DEPARTMENT of

CHEMISTRY | GEOSCIENCE | PHYSICS

Chemistry Courses


ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 420 CHEM (4.00 credits)
Theory and practice in modern biochemistry and biochemical techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 340.
ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY CHEM 431 X CHEM (3.00 credits)
An exploration of advanced concepts in organic chemistry such as chemical structure, properties of reactive intermediates, reaction mechanisms, kinetics, spectroscopic techniques, and synthetic methods. Topics will be explored by discussion of examples from the primary chemical literature; concepts will vary somewhat based upon student interest. A special emphasis will be placed on the development of scientific writing skills. Three discussions per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 323, ENG 110.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY CHEM 351 U CHEM (4.00 credits)
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of analytical chemistry including the treatment of experimental and safety data, gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis, equilibrium, electrochemistry, chromatography, spectroscopy, and instrumentation and its use in analysis of elements and molecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 121, and completion of MATH 114B or MATH 231 or a higher level course.
BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 340 CHEM (3.00 credits)
A study of the chemistry of biological systems. Topics include cellular constituents; chemical reactions involved in carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and nucleic acid metabolism; cellular energy metabolism; and enzyme kinetics. Previous or concurrent registration in courses in biological science is strongly recommended. Prerequisites: CHEM 323; BIO 152 or BIO 182 or consent of instructor.
CHEMISTRY SEMINAR CHEM 480 K CHEM (1.00 credits)
A seminar for upper-level chemistry majors to practice scientific communication skills and participate in discussion of topics in current research with fellow students and faculty. Students present a topic from the primary chemical literature. One seminar-format meeting per week. Prerequisites: Four semesters of chemistry.
ETHICS & RESPONSIBILTY SCI RESEARCH CHEM 400 3 CHEM (1.00 credits)
This course is intended for student who will be engaging in research in science or engineering. The student will be expected to prepare a personal statement about their ethics and responsibility to their field of science or engineering. Students will be expected to participate and engage in discussion of issues to become prepared for discourse with fellow professionals and the general public. Students will propose creative solutions for contemporary problems faced by the people working as scientific researchers. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 or Consent of Instructor
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I CHEM 120 S CHEM (4.00 credits)
The first semester of a two-semester sequence of a first-year college chemistry course. This course treats concepts such as structure and properties of matter, electronic structure of atoms and compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, gas laws, and acid-base chemistry. Laboratory exercises providing hands-on experience with the concepts and experimental techniques of chemistry with emphasis on inquiry, green chemistry, safety, and proper laboratory conduct are integrated into the course. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory/discussion section per week. Math placement level 2 or prior completion of a MATH course (100 level or higher) is strongly recommended. Offered: Fall, Spring
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II CHEM 121 S CHEM (4.00 credits)
The second semester of a two-semester sequence of a first-year college chemistry course. The course treats basic concepts such as properties of solutions, chemical equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory exercises providing hands-on experience with the concepts and experimental techniques of chemistry with emphasis on inquiry, green chemistry, safety, and proper laboratory conduct are integrated into the course. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory/discussion section per week. Prerequisites: Completion of CHEM 120; and math placement level 3 or completion of MATH 114A or MATH 114B or MATH 231 or higher.
GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY CHEM 200 CHEM (2.00 credits)
Green Chemistry is the design of products and processes while minimizing or eliminating the use or generation of hazardous materials. This course will introduce topics in green chemistry, including the 12 principles of green chemistry, metrics, toxicology and alleviation of environmental and ecological problems. Prerequisite: Completion of CHEM 120 or equivalent
INDEPENDENT STUDY - CHEMISTRY CHEM 379 CHEM (1.00 credits)
Topics and credits arranged. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
INDEPENDENT STUDY - CHEMISTRY CHEM 479 CHEM (1.00 credits)
Independent reading and research developed by the student with the approval and direction of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I CHEM 371 CHEM (2.00 credits)
An introduction to main group and transitional metal chemistry with emphasis on biologic uses of the elements. Two lectures per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 121.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY II CHEM 471 CHEM (2.00 credits)
A survey of inorganic reaction mechanisms, materials, organometallic, and solid state chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 371.
INTEGRATED LABORATORY CHEM 370 CHEM (2.00 credits)
An advanced laboratory course based on projects and problem sets agreed upon by the student and the instructor. The projects will incorporate experience from previous chemistry courses. Prerequisites: Junior Standing
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I CHEM 321 CHEM (4.00 credits)
The first semester of a two-semester sequence in the study of the structure (electronic and geometric), properties, and reactions of compounds of carbon. Topics include the structure and physical properties of organic compounds, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, and structure-reactivity relationships. Lab experiments emphasize lecture concepts while introducing methods in organic synthesis and illustrating techniques such as crystallization, distillation, chromatography, and spectroscopic methods of compound characterization (with emphasis on nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy). Prerequisites: CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II CHEM 323 CHEM (4.00 credits)
The second semester of a two-semester sequence in the study of the structure (electronic and geometric), properties, and reactions of compounds of carbon. Topics include the structure and physical properties of organic compounds, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, and structure-reactivity relationships. Lab experiments emphasize lecture concepts while introducing methods in organic synthesis and illustrating techniques such as crystallization, distillation, chromatography, and spectroscopic methods of compound characterization (with emphasis on nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy). Prerequisites: CHEM 321.
RELATIVITY & QUANTUM MECHANICS CHEM 360 X CHEM (4.00 credits)
An introduction to relativity and quantum mechanics, and applications to atomic, solid state, and nuclear physics and chemistry. The laboratory component will explore these applications in more detail and also emphasize various forms of writing in the sciences. Prerequisites: PHYS 131 or PHYS 201; and MATH 231 with C or better. MATH 241 recommended.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY CHEM 469 CHEM (1.00 credits)
Advanced study of topics of special current interest in chemistry and related fields. Seminar/discussion format.
THERMODYNAMICS & KINETICS CHEM 361 CHEM (4.00 credits)
Investigates the laws of thermodynamics, properties of the states of matter and dynamics. Prerequisites: CHEM 121; MATH 241 (with a C or better); PHYS 131 or PHYS 202 
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH CHEM 489 CHEM (1.00 - 3.00 credits)
Opportunities for students to engage in research collaboratively with faculty or with researchers from other agencies. Note: This course may be taken multiple times. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.