Course Category: Chemistry

This course introduces students to the dynamic field of forensic science. Basic procedures for processing crime scenes are discussed, including collection and preservation of physical evidence. Emphasis is placed on the science behind analysis of physical evidence and the conclusions that may be drawn by the forensic scientist performing the analysis. Topics are generally chosen from physical evidence commonly encountered at crime scenes such as fingerprints, glass, hairs, fibers, drugs, and DNA; and analytical techniques such as microscopy and spectroscopy.

This course will actively engage students in laboratory activities through which they will have the opportunity to apply fundamental principles learned in CHEM 102.

This course offers an introduction to chemical concepts through the examination of environmental issues. Students will gain an understanding of chemistry as it pertains to environmental topics and will be better equipped as citizens to make decisions using evidence-based reasoning.

This course offers an introduction to chemical concepts through the examination of real life processes. Everyday items of interest are explored to determine their underlying chemical principles. Students will gain an appreciation for chemistry in their daily lives and will be better equipped as citizens to formulate opinions and make decisions about items of scientific interest. Non-laboratory.

This course correlates with CHEM 140 by giving students hands-on experience with many of the laboratory techniques used to analyze the compounds discussed in CHEM 140. Corequisite: CHEM 140

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in chemistry by taking an atoms first approach. Atomic structure is introduced early and is used as the basis for discussion of periodic trends of the elements, compounds and bonding, molecular structure and geometry, intermolecular forces, and chemical reactions. Laboratory projects emphasize application of scientific methodology and experimental design.

See description for CHEM 151

This course is a continuation of the atoms first approach begun in CHEM 151. Emphasis is placed on thermochemistry, gases, solutions, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics

See description for CHEM 152

This course introduces students to critical analysis of biological literature. Students will learn methods for carrying out scientific literature searches, reading biological literature and preparation of scientific writing. Additionally, the course will provide guidance for career preparation in the biological sciences. Same as BIO 201.

This course teaches the application of equilibrium, solubility, neutralization, oxidation-reduction, complexation, and acid-bas theories to quantitative chemical analysis. The application of chromatography and spectrophotometry to quantitative determinations is also investigated. The laboratory emphasizes gravimetric, volumetric, chromatographic, and spectrophotometric methods of analysis.

The content of special topics courses will vary each time a special topic is offered.

A course covering structure and reactivity of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides with an emphasis on mechanisms and stereochemistry. Laboratory emphasizes basic procedures and techniques.

See description for CHEM 251

A continuation of CHEM 251, with emphasis on the chemistry of various functional groups; also provides an introduction to aromaticity and organic spectroscopic techniques. Laboratory correlates with lecture material and emphasizes methods of qualitative organic analysis.

See description for CHEM 252

A study of basic chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and equilibrium. Lecture concepts will be applied to solids, liquids, and gases and to chemical reactions occurring in the gas phase and in solutions.

A study of basic concepts of quantum chemistry and statistical mechanics/statistical thermodynamics and their application to molecular structure, chemical change, and some fundamental chemical spectroscopies.

Field and/or laboratory research in an area of chemical sciences involving participation in the scientific process with a faculty member from the Department of Biology and Chemistry. Each participant will write a progress report at the end of each semester and be expected to maintain a detailed laboratory/field notebook. Students are expected to work on their research (on average) a minimum of 3 hours per week over two sessions (one semester) for one hour of credit. The course may be repeated for a maximum of three credit hours if both student and faculty member agree.

This course covers an overview of chemical instrumentation and its applications in the forensic lab. This course includes a review of the chemical tests for fingerprints, gunshot residue and trace evidence, as well as the chemistry of drugs, arson and explosives, and chemical instrumental analysis of drugs, toxicological specimens, arson, explosives and questioned documents.

This course is an introduction to major biomolecules. Topics include basic thermodynamics, aqueous solutions, structure and properties of amino acids, proteins and protein structure, enzymes and enzyme kinetics, structure and function of carbohydrates, nucleotides and nucleic acids, lipids and membranes. Recommended: BIO 135

This course is an introduction to bioenergetics and metabolism. Discussion will focus on the degradation and biosynthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleotides.

This course provides a hands-on laboratory experience using basic biochemical techniques, such as spectrophotometry, chromatography and electrophoresis. These techniques will be used to study major types of biomolecules, such as amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and RNA. Corequisite: CHEM 330

This course targets several instruments common to modern chemistry laboratories with study of the theory underlying each instrumental technique. Covered are atomic absorption spectrophotometry, ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, gas and liquid chromatographies, and mass spectrometry. Attention will be given to spectral interpretation.

A consideration of periodicity, atomic structure, and chemical bonding of main group elements and transition metals. Topics may include molecular symmetry, structures of solids, acid-base definitions and applications, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry.

A course emphasizing the development of a written proposal for research on a selected project in chemistry. Literature search techniques and the proposal format are covered with the aim of undertaking a thorough review of the chemical literature in the preparation of the research proposal.

This course is a survey of the fundamental aspects of organometallic chemistry. Topics include structure and bonding, synthesis and reactions of main group and transition metal organometallics. Applications of organometallics to organic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis will also be discussed. Whenever possible, reactivity patterns will be organized according to general periodic trends.

This course covers, at an advanced level, topics not considered in either CHEM 251 or CHEM 252. It also expands upon some topics covered in both CHEM 251 and CHEM 252. The emphasis is on modern synthetic chemistry and applications to chemical systems of interest.

This course covers the chemistry of both aromatic and non-aromatic heterocyclic compounds. Topics include the synthesis, reactions, and properties of three- to seven-membered cyclic compounds containing one or more heteroatoms. The nomenclature of heteroatomic ring systems will also be introduced.

The content of special topics courses will vary each time a special topic is offered.

An in-depth study of modern techniques in molecular spectroscopy. Topics will include mass spectrometry, raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and several methods in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including multinuclear and multidimensional techniques.

A continuation of CHEM 391 in which the proposed chemical research is carried out in the laboratory. A written report will be prepared and an oral presentation will be given at the conclusion of the project.