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Chemistry
Dr. Timothy Guasco, Chair
Chemistry Department Faculty
Full-Time: Paris Barnes, George Bennett, Timothy Guasco, Kyle Knust, Anne Rodriguez Adjunct: Randall Kok, Kenneth Stensrud, Jodi Van Uytven
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training certifies the Millikin University Chemistry Department. By completing the courses meeting guidelines established by the ACS, students may earn a bachelor’s degree certified by the ACS.
Chemistry is a broad and rapidly developing field pervading both natural and applied sciences. Chemists are often members of interdisciplinary teams addressing current global challenges. The Chemistry Department prepares majors for careers in diverse fields by developing each student’s ability to solve problems, thereby enhancing their capacity to apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world scenarios in chemistry and other disciplinary communities. Moreover, there is strong emphasis throughout the chemistry major to improve a student’s ability to communicate effectively through writing and orally.
Through a combination of general, organic, analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, physical, and specialized chemistry courses, the Chemistry Department prepares majors to pursue careers in numerous fields including research, medicine, teaching, industry, pharmacy, biotechnology, dentistry, agriculture, nanotechnology, engineering, sales, forensics, law, and governmental policy.
Chemistry majors beginning their careers directly following their undergraduate studies pursue both science and non-science related positions to apply their skills. Most often, students working in science fields find positions in industry and government. Alternatively, chemistry majors often pursue graduate studies with many ultimately earning a terminal degree in their chosen field. The chemistry major facilitates entry into graduate studies in a variety of areas including chemistry, medicine, biochemistry, pharmacology, dentistry, engineering, law, materials science, energy, nutrition, and environmental science.
Pre-Professional Programs in Health Science
Many students choosing to pursue careers in health professions first earn an undergraduate degree in chemistry. While any major may be completed prior to professional school, a chemistry degree (biochemistry concentration) delivers an excellent preparation for professional school by providing interdisciplinary training across the natural sciences and the flexibility for students to expand their education in the liberal arts. Students interested in pursuing a professional career in the health sciences will have an advisor in the Chemistry Department and also receive guidance from the Director of Pre-Professional Programs to navigate the application process for professional school. With their advisors, students will select courses meeting the prerequisites and ensuring preparedness for professional training in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and optometry. In addition to coursework traditionally completed before professional school, chemistry majors develop professionally, and gain sought after communication and critical thinking skills by working one-on-one with a Chemistry Department faculty member to complete and defend a research project.
Pre-Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry
Medical, dental, and optometry schools emphasize the importance of a diverse education. Therefore, in addition to the strong foundation in natural science and mathematics provided by a chemistry major, students are encouraged to pursue courses of interest in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It should be emphasized that quality and breadth of the undergraduate experience are more important to future success than narrow specialization in science. Students will work with their chemistry and pre-professional advisors to select appropriate coursework to complete the academic competencies necessary for admission to professional school and to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), or Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
Pre-Pharmacy
Most aced pharmacy schools require at least two years of pre-pharmacy work for admission to their professional programs. The required preparation consists of basic science courses as well as foundational courses in other areas. The recommended curriculum is similar to the first two years of a chemistry major and typically includes one or two semesters of calculus, two years of chemistry, two years of biology, and a year of physics. Because students often need more than two years to complete the prerequisites for admission to pharmacy school, students are strongly encouraged to complete their bachelor’s degree in chemistry prior to attending pharmacy school. Since some pharmacy schools require the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and others recommend it, students in this program should consider taking the standardized aptitude test in January of their application year.
Millikin and the Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) at Midwestern University have a Dual Acceptance Program whereby selected students who successfully complete the specified course work at Millikin will be granted early acceptance to CCP. Students must rank in the top quartile of their high school graduating class and must score in the top quartile on a College Entrance Exam (ACT: 28) to be eligible. Students not accepted to CCP retain their acceptance at Millikin. All course work in the dual degree program must be taken at Millikin University and the student must maintain a 3.2 GPA during each of the four semesters. The application for the dual degree program is available from the Pre-Professional Program office.
Chemical Engineering 3+2 Program
Millikin University maintains a chemical engineering dual-degree program with Washington University in St. Louis. With this program, students complete the first three years of their undergraduate studies at Millikin University and then transfer to Washington University in St. Louis to complete the final two years of their undergraduate work. Upon graduation, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry is earned from Millikin University and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is earned from Washington University in St. Louis.
Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry
Students interested in chemistry or biochemistry may elect to pursue either a B.S. or B.A. degree. The B.S. degree is earned by completing the requirements listed below. The B.A. degree requires 12 additional credits by completing a foreign language through the course numbered 223 or by passing a proficiency exam.
To permit proper course sequencing and completion of the program in a timely manner, declaring a chemistry or biochemistry major as soon as possible is imperative. With chemistry being a diverse field of study, students can earn a chemistry major with one of two concentrations: Business or Research. There are no concentration offerings associated with the biochemistry major. With the guidance of their academic advisor, students will select an emphasis consistent with their interests and career goals.
Students must complete the Millikin Program of Student Learning (MPSL) sequential and non-sequential requirements unless he/she is a member of the Honor’s Program. All students are required to complete the College of Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement courses (three credits of both Historical Studies and Literature).
Required Courses for All Concentrations/Majors
CH121 or CH131. General Chemistry I (3) CH122. General Chemistry II (3) CH151. General Chemistry Laboratory I (1) CH152. General Chemistry Laboratory II (1) CH232. Analytical Chemistry (3) CH251. Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1) CH253. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1) CH254. Introduction to Research (1) CH301. Organic Chemistry I (3) CH302. Organic Chemistry II (3) CH303. Physical Chemistry I (3) CH391/491. Research (2) CH482. Chemistry Seminar (1)
ACS Certified Degree
Students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry may earn an ACS certified degree. In addition to the required courses, students must also complete the following courses:
CH252. Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1) CH256. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1) CH304. Physical Chemistry II (3) CH306. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3) CH331. Biochemistry (3) CH351. Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1) CH352. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1) CH353. Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1) CH406. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry or CH432. Advanced Biochemistry (3) CH420. Instrumental Analysis (3)
Biochemistry Degree
CH256. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1) CH306. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3) CH331. Biochemistry (3) CH352. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1) CH354. Biochemistry Laboratory (1) CH420. Instrumental Analysis (3) CH432. Advanced Biochemistry (3) BI200. Genetics (4) BI205. Cell Biology with lab (4)
Three additional credits as selected from the following courses: CH304, CH351, CH353, CH391, CH406, BI306, BI312, BI330, BI350, and/or BI407.
Business Concentration
CH256. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1) CH306. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3) CH352. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1) CH420. Instrumental Analysis (3) EC100. Principles of Macroeconomics (3) EC110. Principles of Microeconomics (3) AC230. Introduction to Financial Statements or ET230 Financial Decision Making (3) MG300. Organizational Behavior and Change (3) MK200. Principles of Marketing (3) MK310. Personal Selling or IS240 Foundations of Information Systems (3)
Research Concentration
CH252. Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1) CH256. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1) CH306. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3) CH304. Physical Chemistry II (3) CH351. Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1) CH352. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1) CH353. Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1) CH406. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3) CH420. Instrumental Analysis (3)
Honors in Chemistry
Students are eligible for honors in chemistry at graduation if the following requirements are met: a grade point average ≥ 3.25; an honors caliber written thesis of undergraduate research; and a research presentation at an external scientific meeting. Designation of honors caliber requires the unanimous vote of a threeperson evaluation team appointed by the Chemistry Department. The team consists of two Chemistry Department faculty members and one other representative, preferably chosen from another institution or the Research and Development Department of an industrial company.
Minor in Chemistry
Requirements for a minor in chemistry includes completion of 21 hours of chemistry courses.
1. All of the following courses are required: CH121 (or CH131) – General Chemistry I (or Accelerated General Chemistry) (3) CH122 – General Chemistry II (3) CH151 – General Chemistry Laboratory I (1) CH152 – General Chemistry Laboratory II (1) CH232 – Analytical Chemistry (3) CH251 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1) CH253 – Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1) CH301 – Organic Chemistry I (3)
2. Five or more credits must be completed from the following courses numbered 300 and above: CH302 – Organic Chemistry II (3) CH303 (or PY303) – Physical Chemistry I (3) CH304 (or PY304) – Physical Chemistry II (3) CH306 – Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (must also enroll in CH256 – Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory) (4) CH331 – Biochemistry (3) CH351 – Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1) CH352 – Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1) CH353 – Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1) CH354 – Biochemistry Laboratory (1) CH391 – Undergraduate Research (one maximum) CH406 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3) CH420 – Instrumental Analysis (3) CH422 – Spectroscopy and Advanced Instrumentation (3) CH432 – Advanced Biochemistry (3) CH490 – Advanced Topics in Chemistry (3)
Undergraduate Research
On-campus research: Students work one-on-one with a Chemistry Department faculty member to complete a research project. Undergraduate research is most often performed for two semesters or more. Upon completion of their research project, students present their research orally and through a written report. Students wanting to pursue summer research opportunities may write a research proposal with their faculty mentor to apply for funding through a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).
Off-campus research: With prior consent of the Chemistry Department Chair, appropriate research projects completed off-campus in the summer or during the school year may qualify as an Honors Study Project. Students may complete an approved semester-long or summer program such as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at a graduate university, federal laboratory, medical school, or cooperative work in an industry research and development department. for undergraduate research or internship is given for a minimum of six laboratory hours per week over two semesters or equivalent. At least one semester of research must be done on campus.
Leighty Science Scholars
Leighty Scholars are typically selected from freshman students who interview for the Millikin University Honors Program in the spring. To qualify as a Leighty Scholar, students should have the following qualifications: • Major in one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, or physics) • Scored 27 or higher on the ACT or 1200 or higher on the SAT • Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.5/4.0 or higher • Rank near the upper 10% of his/her high-school graduating class
Whether or not they participate in the Honors interviews, prospective Leighty Scholars must complete a Leighty Scholars application form (obtained from Admissions or off the Internet) and return it to the Admissions office.
Students selected as Leighty Scholars will receive an annual $2,500 scholarship (separate and in addition to other financial aid) as long as they remain science majors and maintain a 3.5 GPA at Millikin. In addition, Leighty Scholars will do research during the summer after their sophomore year in collaboration with a Millikin science faculty. Each Leighty Scholar will receive a $3,000 summer stipend for doing research. Contact Millikin University Admissions or the Leighty website for details of this program.
Chemistry Courses (CH) (Credits)
CH101. Topics in Chemistry (3)
A topical approach to modern chemistry for non-majors. Basic concepts of chemistry will be covered with an emphasis on the importance, relevancy, and applications of chemistry in modern society. Topics may vary.
CH102. Themes and Variations in Chemistry (4)
This course is a laboratory-centered course for non-majors in which elements of scientific methodology are investigated through common laboratory experiences and diverse themes. Topics might include: chemistry in literature, chemistry and the brain, the chemical elements, toxicology, environmental chemistry, pharmacology for non-majors, history of chemistry, or chemistry and health. The topics vary from semester to semester depending on the instructor. The laboratory component is designed to reinforce principles learned in lecture. Experiments might include analysis of water for hardness, acid/base properties of household chemicals or effectiveness of dishwashing liquid. Emphasis will be on careful observation, recording data, and contextualizing experimental outcomes.
CH105. Earth & Space Science (4)
This course is an introduction to earth and space science. It is designed as a student-centered, nontechnical survey for undergraduate students who have a modest scientific background. Basic topics and principles related to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy will be examined through experiential learning activities by collaborating on project-based inquiry. This course employs instructional approaches such as (1) MASS education – connecting music, art, sports and science; (2) research projects and presentations on CST (controversial science topics) such as fracking or climate change; and (3) inquiry-based design of laboratory experiments.
CH106. Elemental Geosystems (3)
This course provides an introduction to Earth from a systems perspective. The atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere and their relation to human life are topics of study.
CH114. Fundamentals of Chemistry (4)
This course is intended for students majoring in nursing, athletic training or those looking to satisfy the natural science with laboratory requirement of the Arts and Sciences component of the Millikin Program of Student Learning. The atoms-first approach establishes the foundation for CH203 and CH205 – Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry. Topics will be organized into four units: (1) atomic and molecular structure; (2) structure-property relationships; (3) basic reaction chemistry; and (4) data handling and manipulation. Concepts covered will be tied to specific health topics. This course cannot be applied toward earning a degree in the Natural Sciences or other degree with a pre-professional emphasis. Concurrent enrollment in the companion lab is required.
CH121. General Chemistry I (3)
Designed for students majoring in the natural sciences, this course is an introductory survey of the essential concepts of chemistry. These include: substances, aqueous solutions, chemical reactions, molecular structure, states of matter, mass relations, equilibrium and electrochemistry. No particular background in high school chemistry is assumed although familiarity with basic algebra is essential. Students with a strong background in chemistry are urged to take a proficiency exam. Concurrent enrollment in CH151 is recommended.
CH122. General Chemistry II (3)
This course is designed to be the first course for chemistry majors who received proficiency credit for CH121 and to be the principal follow-up of CH121 or CH131 for students in the natural sciences. CH152 is the companion laboratory course.
CH131. Accelerated General Chemistry (3)
Designed for students majoring in the natural sciences, this lecture course covers the essential concepts of chemistry at an accelerated pace. Lectures used in this course cover a broad range of topics, including substances, aqueous solutions, chemical reactions, basic bonding theory, molecular structure, mass relations, equilibrium, electrochemistry, states of matter, and nuclear chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in CH151 required.
CH151. General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
Designed to be the first laboratory class in our project-based curriculum, this course should be taken together with either CH121 or CH131. Laboratory projects introduce students to basic instrumental techniques and experimental design. Emphasis is on careful observation, recording of data, planning experiments, laboratory safety and writing. One three-hour laboratory per week.
CH152. General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Designed to be the second class in our project-based laboratory curriculum, this course should be taken together with CH122, General Chemistry II. The projects in this course include synthesis and analysis of an inorganic compound, investigating factors that affect the rate and outcome of a chemical reaction, calorimetry, designing and evaluating the thermochemical properties of small molecules, and understanding the effects of solutes on the physical properties of solutions. Like other laboratory courses in the curriculum, emphasis is on careful observation, recording of data, planning experiments, laboratory safety and writing. One threehour laboratory per week.
CH203. Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry (3)
A one-semester survey of organic and biochemistry, this course is the second course in a one-year survey of chemistry for nursing students, allied health majors and others requiring a brief introduction to the chemistry of living systems. Topics include a survey of organic functional groups and reactions most important in biochemistry followed by an outline of basic structural biochemistry and intermediary metabolism. This course does not count towards the chemistry major or minor and it does not satisfy the entrance requirements of medical, veterinary, or dental schools. Concurrent enrollment in CH205 required.
CH205. Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory (1)
Designed to be the laboratory companion to CH203, this laboratory emphasizes projects that are related to clinical chemistry. Projects include the importance of pH on solubility, identification of drugs, and enzymes. This laboratory does not count toward a chemistry major or minor and does not satisfy entrance requirements of medical, dental, or veterinary medical schools. One three-hour laboratory per week.
CH232. Analytical Chemistry (3)
This course is designed as the introductory analytical chemistry course to study the fundamental principles of chemical analysis and their application. Topics encompass statistics, data handling, chemical equilibrium, titrations, electrochemistry, and instrumental methods. Combined with the companion laboratory, the fundamental principles for which analytical chemistry is based will be studied. Concurrent enrollment in CH253 required.
CH251. Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
Laboratory course combining organic and analytical chemistry to accompany CH301. Projects involve using spectrophotometry and chromatography to analyze pure substances and mixtures. One three-hour laboratory per week.
CH252. Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
An integrated laboratory designed to illustrate modern methods of organic and inorganic synthesis; this is an alternate companion course to CH302. Green chemistry is a central theme of this course. Emphasis is placed upon experimental design, product isolation and product analysis. One three-hour laboratory per week.
CH253. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1)
Laboratory course emphasizing real-world quantitative analysis through gravimetric, volumetric, and instrumental methods. Experience in laboratory technique and instrument operation will be provided during laboratory work. One four-hour laboratory per week. Concurrent enrollment in CH232 required.
CH254. Introduction to Research (1)
Designed to bridge the gap between formal laboratory training and undergraduate research, this course is ideal for any student in the natural sciences who plans to do undergraduate research. Literature searching, experimental design and validation, computers and report writing culminating in a research proposal are emphasized. One three-hour discussion/activity per week.
CH256. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
This lab course is the companion to CH306, Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry. Laboratory projects will used to introduce students to preparation, spectroscopic analysis, and thermal analysis of transition metal coordination compounds and solid-state materials. Experiments will reinforce previously learned lab practices and analytical techniques, encourage the development of new laboratory skills, and will require students to communicate their findings through formal laboratory reports. Concurrent enrollment in CH306 required.
CH261. An Introduction to Clinical Nuclear Science (2)
Topics include radioactive decay, fusion, fission, energy production from/requirements for nuclear reactions, techniques in nuclear medicine: NMR, MRI, PET, etc., production of radioisotopes and their chemical and biological interactions within the human body. One, two-hour lecture per week plus visits to Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) and Zevacor Molecular facilities within DMH for on-site introductions to radioisotope production, applications of nuclear medicine, and imaging facilities. Cross-listed with BI/CH/PY 261.
CH301. Organic Chemistry I (3)
The first course in organic chemistry for chemistry majors and those interested in professional studies. One semester survey course of the basic structure, bonding, nomenclature, stereochemistry, properties, and reactions of organic molecules. This course is the first in a two-tiered sequence. Any laboratory course in the 250 series may be taken as a co-requisite laboratory. Credit may not be received for both CH203 and 301.
CH302. Organic Chemistry II (3)
The second course in a two-tiered sequence, this course is designed to reinforce, expand, and add theoretical depth to the content of CH301. Reaction mechanisms are emphasized. Applications of organic chemistry to living systems are extensive; structural biochemistry of carbohydrates, steroids, and polymers is introduced. Any laboratory course in the 250 series may be taken as a co-requisite laboratory.
CH303. Physical Chemistry I (3)
The first course in physical chemistry for chemistry majors. Topics include the laws of thermodynamics, elementary statistical thermodynamics, equilibrium, surface chemistry and physical chemistry of macro-molecules. CH351 and 353 are companion laboratory courses.
CH304. Physical Chemistry II (3)
Continuation of CH303, this course emphasizes applying quantum mechanics to understand chemical bonding and spectroscopy. Chemical kinetics also is covered. Cross-listed with PY304. CH351 and 353 are companion laboratory courses.
CH306. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3)
This course is designed as the foundational inorganic course. Topics include atomic structure (nuclear and electronic), bonding theories, molecular symmetry, acid-base theory, coordination chemistry, application of symmetry to spectroscopy, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. CH256 is the companion laboratory course.
CH310. Secondary Science, Content & Laboratory Development (3)
This course is designed for students who are planning to be certified in Illinois to teach middle or high school science. The modules are intended to help the student to fill in gaps in content knowledge. Students will complete instructional modules in the following topics: astronomy, earth science, instructional planning and assessment in science, national science education standards, and safety in the classroom. Cross-listed with BI310. Co-enroll in ED425.
CH314. Pharmacology (3)
This course is designed to introduce pharmacologic concepts to enhance sound decision making, therapeutic interventions, and critical thinking for health care professionals. Students will explore the principles of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, lifespan and cultural factors, and legal and ethical implications. The focus will be on understanding the pharmacologic properties of major drug classifications and significant individual drugs, including generic and trade names, therapeutic uses, mechanism of action, interactions, and adverse drug effects, with special emphasis on nursing considerations. This course is suitable not only for majors in nursing and athletic training but majors in allied health, psychology, and other pre-professional health care majors. This course does not count toward a major or minor in Chemistry.
CH331. Biochemistry (3)
Designed for all majors in the natural sciences, this course discusses the organic and physical chemistry of life. Discussion is centered on the relationship between the structure and function of all biomolecules. Intermediate metabolism is introduced in detail. Energetics, kinetics and mechanism as well as interrelationships among pathways play an important role in the coverage.
CH351. Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
A physical chemistry laboratory course that explores the physical principles that underlie observable chemical behaviors. A heavy emphasis is placed on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. Experimental topics include periodic trends, chemical equilibrium, phase behavior, chemical kinetics, and calorimetry. One three-hour laboratory per week. Physical Chemistry I (CH303/PY303) is the companion lecture course.
CH352. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1)
An advanced laboratory course for majors providing experience with chemical instrumentation design and operation. Instrumental methods include electroanalytical, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and separation techniques. One four-hour laboratory per week. Concurrent enrollment in CH420 required.
CH353. Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
A physical chemistry laboratory course that primarily focuses on chemistry at the atomic and molecular level. This course explores the role of spectroscopy and computational chemistry in examining chemical properties. Learning goals also include improving scientific communication by completion of formal laboratory reports and a presentation on a modern physical chemistry research topic from the scientific literature. One three-hour laboratory per week. Physical Chemistry II (CH304/PY304) is the companion lecture course.
CH354. Biochemistry Laboratory (1)
A project-based laboratory course in biochemistry emphasizing using new technologies to address real-world problems, working with microgram quantities and adapting methods from primary literature. Projects have included gel electrophoresis, PCR, ion-exchange chromatography, industrial fermentation, cloning of genes, and protein isolation. CH331 is the companion lecture course. One three-hour laboratory per week.
CH391. Undergraduate Research (1-3)
A laboratory research problem is carried out under the supervision of a chemistry faculty member, or other qualified scientist. This course is open to majors and interested non-majors. A literature survey, formal written report and attendance at research meetings are required. Chemistry majors also must give a seminar in Chemistry 481 or 482 on their results. May be repeated for additional credit. A minimum of three hours of laboratory work per week for every hour of credit.
CH406. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
Continuation of CH306, this course completes a one-year sequence in inorganic chemistry for majors. Topics include a systematic study of structure, bonding, reactions and periodic relationships of inorganic compounds including organometallics and bioinorganic compounds.
CH420. Instrumental Analysis (3)
The second analytical chemistry course studies the theory and practice of modern chemical instrumentation. Topics include electroanalytical chemistry, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, separations, scanning probe microscopy, and electron microscopy. Combined with the companion laboratory, the principles of instrumental analysis will be studied. Concurrent enrollment in CH352 required.
CH422. Spectroscopy and Advanced Instrumentation (3)
Through a combined lecture and laboratory approach, this special topics course for majors will emphasize advanced instrumental methods and analysis. Instrumentation discussed may include electroanalytical, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, separation techniques, thermal analysis, and surface analysis.
CH432. Advanced Biochemistry (3)
A seminar-style course in reading and understanding the primary literature in biochemistry. Individual oral presentations will include topics that delve deeply into current issues in biochemistry. Students will demonstrate competence in using Internet based tools and information.
CH471. Chemistry Internship (1-4)
This activity provides students with learning, observing, research and work experience through direct contact with industry, research laboratories or governmental agencies. Pre-requisite: Junior or senior standing and consent of department chair. Students may earn a maximum of 4 credits in internship toward the chemistry major. Petitions to earn more than 4 credits will be evaluated by the department on an individual basis.
CH482. Chemistry Seminar (1)
The capstone course of the chemistry major, this course consists of a combination of literature work with oral and written presentations by students on their undergraduate research. Lectures by visiting scientists and tours to chemical plants may be part of the course. Chemistry majors are required to register for at least one credit. Other students are encouraged to attend. A maximum of two credits may be earned in a seminar.
CH490. Advanced Topics in Chemistry (3)
Selected topics in chemistry covering fields of analytical, physical, inorganic, organic and biochemistry. Offered on demand. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
CH491. Senior Research (1-4)
Students will carry out an advanced laboratory research problem under the supervision of a chemistry faculty member or other qualified scientist. This course is open to majors and interested non-majors. A literature survey, formal written report and attendance at research meetings are required. Chemistry majors must also give a seminar in CH481 or 482 on their results. May be repeated for additional credit. A minimum of three hours of laboratory work per week for every hour of credit is expected.