Chemistry is the science which involves the study of atoms and molecules_their structures, their combinations, their interactions, and the energy changes accompanying their interactions.
The Department offers the following degrees: B.S., B.A., M.S., M.S. for Teachers of Chemistry and Ph.D.
A departmental honors program has been established for chemistry majors who attain a high scholastic record. The program is based on independent study and research under the direction of individual faculty members. Students may enter this program as early as the spring semester of their freshman year. In many cases financial support is available on a part-time research assistantship basis from research grants obtained by individual faculty members.
Prospective students desiring further information on any part of the department's program should write the Chair, Department of Chemistry. High School Preparation: In addition to the general University admission requirements, it is wise to take two years of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, science courses and a foreign language.
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index.
Courses required for the B.S. degree provide a solid chemistry background for the professional chemist and for graduate work in most areas of chemistry. These requirements meet the latest standards of the American Chemical Society.
Cognate courses:
Chemistry majors must use the traditional letter grade option in registering for their required science and mathematics courses.
At the time of graduation a chemistry major must have completed two semesters of one modern foreign language.
The courses required for the B.A. degree provide a minimum background in chemistry, while allowing the student to supplement his or her program with courses that meet his or her specific needs. The B.A. degree in chemistry is designed to permit latitude for preparation in such interdisciplinary areas as environmental studies, pre-medicine, biochemistry, physical chemistry and teacher preparation. It is strongly advised that a student using this degree obtain faculty advice in planning his or her program.
CoursesOther required courses:
*Students using this degree for a physical chemistry emphasis should elect Chem 452 and 473, and advanced courses in mathematics and physics. For biochemistry emphasis, students should choose Biochemistry 481, 482, 485, 486 and other courses in the life sciences. As preparation for teaching at the secondary level, students should take Chem 452 and 485, Biochemistry 381 and 382, and teaching certification requirements including C&I 426. For other interdisciplinary programs, the student should consult his or her advisor.
Beginning mathematics course dependent on placement test.
Chemistry majors must use the traditional letter grade option in registering for their required science and mathematics courses.
At the time of graduation a chemistry major must have completed two semesters of one modern language. The department will waive the foreign language requirement for a student who completes this degree in preparation for secondary teaching and who meets the requirements for teaching certification, including the student teaching requirement.
For an endorsement in the major teaching field of Chemistry, a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. degree with a major in Chemistry including Chem 101N and 485. Students also must complete Math 241, Sci 350, and C&I 426, gain admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education section of this catalog). The foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree with a major in Chemistry will be waived for students who successfully complete the requirements for teacher certification (students will be required to meet the foreign language/symbolic systems competency requirement for General Education as described in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog).
Minor Teaching Field of Chemistry:For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of Chemistry, a student must complete Chem 101N; Chem 161N-162N, 164N-165N, 341, 485; Chem 370 or 371; Chem 221-222 or 261-262; Chem 223 or 263 and Biochemistry 381, CS 101, Math 241, 152, Physics 121-122 or Physics 221-222, and Sci 350. Students also must complete C&I 426, gain admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and must meet the requirements for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education section of this catalog).
Second Year
*The beginning mathematics course is determined by a placement test.
+Semester of enrollment depends on beginning letter of student's last name.
To earn a minor in chemistry the student must complete Chem 161N-162N (6 cr.), Chem 163N-164N (4 cr.), Chem 221-222 or 261-262 (6 cr.), Chem 223 or 263 (2 cr.), Chem 341 (3 cr.), Chem 370 or 371 (3 cr.), and at least 4 credits from one of the following groups:
For teaching minor requirements, see the teacher preparation in chemistry section.
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate credit, G = for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R.
U 100 Chemistry and Civilization 2 cr. (R-12) A variety of special topics for non-science majors. Topics announced in Schedule of Classes. Credit not allowed more than one time for the same topic.
U 101N Chemistry for the Consumer 3 cr. An introduction to chemistry that emphasizes the influence of chemistry on one's everyday life. Common household products, such as soap, aspirin, toothpaste, face cream and fertilizers are prepared in the lab.
U 104 Preparation for Chemistry 3 cr. An introduction to chemistry for those who believe they have an inadequate background to enroll in Chem 151N or 161N. Not appropriate toward chemistry requirement in any major.
U 151N General and Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr. First semester of an introduction to general, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry.
U 152N Organic and Biological Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., "C" or equiv. in Chem 151N or consent of instr. Second semester of an introduction to general, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry.
U 154N General Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq., Chem 152N. Laboratory to accompany Chem 152N.
U 161N College Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., high school algebra; coreq., Chem 164N. For science majors and other students intending to take more than one year of chemistry. Properties of elements, inorganic compounds, liquid solutions, chemical equilibria and chemical kinetics.
U 162N College Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 161N, 164N and "C" or equiv. in Chem 161N or consent of instr., coreq., Chem 165N. A continuation of Chem 161N.
U 164N College Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. Coreq., Chem 161N. Reactions of inorganic chemistry studied in the context of qualitative analysis.
U 165N College Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. prereq., Chem 161N, 164N. Coreq., Chem 162N. Experiments in electrochemistry, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics and quantitative analysis.
U 195 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 221 Organic Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 152N or 162N. The chemical and physical properties of organic compounds.
U 222 Organic Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 221. Continuation of 221
.U 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. Coreq., Chem 221. Laboratory to accompany Chem 221. Microscale techniques are emphasized.
U 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. Prereq., Chem 223; prereq. or coreq., Chem 222.
U 261 Organic Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 162N. Credit not allowed for the Chem 261-262 sequence and the Chem 221-222 sequence.
U 262 Organic Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 261. Continuation of 261.
U 263 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq., Chem 261. Credit not allowed for the Chem 263-264 sequence and the Chem 223-224 sequence.
U 264 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. Prereq. or coreq., Chem 262 or 222 and prereq., Chem 263 or 223. Continuation of Chem 263.
U 297 Special Problems and Honors Research Variable cr. (R-10) Prereq., one semester of chemistry and consent of instr. Laboratory investigations and research in the laboratory of a faculty member.
UG 331 Chemistry Literature 1 cr. Prereq., Chem 222 or 262 and reading knowledge of German. Presentation and discussion of current literature of chemistry. Use of the library.
U 334 Methods of Scientific Writing 3 cr. Prereq., junior or senior standing in chemistry, geology, mathematics, microbiology, pharmacy, or physics or consent of instr. A course with workshop format for developing and improving skills in scientific writing and its evaluation. This course does not count toward the 47 credit maximum for a chemistry major.
U 341 Quantitative Analysis and Instrumental Methods 3 cr. Prereq., one year of college chemistry, including laboratory. Classroom and laboratory work in gravimetric, volumetric, colorimetric and electrochemical methods of analysis; theory of errors; ionic equilibria in aqueous solutions.
UG 342 Instrumental Analysis and Physical Measurement 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 341 and 371. Theory and use of instrumental methods in the study of analytical and physical chemistry.
UG 348 Instrumental Analysis for Environmental Studies 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 341 or consent of instr. Offered alternate years. Theory and laboratory techniques of chemical instruments useful for analyses needed in environmental surveillance.
UG 370 Applied Physical Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 152 or 162 and Math 150. Basic thermodynamics and chemical kinetics with applications in the biological and environmental sciences. Credit not allowed for both 370 and 371.
UG 371 Physical Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 162, Math 251, Phys 122 or 221, and CS 101. Systematic treatment of the laws and theories relating to chemical phenomena. Credit not allowed for both Chem 370 and 371.
UG 372 Physical Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 371. Systematic treatment of the laws and theories relating to chemical phenomena.
U 395 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 398 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-9) Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Cooperative Education Office.
UG 452 Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 262 and 371 or consent of instr. Theory and principles of inorganic chemistry and a systematic coverage of descriptive inorganic chemistry in the context of the Periodic Table.
UG 453 Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 452. Theory and principles of inorganic chemistry and a systematic coverage of descriptive inorganic chemistry in the context of the Periodic Table.
UG 455 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory 2 cr. Prereq., Chem 224 or 264 and 371 and consent of instr. Preparation of inorganic and coordination compounds. Isolation and characterization by ion exchange, column chromatography, IR, UV-VIS, derivatives, MP, and BP.
UG 463 Advanced Organic Chemistry 2 cr. Prereq.,one year of organic chemistry or consent of instr. Fundamentals of modern organic chemistry featuring reactions not generally covered in introductory organic courses. Emphasis on both synthetic utility and reaction mechanism. Class meets during the first half of the semester prior to Chem 464.
UG 464 Carbohydrates and Polysaccharides 2 cr. Prereq., one year of organic chemistry or consent of instr. Emphasis on structure, reactions and synthesis in low molecular weight carbohydrates, leading into chemistry of polysaccharides. Class meets during the second half of the semester after Chem 463.
UG 465 Organic Spectroscopy 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 370 or 371 and one year of organic chemistry or consent of instr. Theory and interpretation of the NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectra of organic compounds with the goal of structure identification.
UG 473 Kinetics 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 372. The rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions.
UG 476 Radiochemistry 2 cr. Prereq., Chem 152 or 162. Offered alternate years. Nuclear reactions, interactions of particles with matter, nuclear instruments, chemical effects and applications of radiation, radiation safety and personnel monitoring.
UG 481 Polymer Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 371. Offered alternate years. Types, structures, synthesis, properties and applications of polymers; polymerization kinetics; experimental methods of study of polymers.
UG 485 Laboratory Safety 1 cr. Prereq., one year of college chemistry. Awareness of and methods of control of hazards encountered in laboratory work. Awareness of legal constraints on work with chemicals. Sources of information regarding chemical hazards.
UG 495 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses or one-time offerings of current topics.
UG 497 Special Problems and Honors Research Variable cr. (R-9) Prereq., consent of instr. Laboratory investigations and research in the laboratory of a faculty member.
G 541 Environmental Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 370 or 371. Chemical principles and reactions in natural systems: Fate of chemical contaminants in the environment; partitioning of contaminants between phases (air/water/soil); chemistry of atmospheric pollutants; computer modeling of equilibrium and kinetic processes; degradation and transformation of organic contaminants.
G 571 Quantum Chemistry I 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 372 or consent of instr. Offered alternate years.
G 572 Quantum Chemistry II 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 571. Offered alternate years.
G 593 Professional Project 3 cr. Prereq., consent of instr.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Prereq., consent of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 596 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-9) Prereq., consent of instr.
G 597 Research Variable cr. (R-open) Prereq., consent of instr.
G 598 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-8) Prereq., consent of department. Extended non-classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Cooperative Education Office.
G 599 Thesis Variable cr. (R-6) Prereq., consent of instr.
G 630 Seminar 1 cr. (R-open) Prereq., graduate standing in chemistry or biochemistry, or consent of instr.
G 650 Inorganic Chemistry Seminar 1 cr. (R-open) Prereq., graduate standing in chemistry.
G 655 Physical Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 452. Offered alternate years.
G 658 Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry Variable cr. (R-open) Prereq., consent of instr. Topic specified in class schedule.
G 660 Organic Chemistry Seminar 1 cr. (R-open) Prereq., graduate standing in chemistry.
G 662 Mechanisms and Structure 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 463 or consent of instr. The structures of organic compounds and the mechanisms of their reactions.
G 668 Special Topics in Organic Chemistry 1-5 cr. (R-open) Prereq., consent of instr. Topic specified in class schedule.
G 670 Physical Chemistry Seminar 1 cr. (R-open) Prereq., graduate standing in chemistry.
G 675 Statistical Thermodynamics 3 cr. Prereq., Chem 372. Offered alternate years.
G 697 Research Variable cr. (R-open) Prereq., consent of instr.
G 699 Dissertation Variable cr. (R-10)Professors
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Lecturer
Faculty Associate
Adjunct Assistant Professors