Chemistry

Chemistry is an experimental science. Classroom and laboratory work combine to form a unique, personalized education, which can lead to a successful career or entrance into medical, dental, graduate, or other professional schools.

The Chemistry Department is located in Boone Science Hall, which houses the classrooms, laboratories, computers, and equipment necessary for the study of the natural sciences. Senior faculty, rather than student assistants, direct all laboratory and class instruction.

Opportunities are available for independent study conducted individually or as a member of a research team. Research projects in areas such as pollution analysis, toxicity studies, chemical synthesis, biochemistry, molecular modeling, free radical chemistry, flavonoids and chemical kinetics are encouraged for both lower and upper-division students. Summer research opportunities are also available. Internships can be designed to match individual backgrounds and interests.

Pre-professional students seeking advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science, should give serious consideration to a chemistry major, as well as the courses CHE-412 Biochemistry, BIO-201 Frontiers in Biology, BIO-202 Organismal Biology, BIO-330 Cell Biology, BIO-356 Molecular Biology, and BIO-374 Animal Physiology.

Majors

Chemistry Major

Major Requirements:

• CHE-141 General Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
• MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
• MAT-152 Calculus II (4 cr)
• CHE-252 Analytical Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-302 Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-401 Chemical Dynamics & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-420 Inorganic Chemistry & Laboratory (4 cr)
  or
  CHE-352 Analytical Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
• PHY-313 Thermal Physics (3 cr)
• PHY-400 Quantum Physics (2-3 cr)
• CHE-494 Independent Study (1-3 cr)
  or
  CHE-395 Chemistry Research (1-3 cr) / CHE-495 Chemistry Research (1-3 cr)

Students preparing for graduate work in chemistry are strongly advised to complete courses in addition to those required for the major (e.g., CHE-412, CHE-420 or CHE-451, MAT-112 and mathematics through MAT-352, Differential Equations, if possible).

Student Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing a major/minor in chemistry, a student will be able to:

• Understand the major historical developments in chemistry and physics
• Make calculations based on fundamental chemical laws
• Explain the chemical laws using a variety of chemical theories
• Know fundamental descriptive inorganic, analytical and organic chemistry
• Apply principles of kinetics, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics
• Use modern instruments of spectroscopy, chromatography and electrochemistry
• Plan and execute experiments through the use of the chemical literature
• Keep legible and complete experimental records
• Anticipate, recognize and respond properly to chemical hazards
• Analyze data statistically and assess reliability of results
• Interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions
• Communicate effectively through oral and written reports

Minors

Chemistry Minor

The central science of chemistry is at the intersection of biology, physics, and mathematics. Thus, an understanding and appreciation of its precepts, practices, and limitations is germane to all sciences and is a vital component of the liberal arts curriculum. This minor satisfies the state requirements for the secondary education second-teaching field in chemistry. The quantitative nature of chemistry necessitates an ability to gain and apply mathematical tools. Students are assumed to be proficient in algebra and are expected to complete a minimum of one mathematics course, excluding MAT-105 and MAT-221.

Minor Requirements (20 credits):

• CHE-141 General Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-252 Analytical Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-301 Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• Four additional upper-division (300-, 400-level) credits in Chemistry

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain skills and concepts necessary to understand modern chemistry and chemistry laboratory methods.
• Students will develop an understanding of modern theories of chemistry.
• Students will develop problem solving and analysis skills appropriate for the field.
• Students learn to communicate in a manner appropriate for the field.

Analytical Chemistry Minor

The Analytical Chemistry Minor is meant to create a foundation in preparation for a career in laboratory chemical analysis. As a professional enhancement minor, the Analytical Chemistry Minor is further designed to help prepare students to succeed in graduate school work involving instrumentation and analytical chemical laboratory techniques. Through this minor students will be introduced to statistical analysis of data, chemical science foundation, and techniques of standard laboratory practice and instrumentation in chemical analysis. This minor is not available for Chemistry majors.

Students interested in the analytical chemistry minor should consider a major or minor in mathematics or one of the natural sciences.

Minor Requirements (19 credits):

• CHE-141 General Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE 142 General Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-252 Analytical Chemistry I & Laboratory (4 cr)
• CHE-351 Analytical Chemistry II & Laboratory (4 cr)
• MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)
  or
  MAT-212 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 cr)

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students gain skills and concepts necessary to be successful in an analytical chemistry laboratory.
• Students analyze and interpret data using modern technological tools.
• Students develop problem solving skills.
• Students learn to communicate in a manner appropriate for the field.