Chemistry is everywhere! Actually everything we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell has a firm basis in chemistry. The high quality of life that we experience today is due in no small part to many significant chemical discoveries over the past 150 years. Chemistry, as a pure science, seeks to describe and make comprehensible the nature and transformations of matter. As an applied science, it provides society with knowledge and tools to achieve its material purposes. By coupling creative thought and critical thinking skills with experimentation, the study of chemistry contributes to a liberal arts education. The courses in Chemistry are designed to emphasize the fundamental principles of the science, to reflect its interdisciplinary nature, and to develop experimental skill.
Because chemistry is the “central” science, a wide variety of opportunities awaits those with training in this field. The chemistry department offers a program meeting the needs of students pursuing a variety of study and career options in the chemical sciences. Included are students who anticipate careers as:
The Department of Chemistry has “approved” status by the American Chemical Society. This prestigious recognition is granted to less than one-quarter of the nation’s colleges and universities. The ACS promotes excellence in chemistry education for undergraduate students through approval of baccalaureate chemistry programs.
Current students and graduates will:
For more information about the Chemistry major leading to a teaching certification, please contact the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.
An introductory course for broad exposure to chemistry in life. Particular emphasis upon the relevancy of chemistry to problems of modern existence.
Laboratory to accompany CHE100 Liberal Arts Chemistry, an introductory course for broad exposure to chemistry in life. Particular emphasis upon the relevancy of chemistry to problems of modern existence.
This initial course on the principles of chemistry is for those who may have a continuing interest in the natural sciences. Content includes the structure of matter, stoichiometry, chemical reactivity, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, and periodic relationships of the elements.
Laboratory course to accompany CHE111 General Chemistry I. This initial course on the principles of chemistry is for those who may have a continuing interest in the natural sciences. Content includes the structure of matter, stoichiometry, chemical reactivity, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, and periodic relationships of the elements.
CHE113 is the separate, Corequisite lab component.
CHE112.
CHE111.
CHE102 or CHE271.
CHE112, 113.
Concurrent with CHE202.
CHE112, 113.
Concurrent with CHE201.
CHE112.
CHE113.
CHE112, 113.
Concurrent with CHE310.
Concurrent with CHE309.
CHE309.
Students will study the scientific principles and analytical techniques applied to forensic investigations associated with crime scenes, legal proceedings, and current TV dramas. The class will study the history of forensic science and will be introduced to typical analytical techniques used for drug identification, arson investigation, forensic serology, DNA typing, and trace evidence investigation.
CHE201
This laboratory course is designed to complement CHE317 Forensic Chemistry. Experiments include soil, hair, and fiber analysis; matching glass and plastic samples; fingerprinting; drug and toxicology tests; analysis of gunshot and explosives residues; detecting forgeries and fakes; impressions such as tools and footprints; and instrumental analysis. CHE317 is optional.
CHE112
CHE202.
In this course, you will learn about radiation, radioactive decay, nuclear energy, interactions between radiation and matter, nuclear medicine, fission, fusion, nuclear weapons, and radiation protection. You will also measure and discuss several properties of specific nuclear isotopes (half-life, range, energy) as well as properties of radiation in general (counting statistics, shielding, and background level).
Advanced synthesis and characterization of inorganic and organometallic compounds using solution and solid state techniques, along with the study of the properties of these materials. One 3-hour lab per week.
CHE202.
Offered concurrently with CHE 400.
This course covers the basic categories of medicinal compounds and the chemical methods by which many are prepared commercially. It will also cover the principles by which pharmaceutical preparations are developed into usable form and the biochemical mode of action and transformations of selected compounds (such as aspirin and penicillin). The chemical and legal processes required to bring a compound to market and the history of the development of some of the important classes of drugs will also be covered. The lab is optional.
CHE309.
This lab includes the multi-step synthesis and analysis of a variety of medically significant materials using modern instrumentation. One 3-hour lab per week. CHE327 is optional.
CHE310.
Offered concurrently with CHE327.
CHE112, MAT225, PHY211.
CHE201, MAT225, PHY211.
CHE202.
CHE332.
CHE201.
CHE202.
Offered concurrently with CHE337.
CHE309.
CHE341.
CHE309.
This course is a survey of the principle topics in Physical Chemistry: the Laws of Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibria, Electrochemistry, Rates of Reaction, quantum mechanics, the chemical bond, and spectroscopy.
CHE309, MAT125, and PHY211
CHE112, 113.
CHE331.
CHE201.
CHE450.
consent of the supervising instructor.
