chemistry backgrounds or international students with strong science backgrounds should consult with the Department Chair about placing out of this course.
162B. Chemical Structure and Analysis. 5 semester hours.
Follows Chemistry 121 and introduces the student to simple kinetics, equilibrium, more acid-base chemistry, simple thermodynamics and electrochemistry, basic wet and instrumental analytical techniques, a selected survey of elements of the main group, and transition metals and their compounds. Weekly laboratory emphasizing analytical techniques and inorganic synthesis required. Prerequisites: Chemistry 121 and Mathematics 120 as a pre- or co-requisite. Every year. Note: Students with strong high school chemistry backgrounds or international students with strong science backgrounds should consult with the Chair of the Department about placing out of this course.
201. Introduction to Organic Chemistry. 5 semester hours.
First course in a two-semester organic sequence. Fundamentals of organic structural theory, chemical bonding, nomenclature, and stereochemistry of alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, alcohols, and carbonyl compounds. Reaction mechanisms are emphasized as the basis for understanding organic reactions.
Techniques used in the synthesis, purification and analysis of organic compounds are emphasized in the laboratory. Prerequisites: Chemistry 162. Every year.
271. Principles of Biochemistry. 4 semester hours.
Introduction to the study of structural biochemistry and metabolism. Emphasis on the chemistry of macromolecules (including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids) involved in physiological processes. Enzyme kinetics, thermodynamics, acid-base and redox chemistry are discussed in the
biochemical setting. The pathways of metabolism, including but not limited to glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthesis, are studied at a level allowing for an understanding of the chemical principles of catabolism and anabolism along with the regulation of the network of different pathways. Amino acid and nucleotide metabolism are also
discussed. Prerequisites: Chemistry 201 and Biology 170. Every year.
281. Analytical Chemistry. 5 semester hours.
Advanced treatment of equilibria combined with an introduction to common instrumental methods. Includes statistical treatment of data, acid-base and other complex equilibria, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and chromatographic instrumental methods. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: Chemistry 162 and Mathematics 201.
290. Introduction to Research. 1-3 semester hours.
Introduction to research methodology through the study of a research problem under the close supervision of a member of the faculty. Prerequisite: Permission of the supervising instructor.
300. Junior Seminar. 1 semester hour
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 Chemistry faculty. Several sessions in the fall are devoted to bibliographic instruction, on-line searching, and oral and written communication used by practicing chemists. The student registers for the course during both semesters; 0 credits in the fall and 1 credit in the spring. Every year.
302. Intermediate Organic Chemistry. 5 semester hours.
Second course in a two-semester organic sequence. Spectroscopic analysis and multi-step synthesis of organic compounds, concerted reactions of alkenes, reactions of aromatics and -carbonyl reactions. Techniques used in the synthesis, purification and analysis of organic compounds are emphasized in the
laboratory with a focus on multi-step synthesis and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: Chemistry 201. Every year.
303. Advanced Organic Chemistry. 4 semester hours.
Advanced treatment of topics in physical organic and/or synthetic organic chemistry. Topics may include peptide and polysaccharide synthesis, modern synthetic reactions, determination of reaction mechanisms through quantitative structure/property relationships, transition state theory and kinetics. Prerequisite:
Chemistry 201. Alternate years.
311. Thermodynamics and Kinetics. 5 semester hours.
This class offers an in depth look into the energy relationships that govern chemistry. It begins with the four 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. In the lab,
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. Prerequisites: Chemistry 281, Math 202, and
Physics 218. Recommended: Math 215. Every year.
321. Inorganic Chemistry 5 semester hours.
Overview of the quantum mechanical model of atomic and molecular structure, including 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. Weekly laboratory required, which includes computational chemistry and the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: Chemistry 201, 281 and Physics 218. Every year.
352. Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy. 5 semester hours.
This course is an introduction to the physical chemistry principles that concern the structure of individual atoms and molecules. The foundations of quantum mechanics are explored by developing model systems and then applying them to atoms and molecules. There is an emphasis on the analysis of complex problems, the collection of experimental data, and the improvement of scientific communication skills, both oral and written. Laboratory required. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: Chem 281, Math 202, Phys 218. Recommended: Math 215. Every year.
372. Advanced Experimental Biochemistry. 5 semester hours.
The experimental methods of biochemistry are explored from the perspective of essential physical principles and with hands-on experiences in the laboratory. Topics covered typically include chromatography, spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, multi-dimensional NMR and enzyme kinetics. Substantial lab reports are prepared at the conclusion of the laboratory experiences. Weekly
laboratory required. Prerequisites: Chemistry 271, Mathematics 201 and Physics 200. Every year. Writing intensive.
380. Topics in Chemistry. 2-4 semester hours.
Selected topics of current interest in various areas of chemistry. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit.
382. Advanced Instrumentation. 5 semester hours.
Advanced study of instrumental methods used for chemical analysis. Includes some basic electronics, common spectroscopic and separation methods. Lab required. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: Chemistry 281, Mathematics 202 and Physics 218.
400. Senior Seminar. 1 semester hour.
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 ethical issues in science, the social context in which science transpires in our culture, and career options for chemistry majors. Each student registers for this course during both semesters; 0 credits in the fall and 1 credit in the spring. Writing intensive. Every year.
490. Independent Study. 1-4 semester hours.
Individual study on a topic beyond the scope of regular courses.
491. Internship. 1-4 semester hours.
Chemical research or activity during the summer or academic semester at an approved site or program. Prerequisite: Chemistry 281 and prior approval of the department. Every year. This course may be repeated for credit.
492. Directed Research. 1-4 semester hours.
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. Prerequisites: Chemistry 271, 311, 321, or 382 and permission of the supervising instructor. This course may be repeated for credit.
499. Honors Thesis/Project. Variable credit.
Prerequisite: 3.50 GPA, permission of the Department Chair.
