CHE - Chemistry

An introduction to the principles of chemistry with specific applications to the materials and methods used by artists. Topics will include: the nature of light and its interaction with matter in producing color; a study of chemical bonding with application to light absorbing molecules found in the composition of artists' dyes, paints, and pigments; the chemistry of ceramics and glazes; and the chemistry of photography. Other topics may include the chemistry of art restoration, dating of art works, and chemical hazards in the studio. This course is primarily intended for those majoring in art or a related discipline. Co-requisite: CHE-104L. This course with its co-requisite laboratory fulfills the general education lab science requirement.

Lab taken as a co-requisite to CHE-104.

A non-majors lab science course fulfilling the general education requirement; not meant for those going on to higher level chemistry courses. This course is intended for students with majors outside of the sciences who have had little science or math in high school. The concept is to examine the chemistry of a variety of technology-based issues in the context of their social political, economic, ecological and ethical ramifications. The objective is to help students develop critical thinking ability, to better understand how to assess technological risks and benefits and to explore skills that will lead to informed decisions on scientific issues throughout their lives. No prerequisites. Co-requisite: CHE-105L. This course with its co-requisite laboratory fulfills the general education lab science requirement. Considered an elective in the Science Minor for Education Majors.

Laboratory study intended to amplify material covered in CHE-105. The experiments allow the student to experience science at a basic level using simple chemical equipment and procedures. This lab is taken as a co-requisite to CHE-105.

An introduction to the principles of chemistry. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, stoichiometry, solutions, intermolecular interactions, gases and other related topics. CHE-110 is a beginning course for students with weak or no previous chemistry and who expect to take CHE-120 or CHE-125. This course with its co-requisite laboratory fulfills the general education lab science requirement. Foundational elective in the Science Minor for Education Majors. Students taking this course should have a basic proficiency in math. A math SAT above 460, or RSAT 500 or above; or ACT above 19 or a grade of "C" or above in MAT-101 is highly recommended but not required. Co-requisite: CHE-110L.

Relatively simple laboratory experiments are used to facilitate the learning of chemical principles covered in CHE-110. Co-requisite: CHE-110.

An introduction to the structure and reactions of organic compounds. The function and metabolism of compounds of importance to biological systems will be emphasized. Prerequisite: High school chemistry (1 year) and Math SAT 440 or above, or RSAT 480 or above; ACT 19 or above OR completion of CHE-110 with a grade of "C" or better. Co-requisite: CHE-120L. This course with its co-requisite laboratory fulfills the general education lab science requirement.

Lab taken as a co-requisite to CHE-120. Prerequisites: High school chemistry (1 year) and Math SAT 400 or above, SATI 440 or above, ACT 19 or above OR completion of CHE-110 with a grade of "C" or better.

A study of the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry and their relations to representative elements and their compounds. This course starts with atoms, builds atoms into compounds, and then begins talking about the way in which elements and compounds behave. Foundational elective in the Science Minor for Education Majors. Prerequisite: CHE-110 with grade of "C" or better; Math SAT 480 or above, or RSAT 510 or above; ACT 21 or above, AND high school chemistry (1 year). Co-requisite: CHE-125L.

Laboratory study of basic principles such as stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and spectrophotometry. The experiments will aid in the understanding of common laboratory techniques, data analysis and legal/ethical issues of laboratory record keeping. This lab is taken as a co-requisite to CHE-125.

A study of the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry with an emphasis on solutions and equilibria. Topics covered include acid/base chemistry, oxidation/reduction reactions, thermodynamics, and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE-125 or equivalent. Co-requisite: CHE-126L.

Laboratory study exploring topics in parallel with lecture course along with a multi-week qualitative analysis experience. The experiments use techniques from 125L to assist in application of chemical concepts. This lab is taken as a co-requisite to CHE-126.

This course will focus on principles and analysis of chemical movement and distribution in natural environments. Sampling and analytical methods are included for water, soil and air. Consideration of the influence of man on the chemistry of the environment will be addressed. Prerequisite: BIO-125 and CHE-125 with "C" or better.

A study of the fundamental principles and concepts in organic chemistry. The course begins by focusing on molecular structure, acidity, physical properties of functional groups, and organic nomenclature. These topics form the basis for understanding and planning nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, which are then applied to both synthesis and reactivity of numerous functional groups. The concepts are subsequently applied to addition reactions of alkenes and alkynes. Prerequisites: CHE-126. Co-requisite: CHE-235L.

Laboratory study explores the basic operations of organic synthesis and purification as well as natural product isolation. Chemical products are analyzed both by determination of physical properties as well as spectrophotmetric analysis. Co-requisite: CHE-235.

A study of all the major classes of carbon compounds. First-semester emphasis is on structure and nomenclature with an introduction to elementary reactions and reaction mechanisms. Second-semester emphasis is on reactions, synthesis, and analysis. Prerequisite: CHE-235. Co-requisite: CHE-236L.

Lab taken as a co-requisite to CHE-236.

A more advanced course which explores the properties of the transition elements. Topics will include the Schrodinger wave equation, states of atoms, crystal field/molecular orbital theory, coordination chemistry, and organometallic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE-235.

An introduction to the theory and methods of chemical separations and quantitative determinations. An emphasis is placed on understanding chemical equilibria of all forms. The first half of the course will focus on statistical treatment of data, equilibrium theory, or titrimetric analyses. The second half of the course will focus on instrumental techniques involving electrochemistry, spectrometry, and chromatography. Prerequisites: CHE-126. Co-requisite: CHE-350L.

A laboratory experience coordinated carefully with CHE-350 to expose students to hands-on applications of chromatography, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and titrimetric methods of analysis as they are used to solve problems typically dealt with in modern laboratories. Manipulation and interpretation of the data obtained from the laboratory experiments will result in a variety of deliverables tailored to the scenario in the problem. Taken as a co-requisite to CHE-350.

Work with a faculty mentor and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.

A more advanced course which explores the properties of the transition elements. Topics will include the Schrodinger wave equation, states of atoms, crystal field/molecular orbital theory, coordination chemistry, and organometallic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE-235.

A study of the chemistry of life processes. The first half of the course will focus on the structure and function of macromolecules and primary metabolites. Topics will include amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates and lipids. The second half of the course will focus on major metabolic pathways and their regulation. Designed for chemistry and biology majors who intend to do graduate work related to this area. Prerequisite: CHE-236 (or CHE-235 and permission of instructor).

A continuation course which builds on the fundamental concepts from Biological Chemistry I. Topics will include biosynthesis of different classes of biological molecules including lipids and amino acids as well as nucleic acids and DNA. Protein synthesis, gene regulation and recombinant DNA technologies will also be emphasized. Prerequisite: CHE-430. Co-requisite CHE-432L.

Lab taken as co-requisite to CHE-432. Provides experiences with some of the techniques used to study proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

This course covers the basic laws of thermodynamics and their application to various systems (pure substances, mixtures, and multiple phases). Electrochemistry and kinetics is also covered at a basic level. Prerequisites: PHY-222, MAT-254, and CHE-126.

An introduction to quantum mechanics and applications to atomic and molecular structure. Topics include rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscophy as well as methods for solving the Schrodinger equation. Prerequisite: CHE-440.

An introductory laboratory experience in methods and instrumentation used in the determination of physical and chemical properties of matter. This course includes experiments that are applicable to thermodynamic, kinetic and quantum mechanical properties of chemical systems. Co-requisite: CHE-450.

Individually arranged reading, problem solving, or research in advanced chemistry. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

This course is intended to help science majors to synthesize, integrate, and apply their scientific understanding. The course will focus on advanced topics and on the ethical and social implications of science. Some emphasis will be given to research and to written and oral communication skills as used in the sciences. The Major Field Achievement Test in chemistry may be administered as a part of this course. The course is required of all majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing, science major, and completion of at least one course in the major at or above the 300 level.

Students will engage in original research under the direction of a faculty member. This course may be repeated but only two credits total may be applied toward a chemistry major or minor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.