Course Descriptions

CHM 130 Chemical Science 4 hours
Prerequisites: MTH 099; ENG 107; LS 105; Term: Fall; Fee: yes. General Education option

A descriptive and mathematical look at chemistry for the non-scientist. Conceptual development and problem solving are emphasized. Introduction to concepts of chemistry, language and theories for general and organic chemistry. Study of atomic theory, acid-base theories, mole concept and biological molecules. Lab included.

CHM 140 General Chemistry 1: Atoms and molecules 4 hours
Co-rerequisites: MTH 105; Term: Fall; Fee: yes

Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry in a context of chemical analysis. Includes the nature of matter, periodic table, elements, ionic and covalent compounds, stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, ideal gases, and acid-base chemistry. Lab required.

CHM 230 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 4 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 130; Term: Winter; Fee: yes

Brief survey of organic and biological chemistry, emphasizing applications to human physiology. CHM 230 may not be used for major or minor credit in chemistry, biology, or forensic science.

CHM 241   General Chemistry 2: Equilibrium 4 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 140; Term: Winter; Fee: yes

Chemical thermodynamics; kinetics; equilibria; electrochemistry, redox reactions; nuclear chemistry; selected properties of the elements. Lab required.

CHM 312 Junior Seminar 2 hours
Corequisites: Junior standing in the major, ENG 312; Term Winter; Fee: yes; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 312.

Junior Seminar has been designed to help science majors improve their writing AS SCIENTISTS. Competence in writing in science requires critical evaluation of one’s work. In order to encourage the development of critical thinking, students critique published work as well as write essays, reviews, and research reports. The heart of the course lies in the weekly interaction between the instructor and students through discussion both in class sections and one-on-one. A weekly lecture provides structure and continuity and allows consideration of other topics such as interviewing and resume writing, poster presentations, ethics in science, and the nature of science and creativity. This is the program’s writing intensive course.

CHM 325 Organic Chemistry I: Structure and Nomenclature 4 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 241; Term: Fall; Fee: yes

This course begins the systematic study of the chemistry of carbon compounds—nomenclature, stereochemistry, mechanisms, predictions and trends, and introduction to synthesis. Laboratory included.

CHM 326 Organic Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms 4 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 325; Term: Winter; Fee: yes

Topics include functional group transformations, multistep synthesis, mechanisms, nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic substitution, and carbonyl chemistry. Laboratory included.

CHM 341Physical Chemistry 4 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 241; MTH 252; Term: Fall; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years

Presentation of physical chemistry topics: thermodynamics, solution equilibria, chemical kinetics, transport processes, and structure with biological applications.

CHM 350 Environmental Chemistry 3 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 241, 325; Term: Fall. Offered alternate years

Introduces students to environmental chemistry, the branch of chemistry dealing with the origins, transport, reactions, effects and fates of chemical species in the water, air, soil and living environments.

CHM 360 Biochemistry 4 hours
Prerequisites: BIO 150; Co-requisite: CHM 325, Term: Fall; Fee: yes. Offered alternate years; Cross-listed with BIO 360.

Biochemistry 360 is an advanced-level course for students majoring in chemistry, biology or dietetics. This course provides an overview of fundamental concepts in biochemistry which focuses upon the major macromolecules and chemical properties of living systems. Topics include the structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; the physical properties of water, pH, and buffers; enzyme kinetics and regulation. The principles of bioenergetics and the integration of metabolic control will be developed. Laboratory Included.

CHM 388 Cooperative Field Experience 1-4 hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval

Supervised work experience in chemistry, planned in consultation with advisor, co-op supervisor, and employer. Recording, reporting and evaluation will be required.

CHM 390 Laboratory Analysis 3 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 241; Term Winter. Offered alternate years

Theory and practical application of instruments as applied to physiochemical and analytical methods. Laboratory included.

CHM 401 Inorganic Chemistry 3 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 241, 325; Term: Winter. Offered alternate years

Study of the chemistry of the metals and non-metals emphasizing periodic behavior, atomic and molecular structure, ionic and covalent bonding, coordination compounds, oxidation and reduction reactions, acid-base chemistry, organometallic compounds, transition metal complexes and reaction kinetics.

CHM 410  Special Topics in Chemistry 3 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 241, 326; Term: TBA. Offered alternate years.

Advanced study of modern synthetic reactions, including mechanisms and theoretical perspectives. Includes use of modern spectroscopic methods.

CHM 491 Independent Study 1-4 hours

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; chemistry major or minor; junior status; Term: TBA

Opportunity to earn credit for the independent study of a course not listed in the catalog as a specific offering. By arrangement.

CHM 496A Senior Seminar: Library Research 2 hours

Prerequisites: CHM 312; Senior standing in CHM major; completion of general education and writing requirements; Term: Fall, Winter; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496A.

This course is designed for senior science majors to have the opportunity to write and orally present a research proposal. This will include conducting a literature review and designing an original research project. Students carry out their research project in BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496B. Use of computer for informational searches, data analysis, and word processing; oral presentations and final research paper required.

CHM 496B Senior Seminar: Laboratory Research 2 hours
Prerequisites: CHM 496A; Senior standing in CHM major; completion of general education and writing requirements; Term: Fall, Winter; Fee: yes; Cross-listed with BIO/CHM/ENV/FSC/HSC/ISC 496B.

This course is designed for senior science majors to conduct research with the direction of a faculty member. The student will carry out a research project of their own design. Specifically students will conduct experiments, write up the results of those experiments, write up the conclusions based on those results and present the results and conclusions of the project both in written and oral formats.