CHEMISTRY (CHM)
Course Descriptions
CHM 405/505 Cr. 3
Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
Synthesis, characterization and separation techniques are
applied to organic and inorganic compounds. Applications of
nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatography, mass
spectrometry and computerized searching of the chemical
literature are included. Independent projects with multi-step
syntheses are assigned to students. Lect. 1, Lab. 6.
Prerequisites: CHM 304 and 305. Offered Spring.
CHM 412/512 Cr. 3
Environmental Chemistry
An interdisciplinary study that explores the role of
chemistry in environmental quality. The course examines
scientific, political, economic, social and moral issues related
to topics such as energy, pollution, resource management and
population. The applications of scientific methodologies and
chemical principles to the analysis of environmental problems
will be emphasized. Prerequisite: three semesters of chemistry.
Offered Spring.
CHM 417/517 Cr. 3
Biochemistry I
A study of enzymes, nucleic acids, and other chemical
components of biological systems, emphasizing the regulation and
coordination of intra- and intercellular chemical processes.
Laboratory emphasis is on techniques utilized in protein
isolation and characterization. Lect. 2, Lab. 3.
Prerequisite: CHM 300 or 304. Students with credit in CHM 325
cannot earn credit in CHM 417/517. Offered Fall.
CHM 418/518 Cr. 3
Biochemistry II
A continuation of the study of enzymes, nucleic acids, and
other chemical components of biological systems emphasizing
catabolic and anabolic processes. Laboratory emphasizes protein
purification and characterization. Lect. 2, Lab. 3.
Prerequisite: CHM 417/517. Offered Spring.
CHM 421/521 Cr. 1-3
Advanced Topics in Chemistry
An advanced topic in chemistry based on appropriate prior
work in physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic
chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Lecture and laboratory will
be adapted to the topic being taught. May be repeated for credit
when different topic is presented. Prerequisites will be
determined based on topic offered and include a minimum of three
semesters of chemistry courses. Repeatable for credit — no
maximum. Offered occasionally.
CHM 422/522 Cr. 3
Polymer Chemistry
A study of synthetic high molecular weight materials of
practical application in industry or of theoretical interest in
chemistry. Representative polymer systems are examined with
respect to the effect of molecular weight, weight distribution,
and structure on physical properties. The choice of monomeric
starting materials and mechanisms of polymerization are examined
in detail. Methods of characterizing macromolecules are
surveyed. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: CHM 304; CHM 309 highly
recommended. Offered alternate years.
CHM 424/524 Cr. 3
Spectroscopy
A survey of important spectroscopic methods used in
chemistry; infrared, proton and carbon-13 NMR, ultraviolet and
mass spectrometry. Emphasis is placed on structure determination
and hands-on experience with chemical instrumentation. Lect. 2,
Lab. 2. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or 304. Offered alternate years.
CHM 530 Cr. 3
Chemistry in the Health Sciences
The application of chemical principles to the health
sciences. Topics include, but are not limited to the chemistry
of drugs, topical and inhalation anesthetics and pH regulation.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Science – Biology:
Nurse Anesthesia Concentration program. Offered Spring.
CHM 431/531 Cr. 3
Inorganic Chemistry
A survey of the theories of atomic structure, chemical
bonding and structure and the relationship of these theories to
inorganic reactions, mechanisms and coordination compounds. Also
presented are the concepts of acid-base theory, non-aqueous
solution chemistry and topics of current interest in inorganic
chemistry; organo-metallics, inorganic polymers, cluster
compounds, etc. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or CHM 304, or concurrent
enrollment in CHM 304. Offered Fall.
CHM 441/541 Cr. 4
Instrumental Analysis
A study of the theory and principles of chemical
instrumentation including the application of basic electronics,
spectroscopy, separation science and electro-analytical methods
of chemical analysis. Lect. 3, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: CHM 301.
CHM 461/561 Cr. 4
Nuclear Chemistry
A study of the decay of radioactive nuclides with emphasis on
the theory of nuclear decay. Laboratory will include the study
of the detection of radiation, methods of radio analysis and the
safe handling of unsealed radioactive sources. Lect. 3, Lab. 3.
Prerequisite: four semesters of chemistry courses. Students with
credit in CHM 361 cannot earn credit in CHM 461. Offered Fall.
CHM 789 Cr. 1-3
Directed Study
Independent study under the direction and supervision of a
chemistry faculty member. Admission by consent of the chemistry
departmental staff. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.