College Schools, Departments & Programs

Chemistry

Course Descriptions
Introductory Courses

C100 is a lecture course for non–science majors. Students who are required to complete only two semesters of chemistry, such as those in prenursing and some allied health areas, should take C101-C121 and C102-C122, which include labs. Students who wish to take basic courses that provide a foundation for advanced work in scientific fields should enroll in C117 (or C105-C125) followed by C341.

Special Sections and Courses

Special courses for students with unusually good aptitude or preparation and especially for students interested in the professional B.S. in chemistry and B.S. in biochemistry degree programs are identified by the prefix letter “S”: S117, S330, S341, S342, and S343. These courses are equivalent to the corresponding courses lettered “C” for meeting stated requirements.

  • CHEM-C 100 The World as Chemistry (3 cr.) For non-science majors, the chemistry of everyday life: fuels, plastics, drugs, water, air, and living systems. Lectures illustrated by demonstrations, films, and molecular models. Readings include articles from current newspapers and magazines.
  • CHEM-C 101 Elementary Chemistry I (3 cr.) Essential principles of chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, bonding, properties and reactions of elements and compounds, stoichiometry, solutions, and acids and bases. For students who are not planning careers in the sciences and for those with no previous coursework in chemistry. Credit given for only one of C101 or C103.
  • CHEM-C 102 Elementary Chemistry II (3 cr.) P: C101. Usually taken concurrently with C122. Continuation of C101. The chemistry of organic compounds and their reactions followed by an extensive introduction to biochemistry.
  • CHEM-C 103 Introduction to Chemical Principles (5 cr.) Designed specifically to alleviate deficiencies in chemistry and prepare students for C117-C127. Content includes applications of measurement and chemical formula/equation conversions; modern view of the atom; and solution processes that relate to chemical reactions. Lectures, labs, and discussion sections will emphasize problem-solving strategies. Credit given for only one of C103 or C101-C121.
  • CHEM-C 107 Frontiers of Chemical Research (1 cr.) P: One semester of college-level chemistry or consent of instructor. A freshman seminar featuring talks and demonstrations by various faculty about current research in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
  • CHEM-C 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I (3 cr.) P: C101-C121 or CHEM-C103, or chemistry and math placement examinations and consent of the department. Lecture course covering basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry, basic mathematical and conceptual principles in atomic structure and periodic properties, molecular structure, chemical bonding, energy (thermochemistry), kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics. Credit given for only one of the following: C105, C117 or S117.
  • CHEM-S 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I, Honors (5 cr.) P: Chemistry and math placement examinations and consent of department. For students with unusual aptitude or preparation. An integrated lecture-laboratory course covering basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry. Credit given for only one of S117, C117-C127, or C105-C125.
  • CHEM-C 118 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry II (5 cr.) P: C117-C127 or C105-C125 or S117. An integrated lecture-laboratory course building on principles from C117. Topics include solutions, equilibria, electrochemistry, nuclear reactions, and transition metals. Additional topics may include polymers, drug design, and atmospheric chemistry. Course focuses on application-based problem solving. Credit given for only one of the following: C106-C126, C118, or N330.
  • CHEM-C 121 Elementary Chemistry Laboratory I (2 cr.) P or C: C101. Introduction to the techniques and reasoning of experimental chemistry. Emphasis is given to study of physical and chemical properties of inorganic compounds. Credit given for only one of C101-C121 or C103.
  • CHEM-C 122 Elementary Chemistry Laboratory II (2 cr.) P: C101, C121. P or C: C102. Continuation of C121. Emphasis on organic and biochemical experimental techniques.
  • CHEM-C 127 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: C117. Basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry that align with the topics in C117. Chemical bonding (atomic structure, molecular structure, molecular orbital theory, and non-covalent interactions), macroscopic properties (energy, kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics). Hands-on laboratory techniques in chemistry necessary for success in later chemistry laboratory courses, especially organic chemistry. Credit given for only one of C127 or C125.
  • CHEM-X 170 Chemistry Community Outreach Seminar (1 cr.) P: C117-C127 or C105-C125. C: Current enrollment in another chemistry course. Students will work within the community to foster interest, knowledge, and appreciation in the sciences. Assignments will include the preparation and execution of demonstrations and in class lessons at the primary and secondary school levels. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in X170 and G201.
  • CHEM-G 207 Chemical Scholarship and Presentation (1 cr.) P: C341 or S341; Sophomore standing; chemistry or biochemistry majors. Involves the preparation of scientific oral presentations and poster presentations. Assignments include the making of slides, using presentation software, handling of scientific data correctly, and presentation skills. Students will give presentations as the final assignment. Not repeatable for credit.
  • CHEM-G 209 Ethics in Science (1 cr.) Examines ethical issues in the sciences including conflict of interest in the college classroom, laboratory safety, responsible conduct of research, and authorship and intellectual property. Utilizes case studies as a framework to discuss scientific misconduct such as falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism.
  • CHEM-C 240 Preparation for Organic Chemistry (1.5 cr.) P: C117 or C106, or permission of instructor. To develop a standard and comprehensive preparation for the study of organic chemistry. Review of electronic structure, periodicity, bonding, Lewis structures, pKa’s, simple nomenclature, and molecular geometry; problem-based approach to developing skills necessary for success in organic chemistry. Course will not count toward chemistry minor or majors.
  • CHEM-C 243 Supplemental General Chemistry (2 cr.) For transfer students with General Chemistry I credit from regional campuses or other colleges who plan to take organic chemistry. Equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics will be covered. General Chemistry I plus this course is strongly recommended as preparation for C341.
  • CHEM-X 270 Overseas Study Seminar: Timmy Global Health (1-2 cr.) This service course enables students to learn about the history, customs, culture, political, social and environmental diversity of the Guatemalan and Mayan people or Dominican Republic. A one-week service trip to Guatemala over spring break or to the Dominican Republic in May to work toward impacting these indigenous populations is required. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours in X270 and G203.
  • CHEM-G 307 Chemical Career Planning (1 cr.) P: Junior standing; chemistry or biochemistry major. Focuses on writing resumes, personal statements, and cover letters. Content includes interviewing skills, discussion of graduate programs and careers in chemistry, personal assessment, job searching strategies, labor market trends, and principles of career planning. Not repeatable for credit.
  • CHEM-A 314 Biological and Environmental Chemical Analysis (2 cr.) P: C341, S341, or R340 and MATH M119 or M211. Theory and application of analytical techniques, including statistical treatment of data, spectroscopy, separation methods, electroanalytical methods, radioisotopes, and immunological methods. Credit given for only one of A314 or C318.
  • CHEM-A 315 Chemical Measurements Laboratory (2 cr.) P: A314 or C317-C318. Application of analytical techniques and instrumentation to qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Theory, instrumentation, and data analysis will be covered. Credit given for only one of A315 or A316.
  • CHEM-A 316 Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr.) P: A318 or C317-C318 or P or C: A314. Laboratory experiments involve the application of analytical techniques and instrumentation to chemical analysis of biological samples. Methods include spectroscopy, immunoassays, chromatography, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Credit given for only one of A316 or A315.
  • CHEM-C 317 Equilibria and Electrochemistry (2 cr.) P or C: C341 or S341, and MATH M211 or M213. Treatment of analytical data; chemical equilibrium; redox titrations; electrochemical theory; potentiometry; voltammetry; coulometry.
  • CHEM-C 318 Spectrochemistry and Separations (2 cr.) P or C: C341 or S341, and MATH M211 or M213. Ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and luminescence spectrophotometry; flame and electrical discharge techniques; X-ray and mass spectrometric methods; phase equilibria and extractions; counter current distribution; gas, thin-layer liquid, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Credit given for only one of A314 or C317-C318.
  • CHEM-N 330 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (5 cr.) P: C342, S342, or R340; and C343 or S343. An integrated lecture-laboratory course covering structure and bonding of inorganic compounds, including transition metal coordination compounds, organometallic compounds, and bioinorganic complexes. Further topics will include nuclear chemistry and reaction mechanisms. Credit given for only one of N330, C106-C126, or C118.
  • CHEM-S 330 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (5 cr.) P: C342, S342, or R340; and C343 or S343. For students with unusually good aptitude or preparation. An integrated lecture-laboratory course covering structure and bonding of inorganic compounds, including transition metal coordinate compounds, organometallic compounds, and bioinorganic complexes. Further topics will include nuclear chemistry and reaction mechanisms. Credit given for only one of N330, S330, C118, S118, C106-C126, or S106-S126.
  • CHEM-R 340 Survey of Organic Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C117 or C106 or permission of instructor. A survey of classes, structure, and reactivity of carbon-based compounds with an emphasis on those found in biological systems. Credit given for only one of R340, C341, S341, C342 or S342.
  • CHEM-C 341 Organic Chemistry I Lectures (3 cr.) P: C117, S117, C106, or C243. Chemistry of carbon compounds. Nomenclature; qualitative theory of valence; structure and reactions. Syntheses and reactions of major classes of monofunctional compounds. Credit given for only one of C341, S341, or R340.
  • CHEM-S 341 Organic Chemistry I Lectures, Honors (3 cr.) P: Grade of B+ or higher in C117 or S117, or consent of instructor. For students with unusually good aptitude or preparation. Chemistry of carbon compounds. Nomenclature; qualitative theory of valence; structure and reactions. Syntheses and reactions of major classes of monofunctional compounds.
  • CHEM-C 342 Organic Chemistry II Lectures (3 cr.) P: C341 or S341. Syntheses and reactions of polyfunctional compounds, natural and industrial products. Credit given for only one of CHEM-R340 or C341 or S341 and CHEM-R340 or C342 or S342.
  • CHEM-S 342 Organic Chemistry II Lectures, Honors (3 cr.) P: S341. Special course for students with unusually good aptitude or preparation, covering same subject matter as C342. Credit given for only one of C342, S342, or R340.
  • CHEM-C 343 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (2 cr.) P: C127 and C341 or S341. R: C342 or S342. Laboratory instruction in the fundamental techniques of organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and the use of general synthetic methods. Credit given for only one of C343 and S343.
  • CHEM-S 343 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors (2 cr.) P: C127 and C341 or S341. P or C: C342 or S342. Special course for students with unusually good aptitude or preparation, covering same subject matter as C343. Credit not given for both S343 and C343.
  • CHEM-C 344 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (2 cr.) P: C342 or S342, and C343 or S343. Preparation, isolation, and identification of organic compounds; emphasis on modern research methods.
  • CHEM-C 360 Introductory Physical Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C117 or S117 or C106; and MATH M119 and PHYS P201, or equivalents. R: CHEM-N 330. Elements of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, molecular quantum states, and spectroscopy. For students not intending to specialize in physical sciences. Credit given for only one of C360 or C361.
  • CHEM-C 361 Physical Chemistry of Bulk Matter (3 cr.) P: C106 or C117 or S117; MATH M212 or M216; and PHYS P202 or P222. Thermodynamics laws, free energy and chemical potentials, gases and dilute solutions, phase transitions, colligative properties, chemical equilibria, ionic solutions, chemical kinetics and transport processes, current topics. Credit given for only one of C361 or C360.
  • CHEM-C 362 Physical Chemistry of Molecules (3 cr.) P: C106 or C117 or S117; MATH-M212 or M216; and PHYS-P202 or P222. R: N330. Quantum states and spectroscopy of molecules, statistical thermodynamics, and elementary kinetic theory, current topics. Credit given for only one of C362 or C360.
  • CHEM-P 364 Basic Measurements in Physical Chemistry (2 cr.) P: C361. Experiments in this laboratory course will revolve around concepts explored in physical chemistry such as heats of fusion, heat capacities, bomb calorimetry, transport properties, chemical kinetics, and basic spectroscopy.
  • CHEM-X 371 Internship in Chemical Instruction (1 cr.) P: Consent of department. Supervised experience in teaching an undergraduate chemistry course. S/F grading. Neither X371 nor G499 may count toward credit hours in the major.
  • CHEM-C 372 Chemical Informatics II: Molecular Modeling (2 cr.) P: C341 or S341. Molecular modeling and computational chemistry; application of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics to derive structural and energetics information about molecules; conformational analysis; quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and related methods for drug design.
  • CHEM-X 373 Professional Practice in Chemistry (1-6 cr.) P: Approval of the Department of Chemistry. Designed to provide opportunities for students to receive credit for career-related, full-time work. Evaluation by employer and Director of Undergraduate Studies. Course credit may count as elective hours in the B.S. in chemistry and B.S. in biochemistry majors. S/F grading. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in X373 and Y398.
  • CHEM-C 383 Human Biochemistry (3 cr.) P: C117-C127, C105-C125, S117; C341 or S341 or R340. Introduction to macromolecular structure, central metabolism, and chemical basis of biological information flow. Credit given for only one of C383 or C483.
  • CHEM-X 399 Chemical Research (1-3  cr.) P: Approval of research director and department. For outstanding students. Cannot be substituted for any chemistry course. May not be used to satisfy upper-level laboratory hour requirement in a B.S. major; may not be used in fulfillment of chemistry major hours in a B.A. major. X399 and X499 may not be taken concurrently during the same semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credit hours in X399 and C409.
  • CHEM-G 408 Seminar in Green Chemistry (1 cr.) This seminar series focuses on the chemical aspects of sustainable chemistry, a chemical philosophy encouraging the design of products/processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Invited speakers consider sustainable design from multiple perspectives involving industry, academia, and public policy.
  • CHEM-C 416 Surface Analysis and Surface Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C360 or C361, or permission of instructor. An overview of the modern instrumental techniques of surface analysis will be presented, together with a survey of their applications to solve surface chemical problems. Topics include electron and ion spectroscopies, SIMS, LEED, thermal desorption spectroscopy, surface electron and ion microscopies, catalysis, microelectronics fabrication, and corrosion.
  • CHEM-C 420 Advanced and Nanoscale Materials (3 cr.) P: CHEM-C343, C360 or C361. R : CHEM-N330 and/or C483 or C484. This interdisciplinary course bridges chemistry, materials science, physics and biology by focusing on concepts crucial to understanding the structure–function relationships of materials and their nanoscale properties: surface, size, shape, self-assembly, defects, and the interface of biology and nanochemistry. These concepts are elucidated through the study and discussion of contemporary and advanced materials; for example, metal and magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, graphene and low-dimensional carbon materials, as well as polymers and biomaterials.
  • CHEM-C 427 Advanced and Nanoscale Materials Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: CHEM-C 420. This is a junior-senior level overview of advanced and nanoscale materials including hard, soft and hybrid materials with a focus on structure-function relationships. Lab techniques include materials synthesis, structural characterization, modeling of structures, and spectroscopic characterization. Emphasis is on modern research methods.
  • CHEM-C 430 Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C106 or N330. R: C362. Structure and bonding of inorganic compounds; survey of chemistry of the Periodic Table, group theory, electronic spectroscopy of coordination compounds, organometallic compounds, catalysis, mechanisms, and reactions.
  • CHEM-C 432 Spectroscopic Methods in Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C360 or C361, and C430. Chemical applications of group theory and the elucidation of structure and bonding in inorganic molecules and complexes by vibrational, nuclear magnetic resonance, Mössbauer, and electronic absorption spectroscopy.
  • CHEM-C 437 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr.) P: N330. Synthesis, characterization, and study of chemical and physical properties of inorganic and organometallic compounds.
  • CHEM-C 443 Organic Spectroscopy (3 cr.) P: C342 or S342, and C343 or S343. Elucidation of molecular structures by use of IR, UV, NMR, mass spectroscopy, and other methods.
  • CHEM-C 446 Organic Chemistry III (3 cr.) P: C342 or S342. Further develops concepts introduced in Organic Chemistry I and II. Advanced topics include retrosynthesis, kinetics, catalysis, organometallic chemistry, FO theory and pericyclic reactions, heterocycles, mechanism, radicals and carbenes, polymers, solid phase synthesis of peptides and organic synthesis.
  • CHEM-C 460 Nuclear Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C360 or C361. Fundamentals of nuclear behavior; nuclear properties, radioactive decay, and nuclear reactions; applications of nuclear phenomena, biological effects of radiation, nuclear analytical techniques, tracers, radioisotope dating, nuclear power, and the origin of the chemical elements.
  • CHEM-P 464 Advanced Measurements in Physical Chemistry (2 cr.) P: P364. P or C: C362. The tools of designing experiments in modern physical chemistry will be explored in this laboratory course. Students will work through the layers involved in physical experiments from its genesis through data analysis. Components of the class include electronics, computer interfacing, vacuum and laser technology, particle or photon detection, and computations.
  • CHEM-C 481 Physical Biochemistry (3 cr.) P: C361 and C484. Physical chemistry of biological macromolecules; structure and conformation of proteins and nucleic acids; thermodynamics and kinetics of biochemical reactions.
  • CHEM-C 483 Biological Chemistry (3 cr.) P: C342 or S342 or R340. Introduction to structure, chemical properties, and interrelationships of biological substances. Credit given for only one of C483 or C484-C485.
  • CHEM-C 484 Biomolecules and Catabolism (3 cr.) P: C342 or S342. Structure and function of cellular components and the generation of phosphate-bond energy. Credit given for only one of C484 or C483.
  • CHEM-C 485 Biosynthetic Pathways and Control of Metabolism (3 cr.) P: C484. Biosynthetic pathways, control of metabolism, and drug design. Credit given for only one of C484-C485 or C483.
  • CHEM-B 486 Gene Expression and Physiology (3 cr.) P: C484 or permission of instructor. Biosynthesis of macromolecules, control of gene expression, advanced topics in biochemistry.
  • CHEM-B 487 Biochemistry Laboratory (2 cr.) P: C343 or S343, and C484. P or C: C485. Laboratory instruction in the fundamental techniques of protein biochemistry, including separation of macromolecules by electrophoresis and chromatography; isolation, purification, and analysis of enzymes; and methods for probing protein-ligand interactions. Credit given for only one of B487-B488 or C487.
  • CHEM-C 487 Biochemistry Laboratory (2-3 cr.) P: C343 or S343, and C484. Laboratory instruction in the fundamental techniques of biochemistry, including separation of macromolecules by electrophoresis and chromatography; isolation, purification, and analysis of enzymes; recombinant DNA procedures; and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Credit given for only one of C487 or B487-B488.
  • CHEM-B 488 Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory (2 cr.) P: B487. P or C: C485. Laboratory instruction in the fundamental techniques of nucleic acid chemistry, including assay methods, nucleic acid purification strategies, recombinant DNA procedures; transformations, protein expression systems, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodologies, and methods of genomic analysis. Credit given for only one of B487-B488 or C487.
  • CHEM-C 497 Special Laboratory Projects in Chemistry (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Laboratory projects in chemistry or biochemistry as determined by instructor and student. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  • CHEM-C 498 Special Topics in Chemistry (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor; section authorization required. Topics in chemistry and biochemistry vary with each offering of this course.
  • CHEM-X 499 Chemical Research Capstone (2 cr.) P: Approval of research director and department; two semesters of X399 or C409. For outstanding students in research. May be used to satisfy upper-level laboratory credit hour requirements in the B.S. major; may not be used in fulfillment of chemistry major credit hours in a B.A. major. A written research thesis with oral presentation is required. X399 (C409) and X499 (G410) may not be taken concurrently during the same semester. Credit given for only one of X499 or G410.