Department of Chemistry

William Bordeaux, Ruth Nalliah, Gerald Smith

The goals of the Chemistry Department are to lead students to (a) demonstrate an understanding of the chemical principles from the primary fields of chemistry; (b) express chemical principles using models, equations, and oral and written communication; (c) acquire skills in modern professional laboratory techniques; (d) apply chemical principles to other areas of the natural sciences; (e) practice acceptable work ethics for the field of chemistry, including environmental concern and societal impact; and (f) demonstrate the ability to assess models for the integration of chemical science with the Christian faith.

Examples of some typical vocational goals of a chemistry major include (a) obtaining training for an immediate career in laboratory analysis; (b) obtaining a liberal arts emphasis to use the chemistry background in areas such as business or social science; (c) obtaining a foundation for graduate studies in chemical research; (d) obtaining a foundation for studies in medicine; or (e) preparing for secondary science teaching.  Students may design (their) chemistry major to include several of the above career options.

All chemistry majors will take a common core consisting of CH 161/L, 162/L, 263/L, 264/L, 331/L, 361/L, and 371/L; PH 211/L and 212/L; and MA 171 and 172.

Students who choose chemistry as a professional major in the bachelor of science degree complete the common core as well as CH 333/L, 411, 441, 451 and 490; CH 445 or PH 261; MA 273 and 371 (premed students may substitute an upper-level biology course for MA 371).

Students who select chemistry as a major in the bachelor of arts degree complete the common core as well as four additional hours from CH 333/L, 411, 441 and 445.

The university minor in chemistry requires CH 161/L, 162/L, 263/L, 264/L, 331/L and four to six hours from CH 333/L, 361/L, 371/L, 411, 441 and 445.

Students who complete a bachelor of science degree in chemistry education can be licensed in Indiana to teach science in middle school settings and chemistry in high school settings.  To complete this program, students complete the common core as well as CH 333/L; BI 161/L; and PH 271, 321, 323, and 261 or 421.  Refer to the Department of Education for education courses required for teacher licensing.

Pre-Medicine and Pre-Nursing 

Pre-medical students are advised to major in chemistry or biology with substantial course work in both, as well as electives in other areas of the liberal arts.  Recommended coursework for pre-medical and health professions is listed under Degrees and Programs, Pre-Medical Study.  Pre-nursing students should meet early with the pre-nursing advisor to determine the appropriate course work for the intended nursing school. Pre-professional study for physical therapy may follow the pre-medical track while pursuing a major in biology, chemistry, or exercise science (described in the Department of Physical Education, Exercise Science and Recreation).

Environmental Science Minor

Students interested in adding an environmental science minor may refer to the description in the Department of Biology.

Courses in Chemistry

CH 111 Chemistry and Contemporary Society        (3)

This course is designed to assist the non-science major in using chemistry to help satisfy curiosity about how things work; to debate chemical issues directly affecting the well-being of humans and the environment; and to articulate Christian perspectives on these issues.  Applications include topics such as kitchen chemistry, environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and DNA technology. Not counted in chemistry major. Must be taken concurrently with CH 111L.

Fall, Spring

CH 111L Laboratory for Contemporary Society       (1)

This course introduces the student to basic methods of scientific investigation, solution chemistry, safety procedures in the chemical laboratory and critical analysis of results.  Must be taken with CH 111 unless consent given.

Fall, Spring

CH 161 Principles of Chemistry I                        (3)

Modern views of atomic and molecular structure, bonding concepts, thermochemistry, reaction types, and the states of matter are introduced.  The relationships between chemical science, technology, society and the environment are addressed.  Recommended for students majoring in chemistry, biology or exercise science.  Prerequisites: Math placement and one year h.s. college-prep chemistry or placement

Fall

CH 161L Laboratory for Principles of Chemistry I (1)

Routine chemical laboratory skills, techniques, and analyses are introduced along with basic instrumentation.  Must be taken concurrently with CH 161 unless consent given.

Fall

CH 162 Principles of Chemistry II                       (3)

A continuation of the foundations of chemistry with an emphasis on solution chemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, acid-base theories, coordination compounds and nuclear structure.  The course also focuses on the risks and benefits to society and the environment that accompany applications of chemical knowledge.  Recommended for students majoring in chemistry, biology or exercise science.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of CH 161/L

Spring

CH 162L Laboratory for Principles of Chemistry II                (1)

Quantitative techniques and spreadsheet analysis are introduced, and the application of chemical principles and use of chemical instrumentation are continued.  Must be taken concurrently with CH 162 unless consent given.

Spring

CH 263 Organic Chemistry I                         (3)

Fundamental study of the chemistry of carbon compounds focusing on the carbon to carbon bond in alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, and characteristic reactions of these substituted hydrocarbons including synthesis and mechanisms, and study of spectroscopic methods, IR and NMR.  Recommended for students majoring in chemistry or biology.  Prerequisite: CH 162/L

Fall

CH 263L Laboratory for Organic Chemistry I          (1)

Elementary techniques of organic separation, characterization and analysis are introduced as well as organic synthesis and spectroscopic identification.  Must be taken with CH 263 unless consent is given.

Fall

CH 264 Organic Chemistry II                        (3)

A continuation of the study of carbon compounds including alcohols, arenes, phenols, nitrogenous compounds, and the carbonyl group.  There is a large emphasis on multi-step synthesis and on the biological/ medical/environmental applications of organic chemistry.  Recommended for students majoring in chemistry or biology.  Prerequisite: CH 263/L

Spring

CH 264L Laboratory for Organic Chemistry II         (1)

Techniques of multi-step synthesis and reaction mechanism studies are performed as well as continued experience with spectrophotometric methods of characterization and identification of products.  Must be taken with CH 264 unless consent is given.

Spring

CH 331 Quantitative Analysis                        (3)

The underlying principles of analytical chemistry are studied in this course. Topics include statistical methods, volumetric and gravimetric analyses, acidimetry, oxidation and reduction, and spectrophotometric methods of analysis.  Must be taken concurrently with CH 331L. Prerequisites: CH 162/L and junior standing or permission

Fall Odd Years

CH 331L Laboratory for Quantitative Analysis         (1)

Quantitative laboratory procedures, including wet chemistry and spectrophotometric methods are practiced in this course. Must be taken with CH 331 unless consent given.

Fall Odd Years

CH 333 Instrumental Analysis                       (3)

The course introduces the student to the theory and practice of various types of spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electroanalytical instrumentation for quantitative chemical analysis and identification.  Must be taken concurrently with CH 333L. Prerequisites: CH 162/L and junior standing or permission

Spring Even Years

CH 333L Laboratory for Instrumental Analysis        (1)

Laboratory experiments are assigned which focus on the practice of chemical analysis by spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electroanalytical techniques, using a variety of chemical instruments.  Instrument maintenance and repair are also discussed.  Formal report writing is required.  Must be taken with CH 333 unless consent given.

Spring Even Years

CH 361 Physical Chemistry I                        (3)

Laws of chemistry and physics are studied with emphasis on kinetic molecular theory, thermodynamics, chemical and phase equilibria, electrochemistry, and kinetics.  Must be taken concurrently with CH 361L. Prerequisites: CH 162/L, MA 172, PH 212/L, and junior standing

Fall Even Years

CH 361L Laboratory for Physical Chemistry I         (1)

Experiments focus on kinetic molecular theory, phase equilibria, thermodynamics, kinetics, and applications of electronics and computers in the laboratory. Students are trained in advanced laboratory techniques, safety, and careful measurements. Formal report writing is required. Must be taken with CH 361 unless consent is given.

Fall Even Years

CH 371 Physical Chemistry II                       (3)

This course introduces the student to quantum theory, chemical bonding, crystal structures, spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics.  Must be taken concurrently with CH 371L. Prerequisite: CH 361

Spring Odd Years

CH 371L Laboratory for Physical Chemistry II        (1)

Experiments will focus on spectroscopic and crystallographic properties of substances as related to quantum chemistry and the interaction of radiation with atoms and molecules. Formal report writing required as is an oral presentation on an advanced experimental technique in physical chemistry research. Must be taken with CH 371 unless consent given.

Spring Odd Years

CH 411 Biochemistry                                    (3)

The chemistry, structure and metabolism of biomolecules are studied in this course which is designed for premed students as well as chemistry and biology majors. Prerequisite: CH 264/L

Spring Even Years

CH 441 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry                   (3)

The course integrates quantum chemistry into atomic and bonding theory on an intermediate level. Descriptive chemistry involving periodic trends in the elements, symmetry, coordination chemistry, and ligand field theory, particularly for transition elements, will be emphasized. Recommended for students anticipating graduate study or chemical research. Prerequisites: CH 162/L and junior standing or permission

Fall Even Years

CH 445 Advanced Laboratory Analysis                   (2)

This course provides an extended survey of advanced laboratory analysis techniques such as FT-NMR, GC-MS, and routine instrument diagnostics.  The goal is to give students exposure to advanced techniques encountered in industrial and research laboratories.  Course meets for one lecture and one three-hour laboratory session weekly. Prerequisite: CH 263/L

Spring Odd Years

CH 451 Seminar in Chemistry                       (1)

This course engages the upper-level chemistry student in reviewing the current chemical literature; giving an oral presentation of a current topic in chemical research; evaluating ethical, philosophical, and historical relationships of the discipline to the Christian faith; career planning and resume preparation; and surveying professional organizations and laboratory safety resources. Prerequisite: Junior standing

Fall Odd Years

CH 490 Independent Study                         (1-2)

Experiments or special projects will be selected according to the interest of the student and will be performed independently. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent

Fall, Spring

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