Chemistry and Biochemistry

Our Chemistry and Biochemistry students enjoy a wide range of interesting and unique courses. Some highlights include:

THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS
This course applies the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to explain the behavior of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions. Topics include the elucidation of chemical equilibria, phase transitions, reaction mechanisms, and statistical ensembles of energy states.

QUANTUM MECHANICS AND SPECTROSCOPY
This course uses the formalism of quantum mechanics to understand fundamental chemical systems. It explores atomic and molecular structures, molecular vibrations, and molecular rotations. It also explores the use of spectroscopy to probe these chemical processes.

SPECIAL TOPICS
Occasionally, courses in “Bioinorganic Chemistry,” “Advanced Organic and Organometallic Chemistry,” or “Polymer Chemistry” may be offered as special topics. These courses are designed for juniors and seniors majoring in chemistry and/or biochemistry.

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
Organic Chemistry is the study of compounds containing carbon. This course is focused on the structure, bonding, and stereochemistry of these compounds together with an introduction to reactions, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis.  This course, as well as CHM 202, is intended for students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology as well as those pursuing a career in the health professions. The laboratory introduces techniques used in organic synthesis, separation, purification, and structure elucidation. A C- or better in CHM 112 is a prerequisite for this course. The class consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
The second semester of Organic Chemistry builds on the foundation established in CHM 201. The functional group and mechanistic approach to organic reactions allows for a more in-depth approach to organic synthesis. The use of basic spectral methods as a means of structure elucidation is also covered in this course. A C- or better in CHM 201 is a prerequisite for this course. The class consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
This course covers important areas of analytical chemistry, including statistics, error analysis, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, and colorimetry.

INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
This course covers the theory and practice of physical measurements with modern chemical instrumentation. The course is divided into two parts: spectroscopic and separation methods. Topics include UV-visible, FT-IR, fluorescence, and magnetic resonance spectroscopies as well as mass spectrometry, gas, and liquid chromatography. The prerequisite for this course is CHM 212 or permission of the instructor. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.

ORGANIC LABORATORY METHODS
This is a course in modern methods of organic synthesis and structure elucidation. This laboratory-intensive course emphasizes asymmetric synthesis, green chemistry, advanced spectral methods, and literature searching. CHM 201-202 are prerequisites. The class consists of 75 minutes of lecture and six hours of laboratory.

ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
This course covers theoretical and practical aspects of chemical bonding, descriptive periodic trends, and molecular structure and symmetry of molecules. A special emphasis is given to the chemistry of the transition metals, including coordination and organometallic chemistry. The prerequisites for this course are CHM 201-202 and 331-332.

BIOCHEMISTRY I
Biochemistry I examines the biochemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, enzymes, and hormones from a chemist’s perspective and emphasizes their role in metabolic processes. Laboratory work illustrates common techniques used to isolate, identify, and assay these molecules, such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and kinetic analysis. CHM 201, CHM 202, and CHM 331 are prerequisites for the course. The class consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.

BIOCHEMISTRY II
Biochemistry II focuses on the storage, replication, transmission, and expression of genetic information. It also examines recombinant DNA methodology and physiological processes at the molecular level. Laboratory work includes the isolation and analysis of plasmid DNA, creation of a new plasmid, and transformation into bacterial cells. CHM 411 is a prerequisite for the course. The class consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.

CHEMICAL RESEARCH
These courses provide students with the opportunity to engage in individual chemical or biochemical research. The research can be either laboratory-based or theoretical in nature. The work is done under the supervision of a staff member. The courses are restricted to chemistry and biochemistry majors unless otherwise approved by the chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. The specific hours for the course are arranged with the supervising staff member.

Our small class sizes means that our students get the one-on-one attention and support they need to succeed.

Our program is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as an ACS-approved major.

Topics covered in our courses include:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Forensic Chemistry
• Drug Synthesis
• Molecular Simulations
• Chemistry of Solar Energy/Photovoltaics

For a full list of courses, you may check out the course catalogues for the Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.