Courses

CHEM 102G. Forensic Science 1.0 course credit

This course will provide the student with an understanding of the science and legality involved in analyzing crime scenes. Specific aspects of forensic science involving the examination of physical, chemical, and biological items of evidence will be explored. Concepts of chemistry will be mastered in the classroom while the lab portion will consist of the forensic analysis of substances. By understanding the limitations of data, students will gain quantitative reasoning skills. Since forensic scientists need to have an understanding of the legal system to ensure that their actions and results are within the rules of law and are admissible in the courts, we will discuss the science in relation to famous case studies.

CHEM 140G. General Chemistry 1.0 course credit

A general study of the properties, structure, and bonding of elements and compounds. Chemical calculations and an introduction to chemical thermodynamics are also included. The course also includes a 3-hour laboratory session each week.

CHEM 220. Introductory Analytical Chemistry 1.0 course credit

An introduction to data analysis, quantitative principles of chemical equilibrium, and quantitative analysis. The course also includes a 4-hour laboratory session each week that emphasizes precision and accuracy in the laboratory, scientific writing and data analysis. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 140.

CHEM 228. Organic Chemistry I 1.0 course credit

A study of organic chemistry including the structure and reactions of some biologically important molecules. A focus on how structure affects the properties of organic molecules. This course includes a 3-hour laboratory session each week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 220 or in (CHEM 140 and consent of instructor).

CHEM 230. Organic Chemistry II 1.0 course credit

A study of the structure and reactivity of organic molecules, including kinetics and reaction mechanisms. This course also includes a 4-hour laboratory session each week. Prerequisite: A grace of C- or better in CHEM 228.

CHEM 231. Principles of Pharmacology 1.0 course credit

Pharmacology is the study of the interaction between drugs and a living organism that has an effect on the biochemical function. This course will cover topics such as the principles of pharmacology and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various classes of drugs. Not offered 2021-22. Prerequisite: CHEM 228.

CHEM 250. Special Topics 0.25 to 1.0 course credit

CHEM 270. Inorganic Chemistry 1.0 course credit

An introduction to inorganic chemistry topics including atomic structure, ionic, covalent, and metallic substances, acids and bases, coordination compounds, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. Students will use electronic structure, modern bonding theories, and models to systematically understand the properties of inorganic substances. This course includes 1 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 140 and sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

CHEM 312. Physical Chemistry I 1.0 course credit

A study of classical chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Includes a four-hour laboratory each week which emphasizes modern physical and biophysical chemistry methods. Prerequisites: CHEM 220, MATH 152 and PHYS 132.

CHEM 322. Physical Chemistry II 1.0 course credit

A study of quantum mechanics and basic/computation chemistry. Includes a four-hour laboratory each week which emphasizes spectroscopy and related computational approaches to chemical systems. Prerequisites: CHEM 220, MATH 152 and PHYS 132.

CHEM 325. Integrated Laboratory 0.5 course credit

Laboratory projects employing techniques from all areas of chemistry, but emphasizing synthesis and instrumental techniques. Scientific writing and presentation methods are addressed. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 220 and CHEM 230. Co-requisite: CHEM 340.

CHEM 331. Medicinal Chemistry 1.0 course credit

This course covers the basic medicinal chemistry. Topics will include descriptions of receptor-protein structure, dynamics, and interactions; different strategies of drug development and design; pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 230.

CHEM 340. Instrumental Analysis 1.0 course credit

A study of the principles and practice of modern instrumental methods of analysis and of chemical instrumentation. Spectroscopic, chromatographic and surface analysis techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 220 and CHEM 230. Corequisite: CHEM 325.

CHEM 350. Science Seminar 0.25 course credit

An introduction to the literature of the physical and biological sciences providing the student with the opportunity to prepare and present oral reports. Required of juniors and seniors majoring in chemistry; students enrolled in CHEM 430 should also enroll in CHEM 350.

CHEM 362. Advanced Physical Chemistry 1.0 course credit

A study of current topics in physical chemistry which extend the application or depth resented in Physical Chemistry I/II. Topics including statistical mechanics, reaction dynamics, theoretical/computational approaches, and in-depth use of peer-review literature. Prerequisite: Current or prior enrollment in CHEM 322. Offered occasionally.

CHEM 370. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 1.0 course credit

A study of the structure, bonding, stability, and reactivity of coordination complexes, including organometallic compounds. The chemistry of other selected inorganic systems is also discussed. Offered occasionally. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 230.

CHEM 380. Advanced Organic Chemistry 1.0 course credit

Study of advanced current topics in Organic chemistry. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 230. Offered occasionally.

BIOC 201. Principles of Nutrition 1.0 course credit

A biochemical and physiological look as aspects of nutrition. Students will examine the biochemical molecules and processes involved in nutrition. Current research and controversies within nutrition will be considered. For students who have an interest in science or health careers. Pre-requisite course: CHEM 140 (preferred) or BIOL 150. Offered in alternate years.

BIOC 207. Introduction to Health Careers 0.25 course credit

Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of health careers through readings and with guest speakers who visit the class. The objective of this class is to make students better informed about career choices in the health professions and allow them to reflect on their choice of career. Additionally, the students will learn about the expectations required to be a successful applicant to a professional school. Students will be expected to write a substantial paper at the end of the class that will allow proper placement in a two-week health careers externship during the Scots Term. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and the permission of health careers advisor.

BIOC 217. Health Careers Externship 0.25 course credit

In cooperation with health professionals, these experiences involve observation of the health care professional’s daily routines. At the end of the course, students are expected to reflect on what they have learned from this shadowing experience. Prerequisites: Completion of Introduction to Health Careers course and at least sophomore standing.

BIOC 310. Survey of Biochemistry 1.0 course credit

An introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry and the application of chemical principles to biological problems. Topics include the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, as well as the major catabolic and biosynthetic pathways. (Not offered 2021-22.) Prerequisites: CHEM 220 and CHEM 230.

BIOC 330. Biochemistry 1.0 course credit

Structure and function of biologically important molecules and their role(s) in life
processes. Protein conformation, enzymatic mechanisms, nucleic acid conformation, and special topics will be analyzed. Prior completion of BIOL 150 is highly recommended. The 4-hour laboratory emphasizes spectrophotometry, enzyme purification and kinetics. Students will also complete a project using a variety of molecular biology and biochemical techniques. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHEM 220 and 230.

BIOC 390. Advanced Biochemistry 1.0 course credit

A study of advanced topics in biochemistry including metabolism, information processing, biochemical aspects of disease, and current biochemical findings. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in BIOC 330.

CHEM 420. Independent Study 0.25 to 0.5 course credit

A laboratory, library, or fieldwork topic of special interest to the student pursued under the supervision of a faculty member. The project may be performed off campus. A substantial written report, as described in the course syllabus, is required in the final semester of research.

CHEM 430. Research 0.25 to 0.5 course credit

An original laboratory project chosen in consultation with the chemistry faculty. The project may be performed off campus. A substantial written report, as described in the course syllabus, is required in the final semester of research.

CHEM 450. Internship in Chemistry. 0.5 or 1.0 course credit

An experience designed to allow students to apply chemical concepts to practice in a work environment. Students are required to complete the following: a journal maintained during the work experience, an essay integrating the internship experience with chemistry course work, and an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing and permission of the department chair.