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The Chemistry Major: Course Descriptions

The Chemistry Major| Degree Requirements | Course Descriptions
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CH101 Introduction to Chemistry (3 credits)
The first of a two-semester sequence designed for students who do not plan to take courses in chemistry beyond CH102; for example, those interested in nursing, teaching below the secondary level, and fulfilling a liberal arts requirement in the laboratory sciences. The first semester focuses on the basic principles of chemistry, which are most appropriate for study
of organic and biological chemistry including atomic theory, chemical bonding, molecular structure, solutions, acid-base systems, oxidation-reduction, and nuclear chemistry. Many examples from medical technology are included.
Laboratory: Weekly sessions illustrating principles from lectures and development of basic laboratory skills.
Prerequisite: High school algebra or MA099
Corequisite: CH101L Introduction to Chemistry Lab (1 credit)

CH102 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (3 credits)
Further development of chemical principles with emphasis on organic and biological systems, especially as they apply to paramedical topics. For example, this course covers a study of the structure and chemistry of the principles classes of organic compounds as well as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and the study of enzymes and the
metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and, nitrogen compounds.
Laboratory: Investigation of organic chemical and biological systems with further development of laboratory skills.
Corequisite: CH102L Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Lab (1 credit)

CH103 General Chemistry I (3 credits)
The first of a two-semester sequence. This course covers the principles of chemistry for those who intend to take further work in chemistry and related fields such as medicine, biology, pharmacy, physics, engineering and teaching. Topics include atomic structure, chemical composition, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, molecular structure, solids, liquids and gases, solution properties and reaction classes.
Laboratory: Laboratory experiences that illustrate principles of thermochemistry, gas laws, molecular structure, elementary organic synthesis and qualitative analysis. Emphasis on laboratory techniques and safety considerations.
Prerequisites: Math SAT >=500 (Math ACT >=19) AND High school algebra II >=C AND High school chemistry >=C- OR MA111 College Algebra>=C- AND CH101 Introduction to Chemistry >=C- OR Permission of Chemistry Department chair
Corequisite: CH103L (1 credit)

CH104 General Chemistry II (3 credits)
Equilibrium theory, including acid/base chemistry, rates of chemical reaction; chemical thermodynamics, oxidation-reduction, nuclear chemistry; and organic biochemistry.
Laboratory: An integrated approach to the investigation of acid-base chemistry using titration, pH meter techniques and spectrophotometry; the second half of the semester is devoted to an independent project for each student, including both oral and written presentation of results.
Prerequisite: CH103; Corequisite: CH104L General Chemistry II Lab (1 credit)

CH110 Introduction to Nutrition (3 credits)
An introduction to the science of nutrition designed for the non-science major. Topics to be considered in the classroom and the laboratory include making healthy food choices, using nutrition standards and guidelines, the chemical composition of food, how food is digested and absorbed, vitamins and minerals, weight control, eating disorders, fitness, world hunger, food safety, and nutrition throughout the life cycle. Objectives include:

  1. an introduction to the chemical basis of nutrition and how food is digested, absorbed, metabolized, and excreted
  2. an application of theoretical knowledge to changing life circumstances due to aging, disease, or the social environment
  3. a broad overview of current issues in nutrition to help students develop an awareness of nutritional issues and problems.

Corequisite: CH110L Introduction to Nutrition Lab (1 credit)

CH231 Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
A study of the theoretical foundation and skills necessary for the solution of problems encountered in the area of quantitative chemical analysis, including classical and modern methods. Emphasis is given to experimental design, statistics, the evaluation and presentation of data, sampling, equilibrium dynamics of analytically important reactions, volumetric techniques, absorption and emission spectroscopy methods, electrochemical methods, and analytical and biological separations. The laboratory includes investigation of methods and techniques in volumetric analysis, Chromatography, UV-Vis and AA pectrophotometry, Voltammetry, and sampling techniques.

The program includes representative chemical samples from environmental air, soil, and water systems as well as biological samples. Computer methods of data analysis and plotting are introduced. Emphasis is on development of analytical skills, proper laboratory record keeping, and a professional outlook on laboratory work.
Prerequisite: CH104; Corequisite: CH231L Analytical Chemistry Lab (2 credits) Cross-listed as: BI231

CH241 Nutrition (3 credits)
An introduction to the chemical basis of nutrition and how food is digested, absorbed, utilized, and excreted. The course also includes a brief overview of differing nutritional states according to age categories and disease states and to prepare the student to recognize nutritionally-related disorders in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: (CH101 or CH102), BI103; Cross-listed as: BI241

CH321 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
The first of a two-semester sequence which is a detailed study of the properties, reactions, bonding, structural theory, stereochemistry and reaction of mechanisms of organic compounds.
Laboratory: Representative general techniques in organic chemistry synthesis, involving typical function groups and transformations. Microscale techniques are used along with gas phase chromatography and infrared red spectroscopy.
Prerequisite: CH104; Corequisite: CH321L Organic Chemistry I Lab (2 credits)

CH322 Organic Chemistry II (3 credits)
Continuation of study of functional groups with extension to more complex groups, including several classes of poly-functional compounds and natural products.
Laboratory: Development of organic synthetic techniques for more complex synthetic problems; development of methods of qualitative analysis using spectroscopic techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and UV-visible as well as polarimetry and
gas chromatography.
Prerequisite: CH321; Corequisite: CH322L Organic Chemistry II Lab (2 credits)

CH350 and CH351 Advanced Chemistry Lab I and II (3 credits)
A project oriented, two semester laboratory program that integrates methods and techniques normally taught as the laboratory experiences of various upper level chemistry courses. Included are basic electronics, electrochemistry, various forms of spectroscopy and chromatography, advanced synthetic techniques, and other topics. The second term includes writing a research proposal based on a comprehensive literature search and experimental design for the senior project, which will be completed in the senior research course.
Prerequisite: CH322; Cross-listed as: BI350, BI351

CH400 Current Topics in Chemistry (3 credits)
A focused study of a particular topic of interest to the faculty and students. Offered in a seminar format.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

CH401 Physical Chemistry (4 credits)
The first of a two-semester sequence. This course covers an in-depth treatment of chemical thermodynamics including the development of the thermodynamic laws, application to chemical equilibrium, phase equilibria and electrochemical phenomena and introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Emphasis is on strategies for problem solving. This course includes an extensive use of campus computing facilities including main frame and microcomputers for data analysis and graphics.
Prerequisites: CH231, PY202, MA152

CH402 Physical Chemistry II (3 credits)
Development of quantum mechanical principles as they relate to and support concepts of molecular structure and reactivity, including atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy. Students will have use of computer programs to compute quantum chemical aspects of molecule. Development of chemical kinetics and study of reaction mechanisms is
covered in this course.
Prerequisites: CH231, PY202, MA211


CH431 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
A study of modern instrumentation used in the investigation of chemical and biological systems. The theory, design, and application of various instrumental methods of analysis, including electroanalytical, spectrophotometric, chromatographic, thermal, and surface analytical techniques are discussed. Basic electronics and the relationship between signal and noise are also covered.
Prerequisite: CH231

CH452 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
Selected topics in inorganic chemistry with special emphasis on chemical structure and bonding and use of thermodynamic relationships. There is an investigation of the classes of inorganic compounds, including molecular, ionic, coordination and organometallic compounds. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: CH401


CH490 Seminar in Chemistry (1 credit)
A course designed to teach critical analysis of primary journal articles and seminars. Other topics include career planning, and social and ethical problems in Chemistry.


CH491 Biochemistry Lab (3 credits)
A project based laboratory course covering biochemical methods such as column chromatography, enzyme kinetics, peptide mapping, western blotting, and recombinant DNA technology.
Pre/Corequisite: CH492 or CH493; Cross-listed as: BI491


CH492 Biochemistry I (3 credits)
An introduction to the general principles of biochemistry with special emphasis on chemical structure and bonding and use of thermodynamic relationships. There is investigation of the classes of inorganic compounds, including molecular, ionic, coordination, and organometallic
compounds. Offered in alternate years.
Pre/Corequisite: CH322; Offered in alternate years; Cross-listed as: BI492


CH493 Biochemistry II (3 credits)
An in-depth study of nucleic acids and DNA, the course will focus on the structure and function of DNA at the biochemical and genetic level. Topics will also include control of prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression.
Prerequisite: BI103; Pre/Corequisite: CH322; Cross-listed as: BI493

CH499 Research in Chemistry (variable credit)
Directed investigation of an individual research problem. The student, in consultation with a faculty member, must develop a complete outline of the project including background literature, necessary supplies and equipment, and a sequence of the actual work. The project includes both a written and an oral report. Research at other locations under appropriate supervision may be arranged.

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