Course Descriptions

An introduction to chemistry for non-scientists designed to develop clear-thinking citizens able to understand the complex scientific and technological challenges facing humankind. Fundamental concepts and theoretical constructs needed to understand the chemistry of environmental and other societal problems will be presented. Students will confront, and develop a basis for establishing a position on, controversial environmental issues. Includes laboratory methods involved in designing experimental systems, thinking about and interpreting the experimental results and clearly communicating conclusions. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.

CHM 105 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY / 4 credits
This course is designed for students with little or no background in chemistry who wish to pursue further study in the sciences. The course will focus on basic mathematical skills, estimation, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, acid/base chemistry, and data analysis. Problem-solving skills will be exercised throughout the course. The course consists of lecture and laboratory components. 

CHM 110 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I / 4 credits 
Fundamental concepts of chemistry, including stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic properties, energetics, and chemical reactivity and some descriptive chemistry of the elements. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisite: EITHER a 25 or better on the ACT mathematics section (or equivalent SAT score) and a “C” or better in high school chemistry OR a grade of “C” or better in CHM 105.

CHM 120 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II / 4 credits
Fundamental concepts including the behavior of matter, solutions, acids and bases, molecular and ionic equilibria, electrochemistry, and kinetics. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisite: CHM 110.

CHM 210 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I / 4 credits
Study of compounds of carbon. Fundamental types of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, their structure, nomenclature, preparations, reactions, and practical applications. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisite: CHM 120.

CHM 220 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II / 4 credits
A continuation of CHM 210, on the topics of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, their structure, nomenclature, preparations, reactions, and practical applications. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisite: CHM 210.

CHM 224 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS / 4 credits
This course will provide a sound understanding of the physical principles of analytical chemistry and will further develop the classical (non-instrumental) methods of chemical analyses. The course has both lecture and laboratory components. Lectures will deal with basic data handling, statistics, error propagation, acid-base chemistry, redox chemistry and chemical equilibrium as they apply to the methods to be treated in the laboratory. Methods to be included in the lab are volumetric analysis, redox titrimetry, potentiometry and gravimetry. Some qualitative analysis will be done. Prerequisite:?CHM 120.

CHM 280 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL RESEARCH / 1-3 credits 
An introduction to independent research including literature searches, experimental methods and proper recording and reporting of experimental results. Prerequisites: CHM 110 and permission of instructor.

CHM 302 INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS / 4 credits
Theory, operation and application of various instruments used in the chemical laboratory. Topics to be included are infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, spectrophotofluorometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHM 120.

CHM 304 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY / 4 credits
The chemistry involved in studying the environment. Topics to be included are toxicology, common pollutants, sampling for pollutants in air and water, and techniques used in analysis. Includes lectures, demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and field work. Prerequisite: CHM 120.

CHM 350 CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS / 4 credits
Introduction to the basic principles of physical chemistry, concentrating on the kinetics and molecular dynamics of chemical reactions and the laws of thermodynamics and their relationship to equilibria in chemistry. Emphasis on analyzing and solving complex problems, making physical measurements, and reporting laboratory results. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisites: CHM 120, MTH 210, and PHY 210 or 240.

CHM 356 BIOCHEMISTRY / 4 credits
Study of the chemical basis of life. The major biomolecules – proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids – will be discussed, with emphasis on their reactions and roles in living cells. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisite: CHM 220 or permission of instructor.  (Same as BIO 356.)

CHM 360 QUANTUM CHEMISTRY AND SPECTROSCOPY / 4 credits 
Introduction to the physical chemistry principles that concern the structure of individual atoms and molecules, concentrating on quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Viewpoints of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics are brought together to discuss statistical thermodynamics. Continued emphasis on the analysis of complex problems, the collection of experimental data, and the improvement of scientific communication skills. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisites: CHM 220, MTH 220, and PHY 250.

CHM 370 JUNIOR SEMINAR / 1 credit
Students will develop their research and oral skills by reading and presenting information from the current primary chemical literature. Each student is required to deliver a series of oral presentations of topics from the literature. Attendance at weekly departmental seminars and discussions is required. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the chemistry faculty.

CHM 390 INTERNSHIP IN CHEMISTRY / 1-3 credits
Practical experience in chemistry or a related field of the student’s choosing, with supervision by professionals. Offered every semester and in the summer as an elective for upper-class students who are interested in sampling a particular field of chemistry as a career opportunity. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and permission of a supervising faculty member.

CHM 399 CHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL STUDIES COURSE: VARIABLE TOPICS /1 credit 
Studies of varying topics in chemistry, including a two-week Nichols trip.  Prerequisites will vary depending upon course topic.

CHM 413 ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY / 4 credits
Quantum theory, symmetry and group theory, electronic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table and periodic properties, crystalline structure, coordination chemistry, and some descriptive chemistry of the transition elements. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisite: CHM 360 or permission of instructor.

CHM?425 Advanced Biochemistry / 4 credits
Advanced Biochemistry is an in-depth study of selected biochemical reactions and pathways of major biological and physiological significance. Topics examined include synthesis and breakdown of important biomolecules, cell signaling pathways and second messengers. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components. Prerequisite: CHM?356 / BIO 356. (Same as BIO 425).

CHM 450 DIRECTED STUDY / 1-3 credits
Individual work on special topics in chemistry.

CHM 480 DIRECTED RESEARCH / 1-3 credits
Independent research to acquaint the student with the methods and techniques of chemical research. Prerequisite: CHM 220.

CHM 482 TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY / 3 credits
This course will explore the modern aspects of the classical chemistry areas including organic, inorganic, physical chemistry and biochemistry. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.

CHM 490 SENIOR SEMINAR / 1 credit
The course, taken in the final semester of the senior year, is designed to review the competency of each student in chemistry. Each student will deliver a formal presentation consisting of an oral lecture and a written paper. Seminar topics for the presentation are chosen by the students in consultation with the faculty. All presentations are to be prepared under the supervision of a faculty member. Attendance at weekly departmental seminars and discussions is required. Prerequisite: CHM 370 (Junior Seminar) and senior standing.