Chemistry

Faculty

Dawn Wiser

Associate Professor of Chemistry
Chair of Chemistry

Jason Cody

Professor of Chemistry

William Conrad

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Paul Gladen

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Brian Page

Visiting Assistant Professor in Chemistry

Erica Schultz

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Nilam Shah

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Requirements

Entry to CHEM 115: Chemistry I

(required for Chemistry, Biology and Neuroscience Majors and Minors, and health professions)

Entering first-year students interested in chemistry (CHEM 115: Chemistry I) must take the Science Placement Assessment before registering for classes. This test consists of 20 basic algebra and spatial visualization problems, and is an established measure of readiness and likelihood of success in Chemistry I.  In addition to the assessment, your high school transcript and standardized test scores will be used to determine the most appropriate starting place in chemistry for you. You will be placed in Chemistry I in the Fall Semester or in CHEM 114: Foundations of Chemistry in the Spring Semester of your first year. The Chemistry Major can be completed in four years through either of the sequences described below.

Students wishing to enter CHEM 115 in the fall of their second year and who have not completed CHEM 114 must take the Science Placement Assessment in the spring of their first year and appropriate placement will be made. Note that it is not possible to complete a Chemistry Major in three years starting with CHEM 114 in the second year. 

Consult your advisor or the Chair of the Chemistry Department for further explanation.

Major and Minor in Chemistry

The Major in Chemistry requires eight chemistry courses, two courses in calculus, and two courses in physics. The Minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of six credits, including five chemistry courses and their pre-/co-requisites. To complete the Minor, one 300-level course must be completed on campus. 

Courses taken Pass-NoPass may not count towards the major in chemistry. Because of post-graduation evaluation by professional schools, employers, etc., all courses required for completion of the major must be recorded as grades on the transcript, including math and physics. Minors and non-majors may take chemistry courses Pass-NoPass. Note: several sequential courses in chemistry have minimum grade requirements for prerequisite courses whether taken Pass-NoPass or not; please see course descriptions for details.

The Chemistry Department will evaluate the suitability of prerequisites that students wish to satisfy via courses transferred to the College. In these cases the department may conduct a placement assessment that will be used to evaluate students’ mastery of prerequisite material. If sufficient mastery is not demonstrated, students may need to repeat the prerequisite course at the College, before continuing through the course sequence.

Requirements for the Major:

  • Chemistry 115: Chemistry I
  • Chemistry 116: Chemistry II
  • Chemistry 220: Organic Chemistry I
  • Chemistry 221: Organic Chemistry II
  • Chemistry 320: Physical Chemistry I
  • Chemistry 321: Physical Chemistry II
  • 1 additional chemistry course selected from CHEM 300: Biochemistry, CHEM 340: Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM 430: Advanced Organic Chemistry, CHEM 494: Senior Thesis in Chemistry
  • 2 courses in calculus: MATH 110 (Calculus I) and MATH 111 (Calculus II)
  • 2 courses in physics:  PHYS 110 (Introductory Physics I) and PHYS 111 (Introductory Physics II), or PHYS 120 (General Physics I) and PHYS 121 (General Physics II)
  • Senior Studies, which may be satisfied  by Chemistry 410: Instrumental Analysis, or Chemistry 494: Senior Thesis in Chemistry.

Minor in Chemistry

  • Chemistry 115: Chemistry I
  • Chemistry 116: Chemistry II
  • Chemistry 220: Organic Chemistry I
  • Chemistry 221: Organic Chemistry II
  • Chemistry 300: Biochemistry (prerequisite BIOL 120) or CHEM 320: Physical Chemistry I (prerequisite:  MATH 110, MATH 111, and one year of physics – either PHYS 110 and PHYS 111, or PHYS 120 and PHYS 121)

 

Recommended Chemistry major course sequences

Beginning with CHEM 115 in Fall of the first year

First Year
Fall: CHEM 115: Chemistry I
Spring: CHEM 116: Chemistry II
(MATH 110: Calculus I and MATH 111: Calculus II to be completed by the end of the second year, encouraged in first year.)

Second Year
Fall: CHEM 220: Organic Chemistry I
Spring: CHEM 221: Organic Chemistry II

Third Year
Fall: CHEM 320: Physical Chemistry I, CHEM 300: Biochemistry (optional)
Spring: CHEM 321: Physical Chemistry II, CHEM 340: Inorganic Chemistry (optional)
(Introductory Physics – PHYS 110 and PHYS 111, or General Physics – PHYS 120 and PHYS 121 to be completed by end of third year)

Fourth Year
Fall: CHEM 410: Instrumental Analysis, CHEM 300: Biochemistry (optional)
Spring: CHEM 340: Inorganic Chemistry (optional), CHEM 430: Advanced Organic Chemistry (optional), CHEM 494: Senior Thesis in Chemistry (optional)

Note: O nly one of the optional courses listed above is required, all are encouraged.

Beginning with CHEM 114 in Fall of the 1st year or CHEM 115 in Fall of the second year

First Year
Fall: CHEM 114: Foundations of Chemistry
Spring: no requirements for chemistry major
(MATH 110: Calculus I and MATH 111: Calculus II to be completed by the end of the third year, encouraged as early as possible.)

Second Year
Fall: CHEM 115: Chemistry I
Spring: CHEM 116: Chemistry II
(Introductory Physics – PHYS 110 and PHYS 111, or General Physics – PHYS 120 and PHYS  121 to be completed by end of fourth year, but recommended in second year.)

Third Year
Fall: CHEM 220: Organic Chemistry I
Spring:CHEM 221: Organic Chemistry II

Fourth Year
Fall: CHEM 320: Physical Chemistry I, CHEM 410: Instrumental Analysis, CHEM 300: Biochemistry (optional)
Spring: CHEM 321: Physical Chemistry II, CHEM 340: Inorganic Chemistry (optional) CHEM 430: Advanced Organic Chemistry (optional), CHEM 494: Senior Thesis in Chemistry (optional)

Note:  Only one of the optional courses listed above is required, all are encouraged.

Learning Outcomes

The expected Student Learning Outcomes for the Chemistry Department are:

1. The chemistry major will be able to demonstrate the ability to define problems clearly, develop testable hypotheses, design and execute experiments, analyze data using appropriate statistical methods, and draw appropriate conclusions.

2. The chemistry major will demonstrate appropriate laboratory skills and use of instrumentation to solve problems, while understanding the fundamental uncertainties in experimental measurements and practicing good laboratory safety procedures.

3. The chemistry major will demonstrate effective communication skills both orally and in writing for scientific presentation.

4. The chemistry major will demonstrate ability to work in groups and learn to conduct themselves responsibly as experimentalists with respect to ethics.

Chemistry Courses

CHEM 102: Chemistry and the Environment

Explore chemical phenomena in the world around you. Learn about the chemical cycles present throughout nature. Understand the chemistry behind current environmental issues such as air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, and energy sources (fossil fuels, nuclear, renewable). The relevant scientific background will be developed as needed to explain these particular topics. Lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Not applicable toward the major or minor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 103: Our Chemical World

This course is a descriptive examination of modern chemistry that will emphasize aspects important for students in the humanities and social sciences. Among the topics to be examined: the impact of science and technology on society; chemical change; nuclear chemistry; consumer chemistry; acids and bases; and plastics and polymers. Demonstrations and some experiments with group participation. Not applicable toward the major or minor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 104: Chem of Health and Reproduction

(Chemistry of Human Health and Reproduction.) This course focuses on biochemical processes related to human health and reproduction. It introduces concepts necessary to understand how the structure and function of naturally occurring small molecules and pharmaceuticals modulate biological processes - with an emphasis on human health and reproduction. Topics include introduction to organic chemical structures, chemical reactivity, structure and function of proteins, hormones, birth control, fertility treatments, and hormone replacement therapy. Additional topics may include anti-depressants, painkillers, and antibiotics. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: GSWS 104


CHEM 105: The Chemistry of Art

This course will explore fundamental principles of chemistry and the scientific method through the lens of art. The course will introduce concepts necessary for an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum; the chemical and physical principles that help to explain color; the chemical composition and interactions of atoms and molecules as they apply to pigments, dyes, binders, glazes, paper, fabrics, and metals; as well as the chemical changes active in processes like fresco painting, etching and photography. Building on a fundamental understanding of chemical and physical principles at work in the materials used to create art, the course will culminate with an exploration of case studies in the use of technology for art conservation and/or the detection of forgeries. The course format will include lecture, some short laboratory exercises, and a field trip. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 107: Developing World Thirst for Energy

This course will introduce the concepts behind the ever-increasing global demand for energy. Through laboratory experiments, field trips, and discussions of current events, students will develop an understanding of the many issues related to meeting the world's energy needs. In particular, the dramatic economic growth in China and India raise additional issues about sustainable energy generation in the face of global imbalances in the carbon cycle. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ASIA 107


CHEM 108: Environmental Chemistry

A working knowledge of most environmental issues facing us in the twenty-first century requires an understanding of some key geochemical principles. This course introduces chemistry concepts and skills as they arise in the context of current environmental issues, including chemical cycles in nature, air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, energy sources, water quality, and solid waste. Students will be asked to collect and interpret their own data, as well as to use simple models to explain environmental issues from a scientific perspective. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 108


CHEM 114: Foundations of Chemistry

Foundations of Chemistry is designed to develop fundamental study skills along with a quantitative and conceptual understanding of chemistry. This course will emphasize stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, and solution chemistry principles. There is no laboratory component for this course and it does not count toward the chemistry major or minor. However, the course can serve as an entrance to the major or minor. The course is intended to be a skills-building and preparatory course for subsequent enrollment into Chemistry 115. Prerequisite: Completion of a science placement test to assess quantitative skills and, for non-first year students, permission of instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 115: Chemistry I

An introduction to and study of the fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry. Atomic and molecular structure, periodic relationships, chemical bonding, stoichiometry. Properties and theories of gases, liquids, and solids. Laboratory introduces quantitative measurements and computer applications. This course will meet admissions requirements for medical, dental, or pharmacy school. Three class meetings, one laboratory per week. Students must register for a lab. Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on the departmental placement test to assess quantitative skills or a passing grade in Chemistry 114. Please see Chemistry Department requirements page for details. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 116: Chemistry II

Thermodynamics and kinetics; chemical equilibria; acids, bases, and buffers; coordination compounds; descriptive chemistry of metals and nonmetals. Laboratory is both quantitative and descriptive and uses much instrumentation. Three class meetings, one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 115. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 220: Org Chemistry I

Organic chemistry is the study of the structure and reactivity of carbon-containing compounds. In this course we discuss the physical properties, and chemical transformations of organic compounds, placing a special emphasis on the development of a systematic rational to account for these properties and reactions. The lecture for this course focuses on organic functional groups, nomenclature, resonance, inductive and steric effects, stereochemistry, substitution, elimination, and addition reactions. Laboratory focuses on microscale synthetic techniques, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, and gas chromatography. Three class meetings, one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or permission of the instructor. Students must also register for a lab. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 221: Org Chemistry II

This course expands on the systematic understanding of organic compounds and reactions developed in CHEM 220. The lecture focuses on ethers, aromaticity, pericyclic reactions, carbonyl chemistry, polymers, and organometallic reactions. Laboratory focuses on microscale organic synthesis, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Three class meetings, one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHEM 220 or permission of the instructor. Students must also register for a lab. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 300: Biochemistry

Introduction to biochemistry at the cellular and chemical levels. Emphasis on protein structure and function, enzymes, bioenergetics, intermediary metabolism, carbohydrates, and other biological molecules. Three class meetings, one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 120 and a C- or better in CHEM 221. Transferred CHEM221 will require a placement exam or permission of the instructor. Students must also register for a lab. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: BMB 300


CHEM 320: Physical Chemistry I

Quantum mechanics and the nature of the chemical bond. Emphasis on understanding atomic orbitals, atomic and molecular energy, and the chemical bond. Applications of molecular quantum mechanics; spectroscopy and computational chemistry. Laboratory focuses on experiments that led to the development of quantum mechanics, molecular modeling, and spectroscopy. Three class meetings, one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 221, MATH 111 or MATH 116; prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 110 or PHYS 120. Students must also register for a lab. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Technology requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: BMB 320


CHEM 321: Physical Chemistry II

The course explores the energy, dynamic behavior, and properties of large groups of molecules. Content includes the behavior of non-ideal gases, the kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and reaction-rate theory. The laboratory focuses on kinetics and thermodynamics with a culminating independent project-based experience. Prerequisite: CHEM 221 and MATH 111 or MATH 116. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 111 or PHYS 121. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Technology and Experiential Learning requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: BMB 321


CHEM 340: Inorganic Chemistry

Relationship among structure, properties, and chemical reactivity of elements from the entire periodic table. Molecular bonding theories, molecular symmetry and group theory, solid-state materials, transition-metal complexes, catalysts, and bioinorganic molecules. Laboratory work includes synthesis, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and inert-atmosphere techniques. Two class meetings and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 321. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 410: Instrumental Analysis

Theory and techniques of instrumentation used in modern chemical analysis. Optical spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, FT-IR, Raman), NMR, mass spectrometry, electroanalytical chemistry, and modern separation techniques (GC, HPLC, and electrophoresis). Laboratory experiments will include most modern instrumental methods and culminate in an independent project. Three class meetings, one laboratory per week. Satisfies the Senior Studies Requirement. Prerequisite (or corequisite with premission of the instructor): CHEM 320. Students must also register for a lab. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Experiential Learning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 430: Advanced Organic Chemistry

Building on the concepts from Organic Chemistry I and II (CHEM 220 and 221), this course offers an extended treatment of the topics of organic chemistry. Stereochemistry, radical chemistry, pericyclic reactions and named reactions used in modern organic synthesis will be emphasized. Course notes will be supplemented by readings from the primary literature. Prerequisite: CHEM 221. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Speaking requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)


CHEM 493: Research Project

Independent research guided by a faculty advisor. Research areas include organic synthesis; organometallic catalysis; enzyme inhibition; X-ray crystallography; computational chemistry; molecular modeling; solid state chemistry; and spectroscopic studies of air pollution. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Experiential Learning requirement.)


CHEM 494: Senior Thesis

An extensive, in-depth, independent research project with faculty guidance. Includes a formal written dissertation and oral presentation. Satisfies the Senior Studies Requirement.