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Chemistry Course Descriptions

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CHEM 105 Introduction to Chemistry (4)

Prerequisite: MATH 052, equivalent proficiency on math placement test, or 30th percentile on ACT/SAT math test. A study of the principles of chemistry underlying the structure and properties of all types of matter, whether living or nonliving. The course emphasizes the development of atomic theory and the periodic table of the elements; basic inorganic chemistry including states of matter, properties of the elements, compounds, solutions, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, properties of acids, bases and salts; and some chemistry of the environment. This course can be used to meet a segment of the general education science requirement for nonscience majors or as preparation for more advanced courses in chemistry. Five class sessions are scheduled per week to provide for lecture and problem sessions; one three-hour laboratory per week. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

CHEM 110 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry (4)

Prerequisite: CHEM 105 or equivalent, or one year of high school chemistry and satisfactory performance on chemistry placement test. Those principles of organic and biochemistry essential to an elementary understanding of the chemistry of living cells and organisms. Topics covered include functional groups, nomenclature, and reactions of organic compounds with emphasis on the structure and role of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in life processes. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Spring Semester and Summer as needed)

CHEM 151; 152 College Chemistry (4; 4)

Prerequisite: MATH 120, proficiency on math placement test, 40th percentile on ACT/SAT math test, or MATH 052 proficiency and concurrent registration in MATH 120. The foundation course for chemistry majors and minors. It also provides the required chemistry background for students in other academic areas such as biology, health science, premedicine, or predentistry. Major topics include structure and bonding of matter, its properties, phases, and reactions; stoichiometry; thermochemistry; kinetics; equilibrium; acids and bases; chemical thermodynamics; electrochemistry; and nuclear chemistry. Five class sessions are scheduled per week to provide for lecture and problem sessions; one three-hour laboratory per week. (Fall Semester; Spring Semester)

CHEM 221; 222 Organic Chemistry (4; 4)

Prerequisite: CHEM 152 with a grade of C. The important classes of carbon compounds, their nomenclature, preparation, and characteristic reactions. Three lectures and three hours laboratory per week. (Fall Semester; Spring Semester)

CHEM 294 Topics in Chemistry (1-4)

Designed for students who wish a course not listed in the regular offerings. A current topic in chemistry will be explored. (Offered as needed)

CHEM 295 Independent Study in Chemistry (1-3)

Study on an independent basis in collaboration with the instructor on a topic in chemistry at the lower division level. (Offered as needed)

CHEM 331; 332 Quantitative Analysis (4; 4)

Prerequisite: CHEM 152 with a grade of C. This practical course covers the theory and application of chemistry principles to the analysis of unknown chemical substances. The course emphasizes accuracy and precision in using chemical and modern instrumental techniques. The second semester will emphasize instrumental analysis and a more rigorous treatment of analytical techniques. Two lectures and three hours laboratory per week. (Fall Semester; Spring Semester odd years)

CHEM 340 Inorganic Chemistry (3)

Prerequisites: CHEM 152 with a grade of C or better. This course is a study of the structure and reactivity of inorganic substances. The theory, structure, symmetry, reactivity, kinetics, and mechanisms of coordination chemistry will be covered. In addition, surveys of transitional metal, organometallic, cluster, and bioinorganic chemistries will be presented. Three lectures per week. (Fall Semester, as needed)

CHEM 421; 422 Physical Chemistry (3-4; 3-4)

Prerequisites: CHEM 331, MATH 252, and PHYS 282. A study of the physical chemical concepts and laws. The first semester covers the states of matter and thermodynamics. The second semester includes equilibrium, solution chemistry, electrochemistry, and kinetics. Three lectures, three hours laboratory per week. Three-hour course is a nonlaboratory course intended for nonchemistry majors who meet the prerequisites. (Fall Semester; Spring Semester even years)

CHEM 461; 462 Biochemistry (3; 3)

Prerequisites: CHEM 222 and BIOL 162. PHYS 272 recommended. A study of the chemical properties and biological functions of the atoms, molecules, macromolecules, and macromolecular complexes that constitute living systems. First semester will deal with inorganic biochemistry, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, enzymes, and the basic catabolic pathways. Second semester will cover additional catabolic pathways, biosynthetic pathways, physiological chemistry, and the molecular basis of inheritance and gene expression. Three lecture periods per week. (Fall Semester; Spring Semester)

CHEM 463, 464 Biochemistry Laboratory (1,1)

Corequisite: CHEM 461 and 462. An introduction to experimental techniques and procedures in biochemistry. The first semester deals with common procedures for proteins and enzymes. The second semester focuses on DNA techniques. Meets one three hour period per week.

CHEM 491 Senior Seminar (1)

Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor. Discussion and investigation into chemical literature. After being introduced to resources on chemical literature, students will prepare a paper and a seminar on a current chemistry topic. One class meeting per week. (Offered as needed)

CHEM 494 Topics in Chemistry (1-3)

An advanced course dealing with one or more areas selected from the following: chemical instrumentation, chemistry of industrial processes, molecular orbital theory, organic synthesis, spectroscopic analysis, geochemistry, advanced organic chemistry, inorganic structure, organic stereochemistry, and environmental chemistry. Based on student needs and faculty consent, other topics may be chosen. (Offered as needed) CHEM 495 Independent Study in Chemistry (1-3) Study on an independent basis in collaboration with the instructor on a topic in chemistry at the upper division level. (Offered as needed)