Course Descriptions - Department of Chemistry/Physics

 GENERAL chemistry

CHEM 1010 Preparatory Chemistry (4)
Basic introduction to elementary chemical principles, language, calculations, and techniques. Modular approach stresses mastery of concepts. May not be used for credit toward graduation by chemistry majors (all options). (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)
Approved General Education Distribution Course
Prerequisite: MATH 1000

CHEM 1030 Essentials of Chemistry (4)
Fundamental concepts in general, organic and biochemistry are covered, providing examples of chemistry in health care and real life applications. Problem solving and critical scientific thought stressed. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab/1 hr. recitation.)
Approved General Education Distribution Course
Prerequisites: High School chemistry or equivalent and MATH 1000, or permission of instructor. Required for the Occupational Therapy Program.

CHEM 1083 Chemistry I (4)
A thorough discussion of the fundamental principles of general and inorganic chemistry such as atomic structure, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical calculations, thermodynamics and gases. Mathematical relationships and problem-solving are stressed. It is essential that the student have competence in elementary algebra. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation)
Approved General Education Distribution Course
Prerequisites: High school chemistry or equivalent course and MATH 1000.
Corequisite: MATH 1054.

CHEM 1084 Chemistry II (4)
A continuation of Chemistry I (CHEM 1083). A thorough discussion of the basic principles of general and inorganic chemistry such as solid and liquid states, solutions, chemical kinetics and equilibrium, acid/base theories and electrochemistry. Mathematical relationships and problem-solving are stressed. (3 hr. lec./ 3 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation)
Approved General Education Distribution Course
Prerequisites: MATH 1054, CHEM 1083 or equivalent course with a grade of “C” or better.

CHEM 1200 Chemistry In Your World (3)
A modular approach to the impact of chemistry and its fundamental principles on our everyday, real world experiences. Applications, issues and concerns are explored. May not be used for credit toward graduation by chemistry majors. (3 hr. lec.)
Approved General Education Distribution Course
Prerequisite: MATH 1000

ORGANIC

CHEM 2180 Principles of Organic Chemistry (4)
A terminal one semester course for the non-major dealing with structure and reactions of organic compounds. Industrial and medical applications are included. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 1084 or permission of the instructor.

CHEM 2581 Organic Chemistry I (3)
This is the first half of a two-semester sequence in organic chemistry for science majors. The physical and chemical properties of organic compounds are studied using a functional group organization and a mechanistic perspective. The functional groups include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols & ethers, conjugated compounds and arenes. More general topics covered include molecular orbital theory, thermodynamics & spontaneity, reaction mechanisms & kinetics, stereochemistry and spectroscopy. (3 hr. lecture)
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in CHEM 1084.

CHEM 2582 Organic Chemistry II (3)
The second half of a two-semester sequence in organic chemistry for science majors. The remaining organic functional groups including aldehydes & ketones, carboxylic acids, acyl halides, anhydrides, esters, amides, and amines are covered. More emphasis is placed on synthesis. The course may also include an introduction to the biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. (3 hr. lecture). 
Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or better in CHEM 2581.

CHEM 2583 Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Recitation I (2)
This is the first half of a two-semester sequence in experimental organic chemistry. Examples of the major classes of organic compounds are prepared, purified and characterized using a mix of classical and state-of-the-art techniques.  Practical problem solving is emphasized. (4 hour lab/1hour rec.)  
Corequisite: CHEM 2581 or permission of the instructor.
Writing Emphasis Course

CHEM 2584 Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Recitation II (2)
Second half of a two-semester sequence in experimental organic chemistry focusing on more advanced preparative techniques and procedures. Familiarity with standard separation and analysis methods, as well as record keeping, is expected. (4 hour lab/1hour rec.)  
Corequisite: CHEM 2582.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2583 with a minimum grade of “C” or permission of the instructor.

CHEM 3187 Organic Chemistry Lecture III (3)
A continuation in depth of the study of organic compounds and syntheses from a mechanistic approach. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisite CHEM 2582.

CHEM 3189 Advanced Organic Preparations (3)
A laboratory course designed to give the student a broader background in the synthesis of organic compounds. (1 hr. lec./6 hr. lab.)
Prerequisite CHEM 2584.

CHEM 4150/5150 Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds (3)
Determination of the structure of organic compounds by analysis on infrared, ultra-violet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectra. Extensive use of published spectra of “unknowns.” (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 3182, CHEM 3382 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 4183 Introduction to Physical Organic Chemistry (3)
The application of physical chemical principles to the study of organic compounds. An introduction to conformational analysis, molecular orbital theory and resonance concepts. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 3182 and CHEM 3382.

CHEM 4184/5184 Introduction to Molecular Modeling and Its Applications (3)
Introduction to the use of computational chemistry and molecular modeling as tools for the solution of real-world research problems in chemistry and biochemistry. Students must have a fundamental understanding of the structural organic chemistry, thermo-dynamics, kinetics, elementary biochemistry and the general principles of quantum chemistry. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 3182, CHEM 3382 or permission of instructor.

ANALYTICAL

CHEM 2283 Quantitative Analysis (4)
The theory, calculations, and techniques of gravimetry, titrimetry and photometric methods of analysis. Equilibria of acid/base, redox and complexation reactions are emphasized. Development of analytical laboratory skills is stressed. (3 hr. lec./5 hr. lab.)
Prerequisite: CHEM 1084 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.

CHEM 3284/5284 Instrumental Methods of Analysis (4)
General applications of modern instruments to the detection, identification and estimation of chemical elements and compounds. Laboratory exercises in the use of a variety of instruments.
(3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 2283, MATH 2411, PHYS 3097 or permission of instructor.
Writing Emphasis Course

CHEM 4285/5285 Chemical Separation Methods (3)
Provides background in modern chemical separation methods. Theory, instrumentation and application of distillation, selective complexation, solvent extraction and various chromatographic methods. Major emphasis will be placed on high performances - thin layer, liquid and gas chromatographic techniques. Experience with many modern and sophisticated chromatographic instruments. (3 hr. lec./lab.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 2283, 3284, 3382 or permission of instructor.

PHYSICAL

CHEM 3381 Physical Chemistry Lecture I (3)
The basic theories behind the behavior of matter discussed in great detail for deeper understanding of thermodynamics, solutions, the states of matter, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 1084, PHYS 2096, and MATH 3451 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 3382 Physical Chemistry Lecture II (3)
A continuation of CHEM 3381 which is prerequisite. (3 hr. lec.)

CHEM 3383 Physical Chemistry Laboratory and Recitation I (2)
Laboratory experience to illustrate theoretical concepts of physical chemistry through experimental measurement. Experience with a wide range of sophisticated chemical equipment. Recitation for integration of problem solving and lecture and laboratory applications. (4 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation)
Prerequisite: CHEM 2283.
Corequisite: CHEM 3381 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 3384 Physical Chemistry Laboratory and Recitation II (2)
Continuation of CHEM 3383 with increased emphasis on spectroscopic methods for obtaining various kinetic, thermodynamic and structural information about chemical compounds and systems. (4 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation)
Prerequisite: CHEM 3383.
Corequisite: CHEM 3382 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 4381 Physical Chemistry III - Chemical Thermodynamics (3)
An advanced treatment of the laws of thermodynamics, and rigorous application to problems of chemical interest including heats of reaction, spontaneity of chemical reactions and phase changes. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 3382 and MATH 3452 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 4382 Physical Chemistry IV- Quantum Chemistry (3)
Development of the mathematical and physical theory of Quantum Mechanics and application to the structure and properties of atoms and molecules. The Schroedinger Equation. Variation Theory and Perturbation Theory. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 3382 and MATH 3452 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 2491 Inorganic Chemistry (3)
Descriptive chemistry of the Main Group elements, transition metals and rare earth metals. Emphasis on the chemical and physical properties of the elements. Discussion of periodic law, basics of nuclear chemistry and natural occurrence and industrial uses of the elements and their compounds. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: MATH 2411; “C” or better in CHEM 1084; or permission of the instructor.

CHEM 2493 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry Lab (2)
This course is designed to either be taken simultaneously with or after Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 2491). The laboratory is meant to reinforce the topics covered in Inorganic Chemistry lecture and to develop skills needed for studying inorganic compounds. Labs will include qualitative analysis, synthesis of coordination complexes, and characterization techniques. (4 hrs laboratory)
Prerequisites:  “C” or better in CHEM 1084; or permission of the instructor. Corequisite CHEM 2491 (the inverse does not apply)

CHEM 4481 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
Periodicity and stereochemistry of the Main Group Elements and comparative group properties. Stereochemistry and coordination chemistry of transition metals. Discussion of the theories of bonding in transition metal complexes and the Main Group elements. Nonaqueous solvents and reaction mechanisms in inorganic chemistry. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: CHEM 3284, CHEM 2491, CHEM 3381, CHEM 3182, or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: CHEM 3382 or permission of instructor.

CHEM 4483 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (3)
Modern methods of synthesizing inorganic and organometallic compounds including electrolytic, high temperature and vacuum-line preparations. The study of the prepared compounds using a variety of techniques including infra-red, visible, ultraviolet spectroscopies, nuclear magnetic resonance, chromatographic, x-ray analysis and electroanalytical methods of analysis. Equilibria of acid/base, redox and complexation reactions are emphasized. Development of analytical laboratory skills is stressed. (1 hr. lec./6 hr. lab.)
Prerequisite: CHEM 4481.

BIOCHEMISTRY

CHEM 3581 Biochemistry (3)
This is a one-semester course designed to introduce chemistry students to the major classes of biomolecules critical for sustaining life.  Molecular mechanisms of biological processes are explored with an emphasis on kinetic, thermodynamic and solution properties of biomolecules.
(3 hrs. lec)
Prerequisites: CHEM 2582

CHEM 3583 Biochemical Technique (3)
This course will focus on the experimental techniques to build upon the concepts acquired in Biochemistry lecture. These concepts include buffers and pH, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme purification and kinetics, amino acid pKa’s, and electrophoresis. Proper laboratory technique, use of a laboratory notebook, and the writing of laboratory reports will be stressed.
(1 hr Lecture, 5 hrs Laboratory)
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of a C in Chem. 3581

SEMINARS AND INDEPENDENT STUDY

A maximum of 12 credits of chemistry research (CHEM 3901-4 and CHEM 4905-6) may be taken. Only 6 credits may be applied towards the total degree credits required for graduation.

CHEM 3500 Chemistry-Physics Cooperative Education Internship (1-3)
Selected majors in Chemistry and Chemistry-Physics test theories learned in the classroom with on-the-job experience in career related areas. Assignments and placements are arranged by the department in cooperation with the Office of Cooperative Education. Seminars, student reports and term papers required. Credits earned cannot be used to fulfill the major or cognate requirements. Application to the Coop Internship must be made during advanced registration.
Prerequisites: CHEM 1083-4, CHEM 2283, CHEM 3181, CHEM 3183, good academic standing junior or senior status and permission of the department cooperative education committee.

CHEM 3901-4 Independent Chemistry Research I-IV (1-2)
Research problems in chemistry investigated under direction of a faculty member. Students completing two semesters of independent study under the same project director must submit a written or oral report to the departmental research committee. May be taken 4 times for credit, 1-2 credits per semester.
Prerequisites: 8 credits in chemistry plus 12 credits in 2000 level science or mathematics courses, sponsoring faculty member and approval of department chairperson.

CHEM 4905-6 Senior Honors Research I and II (3,3)
Research problems in chemistry investigated under the direction of a faculty member. A progress report must be submitted to the faculty sponsor before the end of each semester. An oral report to be made before the departmental research committee at end of second semester. Seniors wishing to qualify for honors with their chemistry degree must also submit a thesis or publishable report to the departmental research committee before completing second term.
Prerequisites: CHEM 3381, 3383, a sponsoring faculty member, and approval of department chairperson. CHEM 4905 is prerequisite to 4906.

CHEM 4908 Seminar in Chemistry (3)
After an introduction to manual and computer-assisted techniques in literature searching, the student will choose a topic. A written paper will be prepare in electronic format and an oral presentation with computer graphics made using student’s skills and knowledge based in Chemistry and relate disciplines. Satisfies the General Education Capstone requirement for chemistry majors. (3 hrs. lec)
Prerequisite: All GELAP requirements & permission of instructor

CHEM 4909 Special Topics in Chemistry (3)
Study of current topics in Chemistry which are not presented in regular courses. The subject matter will vary. Topics will be announced by the department. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (3 hr. lec. and/or lab.)
Prerequisite: 25 credits in Chemistry and permission of instructor.

PHYSICS COURSES

GENERAL

PHYS 1000 Principles of Contemporary Physics (4)
A one-semester survey of important principles of physics with applications to a variety of disciplines in modern technological society. Designed for non-science majors. (3 hr. lec/3 hr. lab)

PHYS 2081, 2082 Physics Lecture I and II (3,3)
Duplicates the non-laboratory portions of PHYS 2091, 2092, respectively. Non-laboratory courses restricted to non-matriculated students wishing to transfer credits to institutions not requiring laboratory. Students meet with PHYS 2091, 2092 and are responsible for all non-laboratory assignments of those courses. (3 hr. lec./1 hr. recitation)
Prerequisites: same as required by corresponding laboratory courses: PHYS 2091, 2092

PHYS 2091 General Physics I (4)
Mechanics, wave motion and sound. PHYS 2091/2092 is an algebra-trigonometry based sequence designed to give the student a general understanding of the laws and principles of physics. Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 2091 and 2095. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation)
Prerequisite: MATH 1054 or equivalent.
Approved General Education Distribution Course

PHYS 2092 General Physics II (4)
Continuation of the PHYS 2091/2092 sequence, and some modern physics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 2092 and PHYS 2097. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation)
Prerequisite: PHYS 2091.
Approved General Education Distribution Course

PHYS 2095 Physics I (4)
Kinematics and dynamics of particles and extended bodies. PHYS 2095 is a calculus based introduction to the fundamentals of classical physics. Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 2095 and PHYS 2091. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation.)
Prerequisite: MATH 2411.
Corequisite: MATH 2412.
Approved General Education Distribution Course

PHYS 2096 Physics II (4)
Continuation of the Physics sequence. Equilibrium and elasticity, gravity, fluid mechanics, wave motion and sound, thermodynamics, and optics. PHYS 2096 is a calculus based introduction to the fundamentals of classical physics. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab./1 hr recitation.)
Prerequisites: PHYS 2095, MATH 2412.
Approved General Education Distribution Course

PHYS 2097 Physics III (4)
PHYS 2097 is a calculus based continuation of the Physics sequence. Electricity and magnetism, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, and wave optics. Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 2097 and 2092. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab./1 hr. recitation.)
Prerequisites: PHYS 2096, MATH 3451.

MODERN PHYSICS

PHYS 4592 Modern Physics (4)
A rigorous survey of atomic and nuclear physics, early experimentation, incompatibility of experimental findings and classical theory, and quantum and wave mechanics approaches to understanding modern physics. (3 hr. lec./3 hr. lab.)
Prerequisites: PHYS 2095-2096 or permission of instructor.

PHYS 4593 Landmark Physics of the 20th Century (3)
A rigorous survey of important theories of the twentieth century selected from Einstein’s special and general theories of relativity, nuclear physics, statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics, superconductivity, superfluidity, and other topics of current interest. (3 hr. lec.)
Prerequisites: PHYS 2095-2096 or permission of instructor.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

PHYS 4901 Independent Physics Research (1-3)
Research problems involving current physics-related topics, either pure physics or interdisciplinary in nature, to be investigated under the guidance of a faculty director or team of co-directors. May be repeated for credit, up to a total of six credits. Students completing two semesters of independent study under the same project director(s) must submit a formal written report.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2096, a sponsoring faculty member(s), and approval of the department chairperson(s).