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Course Descriptions
CHM 101-101L: General Chemistry I
Goal: To explore the nature of matter. To examine qualitatively and
quantitatively the principles which govern the physical and chemical changes of
matter. To encourage critical thinking, logical derivation, and creativity,
through solving problems. To develop an understanding of the composition and
operation of the material universe and an
appreciation of the greater environment. To prepare students for further studies
in science.
Content: A comprehensive introduction to chemistry including stoichiometry,
chemical reactions, properties of gases, thermochemistry, acid-base theory, and
atomic structure.
Taught: Fall
Prerequisites: MAT 130 or MAT 140 as co- or
prerequisite.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring how the natural world functions; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours (3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab per week).
CHM 102-102L: General Chemistry II
Goal: To explore the nature of matter. To examine qualitatively and
quantitatively the principles which govern the physical and chemical changes of
matter. To encourage critical thinking, logical derivation, and creativity,
through solving problems. To develop an understanding of the composition and
operation of the material universe and an appreciation of the greater
environment. To prepare students for further studies in science.
Content: A comprehensive introduction to chemical bonding, molecular structure,
properties of liquids and solids, reaction kinetics, and chemical equilibrium.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisites: CHM 101.
Credit: 4 hours (3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab per week).
CHM 206S: Research Methods in
the Physical Sciences
Goal: To learn basic methods and techniques of research in chemistry
and environmental science. To become proficient in the conduct of science and
presentation of scientific information. To explore practical, philosophical, and
ethical
aspects of science.
Content: A “hands-on” introduction to all aspects of the
scientific method and scientific research. Students conduct experimental
practica and self-designed research projects, including initial formulation of
hypotheses, experimental design and instrumentation, data analysis, and
preparation of results for presentation. Students prepare critical reviews of
published papers, formal written research reports, and presentations of original
research designs and results in written, graphical, and oral formats.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: CHM 101, 102, or permission of department chair.
Credit: 4 hours; S-course.
CHM 240: Quantitative Analysis
Goal: To expand the study of ionic equilibria involved in
acid-base, oxidation-reduction, precipitation, and complexometric reactions. To
apply equilibrium principles and stoichiometry to modern analytical volumetric
and gravimetric analyses. To develop statistical methods of analyzing and
comparing analytical results.
Content: A study of analytical chemistry determinations which rely
on gravimetric and volumetric analysis. Laboratory work includes hands-on
experience with classical analytical techniques used in these determinations.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisite: CHM 102 as co- or prerequisite; CHM 206.
Credit: 4 hours.
CHM 340: Instrumental Analysis
Goal: To examine theoretical and practical aspects of instrumental
methods of chemical analysis. To work with modern instrumentation routinely used
in analytical chemistry determinations. To encourage an understanding of the
strengths as
well as the limitations of laboratory instrumentation.
Content: An introduction to the principles of optical
spectroscopic methods of chemical analysis as well as chemical separations.
Laboratory work includes hands-on experiments with modern instrumentation.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisite: CHM 102, CHM 206 and CHM 240; or permission of
instructor.
Credit: 4 hours.
CHM 410: Senior Integrative
Experience in Chemistry
Goal: To provide a forum in which students make connections among
chemistry, environmental science and other disciplines.
Content: Varies with student interest. Possible topics include,
but are not limited to, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, energy sources,
environmental issues, and natural resources. With faculty guidance, students
will work individually or collaboratively with faculty to research a focused
topic or topics integrating chemical concepts and methods with those of other
disciplines. Students may be required to do one or more of the following: write
a review paper covering scholarly literature, write commentaries on news media
articles in which they critically evaluate scientific and nonscientific
content, lead a seminar on a topic. Other requirements will depend on the
topic(s)chosen for study.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: CHM 101, 102, CHM 206, 8 additional hours in
chemistry, senior class academic standing, declaration of
a chemistry major, and permission of the department chair.
Credit: 3 hours.
Rev. 05.10