Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering Department courses are listed below, courtesy of the Undergraduate Catalog.

CHEM 100 Preparatory Chemistry

1c-0l-1cr
Prerequisite: none

Discusses fundamental terminology, calculations, and concepts of chemistry. For students without appropriate math placement or who have limited preparation in chemistry. Provides support for students enrolled in CHEM 111 and may not be used toward any major, minor or Liberal Studies. Restricted to students in the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Health and Human Services. Students who have earned a “C” or better in a higher number chemistry course may not take this course.

CHEM 101 College Chemistry I

3c-2l-4cr
Prerequisite: none

Basic principles and concepts of inorganic chemistry are developed using atomic and molecular structure with illustrative examples from descriptive chemistry. The laboratory portion illustrates physical and chemical properties in a qualitative and quantitative manner. For selected majors within the College of Health and Human Services and to fulfill the Liberal Studies Natural Science Laboratory Sequence requirement.

CHEM 102 College Chemistry II

3c-2l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 101 or CHEM 111

Fundamental principles and concepts of organic chemistry and biochemistry are studied. Deals primarily with structural features of organic compounds, the chemistry of functional groups, and practical examples and uses of organic compounds. The laboratory portion illustrates properties and reactions of representative organic compounds. For selected majors within the College of Health and Human Services and to fulfill the Liberal Studies Natural Science Laboratory Sequence requirement.

CHEM 103 Introduction to Chemistry for Health Sciences

3c-2l-4cr
Prerequisite: none

Survey of key concepts of general and organic chemistry, with special emphasis on the application of these concepts to the health professions. Topics include measurements, chemical equations, gasses, solutions, acids and bases, hydrocarbons and organic functional groups. Course includes a laboratory component that focuses on quantitative skills. For selected majors within the College of Health and Human Services and to fulfill the Liberal Studies natural science laboratory requirement.

CHEM 105 The Forensic Chemistry of C.S.I.

3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: none

For students who would like to learn about forensic chemistry and the basic science needed to understand it. Chemical concepts on the level of an introductory chemistry course and their applications to forensic science are explored in detail. Topics include the forensic analysis of drugs, fi bers, glass, fi ngerprints, arson, questioned documents, and other types of physical evidence. Other topics include how forensic science is portrayed in novels, movies, computer games, and TV and the methods used in forensic evidence collection at a crime scene. Course cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for a chemistry major or minor

CHEM 111 General Chemistry I

3c-3l-4cr

An introductory course for science and preprofessional health majors. First half of a two-semester sequence designed to give students the foundation of knowledge and laboratory techniques required to successfully complete a degree program in the sciences or gain entry into professional health programs. Topics include atomic theory, an introduction to chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, chemical bonding, and molecular geometry.

CHEM 112 General Chemistry II

3c-3l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 111

An introductory course for science and preprofessional health majors. Second half of a two-semester sequence designed to give students the foundation of knowledge and laboratory techniques required to successfully complete a degree program in the sciences, or gain entry into professional health programs. Topics include the solid states, solution theory, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and electrochemistry.

CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I

3c-4l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 112

A study of compounds of carbon, with a special emphasis on structure reactivity relationships. Laboratory work emphasizes methods of separation and purification of organic compounds.

CHEM 255 Biochemistry and Nutrition

3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 103 or instructor permission

Introductory course for selected students in the College of Health and Human Services that focuses on the fundamentals of biochemistry. Provides a basic understanding of biomolecular processes so that this knowledge can be utilized to understand current and future aspects of molecular therapeutics. For selected majors within the College of Health and Human Services and to fulfill the Liberal Studies natural science nonlaboratory requirement.

CHEM 281 Special Topics

var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content

Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.

CHEM 290 Chemistry Seminar I

1c-0l-1cr
Prerequisite: Chemistry major or instructor permission

Provides knowledge to students concerning undergraduate research and career possibilities based on a degree in chemistry or biochemistry. Much of this class consists of presentations to students by research faculty in chemistry, biochemistry, and other departments across the university.

CHEM 314 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry

3c-3l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 112

Surveys chemical compounds and conceptual models. Includes symmetry and bonding theory, acid-base models, solids, coordination and organometallic complexes and bioinorganic chemistry. The laboratory portion builds on experimental skills and provides hands-on examples of lecture concepts.

CHEM 325 Analytical Chemistry I

3c-3l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 231

An introduction to the principles of analytical chemistry, including gravimetric, volumetric, and basic instrumental analysis. Special emphasis is placed on both perfecting the student’s laboratory technique and on the application of general chemical knowledge through problem solving.

CHEM 326 Analytical Chemistry II

3c-3l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 325, CHEM 341

A more detailed examination of the principles of analytical chemistry. Student learns theoretical and practical aspects of sampling, data acquisition, and spectroscopic, electrochemical, chromatographic, thermal, mass spectrometric, and affinity methods of analysis.

CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry II

3c-4l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 231

A continuation of Organic Chemistry I with an introduction to spectroscopic techniques. Laboratory work emphasizes the synthesis of representative compounds. 

CHEM 331 Organic Molecular Structure Determination

4c-var-3cr
Prerequisites: CHEM 231-232 (CHEM 232 may be taken concurrently)

Gives the student experience in systematic identification of various classes of organic compounds by both chemical and physical methods.

CHEM 335 Advanced Organic Chemistry

3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites: CHEM 232 and 341

Selected topics of current interest covered. Possible topics include reaction mechanisms, molecular spectroscopy, stereochemistry, natural products, heterocyclics, polymer chemistry, and organic synthesis.

 

CHEM 341 Physical Chemistry I 

4c-0l-4cr
Prerequisites: MATH 126, and PHYS 112 or 132; grade "C" or better in CHEM 112

Foundations of chemical thermodynamics, equilibria, kinetics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy.

CHEM 342 Physical Chemistry II

3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 341

A study of solids, liquids, surfaces, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, atomic and molecular structure.

CHEM 343 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I

0c-3l-1cr
Prerequisites: CHEM 321; must be taken after or concurrent with CHEM 341

Experiments illustrating application of fundamental laws to actual systems. (Writing-intensive course)

CHEM 344 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II

0c-3l-1cr
Prerequisites: CHEM 343; must be taken after or concurrent with CHEM 342

An extension of Physical Chemistry Laboratory I; experiments related to chemical kinetics, molecular spectroscopy, and other topics of physical chemistry.

CHEM 351 Biochemistry

4c-0l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 231

A study of chemistry and biological functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and hormones.

CHEM 390 Chemistry Seminar II

1c-0l-1cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 290 or CHEM 332 or instructor permission

Presents the skills necessary to design research proposals, to search for and apply to pre-and post-degree external academic research experiences and workplace opportunities, and to understand their roles and expectations for ethical research and publications.

CHEM 401 Advanced Chemistry Lab

2c-6l-4cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 332 or instructor permission

Application and analysis of advanced laboratory techniques for chemistry majors. Topics will be taken from across chemistry, and students will use techniques such as synthesis, physical characterization, computation, spectroscopy and electrochemistry to gain experience with a wide spectrum of chemical techniques. An in-depth project is included in this course.

CHEM 410 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory

0c-3l-1cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 322

A laboratory course in which the techniques used in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds are explored. Emphasizes the preparation of a wide variety of inorganic compounds and the methods by which they are identified and characterized.

CHEM 411 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

2c-3l-3cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 314 and CHEM 341

Discussion of advanced theories of atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids and bases, coordination compounds, and selected topics. In the laboratory portion, techniques used in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds are explored.

CHEM 412 Advanced Structural and Synthetic Methods in Inorganic Chemistry

2c-2l-3cr
Prerequisites: CHEM 411 and either CHEM 410 or 322

Advanced techniques used in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds are explored. In lecture, an emphasis is on the theory and application of structural and spectroscopic methods of characterization. In lab, an emphasis is on advanced methods of synthesis and structural characterization using representative examples of important classes of
inorganic compounds.

CHEM 421 Advanced Instrumental Analysis

4c-var-3cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 322

A study of modern chemical analysis, using advanced instrumental techniques; emphasis is on theory, principles of operation, capabilities, and limitations of advanced analytical instruments used.

CHEM 441 Advanced Physical Chemistry

3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHEM 342

A study of fundamental ideas of quantum and statistical mechanics, molecular structure, and other topics of current interest.

CHEM 481 Special Topics

var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content

Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.

CHEM 482 Independent Study

var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost's Office

Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.

CHEM 490 Chemistry Seminar III

1c-0l-1cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 390

A discussion of recent trends in chemical thought. Oral and written reports on assigned readings, library, or laboratory research. Guest lecturers. A seminar course to provide knowledge to students regarding effective oral and written scientific communication. Students refine their skills in reading and evaluating research papers from the literature, write a formal research paper, and present a research seminar. The combination of CHEM 390 and 490 counts as one writing-intensive course.

CHEM 493 Internship in Chemistry

var-4-9cr
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 or 113, CHEM 112 or 114, and CHEM 231, 232, 321, 341, junior status, and departmental approval

Full-time involvement in an actual "on-the-job" situation in an industrial or research laboratory under the tutelage of a selected preceptor. A department faculty member will work closely with the student and preceptor and will assume responsibility for making the final evaluation and assigning a grade.

CHEM 498 Problems in Chemistry

var-1-2cr
Prerequisite: CHEM 231 and permission of chairperson

A course of supervised undergraduate research, in conjunction with a faculty member in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Engineering Department.

CHEM 499 Problems in Chemistry Education

var-1sh
Prerequisite: Chemistry Education major; permission of chairperson

A course of independent study on selected problems in chemistry education, including library reading, lab work, and conferences with a chemistry education faculty member who is supervising the study.