CHEMISTRY (CHE)

Courses

CHE 102: CHEMISTRY FUNDAMENTALS FOR HEALTH SCIENCE

Credits 1
This course aims to prepare students who have not completed general and organic chemistry for upper-level biology courses, especially BIO 370 General Physiology. Topics covered include atoms and molecules, properties and concentration of solutions, acids and bases, thermodynamics, kinetics, and basic organic chemistry with an emphasis on biological and healthcare-related examples.

CHE 105: EVERYDAY CHEMISTRY

Credits 3
This course is designed for non-majors to better understand the chemistry that they interact with in their everyday lives. Even though chemistry has a constant and ubiquitous impact on our lives, most people are unaware of the science behind the products that they use every day. Emphasis will be on the connection between fundamental chemical properties and concepts and the student’s everyday lives. Topics will be organized around the chemistry seen in different household areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and garage. Two or three integrated lecture-laboratory sessions per week.

CHE 131: GENERAL CHEMISTRY I

Credits 4

Fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics covered in CHE 131 include: matter and measurement, atomic and electronic structure, stoichiometry, gases, bonding, and solutions. In CHE 132: chemical equilibria (gases, solubility), acids and bases, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, nuclear and coordination chemistry. Emphasis is placed on problem solving. Laboratory work includes Qualitative Analysis. CHE 131 is a prerequisite for CHE 132. Intended science majors should take this series in their first year.

CHE 132: GENERAL CHEMISTRY II

Credits 4

Fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics covered in CHE 131 include: matter and measurement, atomic and electronic structure, stoichiometry, gases, bonding, and solutions. In CHE 132: chemical equilibria (gases, solubility), acids and bases, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, nuclear and coordination chemistry. Emphasis is placed on problem solving. Laboratory work includes Qualitative Analysis. CHE 131 is a prerequisite for CHE 132. Intended science majors should take this series in their first year.

CHE 201: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

Credits 4
The chemistry of organic compounds (the compounds of carbon) is studied. The topics include covalent bonding, molecular structure, and resonance; constitutional, geometric, and optical isomerism; the reactions of organic compounds through their functional groups; the nucleophilic, electrophilic, and free radical reaction mechanisms; and spectroscopy. These theoretical and practical principles are applied to the solution of such organic chemical problems as structure determination, chemical synthesis of desired molecules, the effect of structure on properties, and the biological roles of organic molecules. This full-year course meets the needs of students who expect to pursue graduate studies in natural sciences and also of those who plan to enter professional schools.

CHE 202: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

Credits 4
The chemistry of organic compounds (the compounds of carbon) is studied. The topics include covalent bonding, molecular structure, and resonance; constitutional, geometric, and optical isomerism; the reactions of organic compounds through their functional groups; the nucleophilic, electrophilic, and free radical reaction mechanisms; and spectroscopy. These theoretical and practical principles are applied to the solution of such organic chemical problems as structure determination, chemical synthesis of desired molecules, the effect of structure on properties, and the biological roles of organic molecules. This full-year course meets the needs of students who expect to pursue graduate studies in natural sciences and also of those who plan to enter professional schools.

CHE 275: SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY

Credits 3
This special topics course will explore an area of chemistry using the literature, and if appropriate, a cross-disciplinary approach. The course will allow the students and faculty an opportunity to investigate areas of chemistry that are not part of the regular curriculum.

CHE 291: INTERNSHIP IN CHEMISTRY

Directed study within an internship program. The student will be expected to keep a journal detailing the internship. The student will also be expected to write a paper (usually approximately 10 pages in length) summarizing an area related to the internship experience. An evaluation by the on-site supervisor will be considered when determining the grade. The student will be required to have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 to enroll.

CHE 311: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I

Credits 4
An intensive study of the structure and interconversions of matter in its several states. Intra- and inter-molecular forces, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics, and statistical and quantum mechanics are considered.

CHE 312: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II

Credits 4
An intensive study of the structure and interconversions of matter in its several states. Intra- and inter-molecular forces, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics, and statistical and quantum mechanics are considered.

CHE 315: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Credits 4
A study of the major methods of chemical analysis, including statistics in evaluating the error associated with measurements, the systematic treatment of acid-base equilibria, introductory electrochemistry and spectrophotometry, and the theory of separations (chromatography). Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.

CHE 316: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Credits 4
A study of the structure and properties of the elements and their compounds. Topics covered are atomic structure, periodic relationships, molecular bonding, acid-base systems, and coordination compounds. Laboratory work focuses on the interaction between experiment and theory in understanding and predicting chemical phenomena. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.

CHE 318: ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

Credits 4
A specialized knowledge of chemistry is needed in order to identify, understand, and solve environmental problems. This course will be an in depth study of the chemistry of environmental issues and pollutants. Students will learn the mechanisms of important chemical reactions, as well as relevant analytical techniques related to environmental chemistry. In the lab, students will combine field work, analytical chemistry, and remediation techniques during their investigation of environmental problems.

CHE 414: BIOCHEMISTRY

Credits 4
The major classes of biochemicals, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are studied with particular attention to the relationship between their chemical structures and biological functions. Specific topics include (but are not limited to) biocatalysis, receptors, membrane structure, metabolism, biosynthesis, and energy production.

CHE 416: MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND CHARACTERIZATION

Credits 4
A detailed study of current chemical bonding theories and characterization techniques. Topics covered include molecular symmetry, molecular orbital theory, and computer molecular modeling. Molecular characterization with electronic, vibrational, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies is addressed. Laboratory work includes molecular modeling, NMR, UV/Visible, and IR Spectroscopy. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week.

CHE 450: INSTRUMENTAL CHEMISTRY

Credits 4
The study of the theory of instrumental methods of analysis and their application in the laboratory. Topics include computers in data collection and management, UV-vis, IR, AA, fluorimetry, and electrochemical methods. In addition, NMR and mass spectrometry are covered in the lecture. Two lectures and one laboratory period per week.

CHE 460: MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Credits 3
Natural and synthetic medicines are investigated with attention to their fate in a living organism: absorption, distribution, and elimination; dose-response and time-response relationships of drugs; and the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity. The biochemistry of several diseases (probably including AIDS) will be examined to learn different ways that chemicals can be used to interfere with the course of a disease.

CHE 470: ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Credits 3
An advanced course surveying modern organic chemistry. Topics include synthetic methods, mechanistic analysis, isotope effects, pericyclic and photochemical reactions, and electron transfer. Several case studies will be used to illustrate these topics. Three lectures per week.

CHE 480: SEMINAR IN CHEMISTRY

Credits 3
The student researches specified areas of Chemistry under the guidance of faculty members for oral presentation and defense before the class. Written papers are submitted for final review. Offered upon sufficient demand.

CHE 491–492: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Credits 3
Directed study and research in some aspect of chemistry. Open to students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least six courses in chemistry or other science. Offered by arrangement with a faculty member.