Course Descriptions
CHE 101 Survey of Chemistry
A survey course designed for non-science concentrators, which considers the historical and philosophical developments in chemistry, as well as the application of chemical principles to physical phenomena and social issues. Topics include the development of the atomic theory of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, the chemistry of life (organic and biochemistry), and nuclear energy. Some elementary mathematics will be used. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Partially fulfills the College laboratory science requirement, but cannot be combined with CHE 111 to complete the laboratory science requirement. This course does not satisfy requirements for the chemistry major or minor. Only CHE 101 or CHE 111, not both, may be counted toward the total number of credits required for graduation.
Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 102 Topics in Chemistry
A study of topics of current interest in chemistry. Topics and prerequisites will vary and will be announced prior to registration. Does not count towards the chemistry major or minor; however, it will count towards the 11-course maximum. Does not count towards the laboratory science distribution requirement. One-half or one course credit, either or both semesters.
Prerequisites: Vary with each individual topic; watch for course announcement prior to pre-registration. Credits: 1 or 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 111 General Chemistry
This is the introductory course for science concentrators. Topics include atomic theory, stoichiometry, thermo chemistry, equilibrium, gas laws, states of matter, solutions, atomic structure, and acid/base chemistry. The laboratory, which emphasizes the basic principles discussed in lecture, includes significant synthetic and analytical work. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: Freshmen must have a MAT 111 placement or higher to enroll in this course.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 201 Survey of Chemistry II
Enrollment in this course is reserved solely for those students who took and passed CHE 101 and desire to prepare for further study in chemistry, such as organic chemistry. Topics include chemical bonding, thermodynamics and kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. The laboratory will feature experiments and activities that reinforce and expand upon the fundamental principles explored in lecture. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. Partially fulfills the College laboratory science requirement. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 101 (not available to students who have taken CHE 111) and permission of the instructor.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 211 Chemical Structure and Reactivity
This is the second course in chemistry for most science concentrators (chemistry majors and minors, and pre-health students). Topics include detailed considerations of chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium and electrochemistry; the molecular orbital theory of chemical bonding; and main group and transition metal chemistry. The laboratory will feature experiments in calorimetry, electrochemistry, quantitative analysis, descriptive inorganic chemistry, and a multi-week inorganic synthesis project. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 111.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 221 Organic Chemistry I
A study of the structure and reactions of simple organic compounds. Included as topics are molecular conformations, stereochemistry, and a discussion of some types of modern spectroscopic techniques. The laboratory work emphasizes techniques frequently used by the organic chemist, including distillation, crystallization, sublimation, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 111.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 302 Electron Microscopy (PHY 302)
Electron microscopes employ a focused beam of highly energetic electrons to examine sample morphology and topography on a very fine scale. This information is essential to the characterization of a wide range of biological and inorganic specimens including microorganisms, cells, crystals, metals, microelectronics, and nanomaterials. The initial classroom portion of this course focuses on fundamental topics in instrument design, applications, limitations, and sample preparation methods. Subsequent laboratory work involves hands-on instrument training and a substantial microscopy project.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior major in chemistry/physics.
Credits: 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 321 Organic Chemistry II
Characteristic reactions and syntheses of organic molecules will be covered in this course. Spectroscopic techniques not covered in CHE 221 will also be surveyed. Emphasis is placed on the utility of organic chemistry in today’s world; class discussions and laboratory work will present many biologically interesting illustrations. Also included is an introduction to the use of the chemical literature. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 221.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 331 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
An integrated survey of the application of instrumental methods (chromatography, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy) to the analysis of chemical systems. Statistical methods of data analysis will also be covered. Extensive use is made of examples taken from the current literature. The laboratory emphasizes instrumental methods of separation and analysis. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 211.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 351 Physical Chemistry I
An introduction to quantum mechanics through the study of exactly soluble models of chemical significance is followed by a statistical mechanical development of chemical thermodynamics. Topics include the postulates of quantum mechanics, the Schrodinger equation, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, equations of state, partition functions, laws of thermodynamics, and the thermodynamics of ideal and non-ideal solutions. The laboratory applies concepts studied in lecture and emphasizes laboratory report writing skills. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: CHE 211, PHY 112, and MAT 112.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 361 Biochemistry
Basic chemical concepts such as intermolecular forces, equilibria, energetics, and reaction mechanisms will be used to study biological systems. The class will be divided into three major foci: biomolecular structures, metabolism, and information transfer. The laboratory will familiarize students with common biochemical techniques and will integrate current areas of biochemical research. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHE 211 or 321.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 421 Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
Topics covered vary from year to year. Examples of recent topics include advanced synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and physical organic chemistry. This course is offered either in the fall or spring semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 321.
Credits: 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 431 Advanced Laboratory
A laboratory-oriented presentation of various advanced concepts in chemical instrumentation. Experiments dealing with basic analog and digital electronics will stress measurement techniques and the construction and testing of simple, yet useful, circuits. The use of laboratory computers will be considered, with emphasis on data collection (interfacing) and manipulation. These topicswill be integrated into discussion and experiments dealing with instrumental analysis (electrochemistry, spectroscopy). Individual projects will involve the construction/characterization of analytical instruments. One discussion and one laboratory each week. This course is offered on an occasional basis.
Prerequisite: CHE 331.
Credits: 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 441 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
A survey of the periodic table emphasizing the applications of modern structural principles, kinetics, and thermodynamics to inorganic systems. Descriptive treatment of selected elements and families included. The laboratory experiments emphasize the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive compounds. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: CHE 211 and 351.
Credits: 1
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 451 Physical Chemistry II
An advanced study of quantum mechanics beyond 351, including molecular structure, group theory, molecular spectroscopy, and advanced concepts in chemical bonding. It is very important that students who are interested in attending graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry take this course. Laboratory experiments reflect topics discussed in lecture. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 351.
Credits: 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 452 Advanced Physical Chemistry
This course offers further study of special topics in physical chemistry beyond the topics covered in CHE 351 and 451. Examples of recent topics include chemical kinetics, molecular spectroscopy, computational quantum mechanics, and lasers in spectroscopy and chemistry. Laboratory experiments reflect topics discussed in lecture. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 451.
Credits: 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 461 Special Topics in Biochemistry
Topics vary from year to year. Examples of recent topics include the chemistry of cancer, determining structures of biomolecules, the RNA world, fermentation and brewing, and the mechanisms of enzyme action.
Prerequisites: Vary with each individual topic; watch for course announcement prior to pre-registration.
Credits: 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 462 Advanced Biochemistry
This capstone course for the biochemistry major will use primary literature to examine DNA replication, transcription, and translation on a molecular level, and will include a primary literature research project. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: CHE 361.
Credits: 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 471 Special Topics in Chemistry
Focused study of topics of current chemical interest for advanced students; topics vary from year to year and are announced prior to registration for each semester.
Prerequisites: Vary with each individual topic; watch for course announcement prior to pre-registration.
Credits: 1 or 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 487 Special Problems
Individual laboratory or library research projects under the supervision of individual faculty on selected problems for qualified students.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Credits: 1 or 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)
CHE 488 Special Problems
Individual laboratory or library research projects under the supervision of individual faculty on selected problems for qualified students.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Credits: 1 or 1/2
Distribution: III.D. (Natural Science/Mathematics)