Courses
The science of chemistry deals with the composition and changes of
matter. The Department of Chemistry offers courses in which students
study fundamental principles that provide a strong basis for understanding
the physical world and provide opportunity to develop laboratory skills.
Chemistry courses address such topics as theories of atomic and molecular
structure and the nature of chemical reactions. Courses are specifically
designed to provide a foundational knowledge of chemistry necessary for
understanding biological processes, to help students develop a scientific
attitude, to give practice in the experimental method, to provide training in
laboratory techniques, to enable the student to acquire the chemical
background necessary for certain specialized professions and vocational fields,
and to acquaint students with the chemical aspects of our environment and
our civilization. A degree in Chemistry with a minor in Education will
prepare students for alternative secondary teaching certification.
CHM 1014 Fundamentals of Chemistry - Four hours
An introduction to the field of chemistry. Designed to provide students with an
understanding of basic chemical principles and their application to relevant problems,
course work is suitable for students in construction management, nursing, and the
liberal arts. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite or corequisite: MTH 1113 or ACT Math score of 19
Offered spring semester
CHM 1101, 3101 Chemistry Practicum
- Each course, one hour
Experiences in chemistry, such as the following: glassblowing, analysis, teaching,
research. Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Offered upon sufficient request
CHM 1124 General Chemistry I - Four hours
A systematic study of basic chemical principles and properties that govern matter and
its changes. Topics include the basic structure of atamos and molecules, chemical
and physical properties, balancing chemical equations, and bonds. Three hours
lecture-discussion and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Offered fall semester
CHM 1134 General Chemistry II - Four hours
Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical reactions; properties of gases,
solids, and liquids; aqueous equilibria and an introduction to electrochemistry and transition metal elements. Three hours lecture-discussion and one two-hour
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHM 1124
Offered spring semester
CHM 2151 Seminar: Nanotechnology - One hour
An introduction to nanotechnology using the fundamental principles of matter as a
guide. Discussion of both the scientific and ethical ramifications of nanotechnology
using a series of readings. Prerequisite: CHM 1014 or 1124
Offered fall semester (even-numbered years)
CHM 3114 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry - Four hours
A laboratory intensive course designed to introduce students to the field of analytical
chemistry. Topics include chemical equilibrium, wet chemical methods of analysis
and physiochemical methods of analysis such as spectrometry and chromatography.
Required for chemistry and biochemistry majors and recommended for environmental
science majors. Prerequisite: CHM 1134
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
CHM 3134, 3144 Organic Chemistry - Each course, four hours
A systematic study of the hydrocarbons and their derivatives, general organic reactions,
and theories of reaction mechanics. The laboratory work gives training in the
preparation and properties of type compounds. Three hours lecture-discussion-quiz
and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite for 3134: CHM 1134 with a
minimum grade of ‘C’ or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for 3144: CHM 3134
3134 offered fall semester
3144 offered spring semester
CHM 3151, 3152, 3153 Selected Topics - One to three hours
Topics are chosen from the various branches of chemistry. May be repeated for
credit when a different topic is studied. Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Offered upon sufficient request
CHM 3164 Biochemistry - Four hours
A study of macromolecular and metabolic biochemistry with an emphasis on
carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins with an introduction to nucleic acids. The
chemical basis for biological phenomena, bioenergetics and metabolic regulation is
stressed. Three hours lecture-discussion and one three-hour laboratory-quiz period
per week. Prerequisite: CHM 3144 or consent of instructor
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
CHM 3174 Environmental Chemistry - Four hours
Principles and analysis of chemical movement and distribution—both natural and
human-induced—in natural environments. Sampling and analytical methods are
included for water, soil, and air. Work is conducted both on site in natural habitats
and in the laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 3134 (Same as Au Sable Chem 332)
Offered summer, Au Sable Institute
CHM 3183 Inorganic Chemistry - Three hours
Coverage of the bonding and properties of the main group and especially transition
metal elements with a focus on their coordination and sold-state chemistry.
Molecular symmetry principles, spectroscopy, and catalytic applications of these
substances are discussed. An emphasis on organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHM 1134
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)
CHM 4121, 4131 Experimental Physical Chemistry
- Each course, one hour
Laboratory experiments dealing with the content of CHM 4123, CHM 4133. Three
hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHM 3144; prerequisite or corequisite:
CHM 4123
Offered upon sufficient request
CHM 4123, 4133 Physical Chemistry - Each course, three hours
A study of the principles of chemistry from an exact, quantitative standpoint.
Behavior of matter in the various states, thermodynamic relationships, kinetics of
reaction, molecular and atomic structure, phase equilibria, electro-chemistry.
Prerequisite: CHM 3144, PHY 2124; prerequisite or corequisite: MTH 1144
4123 offered fall semester (even-numbered years)
4133 offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
CHM 4221, 4222, 4223 Chemistry Research - One to three hours
Laboratory-based research projects in an area of Chemistry or Biochemistry of interest
to the student and supervising faculty. May be repeated for credit, with a maximum
of four hours counting toward degree credit in Biochemistry. Prerequisite: consent
of instructor
Offered each semester