Course Descriptions

Chemistry and Biochemistry Course Descriptions and Class Schedule 

Although every attempt is made to ensure that the following information is accurate, you should check with the University Bulletin and Class Schedule to confirm this data. 
The information is mostly material from the University Bulletin, but semesters are determined by the Course Schedule.  Credits are given in parentheses after the course number.

BCHM120    (4)    Introduction to Biological Chemistry
A survey of major concepts in biochemistry such as structures of biological molecules, their functions, energy metabolism, regulation of biochemical pathways; for nursing, dietetics, and allied health students. Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation, and a 3-hour lab. Not applicable toward a major or minor in chemistry or biochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM110. Spring

BCHM421    (4)    Biochemistry I
Study of the fundamental principles of enzyme kinetics and mechanisms based on the structure and chemistry of biomolecules including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids, and biological membranes. Weekly: 4 lectures. Prerequisite: CHEM232. Fall

BCHM422    (3)    Biochemistry II

Continuation of BCHM421 including selected topics of hormone and regulatory biochemistry, and the study of the four primary neurotransmitter systems - acetylcholine, catecholamines, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Weekly: 3 lectures. Prerequisites: BCHM421. Spring

BCHM430    (1)    Biochemistry Lab
Introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods for the isolation, purification and identification of biological materials and applications of enzyme kinetics. Weekly: 4 hours of lab. Prerequisite: BCHM421 and registration in BCHM422. Spring 

CHEM100    (4)    Consumer Chemistry
A one-semester course primarily for non-science majors presenting an introduction to fundamental concepts of chemistry to convey an appreciative understanding of the nature of chemistry and how it is applied to our daily lives. Topics of consumer chemistry to be studied will be selected from fuels, energy, polymers, fertilizers, pesticides, food and food additives, household cleaners, cosmetics and personal care chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and air and water pollution. Meets the natural/physical science general education requirement. Three lectures per week and one 3-hour laboratory. Not applicable toward a major or minor in chemistry or biochemistry.

CHEM110    (4)    Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
An introduction to the principles and applications of inorganic and organic chemistry; for nursing, dietetics, and allied health students. Meets the natural/physical science general education restricted choice requirement. Weekly: 3 lectures, 1 recitation, and a 3-hour lab. Fall

CHEM131    (4)    General Chemistry I
This first course in chemistry is for students planning to major in science or engineering. Topics include stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, bonding, states of matter, solutions, chemical kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Weekly: 3 lectures, 2 recitations, and a 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: MPE>P3 or MATH166 or MATH191; High school chemistry or physics strongly recommended. Fall

CHEM132    (4)    General Chemistry II
A continuation of CHEM131 with topics including thermodynamics, acid and base chemistry, descriptive and nuclear chemistry. Weekly: 3 lectures, 2 recitations, and a 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in CHEM131. Spring

CHEM200    (4)    Quantitative Analysis
Lecture topics include statistics, chemical equilibrium, titrimetric procedures, gravimetric procedures, and electrochemistry. Laboratory experiments include gravimetric procedures and titrimetric procedures of acid and base systems and redox systems, electrochemistry, and an introduction to instrumental methods. Weekly: 2 lectures and two 4-hour labs. Prerequisite: CHEM132. Fall

CHEM231    (3)    Organic Chemistry I
The chemistry of carbon-containing compounds with emphasis on nomenclature, molecular structure, spectra-structure relationships, and a mechanistic approach to organic reactions. Weekly: 3 lectures and 2 recitations. Prerequisite: CHEM132. Fall

CHEM232    (3)    Organic Chemistry II
This course is a continuation of CHEM231. Weekly: 3 lectures and 2 recitations. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in CHEM231. Spring

CHEM241    (1)    Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Experiments related to the course content of CHEM231. Weekly: one 4-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM231 or concurrent enrollment in CHEM231. Fall

CHEM242    (1)    Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Experiments related to the course content of CHEM232. Weekly one 4-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM232 or concurrent enrollment in CHEM232. Spring

CHEM311    (.5)    Seminar in Chemistry
Departmental seminar series devoted to topics in current chemical research by students, faculty, and guest speakers. This course is required of, and open only to, junior chemistry and biochemistry majors, and attendance for both semesters is required for one credit; freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to attend. Grading is on an S/U basis. A deferred grade (DG) is assigned Fall Semester and is removed upon successful completion of CHEM312. Weekly: 1 seminar. Prerequisite: CHEM232. Fall

CHEM312    (.5)    Seminar in Chemistry
Continuation of CHEM311. This course is required of, and open only to, junior chemistry and biochemistry majors; freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to attend. Grading is on S/U basis. Weekly: 1 seminar. Prerequisite: CHEM311. Spring

CHEM340    (4)    Environmental Chemistry
A survey of environmental and energy-related problems. Topics include air, soil, and water pollution, energy and other resources, solid wastes and recycling, and toxic chemicals. Weekly: 3 lectures and one 4-hour lab. Not applicable towards a major in chemistry or biochemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM132; CHEM232 or CHEM200 strongly recommended. Spring (odd years or as needed)

CHEM410    (2)    Forensic Chemistry
Principles of chemistry as applied to the methods of analysis and identification of drugs. Rules of evidence as they apply to testimony in court. Observation of drug-related court procedures. Weekly: 1 lecture and two 3-hour labs. Participation must be arranged with the instructor at least 2 months prior to beginning of course. Prerequisites: CHEM200, 232. Spring

CHEM411    (.5)    Seminar in Chemistry
First half of semester consists of two meetings per week: one is an introduction to chemical literature and computer searching of Chemical Abstracts and chemical databases, the other meeting is the regular seminar series presented by students, faculty, and invited speakers. During the semester, each student prepares and presents a seminar. This course is required of, and open only to, senior chemistry and biochemistry majors, and attendance for both semesters is required for one credit. A deferred grade (DG) is assigned Fall Semester and is removed upon successful completion of CHEM412. Weekly: Two meetings during first half of semester, one meeting remainder of semester. Prerequisite: CHEM312. Fall

CHEM412    (.5)    Seminar in Chemistry
Continuation of CHEM411. During the semester, each student prepares and presents a seminar. This course is required of, and open only to, senior chemistry and biochemistry majors. Prerequisite: CHEM411. Spring

CHEM415    (4)    Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Atomic and molecular structure, symmetry, group theory, solid state, acids and bases; structure, bonding, spectra, and reaction mechanisms of d-metal complexes, systematic chemistry of non-metals; organometallic chemistry and catalysis. Weekly: 4 lectures. Prerequisites: CHEM232, 431. Spring

CHEM431    (3)    Physical Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts in chemical thermodynamics, free energy, chemical equilibria, phase changes, solutions, molecular transport, chemical dynamics, and electrochemistry. Weekly: 3 lectures. Prerequisites: CHEM200, MATH192, PHYS142 (or 242, 272). Fall

CHEM432    (3)    Physical Chemistry II
Wave mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, atomic and molecular spectroscopies, and applications to chemical dynamics and statistical thermodynamics. Weekly: 3 lectures. Prerequisites: CHEM431, MATH286; MATH240 strongly recommended. Spring

CHEM440    (4)    Instrumental Analysis
Theory and practice of analytical separations and chemical analyses by chromatographic, optical, and electrochemical methods. Introduction to interface of instruments with microcomputers. Instruments used include emission and absorption spectrometers, lasers, mass spectrometer, chromatographs, microcomputers, analog and digital devices. Weekly: 2 lectures and two 4-hour labs. Prerequisites: CHEM200, MATH192. Fall

CHEM441    (1)    Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
Experiments related to the course content of CHEM431. Weekly: one 4-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in CHEM431. Fall

CHEM442    (1)    Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
Experiments related to the course content of CHEM432. Weekly: one 4-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in CHEM 432. Spring

CHEM470    (2)    Modern Synthetic Techniques
An advanced laboratory course designed to incorporate a wide variety of modern synthetic techniques of organic, organometallic, and inorganic chemistry. Weekly: two 4-hour labs. Prerequisites: CHEM474, 415 or concurrent enrollment in CHEM415. Spring

CHEM474    (2)    Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
Study of the principles of modern synthetic organic chemistry with applications from one or more of the following areas: natural product, medicinal, or polymer chemistry. Weekly: 2 lectures. Prerequisite: CHEM232. Fall

CHEM475    (2)    Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
Advanced study of molecular spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, chemical dynamics, or the application of quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: CHEM432 or CHEM431 and permission of the instructor.

CHEM495    (1-4)    Independent Research

An opportunity for chemistry and biochemistry majors to gain research experience by joining with a faculty member in study of an area of special interest.

 

Graduate

 

 

CHEM530    (2-4)    Topics in Teaching Chemistry
Each time the course is offered, it treats one of the following areas:

• Concepts in chemistry
  Fundamental ideas of chemistry
• Demonstrations
  Simple experiments which illustrate chemical principles
• Problem-solving strategies
  Exploration into the mental processes and logic behind problem solving.

None of the above areas are to occur twice in one student's program. Prerequisite: CHEM232. Repeatable to 6 credits.

CHEM540    (2-4)    Topics in Chemistry
Independent readings to be chosen in consultation with the instructor. A written report and an oral presentation covering the materials read are required. A minimum of 60 hours of work is required for each credit. Prerequisite: CHEM431. Repeatable to 6 credits.