Courses
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Knowledge of the chemical world is important for any educated person because chemical concepts and issues affect so many aspects of our personal lives and society. Coursework in chemistry naturally prepares one to understand the physical and living worlds; it also prepares one to make scientifically-informed contributions to many other fields and to society. Areas such as molecular biology, environmental law and policy, bioethics, patent law, medicine and education are examples of fields where chemical knowledge is needed. Both biochemistry and chemistry majors pursue graduate studies in chemistry, biochemistry or medicine upon graduation. Other career paths available to these majors include employment in fields such as the pharmaceutical industry, law, environmental monitoring and technical sales/management. The chemistry faculty encourages students to participate in collaborative research during the school year, Winter Term and summers. Such research is an important facet of a student's education. Students may also choose to pursue an internship at a national laboratory or in an industrial or medical setting at some point in their training. All chemistry students may participate in the activities of the award-winning Chemistry Club. The Women in Science group also sponsors speakers and activities of interest to chemistry students. Majors and minors are offered in chemistry and biochemistry. No chemistry course may be taken pass/fail.
Chemistry and Biochemistry Program Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Describe and communicate concepts using the language of chemistry/biochemistry including 1) computations and 2) symbolic representations.
- Interpret how the architecture of a molecule affects its physical and chemical properties.
- Dissect the motivations, procedures and results of published research in the field.
- Formulate a scientific question; design and execute experiments to address the question.
Requirements for a major
Total Courses Required
Nine and one-quarter
Core Courses
CHEM 120, CHEM 130, CHEM 170, CHEM 240, CHEM 260, CHEM 320, CHEM 343, CHEM 440
Other Required Courses
Two courses selected from: CHEM 342, BIO 250, BIO 314, BIO 320, BIO 325, BIO 335, BIO 361, BIO 382, BIO 415
Number 300 & 400 Level Courses
At least 3.0 courses
Senior Requirement & Capstone Experience
Completion of CHEM 490, Senior Capstone or CHEM 405, Thesis, with a grade of C- or better, and satisfactory attendance at departmental seminars during the junior and senior years are required.
Additional Information
With the approval of their advisor, students may apply CHEM 335, CHEM 354, CHEM 364, BIO 390 or BIO 490 toward the "other required courses" (such courses should have a biochemical emphasis). With the approval of their advisor, students may apply up to 0.5 course of research (CHEM 395, CHEM 405, and BIO 490).
Writing in the major
Scientists write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Sometimes the writing is formal, such as an article or poster conveying the results of a research project to an audience of knowledgeable peers. Other times the writing is informal, used to facilitate the research process when the audience is limited to the author and his or her research partners. This could be in the form of brief research reports, or sharing laboratory notebooks. At other times, scientists write for a general audience of intellectually curious non-scientists. Just as the practice of science requires careful design of experiments, and precise and accurate measurements, a scientist must have command of the written word in a manner appropriate for diverse purposes and audiences.
Writing instruction in the department parallels the vertical nature of our curriculum, in which upper-level courses build on concepts learned in introductory courses, to build and reinforce skills in writing across a student's four years. Students in our introductory courses learn to maintain a laboratory notebook and to report the results of their laboratory work in a journal article format. Writing instruction at this level is carefully structured to give attention to different purposes and audiences. Particular attention is given to the design of tables, graphs, and figures that summarize results and illustrate ideas, and to the effective use of such devices in clearly communicating information and supporting the written narrative. As students progress through the curriculum, their laboratory work becomes more independent, open-ended, and complex, and their written reports become correspondingly more demanding and require greater sophistication. At all levels, the department's focus is on carefully organizing and presenting information, constructing meaning from complex data, and effectively communicating the results of scientific experiments.
Writing in the Major (WIM) will be completed through specific WIM assignments in your upper-level classes. You must receive a C or better on three of four WIM assignments to complete this requirement. For Biochemistry majors, there will be two WIM assignments available in Chem 310 and one assignment each in Chem 343 and Chem 440. For Chemistry majors, there will be one WIM assignments each in Chem 320, Chem 331, Chem 450 and Chem 460.
Total Courses Required
Nine and one-quarter
Core Courses
CHEM 120, CHEM 130, CHEM 170, CHEM 240, CHEM 260
Other Required Courses
Chemistry majors must also complete advanced courses in three categories as follows:
- Chemical Reactivity (1.5 courses chosen from CHEM 320, CHEM 331, CHEM 332, CHEM 335; at least one class must include lab);
- Chemical Analysis (CHEM 450 plus one course chosen from CHEM 351, CHEM 352, CHEM 353, CHEM 354);
- Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (CHEM 460 plus one course chosen from CHEM 361, CHEM 362, CHEM 363, CHEM 364).
Number 300 & 400 Level Courses
Four and one-half
Senior Requirement & Capstone Experience
Completion of CHEM 490, Senior Capstone or CHEM 405, Thesis, with a grade of C- or better, and satisfactory attendance at departmental seminars during the junior and senior years are required
Writing in the major
See Writing in the Major for Biochemistry.
Requirements for a minor
Total Courses Required
Five and one-quarter
NOTE: Chemistry majors may not earn a minor in Biochemistry.
Core Courses
CHEM 120, CHEM 170, CHEM 240, and CHEM 260.
Other Required Courses
One course chosen from: CHEM 310, CHEM 343 or CHEM 440 and one course from BIO 314, BIO 315, BIO 320, BIO 325, BIO 335, BIO 361 or BIO 415.
300 and 400 level courses: 2.
Number 300 & 400 Level Courses
2
Total Courses Required
Five and one-quarter
Note: Biochemistry majors may not earn a minor in Chemistry.
Core Courses
CHEM 170
Other Required Courses
Number 300 & 400 Level Courses
One
Courses in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Course Description
This course introduces the basics of chemical bonding, structure and behavior in the context of organic molecules. Emphasis is placed on the nature of bonding, how chemists determine structure, the three-dimensional aspects of structure and how molecular structure determines chemical behavior. Lab activities are designed to reinforce class topics while introducing common organic lab techniques, such as liquid-liquid extraction, NMR, IR, GC/MS, and molecular modeling. Prerequisite: high school chemistry or CHEM 180 or permission of instructor. May not be taken pass/fail.
Distribution Area
Science and Mathematics
Prerequisites
High school chemistry or CHEM 180 or permission of instructor
Credits
1 course, class and lab
Course Description
An introduction to structure, bonding, properties and simple reactions of inorganic compounds. Topics covered include basic quantum theory, bonding theories, molecular and solid state structure and periodic properties of the elements and their compounds. Application of these topics to biological, environmental and geological systems will be stressed. The lab will focus on the synthesis, structure, properties, and reactivity of inorganic substances, including simple ionic substances and coordination complexes. Characterization using infrared and visible spectroscopy is also introduced. Prerequisite: high school chemistry or CHEM 180 or permission of instructor. May not be taken pass/fail.
Distribution Area
Science and Mathematics
Prerequisites
High school chemistry or CHEM 180 or permission of instructor
Credits
1 course, class and lab
Course Description
Advanced placement credit for entering first-year students.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
A review of the quantitative treatment of chemistry and chemical reactions. Topics include ways to express the absolute and relative amount of chemicals (grams, moles and concentration), balancing chemical reactions, mole-to-mole relationships, limiting reagents and theoretical yields. The course is composed of a series of self-paced modules. Prerequisite: high school chemistry or CHEM 180 or permission of instructor. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
High school chemistry or CHEM 180 or permission of instructor
Credits
1/4 course, class only
Course Description
Selected topics in Chemistry and Biochemistry, suitable for non-majors. Not open to students with credit for any college chemistry course. May not be counted toward a major in chemistry or biochemistry. May not be taken pass/fail.
Distribution Area
Science and Mathematics
Prerequisites
Not open to students with credit for any college chemistry course. May not be counted toward a major in chemistry or biochemistry.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Faculty-designed projects that involve students working as collaborators. Results are often presented at research poster sessions, academic conferences, performances or shows. (0 course credit. Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement).
Credits
0 course
Course Description
A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of chemistry. Open only to first-year students. May not be taken pass/fail.
Credits
1 course, class and lab
Course Description
An introduction to the molecules of living organisms. Topics will include the chemical and physical nature of biological macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. The lab will emphasize characterization of biomolecules using common biochemical techniques. Physical and computer models will be utilized in both class and lab. Prerequisite: CHEM 120. Pre- or co-requisite: CHEM 170.
Distribution Area
Science and Mathematics
Prerequisites
CHEM 120. Pre- or co-requisite: CHEM 170.
Credits
1 course, class and lab
Course Description
A rigorous introduction to the theoretical principles governing the favorability of reactions, extent of reactions and rate of reactions. The application of these topics to environmental chemistry, geochemistry and/or biochemistry is also considered. Laboratory work is designed to reinforce class topics while stressing the importance of making careful quantitative measurements and the careful design of experiments. Prerequisite: CHEM 170, and CHEM 120 or CHEM 130. May not be taken pass/fail.
Distribution Area
Science and Mathematics
Prerequisites
CHEM 170, and CHEM 120 or CHEM 130
Credits
1 course, class and lab
Course Description
An introduction to organic mechanisms as they occur in metabolic processes. The course begins with a rigorous study of organic mechanisms commonly seen in biological systems, and progresses to the mechanisms behind the transformations of lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids and nucleotides in metabolic pathways. Examples from the primary literature will be considered in detail. May not be counted as an elective for the chemistry major. Prerequisite: CHEM 130, Chem 240, CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, Chem 240, CHEM 260.
Credits
1 course
Course Description
This course covers reactivity and mechanisms in organic chemistry, with a focus on reactions of key importance in both laboratory synthesis and biological systems. Laboratory introduces fundamental methods of synthesis and purification, and makes use of instrumentation to verify structure and purity. Prerequisites: CHEM 130, Chem 240, CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, Chem 240, CHEM 260.
Credits
1 course, class and lab
Course Description
This course offers a more in-depth look at the range of inorganic reactions. Basics of structure, bonding and properties are used to rationalize reactions ranging from simple precipitation, redox, and acid-base reaction to significantly more involved organometallic reaction mechanisms. Topics vary from year to year but other possible topics include inorganic catalytic cycles, inner and outer sphere redox chemistry, dissociative and associative mechanisms in coordination chemistry, and major bioinorganic reaction mechanisms. Frequently examples are chosen from the most recent primary chemical literature. Prerequisite: CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260
Credits
1/2 course, class only
Course Description
A laboratory course focusing on advanced synthesis techniques, such as air sensitive handling, sublimation and solid-state synthesis. Use of the chemical literature will be integrated into the course. Prerequisite: CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260
Credits
1/2 course, 1 hour class and lab
Course Description
Selected topics in inorganic and organic chemical reactivity are offered. May be repeated for credit (with a different topic). Prerequisite: varies with topic. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
Varies according to the topic offered.
Credits
1/2-1 course, class or lab
Course Description
Selected topics in biochemistry are offered. May be repeated for credit (with a different topic). Prerequisite: varies with topic. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
Varies according to the topic offered.
Credits
1/2-1 course, class or lab
Course Description
Students in this class will develop an integrated picture of human metabolism by examining the chemistry, energetics and control of metabolic pathways. Through discussion of classic experiments and current research, students will also gain an understanding of how knowledge in the field develops, and how discoveries lead to treatments for metabolic disease. Prerequisites: CHEM 130, Chem 240, CHEM 260; BIO 101 or BIO 215. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, Chem 240, CHEM 260; BIO 101 or BIO 215
Credits
1 course
Course Description
An introduction to the mathematical handling of chemical data, including the statistical analysis of data, linear regression, standardization strategies, sampling, optimization and ruggedness testing. Prerequisite: CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260.
Credits
1/2 course, class only
Course Description
This course provides a more detailed examination of equilibrium chemistry and its application to gravimetry, titrimetry and analytical separations, including solvent extractions and chromatography. Prerequisite: CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260
Credits
1/2 course, class only
Course Description
A detailed examination of spectroscopic, electrochemical and flow injection methods of analysis. The application of kinetic methods of analysis is also considered. Prerequisite: CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, CHEM 240 and CHEM 260
Credits
1/2 course, class only
Course Description
Selected topics in chemical analysis are offered. May be repeated for credit (with a different topic). Prerequisite: varies with topic. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
Varies according to the topic offered.
Credits
1/2-1 course, class or lab
Course Description
A careful study of the key methods for the kinetic analysis of chemical systems. In addition to reviewing basic methodologies, such as the method of initial rates and simple integrated rate equations, considerable attention is given to more complicated kinetic mechanisms. Consecutive, competing, oscillating and explosive reactions are covered. Prerequisite: MATH 152, PHYS 130, CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
MATH 152, PHYS 130, CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260
Credits
1/2 course, class only
Course Description
This course will look at the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and how those principles govern the behavior of chemical systems. Emphasis will be given to applications in biochemical systems. Prerequisite: MATH 152, PHYS 130, CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
MATH 152, PHYS 130, CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260
Credits
1/2 course, class only
Course Description
This course examines the core quantum mechanical models, including the particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, rigid rotor, and hydrogen atom. Emphasis is placed on the power and limits of each model in explaining molecular vibrations, rotations and electronic motions. Approximation methods are discussed to extend the models to a larger number of physical systems. Prerequisite: MATH 152, PHYS 130, CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
MATH 152, PHYS 130, CHEM 130, CHEM 240, CHEM 260
Credits
1/2 course, class only
Course Description
Selected topics in theoretical and computational chemistry are offered. May be repeated for credit (with a different topic). Prerequisite: varies with topic. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
Varies according to the topic offered.
Credits
1/2-1 course, class or lab
Course Description
Directed independent study. Participation by arrangement with a faculty member. An oral presentation and written report are required. May be repeated; however, only one-half course total from CHEM 395 and 405 may be counted toward the chemistry or biochemistry major. Consult with research supervisor to determine credit. Permission of instructor required.
Credits
1/4-1/2-1 course, laboratory only
Course Description
For students preparing to teach in secondary schools. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Not applicable toward the major. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor. Not applicable toward the major.
Credits
1/2 course
Course Description
Completion of a research project and the preparation of a written thesis and oral presentation. Participation by arrangement with a faculty member. For students finishing a research project and writing a thesis. May not be repeated. Course grade will be assigned by the joint chemistry faculty. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor
Credits
1/2 course
Course Description
This course will examine the physical and chemical behavior of biomolecules from a quantitative perspective emphasizing applications and problem solving. Approximately half the course will focus on understanding biochemical reactions, structures and reactivity from a thermodynamic and kinetic perspective. The other half of the course will consider selected topics from biochemical applications of spectroscopy, crystallography and separations science. Prerequisites: CHEM 130, 240, 260; MATH 151; PHYS 120; BIO 315. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 130, 240, 260; MATH 151; PHYS 120; BIO 315
Credits
1 course
Course Description
Three laboratory hours and one hour recitation. A project-based laboratory course focusing on the development of analytical methods. Pre- or co-requisite: CHEM 351, CHEM 352 or CHEM 353. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 351, CHEM 352 or CHEM 353
Credits
1/2 course, 1 hour class and lab
Course Description
Three laboratory hours and one hour recitation. This project based laboratory will develop skills in asking fundamental questions about chemical behavior, deciding which theories can be used to explain that behavior, and then designing and implementing experiments to answer these questions. Pre- or co-requisite: CHEM 361 or CHEM 362 or CHEM 363. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites
CHEM 361 or CHEM 362 or CHEM 363
Credits
1/2 course, 1 hour class and lab
Course Description
This course provides students with the opportunity to study an area of interest within Chemistry and Biochemistry through analysis, research and reading peer-reviewed literature, participate in discussions via course topics and assignments, and develop and present a final project based on their selected area of interest.
Credits
1/2 course