Chemistry
Professors: Berberian, Forman (Chair), Murray
Associate Professors: Cerda, Graham, Rao,
Reynolds, Smolen, Zurbach
Laboratory Coordinator: Longo
Program Overview
Chemistry is the branch of science that tries to
understand the relationships between the detailed
structure of a substance and its properties and
reactivity. Chemistry is concerned both with
naturally occurring substances and with new
substances that are created by humans. Chemists
work to determine why substances differ in their
properties and how these properties can be
controlled and used effectively. An important
objective in chemical education is to develop in
students the ability to solve problems by
employing the techniques of the various subdisciplines of chemistry. A student who is majoring
in chemistry at Saint Joseph’s University is
introduced to all of the major sub-disciplines:
analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic
chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical
chemistry. Throughout the program, emphasis is
placed on chemistry as a laboratory science.
Consequently, a student majoring in chemistry
learns not only the basic theories of chemistry, but
also how to use experimental techniques to solve
chemical problems. The modern research-grade
instrumentation in our laboratories enhances the
experimental experiences of our students. Faculty
members teach all of the sections of laboratory
courses. In addition, chemistry majors are able to
engage in faculty-directed independent research
projects in the traditional sub-disciplines of
chemistry and environmental chemistry during the
academic year and/or in the summer. Students
often have the opportunity to present the results of
their research in the chemical literature and at
local, regional, and national scientific meetings. The
curriculum for the chemistry major is designed to
prepare students for continuing their educations in
graduate and professional schools as well as for
employment in the chemical and pharmaceutical
industries and government laboratories. The
American Chemical Society certifies the curriculum
of the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
Departmental Mission
The Department of Chemistry trains students in
both the theoretical and experimental aspects of
the major sub-disciplines of chemistry. Our modern
research-grade instrumentation makes it possible
for students to explore contemporary problems in
all of these areas. Chemistry majors are encouraged
to engage in faculty-directed independent research
projects and to present the results of their studies
in the chemical literature and at scientific meetings.
The curriculum for a chemistry major prepares the
graduates to continue their educations in graduate
and professional schools or to work in the chemical
and pharmaceutical industries and in government
laboratories. Our alumni are aware that through
chemistry they can continue to make contributions
to society that are of service to others.
Learning Goals and Objectives for the B.S. in
Chemistry
Goal 1: Students will develop an understanding of
the theoretical methods and models that chemists
use to understand the properties and behavior of
matter.
Objective 1.1:
Students will demonstrate a
mastery of the key concepts in the five major sub
disciplines of chemistry: analytical chemistry,
biochemistry,
inorganic
chemistry,
organic
chemistry, and physical chemistry.
Objective 1.2: Students will apply the scientific
method to study problems in chemistry.
Objective 1.3: Students will predict the behavior
of a new substance based on the known behavior
of related compounds.
Objective 1.4: Students will apply appropriate
theoretical models to explain experimental
observations.
Objective 1.5:
Students will gain hands-on
experience with the instruments that are used to
study problems in chemistry. The students will
learn how to interpret the data that they obtain
from these instruments.
Objective 1.6: Students will assess experimental
data critically.
Objective 1.7: Students will search and properly
cite the chemical literature for published work
relevant to a problem of contemporary interest.
Objective 1.8: Students will describe results from
chemical investigations and the chemical literature
both orally and in writing to specialists and to a
general audience.
Goal 2: Students will gain authentic hands-on
experience with the experimental methods used by
chemists.
Objective 4.1: Students will work independently
and in collaboration with others in the investigation
of problems in chemistry.
Objective 2.1: Students will use contemporary
computer software to study problems in chemistry
and present results properly and accurately using
figures, graphs and tables.
Objective 4.2: Students will search and properly
cite the chemical literature for published work
relevant to a problem of contemporary interest.
Objective 2.2: Students will store, handle, and use
chemicals safely and responsibly.
Objective 4.3: Students will describe results from
chemical investigations and the chemical literature
both orally and in writing to specialists and to a
general audience.
Objective 2.3:
Students will gain hands-on
experience with the instruments that are used to
study problems in chemistry. The students will
learn how to interpret the data that they obtain
from these instruments.
Goal 5: Students will understand how chemistry
provides opportunities for them to address major
issues in society.
Objective 2.4: Students will assess experimental
data critically.
Objective 2.5:
Students will use accepted
laboratory record-keeping methods to record their
experimental data.
Objective 2.6: Students will conduct research in
an ethical manner.
Objective 2.7: Students will describe results from
chemical investigations and the chemical literature
both orally and in writing to specialists and to a
general audience.
Goal 3: Students will understand that ethical
conduct is fundamental to progress in science.
Objective 3.1: Students will conduct research in
an ethical manner.
Objective 3.2: Students will use contemporary
computer software to study problems in chemistry
and present results properly and accurately using
figures, graphs and tables.
Objective 5.1: Students will search and properly
cite the chemical literature for published work
relevant to a problem of contemporary interest.
Objective 5.2: Students will describe results from
chemical investigations and the chemical literature
both orally and in writing to specialists and to a
general audience.
Goal 6: Students will effectively communicate
scientific information.
Objective 6.1: Students will describe results from
chemical investigations and the chemical literature
both orally and in writing to specialists and to a
general audience.
Objective 6.2: Students will write about chemistry
using objective language and succinct explanations
that are typical of scientific writing.
Objective 6.3: Students will use contemporary
computer software to study problems in chemistry
and present results properly and accurately using
figures, graphs and tables.
Objective 3.3: Students will store, handle, and use
chemicals safely and responsibly.
Objective 6.4:
Students will use accepted
laboratory record-keeping methods to record their
experimental data.
Objective 3.4:
Students will use accepted
laboratory record-keeping methods to record their
experimental data.
Objective 6.5: Students will search and properly
cite the chemical literature for published work
relevant to a problem of contemporary interest.
Goal 4: Students will appreciate that the frontiers
of science are expanding at an accelerating rate
and that they must develop a commitment to lifelong learning.
Requirements for the Chemistry Major with
American Chemical Society Certification
GEP Signature Courses (See Curricula): six
courses
GEP Variable Courses (See Curricula): six to nine
courses, including
option must be approved by the Chemistry Chair in
advance)
Mathematics:
MAT 161 Calculus I
In-Depth Chemistry Courses:
CHM 400 Chemistry of the Earth
CHM 410 Biophysical Chemistry
CHM 420 Environmental Chemistry
CHM 430 Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
CHM 435 Technical Applications of Chemistry
CHM 440 Organometallic Chemistry
CHM 460 Water Chemistry
CHM 480 Advanced
Biochemistry:
Inorganic
Biochemistry
CHM 490 Spectroscopy
Natural Science:
CHM 120 General Chemistry I
or
CHM 121 General Chemistry I Honors
CHM
General Chemistry Laboratory I
120L
GEP Overlays (See Curricula): three courses
GEP Integrative Learning Component: three
courses
Mathematics:
MAT 162
Physics:
PHY 105-106
PHY 105L-106L
Calculus II
University Physics I-II
University Physics Laboratory I-II
GEP Electives: any eleven courses
Major Concentration: eleven courses
Foundation Course Requirements:
CHM 125
General Chemistry II
or
CHM 126
General Chemistry II Honors
CHM 125L
General Chemistry Laboratory
II
CHM 210-215
Organic Chemistry I-II
CHM 210L-215L
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
I-II
CHM 310-315
Physical Chemistry I-II
CHM 310L
Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM 330
Instrumental Analysis
CHM 330L
Instrumental
Analysis
Laboratory
CHM 340
Biochemistry
CHM 340L
Biochemistry Laboratory
CHM 350
Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 350L
Inorganic
Chemistry
Laboratory
Math and Natural Science Electives:
BIO 101
Biology I: Cells
MAT 213 Calculus III
MAT 225 Fundamental Ideas of Mathematics
MAT 231 The Mathematics of Music
MAT 232 Chaos, Fractals, and Dynamical Systems
MAT 233 History of Mathematics
MAT 334 Combinatorics and Graph Theory
MAT 336 Logic and Foundations
PHY 251
Modern Physics I
PHY 253
Survey of Nanotechnology
PHY 255
Linear Systems in Physics
PHY 257
Mathematical Methods in Physics
PHY 261
Electronics I
PHY 301
Classical Mechanics
Enrollment in CHM 390 Chemistry Seminar is
required each semester for junior and senior
chemistry majors. Students planning to go into
industry or attend graduate school should take
Senior Research I-II. All students who meet the
above requirements satisfactorily will be certified
by the American Chemical Society.
Requirements for the Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry Option
Major:
GEP Signature Courses (See Curricula): six
courses
GEP Variable Courses (See Curricula): six to nine
courses, including
In-Depth Course Requirements:
Three In-Depth Chemistry courses (see list below)
Mathematics:
MAT 161
or
Natural Science:
CHM 120
General Chemistry I
or
CHM 121
General Chemistry I Honors
CHM 120L
General Chemistry Laboratory I
Two In-Depth Chemistry courses and Senior
Research I-II
or
Two In-Depth Chemistry courses and one
Math/Natural Science elective (see list below, this
Calculus I
GEP Overlays (See Curricula): three courses
GEP Integrative Learning Component: three
courses
Mathematics:
MAT 162
Calculus II
CHM 410
CHM 430
CHM 435
CHM 440
CHM 480
CHM 490
Biophysical Chemistry
Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
Technical Applications of Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry
Advanced
Biochemistry:
Inorganic
Biochemistry
Spectroscopy
Physics:
PHY 105-106
University Physics I-II
PHY 105L-106L University Physics Laboratory I-II
Math and Natural Science Electives:
BIO 101
Biology I: Cells
MAT 213 Calculus III
MAT 225 Fundamental Ideas of Mathematics
GEP Electives: any eleven courses
MAT 231 The Mathematics of Music
Major Concentration: eleven courses
MAT 232 Chaos, Fractals, and Dynamical Systems
MAT 233 History of Mathematics
MAT 334 Combinatorics and Graph Theory
Foundation Course Requirements:
MAT 336 Logic and Foundations
CHM 125
General Chemistry II
PHY 251
Modern Physics I
or
PHY 253
Survey of Nanotechnology
CHM 126
General Chemistry II Honors
Linear Systems in Physics
CHM 125L
General Chemistry Laboratory II PHY 255
PHY 257
Mathematical Methods in Physics
CHM 210-215
Organic Chemistry I-II
Electronics I
CHM 210L-215L
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I- PHY 261
PHY 301
Classical Mechanics
II
CHM 310-315
Physical Chemistry I-II
CHM 310L
Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Enrollment in CHM 390 Chemistry Seminar is
CHM 330
Instrumental Analysis
required each semester for junior and senior
CHM 330L
Instrumental Analysis Laboratory chemistry majors. Students planning to go into
CHM 340
Biochemistry
industry or attend graduate school should take
CHM 340L
Biochemistry Laboratory
Senior Research I-II. All students who meet the
CHM 350
Inorganic Chemistry
above requirements satisfactorily will be certified
CHM 350L
Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory by the American Chemical Society.
In-Depth Course Requirements:
Three In-Depth Chemistry courses, which must
include:
CHM 420 Environmental Chemistry
CHM 400 Chemistry of the Earth
Or
CHM 460 Water Chemistry
and a third in-depth chemistry course from the list
below
or
Two In-Depth Chemistry courses (Environmental
Chemistry; and either Chemistry of the Earth or
Water Chemistry) and Senior Research I-II (students
are encouraged to perform research in
environmental chemistry)
or
Two In-Depth Chemistry courses (Environmental
Chemistry; and either Chemistry of the Earth or
Water Chemistry) and one Math/Natural Science
elective (see list below, this option must be
approved by the Chemistry Chair in advance)
In-Depth Chemistry Courses:
Requirements for
Biochemistry Option
the
Chemistry
Major:
GEP Signature Courses (See Curricula): six
courses
GEP Variable Courses (See Curricula): six to nine
courses, including
Mathematics:
MAT 161 Calculus I
Natural Science:
CHM 120 General Chemistry I
or
CHM 121 General Chemistry I Honors
CHM
General Chemistry Laboratory I
120L
GEP Overlays (See Curricula): three courses
GEP Integrative Learning Component: three
courses
MAT 225 Fundamental Ideas of Mathematics
MAT 231 The Mathematics of Music
Mathematics:
MAT 232 Chaos, Fractals, and Dynamical Systems
MAT 162
Calculus II
MAT 233 History of Mathematics
Physics:
MAT 334 Combinatorics and Graph Theory
PHY 105-106
University Physics I-II
MAT 336 Logic and Foundations
PHY 105L-106L
University Physics Laboratory I-II
PHY 251
Modern Physics I
PHY 253
Survey of Nanotechnology
GEP Electives: any nine courses
PHY 255
Linear Systems in Physics
PHY 257
Mathematical Methods in Physics
Major Concentration: thirteen courses
PHY 261
Electronics I
PHY 301
Classical Mechanics
Foundation Course Requirements:
Enrollment in CHM 390 Chemistry Seminar is
BIO 101
Biology I: Cells
BIO 102
Biology
II:
Genetics
and required each semester for junior and senior
chemistry majors. Students planning to go into
Evolutionary Biology
industry or attend graduate school should take
CHM 125
General Chemistry II
Senior Research I-II. All students who meet the
or
above requirements satisfactorily will be certified
CHM 126
General Chemistry II Honors
CHM 125L
General Chemistry Laboratory II by the American Chemical Society.
CHM 210
Organic Chemistry I
CHM 215
Organic Chemistry II
CHM 210L-215L
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I-II Five Year Combined B.S. in Chemistry
Education/M.S. in Education Option
CHM 310-315
Physical Chemistry I-II
This program allows a student to complete in five
CHM 310L
Physical Chemistry Laboratory
years the requirements for both the B.S. in
CHM 330
Instrumental Analysis
CHM 330L
Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Chemistry and M.S. in Education degrees with
certification to teach chemistry by permitting an
CHM 340
Biochemistry
undergraduate student to begin graduate
CHM 340L
Biochemistry Laboratory
coursework in Education during his/her senior year.
CHM 350
Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 350L
Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory The program features: (1) an independent facultyCHM 480
Advanced
Biochemistry: directed research project in chemistry in the
summer between the fourth and fifth years, and (2)
Inorganic Biochemistry
nine graduate courses in education, including a
one-semester student teaching experience. A
In-Depth Course Requirements:
student should apply to the Chair of the
Two In-Depth Chemistry courses (see list below)
Department of Chemistry for admission to this
or
program by the first semester of his/her
One In-Depth Chemistry course and Senior
sophomore year. It is anticipated that the
Research I-II
graduates of this program will be highly
or
competitive in the rapidly expanding market for
One In-Depth Chemistry course and one
qualified high school chemistry teachers.
Math/Natural Science elective (see list below, this
option must be approved by the Chemistry Chair in
In order to become certified to teach at the
advance)
secondary education level (grades 7-12), students
must complete a total of five Education and three
In-Depth Chemistry Courses:
Special Education courses, as well as student
CHM 400 Chemistry of the Earth
teaching. For further details, see the Teacher
CHM 410 Biophysical Chemistry
Education section of the catalog.
Students
CHM 420 Environmental Chemistry
interested in the five-year program should speak to
CHM 430 Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
their academic advisors and to Chair of the
CHM 435 Technical Applications of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry as early in their academic
CHM 440 Organometallic Chemistry
careers as possible.
CHM 460 Water Chemistry
CHM 490 Spectroscopy
B.A. in Chemistry/B.S. in Secondary Education
Math and Natural Science Electives:
Dual Major
BIO 101
Biology I: Cells
MAT 213 Calculus III
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry is for
students who wish to pursue a dual major with
Secondary Education (B.S.). The B.A. degree is only
available for students who pursue the dual major.
Requirements for the B.A. in Chemistry In order to
become certified to teach at the secondary
education level (grades 7-12), students must
complete a total of five Education and three Special
Education courses, as well as student teaching. For
further details, see the Teacher Education section
of the catalog.
Students interested in the dual
major program should speak to their academic
advisors and to Chair of the Department of
Chemistry as early in their academic careers as
possible.
GEP Signature Courses (See Curricula): six
courses
First Year Seminar:
EDU 150
Schools in Society
MAT 156
MAT 162
Physics:
PHY 101-102
PHY 101L-102L
PHY 105-106
PHY 105L-106L
or
Applied Calculus II
or
Calculus II
General Physics I-II
General Physics Laboratory I-II
or
University Physics I-II
University Physics Laboratory I-II
GEP Electives: one or two courses
Major Concentration: ten courses (plus noncredit CHM 390)
Social/Behavioral Science:
EDU
Adolescent Development
157/157F
Foundation Course Requirements:
CHM 125
General Chemistry II
or
CHM 126
General Chemistry II Honors
CHM 125L
General Chemistry Laboratory
II
CHM 210-215
Organic Chemistry I-II
CHM 210L-215L
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
I-II
CHM 310
Physical Chemistry I
or
CHM 320
Physical
Chemistry
for
Chemical Biology
CHM 330
Instrumental Analysis
CHM 330L
Instrumental
Analysis
Laboratory
CHM 340
Biochemistry
CHM 350
Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 390
Chemistry Seminar
CHM 420
Environmental Chemistry
BIO 165/165L
Exploring the Living World
ENV 106/106L
Exploring the Earth
GEP Overlays (See Curricula): three courses
College Honors Requirements
Writing Intensive
EDU
Adolescent Development
157/157F
To receive College Honors credit, students
undertake two consecutive semesters of coursebased research and study that culminates in a
senior thesis. For students in the Honors Program,
these two courses may be counted toward the
eight- course Honors requirement. To be eligible
for College Honors a student must have a GPA of
3.5 or higher. If you are interested in completing
the College Honors project during your senior year,
please be in touch with the department chair early
in the Spring of your junior year.
Specific
requirements for the College Honors thesis may be
found under “Honors Program”.
GEP Variable Courses (See Curricula): six to nine
courses, including
Mathematics:
MAT 155 Fundamentals of Calculus
or
MAT 161 Calculus I
Natural Science:
CHM 120 General Chemistry I
or
CHM 121 General Chemistry I Honors
CHM
General Chemistry Laboratory I
120L
Diversity/Globalization/Non-Western
EDU
Literacy, Language, and Culture
246/246F
GEP Integrative Learning Component: three
courses
Mathematics:
MAT 128
Applied Statistics
Advisory Option—Chemistry Premedical
Students planning to enter medical or dental
school should take BIO 101-102.
Advisory Option—Chemistry and Business
Students who intend to pursue studies toward the
M.B.A. or who plan careers in the marketing or
management areas of the chemical industry should
minor in business.
Minor in Chemistry
Learning Goals and Objectives for the minor in
Chemistry
Goal 1: Students will develop an understanding
of the theoretical methods and models that
chemists use to understand the properties and
behavior of matter.
1.1:
Students will gain an
understanding
of
the
key
concepts fundamental to the five major sub
disciplines of chemistry: analytical chemistry,
biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic
chemistry, and physical chemistry.
Objective
Objective 1.2: Students will predict the behavior
of a new substance based on the known
behavior of related compounds.
Objective 1.3: Students will apply appropriate
theoretical models to explain experimental
observations.
Objective 1.4: Students will assess experimental
data critically.
Goal 2: Students will gain authentic hands-on
experience with the experimental methods used
by chemists.
Objective 2.1: Students will use contemporary
computer software to study problems in
chemistry and present results properly and
accurately using figures, graphs and tables.
Objective 2.2: Students will store, handle, and
use chemicals safely and responsibly.
Objective 2.3: Students will assess experimental
data critically.
Objective 2.4: Students will apply appropriate
theoretical models to explain experimental
observations.
Objective 2.5: Students will use accepted
laboratory record-keeping methods to record
their experimental data.
The following courses constitute the minor in
chemistry:
CHM 120-125
General Chemistry I-II
Or
CHM 121-126
General Chemistry I-II Honors
CHM 120L-125L
General Chemistry Laboratory I-II
CHM 210-215
Organic Chemistry I-II
CHM 210L-215L
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I-II
Any two non-research chemistry courses beyond
CHM 215
Chemistry in the GEP (See Curricula)
The GEP requires that all students take EITHER one
semester of a lab-based natural science course (6
contact hours) OR two semesters of lecture-only
natural science courses. Students who wish to
satisfy the natural science GEP by completing
courses in Chemistry may do so by taking the first
semester of the Chemistry majors, lab-based
course sequence, CHM 120 and CHM 120L, or one
of the lab-based, one-semester chemistry courses
for non-science majors, as they become available.
Alternatively, students may fulfill one or both
semesters of the natural science GEP by completing
one or two of the special one-semester lectureonly Chemistry courses designed for non-science
majors listed below.
Non-science majors Chemistry GEP lecture-only
courses:
CHM 100
Chemistry for the Consumer
Non-science majors Chemistry GEP lab-based
courses
CHM 115 Chemistry in Daily Life
CHM 115L Chemistry in Daily Life Lab
CHM 112 Food Chemistry (open to Food Marketing
majors only)
CHM 112L Food Chemistry Lab (open to Food Marketing
majors only)
Chemistry Courses
CHM 100 Chemistry for the Consumer (3
credits)
This course is designed to help students
understand the chemistry that affects them
throughout their lives. Topics include: nuclear
chemistry, home products, food and drugs, acid
rain, energy, climate control, and sustainability.
May be taken for science or elective credit without
previous chemistry courses. Successful completion
of this course will fulfill a lecture-only natural
science course requirement for the GEP natural
science area.
CHM 112 Food Chemistry (3 credits)
The study of chemistry as it specifically relates to
food. Underlying basic chemical principles will
allow the study of particular molecules found in
food (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) and the
changes these molecules undergo as they are
cooked and absorbed. Topics will also include
preservation, food safety, and food additives. The
content material of CHM 112 overlaps with the
content of IHS 253 Nutrition: Health and Disease.
Students may take either CHM 112 or IHS 253 not
both. Successful completion of CHM 112/112L
fulfills the GEP science requirement for Food
Marketing majors only. It will serve as a freeelective for all other majors. CHM 112L is a corequisite for CHM 112.
CHM 112L Food Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
This course will introduce students to the use of
laboratory techniques to study food, including the
measurement of food properties including pH,
flavor, color, and texture. Students will learn how
chemical and physical changes can alter food
quality. Successful completion of CHM 112/112L
fulfills the GEP science requirement for Food
Marketing majors only. It will serve as a freeelective for all other majors. CHM 112 is a corequisite for CHM 112L.
CHM 115 Chemistry in Daily Life (3 credits)
This course explains the basic theories and needto-know facts of scientific events one encounters in
daily life from a chemistry perspective. In addition
to explaining the fundamental concepts of
chemistry, the course will cover topics such as acids
and bases, oxidation and reduction, household
chemicals, nuclear energy, nuclear medicine,
biochemistry, and drugs. Successful completion of
CHM 115/115L fulfills the GEP science requirement.
CHM 115 Chemistry in Daily Life Laboratory (1
credit)
This course will cover a wide range of experiments
that require mastering a variety of laboratory skills,
which utilize many different types of equipment.
The proper use of beakers, flasks, pipets, burets,
simple calorimeters, balances, and thermometers,
to name a few, is critical to a student’s success in
the course. Accurate observations and recording
of data is stressed and evaluated. Students will
submit data and results forms at the conclusion of
each experiment. Both qualitative (observations
and descriptions) and quantitative (calculations and
graphs) methods will be stressed. Successful
completion of CHM 115/115L fulfills the GEP
science requirement.
CHM 120-125 General Chemistry I-II (6 credits)
Topics
included
are
chemical
formulas,
stoichiometry, balancing reactions, ideal gases,
thermodynamics, atomic structure, chemical
bonding and molecular structure, kinetics,
equilibrium, the chemistry of acids and bases,
entropy, free energy, and electrochemistry.
CHM 120 is a prerequisite to CHM 125. Successful
completion of CHM 120 and CHM 120L fulfills the
GEP natural science requirement.
CHM 121-126 General Chemistry (Honors) I-II (6
credits)
The material covered in this honors course is the
same as CHM 120-125 but more extensive in
depth. Additional topics may be added as time
permits. The course assumes that the student has
had chemistry in high school. The format of the
course may differ from the standard lecture model.
CHM 120 or 121 is a prerequisite to CHM 126.
Successful completion of CHM 121 and CHM 120L
fulfills the GEP natural science requirement.
CHM 120L-125L General Chemistry Laboratory
I-II (4 credits)
A lecture-laboratory course to accompany CHM
120-125 with emphasis upon concepts in
chemistry, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and
introduction to instrumental methods. One four-
hour period.
Successful completion of CHM 120L is a
prerequisite to CHM 125L. CHM 120/121 is a co or
prerequisite for CHM 120L. CHM 125/126 is a co or
prerequisite for CHM 125L.
CHM 121L-126L General Chemistry Laboratory
(Honors) I-II (4 credits)
A lecture-laboratory course to accompany CHM
120-125 with emphasis upon concepts in
chemistry, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and
introduction to instrumental methods. This course
will follow the format and experiment schedule of
the traditional CHM 120L/125L course with but will
also have additional reading assignments and
discussion as well as enhanced laboratory and work
assignments.
One four-hour period.
Successful completion of CHM 120L or 121L is a
prerequisite to CHM 125L. CHM 120/121 is a co or
prerequisite for CHM 110L. CHM 125/126 is a co or
prerequisite for CHM 126L.
CHM 150 Pollution and Public Health
This course is designed to introduce students to
the fundamental factors governing air, water and
soil pollution, and to briefly discuss the impacts of
pollution on public health, both in the US and in
the developing world. We will examine various
physical, chemical and biological sources of
pollution such as heavy metals, volatile organic
compounds, pesticides, radionuclides, ionizing and
nonionizing radiation, thermal and noise pollution,
bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These different
agents contribute to the pollution of soil, the
atmosphere, and water bodies such as lakes, rivers
and oceans, and pose a significant public health
problem across the globe.
No prior background in the natural sciences will be
required of the students. The course will fulfill the
First-Year Seminar GEP requirement.
CHM 210-215 Organic Chemistry I-II (6 credits)
Modern organic chemistry in which the treatment
of aliphatic and aromatic compounds is integrated
as much as possible. Reactions of the functional
groups are explained in terms of electronic
mechanisms.
CHM 125 or CHM 126 is a prerequisite to CHM
210. CHM 210 is a prerequisite to CHM 215.
CHM 210L Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1
credit)
This semester concentrates on experiments
designed to introduce students to the various
techniques used in the organic laboratory. CHM
210 is a co or prerequisite for CHM 210L.
CHM 215L Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
(1
credit)
A continuation of CHM 210L utilizing micro scale
laboratory techniques in organic chemistry for the
preparation, purification and analysis of organic
compounds.
Non-Chemistry majors: one four-hour laboratory
period, 1 credit. Chemistry majors: one five-hour
laboratory period, 2 credits.
CHM 210L is a prerequisite to CHM 215L. CHM 215
is a co or prerequisite for CHM 215L.
CHM 310-315 Physical Chemistry I-II (6 credits)
Thermodynamics as applied to gases, liquids, and
solutions; thermodynamics of ideal systems;
thermochemistry; chemical kinetics; gaseous
equilibrium; colligative properties of solutions;
quantum mechanics.
CHM 215 is a prerequisite to CHM 310. CHM 310 is
a prerequisite to CHM 315.
CHM 310L Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2
credits)
Experiments are performed to reinforce the
concepts learned in CHM 241I-2421. Laboratory
reports are submitted for each experiment.
CHM 310 is a co-requisite to CHM 310L.
CHM 320 Physical Chemistry for Chemical
Biology (3 credits)
Study of atomic and molecular structure; chemical
thermodynamics; states of matter; kinetics and
mechanisms of reactions; phase and chemical
equilibria; emphasis on applications in biological
systems.
CHM 215 is a prerequisite to CHM 320.
CHM 330 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
This course covers the theory, methodology, and
instrumentation for the study of atomic and
molecular species and/or processes.
CHM 215, CHM 310, and PHY 106 or permission of
the Department of Chemistry chair) are
prerequisites to CHM 330.
CHM 330L Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (2
credits)
CHM 330 is a co-requisite to CHM 330L.
CHM 340 Biochemistry (3 credits)
A basic introduction to the chemistry of living
systems emphasizing their major metabolic
activities. Structure and function of proteins, lipids,
and carbohydrates. Basic principles of intermediary
metabolism and photosynthesis.
CHM 215 is a prerequisite for CHM 340.
CHM 340L Biochemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
Laboratory applications of the topics covered in
CHM 340.
CHM 215L is a prerequisite to CHM 340L. CHM 340
is a co-requisite to CHM 340L.
CHM 350 Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
This course includes the study of atomic structure,
bonding, molecular orbital theory, symmetry and
group theory, the chemistry of the main group
elements, and the structure and reactivity of
transition metal complexes.
CHM 215 is a prerequisite to CHM 350.
CHM 350L Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (2
credits)
This course focuses on synthetic inorganic
chemistry and emphasizes the use of modern
analytical techniques for the characterization of
inorganic and organometallic compounds.
This course satisfies the GEP Writing Intensive
requirement. CHM 215L is a prerequisite to CHM
350L. CHM 350 is a co-requisite for CHM 350L.
CHM 370 Junior Special Topics in Chemistry
(formerly Junior Independent Study) 3-6 credits
Advanced study on a topic that is arranged with a
chemistry faculty member. Permission of the
Department of Chemistry chair required.
CHM 390 Chemistry Seminar Non-credit
Lectures by outside and local speakers and
discussions of special topics in chemistry.
Enrollment is required each semester for junior and
senior chemistry majors. Graded on a P/NP basis.
CHM 393-394 Junior Research Studies I-II
(36 credits)
Integrated literature and laboratory investigation of
an assigned problem under the supervision of a
departmental faculty member. Each credit of CHM
393-394 requires four hours each week in the
research laboratory. Students need to complete the
application form for independent study (available
in the Dean’s Office) and have the approval of the
Chemistry Department chair and Associate Dean in
order to register.
CHM 400 Chemistry of the Earth (3 credits)
This course examines the chemical processes that
control the distribution, speciation, and transfer of
essential elements and energy in natural systems.
Topics include: the concept of the Earth as a
biogeochemical system; the use of quantitative
methods to model the chemical fluxes of elements
on a global scale; dominant chemical reactions in
natural environments, evolution of metabolic
pathways; the biogeochemical cycling of water,
carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and select
heavy metals under natural and anthropogenicallyinfluenced conditions.
CHM 340 is a prerequisite or a co-requisite to CHM
400. This prerequisite may be waived with
permission of the Chemistry Department Chair.
CHM 410 Biophysical Chemistry (3 credits)
This course utilizes the concepts of physical
chemistry to understand the properties of
biological systems.
CHM 315 and CHM 340 are prerequisites to CHM
410.
CHM 420 Environmental Chemistry (3 credits)
Investigation of both pristine and polluted
environments using chemistry as a foundation.
Topics include: atmospheric chemistry, water
quality, soil composition, fate of toxic metals and
organic pollutants, and using chemistry as a
solution for pollution.
CHM 215 is a prerequisite to CHM 420.
CHM 430 Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry (3
credits)
Application of the electron pushing formalism for
manipulating Lewis structure representations of
organic structures. Emphasis is placed on
mechanistic rationalization of complex organic
transformations. Classes of mechanisms include
elimination, substitution, rearrangement, oxidationreduction, enolate alkylation, and others.
CHM 215 is a prerequisite to CHM 430.
CHM 435 - Technological Applications of
Chemistry (3 credits)
Course will focus on current and future
technologies that utilize fundamental and
advanced theories of chemistry. Topics will include,
but are not limited to, microwave ovens, liquid
crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode displays
(LED), plasma screens, charge coupled devices
(CCD), field effect transistors (FET), positron
emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance
imagining (MRI), battery systems, data storage
devices, and solar panels. CHM 215 is a pre-
requisite to CHM 435)
CHM 440 Organometallic Chemistry (3 credits)
This course will focus on the structure and
reactivity of organometallic transition metal
complexes. Topics include catalysis, reaction
mechanisms, applications to organic chemistry, and
characterization by spectroscopic methods.
CHM 350 is a prerequisite to CHM 440.
CHM 460 Water Chemistry (3 credits)
This course examines the behavior of chemical
species in natural and engineered water systems.
Topics include: the chemical composition of
surface and subsurface water; geochemical controls
on water composition; equilibrium and kinetic
processes in aquatic systems; fate and reactions of
inorganic and organic constituents in water; acidbase chemistry, complexation chemistry, and redox
chemistry in water; the applications of isotopic and
other tracers in the study of aquatic systems; and
water pollution.
CHM 210 is a prerequisite to CHM 460.
CHM 470 Senior Special Topics in Chemistry
(formerly Senior Independent Study) (3 credits)
Advanced study on a topic that is arranged with a
chemistry faculty member. Permission of the
Department of Chemistry chair is required.
CHM 480 Advanced Biochemistry: Inorganic
Biochemistry (3 credits)
The chemical and biological properties of various
metal ions in biological systems will be examined
at the molecular level.
CHM 215 and CHM 340 are prerequisites to CHM
480.
CHM 490 Spectroscopy (3 credits)
This course provides an exposure to aspects of
spectroscopic
theory,
methods,
and
instrumentation that are not covered in
Instrumental Analysis.
CHM 330 is a prerequisite to CHM 490.
CHM 493-494 Senior Research Studies I-II 3-6
credits
Integrated literature and laboratory investigation of
an assigned problem under the supervision of a
departmental faculty member. Includes a seminar,
a poster presentation, and written reports. Each
credit of CHM 493 and CHM 494 requires four
hours each week in the research laboratory.
CHM 493 is a prerequisite for CHM 494. Students
need to complete the application form for
independent study (available in the Dean’s Office)
and have the approval of the Chemistry
Department chair and Associate Dean in order to
register.
CHM 493-494 Senior Honors Research I-II (3-6
credits)
Integrated literature and laboratory investigation of
an assigned problem under the supervision of a
departmental faculty member for a student
enrolled in the honors program. Includes a seminar,
a poster presentation, and written reports. Each
credit of CHM 493 and CHM 494 requires four
hours each week in the research laboratory.
CHM 493 is a prerequisite for CHM 494. Must be
elected in junior year to allow adequate research
time. Students need to complete the application
form for independent study (available in the Dean’s
Office) and have the approval of the Chemistry
Department chair, Associate Dean and the Honors
Program Director in order to register.