Chemistry
Faculty: Professor Fernando (coordinator) and Associate Professor Ghosh Kumar
The chemistry curriculum provides the breadth and flexibility necessary to meet the needs of students intending to major in the physical, natural, or environmental sciences; pursue professional degrees in the health sciences; or earn degrees in complimentary areas such as forensic science, psychology or education. The chemistry laboratory courses underscore modern aspects of chemistry including the use of instrumentation and specialized chemistry software. Our small class sizes and well-equipped laboratory spaces allow students to quickly develop expertise in the laboratory, and students who are prepared may begin participating in undergraduate research as early as the second semester of their first year of study.
Degrees and Minors
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Chemistry Minor
Courses
CHE 110: Intro to Forensic Chemistry with L
Credits 5Presents introductory level chemical principles as applies to forensic analysis. Basic chemistry concepts covered - atoms/molecules, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, solution chemistry and thermochemistry. Techniques and concepts in forensic investigation - identification and analysis of fingerprints, accelerants and explosives, fiber, paint, DNA, emission/absorption spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and gas/liquid chromatography.
CHE 120: Introduction to Chemistry
Credits 5Presents chemical principles at an introductory level with an emphasis on the use of these principles to understand and describe chemical processes that occur in our body. Covers fundamentals including atomic and molecular structure, measurement and stoichiometry, solutions, acid-base chemistry, nuclear chemistry, gases, and organic and biomolecules. Not open to students with credit in CHE 110, CHE 130 or CHE 210.
CHE 130: Intro Environmental Chemistry w/L
Credits 5Presents chemical principles at an introductory level with an emphasis on the use of these principles to understand and describe chemical processes that occur in the environment. Covers fundamentals including atomic and molecular structure, measurement and stoichiometry, solutions, acid-base chemistry, nuclear chemistry, energy, and behavior of gases. Not open to students with credit in CHE 110, CHE 120, or CHE 210.
CHE 150 / BIO 150: History and Philosophy of Science
Credits 4Presents an introduction to the history and philosophy of the sciences through examination of relevant scientific experiments, both modern and historical. Topics will include experimental design, laboratory safety and ethics, and data analysis. Students will also learn how to evaluate various sources for scientific merit.
CHE 160: General Chemistry I with Lab
Credits 5Introduces the fundamental chemical principles that form the foundation for advanced study in chemistry. Topics include atomic/molecular structure, stoichiometry, properties of solids, liquids, and gases, acid/base theory, and solutions. The laboratory techniques covered include accurate weighing/measuring, titration, safe use of the Bunsen burner, pH indicators, and preparation of solutions.
CHE 170: General Chemistry II with Lab
Credits 5Emphasizes chemical thermodynamics and equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics and reaction mechanisms, and the relationship between molecular structure and physical/chemical properties. The laboratory section focuses on advanced experimental and analytical techniques, including graphing and data analysis, formal laboratory report writing, spectroscopy, qualitative analysis of unknown inorganic salts, and preparation/standardization of strong acids/bases.
CHE 220: Organic Chemistry I with Lab
Credits 5Presents the foundations of organic chemistry including structure, bonding, conformations, stereochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics and reactivity, acid/base and nucleophilic substitution reactions. The topics/techniques covered in laboratory includes mass spectrometry, UV-visible, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mini-scale approach to organic laboratory with an emphasis on techniques of separation, purification, and identification.
CHE 230: Organic Chemistry II with Lab
Credits 5Presents increasingly complex organic reactions including nucleophilic addition and substitution, carbon-carbon bond forming, radical and redox reactions with applications to biological molecules. The topics and techniques covered in the laboratory emphasizes organic synthesis, chromatography, green chemistry, and analysis of unknowns using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
CHE 295: Research in Chemistry
Credits 1 4Independent research in chemistry under direction of a faculty member. Students beginning a research project should register for CHE 295. After gaining at least one semester of experience in the research lab, and in consultation with the faculty sponsor, the student may register for CHE 395. After at least one semester of experience in CHE 395, students who have demonstrated exceptional research skills will be permitted to register for CHE 495, with the permission of their faculty sponsor. Repeatable.
CHE 310: Quantitative Analytical Chem w Lab
Credits 5Presents topics and techniques in quantitative analysis, statistical data analysis, quality assurance, equilibria, volumetric and gravimetric techniques, spectrophotometry, electrochemical methods, and separation techniques important to analytical chemistry.
CHE 340: Biochemistry with Lab
Credits 5This biochemistry lecture introduces students to the structure and function of biomolecules, principles of metabolism, and enzyme kinetics. Hands-on laboratory experiments emphasize the identification of biomolecules and the investigation of enzyme function.
CHE 410: Advanced Biochemistry with Lab
Credits 5Students are introduced to protein analysis techniques, enzyme regulation, and intermediary metabolism, with an emphasis on their roles in health and disease. Laboratory work focuses on protein purification, quantification, and identification, as well as protein crystallization and the study of central metabolic pathways.