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The Chemistry Program: Courses
CHE 1000–1999 (lower level/freshman)
CHE 2000–2999 (lower level/sophomore)
CHE 3000–3999 (upper level/junior)
CHE 4000–4999 (upper level/senior)
General Chemistry I
CHE 1550 / 5 credits / Fall
The principles and applications of chemistry. Topics include the development of an atomic/molecular model, stoichiometry, interaction of light with matter, and the physical behavior of solids, liquids, and gases. The required lab emphasizes basic techniques in synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Prerequisite: MAT 1100 or equivalent
General Chemistry II
CHE 1560 / 5 credits / Spring
A continuation of CHE 1550. Topics include chemical kinetics and equilibrium, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and the chemistry of representative elements. The required lab emphasizes basic techniques in analytical and synthetic chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHE 1550
Chemistry for the Consumer
CHE 1600 / 3 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Designed to introduce non-science majors and the general public to chemistry and the impact of chemical technology on the quality of human life. Topics may include food chemistry, dyes and fibers, home products, alcoholic beverages, acid rain, air pollution, medicines, and beauty aids. Open to all students.
Chemistry and the Arts
CHE 1700 / 3 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
A lecture/demonstration course, designed for nonscience majors, that surveys the usefulness of chemistry in the practice of art and art conservation. Topics include color and light, patinas, etching techniques, detection of forgeries, photography, and the preparation and safe handling of artists’ materials. Hands-on experiences are included. Open to all students.
CHE 2000–2999:
There are currently no 2000-level chemistry courses.
Chemical Instrumentation and Analytical Methods
CHE 3150 / 5 credits / Spring
The lecture covers general analytical chemistry, including gravimetric and volumetric analysis, solution chemistry, and an introduction to the theory and use of modern analytical instruments. The required lab acquaints students with general wet chemistry techniques and with instrumental methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Prerequisite: CHE 1560
Organic Chemistry I
CHE 3310 / 4 credits / Fall
An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The structural theory is used to develop an understanding of the physical properties and chemical reactivity of organic compounds. Compounds are grouped according to structure, using a functional group approach. Reactions are organized according to similarities in mechanism, with an emphasis on electron flow. Infrared and NMR spectroscopy are also introduced.
Prerequisite: CHE 1560
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 3310.10
Organic Chemistry I Lab
CHE 3310.10 / 1 credit / Fall
Lab experience in organic chemistry, with an emphasis on microscale techniques.
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 3310
Organic Chemistry II
CHE 3320 / 4 credits / Spring
A continuation of CHE 3310. The course continues the functional group treatment of organic compounds and their reactions. Aromaticity, mass spectrometry, and retrosynthetic strategies are also covered.
Prerequisite: CHE 3310
Corequisite: CHE 3320.10
Organic Chemistry II Lab
CHE 3320.10 / 1 credit / Spring
Continued study of the spectroscopic methods for structure determination of unknown compounds. Synthetic methods for the preparation of interesting compounds are emphasized.
Corequisite: CHE 3320
Physical Chemistry I
CHE 3510 / 4 credits / Spring
A lecture course introducing the principles of chemical thermodynamics and chemical dynamics. Applications in chemical equilibria, phase equilibria, properties of solutions, chemical kinetics, and transport properties are included.
Prerequisite: CHE 3320, PHY 1520, MAT 1510
Physical Chemistry I Lab
CHE 3510.10 / 2 credits / Spring
Lab experience in the areas of chemical thermodynamics, phase and chemical equilibria, and reaction kinetics.
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 3510
Physical Chemistry I Lab for Biochemistry Majors
Refer to BCM 3510.10 in Biochemistry Courses.
Physical Chemistry II
CHE 3520 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
A lecture course introducing the principles of quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics.
Prerequisite: CHE 3510
Medicinal Chemistry
CHE 3740 / 3 credits / Spring
An introduction to how drugs are designed and the molecular mechanisms by which drugs act in the body. Covers the basic principles and techniques of medicinal chemistry, including drug administration and metabolism, as well as specific topic areas within medicinal chemistry (e.g., opium analgesics and adrenergic receptor antagonists).
Prerequisite: CHE 3320
Chemistry Junior Seminar
CHE 3895 / 2 credits / Spring
Students complete a senior research proposal, which is submitted to the chemistry faculty for review and approval. Students also attend research seminars presented by faculty and guest speakers. Required for juniors majoring in chemistry.
Independent Study and Tutorial
CHE 3900 and CHE 4900 / 1–3 credits / Every semester
Students with special interests may study independently under the sponsorship of a faculty member in the board of study. Independent study in general subjects is permitted if the board of study offers no formal course covering the material. Independent study may not be substituted for any specific requirement.
Chemistry Internship
CHE 3980 / 1–3 credits / Every semester
Opportunities to work as apprentices in research labs at other institutions (industrial or academic) can be arranged in an area of scientific or career interest.
Biochemistry
CHE 4610 / 4 credits / Fall
An introduction to the structure, function, and metabolism of the four classes of biomolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Topics include molecular biology; the structure, regulation, and kinetics of enzymes; and the structure and function of vitamins.
Prerequisite: CHE 3320
Biochemistry Lab
CHE 4610.10 / 2 credits / Fall
Practical hands-on experimental techniques for isolation and analysis of the four classes of biomolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Required for biochemistry majors.
Prerequisite: CHE 4610
Cellular and Molecular Techniques
CHE 4670 Refer to BIO 4670 in Biology Courses for description.
Prerequisite: CHE 3320 and either BIO 3530, BIO 4620, or CHE 4610
Special Topics in Chemistry
CHE 4800 / 3 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Advanced-level special topics in chemistry are examined. Topics are determined by staff and student interest.
Prerequisite: CHE 3510 or permission of instructor
Chemistry Senior Seminar I and II
CHE 4880 and 4890 / 1 credit (per semester) / I: Fall; II: Spring
Faculty, visiting scientists, and seniors in chemistry present results of current research projects. Students are graded on the basis of oral presentations of senior project results made to the faculty and their peers.
Independent Study and Tutorial
CHE 4900 Refer to CHE 3900 for description.
Chemistry Senior Project
CHE 4990 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every semester
Two-semester independent study (8 credits total) leading to a baccalaureate thesis. The student defines and conducts an independent lab project. The work is conducted in the lab of a chemistry faculty member.
Prerequisite: 90 credits, CHE 3895
Updated July 24, 2008