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Chemistry (Minor)

Chemistry is the study of matter and its transformations.  Chemistry is important in understanding life processes at a molecular level. Students in this program will complete a two-term general chemistry sequence, a two-term organic chemistry sequence, and an additional chemistry course dealing with a more specialized topic.  In general chemistry, students will learn measurement units, atomic structure, periodic table, stoichiometry, and bonding.  They will develop an understanding of thermochemistry, reaction rates, and chemical equilibrium.  In the general chemistry laboratory, they will learn how to take measurements, perform experiments that enhance the understanding of learned concepts, develop analytical skills, and learn basic safety procedures. In organic chemistry, the student will build a fundamental understanding of carbon compounds.  They will learn functional groups, nomenclature, stereochemistry, spectroscopy, and reaction mechanisms.  They will use the information in understanding reactions that occur in biological systems.  In organic laboratory, they will isolate compounds from natural resources, master various separation techniques, and synthesize organic compounds.  The concepts learned in general and organic chemistry will be used in an advanced chemistry course to understand biochemical reactions and provide students with additional skills.  Students will also write and/or present information on topics related to chemistry and society. 


MINOR IN CHEMISTRY - 18 semester hours

Required Courses:
CHM1310              General Chemistry I (4)
CHM1320              General Chemistry II (4)
CHM2410              Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHM2420              Organic Chemistry II (4)

Selected Courses: 
Students must choose at least 2 semester hours offered in the Chemistry Program at the 200 level or above.


CHEMISTRY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CHM1200 Principles of Chemistry                                          4 semester hours
One-term course for non-majors covering the basics of general, inorganic and organic chemistry as they relate to health sciences. Topics covered include atomic structure, chemical bonding, radioactivity, behavior of gases and solutions, acid and bases, hydrocarbons, functional groups and important biological molecules. Includes laboratory activities.
Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent registration in MTH1100.
Meets General Education “Observation of the Natural World” requirement.

CHM1310 General Chemistry I                                                 4 semester hours
Fundamental principles of chemistry are covered in this course. Topics include atoms and molecules, nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding and geometry, and thermochemistry. Includes laboratory activities.
Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent registration in MTH1100.

CHM1320 General Chemistry II                                                4 semester hours
Continuation of General Chemistry I. Topics include chemical equilibria, acid-base equilibria, solubility, reaction rates, electrochemistry, and spontaneity of reactions. Includes laboratory activities.
Prerequisite: CHM1310.

CHM2410 Organic Chemistry I                                                 4 semester hours
Fundamental principles of organic chemistry including nomenclature, molecular structure, physical properties, and chemical properties. Chemical bonding and mechanistic studies emphasis. Includes laboratory activities.
Prerequisite: CHM1320.

CHM2420 Organic Chemistry II                                                4 semester hours
Continuation of Organic Chemistry I. Topics include properties and reactions of aromatics and carbonyl compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Includes laboratory activities.
Prerequisite: CHM2410.

CHM2450 Analytical Chemistry                                               4 semester hours
Review of chemical equilibria, gravimetric analysis, acids, bases, and volumetric analysis, statistics in chemical analysis, molecular and atomic spectroscopy, and electroanalytical methods of analysis. Includes laboratory work.
Prerequisite: CHM1320.

CHM/BIO3380 Biotechnology                                                    3 semester hours
Introduction to theory and application of key laboratory techniques in the field of biotechnology. The course integrates “hands-on” learning of important techniques with concepts from the areas of biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics.
Prerequisites: CHM1320, BIO3400 or BIO3280.

CHM/BIO3550 Biochemistry                                                     3 semester hours
Introduction to structure, properties, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, emphasizing enzymology, bioenergetics, and metabolic regulation.
Prerequisite: CHM2410.

CHM3640 Instrumental Chemical Analysis                          4 semester hours
Application of instrumental techniques to chemical analysis, including spectroscopy, chromatography, spectrophotometry and potentiometry.
Prerequisites: CHM1320; CHM2420.

CHM3790 ACCA Affiliated Course:                                          2 semester hours
In-depth lecture series offered by the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA) in areas of contemporary applications to chemistry.
Prerequisite: Consent of program chair.

Please note: The information listed on this page is current according to the 2006-2008 Undergraduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.

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