Chemistry

CHEM 100: Chemistry for Society

This course emphasizes an understanding of chemical concepts relevant to our everyday lives. At the end of this course, a student should be able to analyze and discuss primary sources dealing with subjects related to chemistry. The course is designed for non-science students. (Course is not open to students who have credit for CHEM 101 or higher or equivalent.)

CHEM 101: General Chemistry I

Theoretical chemistry and descriptive inorganic chemistry are studied in this course. The laboratories provide students with experience in basic laboratory manipulations, problem solving, and testing of hypotheses. Lectures and laboratories meet for 6 hours per week.

CHEM 102: General Chemistry II

This course is a continuation of the lecture portion of CHEM 101 and includes the study of solubility and acid-base phenomena in aqueous systems with appropriate lab work. Lectures and labs meet for 6 hours per week.

CHEM 108: Introduction to Forensic Science

The application of chemical and physical methods to the analysis of evidence is the focus of this course. Common methods of evidentiaiy examination are included as experiential components. Team work on case studies and on the investigation of crime scenes is emphasized. The course meets for 6 hours each week.

CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I

This course is a survey of organic functional groups and the the fundamentals of organic chemistry. The laboratory includes basic laboratory techniques for separation, purification, reaction, and analysis.

CHEM 212: Organic Chemistry II

This course is a continuation of CHEM 211 and includes more in-depth study of mechanisms, organic synthesis, and analysis. Laboratory work consists largely of organic preparations and identification of unknown compounds.

CHEM 255: Introduction to Pharmacology

Pharmacological properties of some common types of organic compounds are studied along with various issues in medical ethics. The course is taught predominantly in a discussion/seminar format with occasional introductory lectures.

CHEM 285: Data Analysis for Physical Science

Data Analysis for Physical Science covers hypothesis testing, principal component analysis, multivariate calibrations, experimental design, and introduction to data mining methods such as support vector machines and neural networks. The focus of the course is on the application of the above topics to practical uses in the fields of the physical sciences through the use of common software packages.

CHEM 304: Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

The important phenomena of modem inorganic chemistry are systematically discussed. These include quantum theory, structure and bonding theories including valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory, symmetry, reduction/oxidation chemistry, acid-base chemistry, solid state chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and transition metal chemistry including magnetism and electronic spectroscopy. (Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.)

CHEM 315: Advanced Methods of Analysis: Spectroscopy

This course is a survey of spectroscopic theory and methods. Experiments employ UV-Vis, infra-red, nuclear magnetic, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers. Forensic and environmental problems are emphasized. Students participate in one lecture and one laboratory session each week.

CHEM 320: Physical Chemistry I with Biological Applications

This course is an introduction to the nature of thermodynamics and kinetics including equilibrium and rate transport processes. The focus is on applications of physical concepts to systems, especially those of biochemical and biological interest. Studies of chemical and phase equilibria are investigated thoroughly, and kinetic processes including Michaelis-Menton kinetics as well as transition state theory complete the course.

CHEM 324: Analytical Chemistry

The study of the principles of acid-base, oxidation-reduction, and solubility phenomena associated with solutions is emphasized. Classical and modem applications ofprinciples to the analysis ofunknowns are performed in the laboratory.

CHEM 326: Physical Chemistry II

This course considers the thermal and energetic behavior of gases, the statistical principles governing the distribution of particles, the differing energy states of atoms and molecules, and the transitions within these states. Introductory quantum mechanical principles, centered around the Schrodinger equation, will be discussed. The course will conclude with a discussion of an advanced topic to be selected from thermodynamics, kinetics, or quantum mechanics.

CHEM 330: Instrumental Analysis

This course is a survey of the principles, applications, and performance characteristics of instmmental methods. The following topics will be covered in the course: data collection and interpretation, the physics of electromagnetic radiation, UV/Vis and NIR spectroscopy, molecular luminescence spectroscopy, atomic spectroscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, chromatographic separations, mass spectroscopy, andNMR spectroscopy. Forensic and environmental applications are emphasized. (Not open to students who have credit for or are currently enrolled in CHEM 315 or 335.)

CHEM 335: Advanced Methods of Analysis: Chromatography

This course is a survey of chromatographic theory and methods. Experiments employ thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as examples of the method. Forensic and environmental problems are emphasized. Students participate in one lecture and one laboratory session each week.

CHEM 351: Biochemistry I

This course is an introduction to the structural organization and chemical compositions of cells and to fundamental chemical processes carried on inside organelles. Included are enzymatic action, transport across biological membranes, and basic metabolic pathways as they relate to cell structure. The laboratory focuses on current techniques for the isolation and analysis of basic biomolecules and on some practical applications of enzymology. (This course may be taken for credit as BIOL 351.)

CHEM 352: Biochemistry II

This course is an introduction to biosynthesis of biomolecules, gene expression and control, and recombinant DNA technology. The laboratory focuses on current techniques for probing biochemical reactions and for isolating and engineering DNA. (This course may be taken for credit as BIOL 352.)

CHEM 370: Green Chemistry

This course is designed for a junior level student with interest in green and sustainable chemistry methods and techniques. Topics in this course will include the principles of green chemistry, problems with waste and waste disposal, environmental chemistry issues and regulations, the production of greener chemicals and solvents, and greener processes in both polymer chemistry and catalysis. Students will be expected to utilize the green chemical literature for case studies and for a final paper and presentation of current green chemical research.

CHEM 385: Writing for Chemistry I

This course is the first of two which focus on written and oral communication in the styles common to the chemistry and biochemistry fields. Students read and report on current literature of interest, including that presented by invited speakers.

CHEM 386: Writing for Chemistry II

This course provides further instruction for writing and presenting ideas and proposals in chemistry and biochemistry. Students prepare and present papers based on experimental data. A proj ect proposal, including a budget, is prepared.

CHEM 420: Professional Internship

This course is a professionally supervised experience with off-campus scientists using modem research and/or analytical techniques. Settings vary from purely academic summer programs to private or public scientific institutions. A minimum of 160 hours in the experience is expected.