Chemistry Catalog Information
Programs offered • Major in Chemistry (46 credits) • American Chemical Society (ACS) Major in Chemistry (58 credits) • Minor in Chemistry (20 credits) • Minor in Neuroscience (see neuroscience) (22 credits) • Chemistry Education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12 (chemistry major plus 32 credits in education) • General Science teaching license, grades 5-8 (see education) (32 credits in science) • Science Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, grades 5-8 (see education) (25 credits in science) The chemistry department at Concordia College is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Approval indicates that the department has the facilities, faculty, and curriculum to provide undergraduate education in chemistry according to guidelines established by the ACS. The chemistry department faculty has agreed upon the following list of goals that graduating seniors are to develop by the time they complete the chemistry major. The chemistry department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes: • have a firm understanding of the core principles of chemistry as they apply to each of the major subdivisions of the discipline • be able to effectively communicate their knowledge of the field, both through writing and speaking • be comfortable and competent in the use of modern technology for the acquisition, analysis, and presentation of chemical data and information • possess good problem-solving skills and be able to apply these skills both independently and collaboratively • be able to gather experimental data safely and accurately using a wide variety of laboratory instruments and methods • be able to apply their knowledge of chemistry to the explanation and interpretation of new or unfamiliar chemical information • be able to select, interpret and utilize relevant scientific literature from a variety of sources including libraries, electronic databases, and the Internet • understand and honor the ethical issues related to the use and misuse of chemical information and materials • be able to apply their knowledge and skills to professional experiences such as teaching, conducting research, and participating in internships • gain an understanding of the relationship of chemistry to other sciences and to the needs of society as a whole The chemistry department offers a major and minor in chemistry, an American Chemical Society major in chemistry, and teaching majors in chemistry for grades 5-12 and for grades 9-12. The chemistry department also sponsors an honors program for exceptional students; for further information, consult any faculty member or visit the department Web site. Major in Chemistry The requirements for a major in chemistry are 46 credits: • CHEM 127-128 – General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each OR CHEM 137-138 – Honors General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • CHEM 232 – Analytical Chemistry, 4 credits • CHEM 341-342 – Organic Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • CHEM 351 – Physical Chemistry I, 4 credits • CHEM 373 – Biochemistry I, 4 credits • CHEM 403-404 – Senior Seminar I and II, 1 credit each • 4 credits from the following: – CHEM 344 – Spectroscopy, 4 credits – CHEM 352 – Physical Chemistry II, 4 credits – CHEM 374 – Biochemistry II, 4 credits – CHEM 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits – CHEM 431 – Instrumental Methods of Analysis, 4 credits – CHEM 445 – Organic Chemistry III, 4 credits – CHEM 462 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 4 credits – CHEM 475 – Neurochemistry, 4 credits – CHEM 490 – Introduction to Research, 1 to 4 credits Additional supporting courses: • MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits • PHYSICS 111-112 – General College Physics I and II, 4 credits each OR PHYSICS 128-211 – Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II, 4 credits each American Chemical Society (ACS) Major in Chemistry The department also offers an American Chemical Society (ACS) major in chemistry. Students typically choose an ACS major because they are interested in a professional career in chemistry or an allied field. Students who intend to work in business or industry may also wish to take appropriate offerings in economics or business. The requirements for an ACS major in chemistry are 58 credits. • CHEM 127-128 – General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each OR CHEM 137-138 – Honors General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • CHEM 232 – Analytical Chemistry, 4 credits • CHEM 341-342 – Organic Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • CHEM 351-352 – Physical Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • CHEM 373 – Biochemistry I, 4 credits • CHEM 403-404 – Senior Seminar I and II, 1 credit each • CHEM 431 – Instrumental Methods of Analysis, 4 credits • CHEM 462 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 4 credits Additional supporting courses: • MATH 121-122 – Calculus I and II, 4 credits each • PHYSICS 128-211 – Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II, 4 credits each Minor in Chemistry The requirements for a minor in chemistry are 20 credits: • CHEM 127-128 – General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each OR CHEM 137-138 – Honors General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • 12 credits from courses numbered 200 or higher with the exception of CHEM 304, 390, 403, 404, 475 and 480 CHEM 304 – Pharmacology, CHEM 403 – Senior Seminar I, CHEM 404 – Senior Seminar II, and CHEM 490 – Introduction to Research do not count toward the minor. Chemistry Education Major with a Teaching License, Grades 9-12 The requirements for a major in chemistry with a teaching license, grades 9-12, are 46 credits plus 32 credits in education: • CHEM 127-128 – General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each OR CHEM 137-138 – Honors General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • CHEM 232 – Analytical Chemistry, 4 credits • CHEM 341-342 – Organic Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each • CHEM 351 – Physical Chemistry I, 4 credits • CHEM 373 – Biochemistry I, 4 credits • CHEM 403-404 – Senior Seminar I and II, 1 credit each • 4 additional credits from the following: – CHEM 344 – Spectroscopy, 4 credits – CHEM 352 – Physical Chemistry II, 4 credits – CHEM 374 – Biochemistry II, 4 credits – CHEM 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits – CHEM 431 – Instrumental Methods of Analysis, 4 credits – CHEM 445 – Organic Chemistry III, 4 credits – CHEM 462 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 4 credits – CHEM 475 – Neurochemistry, 4 credits – CHEM 490 – Introduction to Research, 1 to 4 credits Additional supporting courses: • MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits • PHYS 111-112 – General College Physics I and II, 4 credits each OR PHYS 128-211 – Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II, 4 credits each General Science Teaching License, Grades 5-8 A recommended addition to the chemistry education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12, is the general science teaching license, grades 5-8. The requirements for the general science teaching license, grades 5-8, are 32 credits (see education).
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 111 N, A – Survey of General Chemistry, 4 credits. E1. A survey of general chemistry. This course is intended for students in nursing, nutrition, and other related health professions. It does not count toward a chemistry major or minor. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week.
CHEM 127 A – General Chemistry I, 4 credits. E1. First college course in chemistry for most students. Topics include: stoichiometry; states of matter; periodicity; nomenclature; atomic structure; geometry of molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; chemical reactions; and related consumer, environmental and industrial problems. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: high school chemistry
CHEM 128 N, A – General Chemistry II, 4 credits. E2. Further study in general chemistry. Topics include redox chemistry, thermodynamics, chemistry of solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, buffer solutions and electrochemistry. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 127 – General Chemistry I or admission by placement examination
CHEM 137 N, A – Honors General Chemistry I, 4 credits. E1. This is the first of a two-course sequence covering the same fundamental topics as in CHEM 127 – General Chemistry I but with significantly greater depth. It is designed for those students interested in the chemistry major and/or a chemistry-related career. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: a strong high school background in chemistry and mathematics
CHEM 138 – Honors General Chemistry II, 4 credits. E2. This is the second of a two-course sequence covering the same fundamental topics as in CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II but with significantly greater depth. More emphasis is placed on student-directed projects. The course is designed for those students interested in the chemistry major and/or a chemistry-related career. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisite: CHEM 137 – Honors General Chemistry I
CHEM 142 N – Survey of Organic and Biochemistry, 4 credits. E2. A survey of organic and biological chemistry. This course is intended for students in nursing, nutrition and other related health professions. It does not count toward a chemistry major or minor. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 111 – Survey of General Chemistry or CHEM 172 – Survey of Biochemistry
CHEM 152 – Vocation and the Health Professions, 1 credit. E2. Intended for freshmen and sophomore students interested in various careers in the health professions. This course offers a balance of personal reflection and practical information. The concept of “vocation as calling” will be emphasized and students will be asked to reflect upon their reasons for choosing a particular career path. Practical information will include various career options in the health professions, undergraduate expectations, professional school admissions requirements, and non-traditional career paths.
CHEM 171 N – Consumer and Environmental Chemistry, 4 credits. E1. A study of the relationship between the environment and our use of energy and everyday goods. Topics may include global climatic change, ozone depletion, and acid rain. The course is designed for non-science students with little or no science background. It has no prerequisite. It fulfills the laboratory science requirement but does not count toward a science major. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week.
CHEM 172 – Survey of Biochemistry, 2 credits. E2. A survey of biological chemistry. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzyme, metabolism, and other major topics of biochemistry will be introduced. This course is intended for nursing, nutrition, and other related health profession and education majors. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 111 – Survey of General Chemistry or CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I or permission of instructor
CHEM 174 – From Space to Deep Ocean: Chemistry at the Extremes of Nature, 4 credits, E1. This course satisfies the natural science (N) exploration area by focusing on the chemistry of gases in several extreme environments. From space exploration, to climbing Mount Everest, to deep sea diving, gases play a critical role. The course will mix science with the excitement of exploration and will deal with operating at the limits of animal endurance. Limited to gases, the science should be comprehensible to all students. The associated lab will be eye-opening and fun, exploring the properties of gases. Students will be given an opportunity to investigate one special topic of their interest. Students will publicly present these topics to a peer audience.
CHEM 175N – Forensic Science – Where the Dead Do Tell Tales, 4 credits. E2. An introduction to the field of forensic science, including the areas of trace evidence, DNA, firearms, and drug analysis. Students will develop a thorough understanding of the scientific method and an appreciation of the ethical nature of scientific inquiry through laboratory investigations and mock crime scene analysis. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week.
CHEM 232 – Analytical Chemistry, 4 credits. E2. An overview of the fundamentals of chemical analysis. Topics include statistics and sampling, chemical equilibrium, volumetric and gravimetric methods, electrochemistry, and an introduction to instrumentation. Laboratory work involves representative sampling, chemical workups, classical methods, instrumental methods and data handling. Three class periods and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II or CHEM 138 – Honors General Chemistry II
CHEM 304 – Pharmacology, 2 credits. B3. An introduction to the study of the properties, effects, and therapeutic value of drugs. For each major drug group, the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and adverse drug reactions will be outlined based upon a group prototype. The objective of the course is to give students the ability to place major drugs into correct therapeutic categories with an understanding of their mechanisms of action, indications, and side effects. This course does not count toward a chemistry major or minor. Prerequisite: BIOL 306 – Human Anatomy and Physiology
CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I, 4 credits. E1. An examination of the fundamental classes of carbon compounds and the relationship of their physical and chemical properties to structure. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II or CHEM 138 – Honors General Chemistry II or consent of instructor
CHEM 342 – Organic Chemistry II, 4 credits. E2. A study of organic compounds containing oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, including many of commercial and/or biochemical importance. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 344 – Spectroscopy, 4 credits. A2 (2009-2010). This course provides detailed exposure to the theory and application of the four fundamental molecular spectroscopies (nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet, and mass spectrometry). Focus is placed upon spectra interpretation toward molecular structure elucidation. Practical, hands-on experience with each instrument is highlighted. Three class periods per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I or consent of instructor
CHEM 351 – Physical Chemistry I, 4 credits. E1. The first of two courses that explore the fundamental physical principles of chemistry. The course progresses from a microscopic to a macroscopic point of view moving from quantum mechanics to statistical mechanics and finally to thermodynamics. Topics include one-dimensional quantum models, atoms and molecules, the Boltzmann distribution, the laws of thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Three class periods and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II (or CHEM 138 – Honors General Chemistry II) and MATH 121 – Calculus I. Additionally, MATH 122 – Calculus II, and either PHYS 111–112 – General College Physics I and II or PHYS 128–211 – Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II are recommended.
CHEM 352 – Physical Chemistry II, 4 credits. E2. The second of two courses that explore the fundamental physical principles of chemistry. The course builds on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics introduced in CHEM 351 – Physical Chemistry I. Additionally, physical and chemical kinetics are discussed. Topics include: two and three dimensional quantum models, operator formalism, angular momentum, group theory, lasers, kinetics, and thermodynamics of solutions. Three class periods, and two four-hour laboratories per week during Block 3. Prerequisite: CHEM 351 – Physical Chemistry I; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 462 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry is encouraged.
CHEM 373 – Biochemistry I, 4 credits. E1. A survey of the chemistry and biology of the fundamental molecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins and cofactors. The metabolic pathways for producing energy by degradation of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins are also a major component of the course. Prerequisite: CHEM 342 – Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 374 – Biochemistry II, 4 credits. E2. Building on the content of Biochemistry I, this course surveys selected biochemical pathways for synthesizing the molecules of life such as fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, heme, starch and glycogen. A second major focus of the course is the transfer of biological information as it flows from DNA to RNA to proteins. Prerequisite: CHEM 373 – Biochemistry I
CHEM 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
CHEM 390 Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits. D.
CHEM 403 – Senior Seminar I, 1 credit. B1. The fundamentals of scientific presentation and basic literature searching techniques are discussed. Chemical Abstracts, Science Citation, and Internet database searching skills are developed. ACS style guidelines for both oral and written presentations are discussed. The student chooses a topic and faculty mentor for the CHEM 404 – Senior Seminar II presentation.
CHEM 404 – Senior Seminar II, 4 credits. E2. Oral and written presentation of a topic of interest to the chemistry department. The student works with a chosen faculty mentor to apply the skills learned in CHEM 403 – Senior Seminar I. Prerequisite: CHEM 403 – Senior Seminar I
CHEM 431 – Instrumental Methods of Analysis, 4 credits. E1. An introduction to a variety of instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Methods studied include spectrophotometry, atomic spectroscopy, potentiometry, voltammetry, liquid and gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. An introduction to instrument-to-computer interfaces is also included. Three class periods and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 232 – Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 445 – Organic Chemistry III, 4 credits. D. A study of modern concepts of organic reaction mechanisms and the relationship of spectroscopic properties to molecular structure. Three class periods and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 342 – Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 462 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 4 credits. E2. A study of theoretical inorganic chemistry at an advanced level. The primary concerns are with modern concepts of bonding, coordination chemistry, acid-base behavior, reaction mechanisms and properties of less familiar elements. Three class periods, plus two four-hour lab periods per week during Block 4. Prerequisite: CHEM 351 – Physical Chemistry I; co-enrollment in CHEM 352 – Physical Chemistry II is encouraged.
CHEM 475 – Neurochemistry, 4 credits. A2. This junior/senior level course studies the chemical and biochemical aspect of neuroscience including ligand binding, pharmacokinetics and second messenger cascades. Prerequisites: consent of instructor. Recommended: NEU 109 – Introduction to Neuroscience and CHEM 373 – Biochemistry I
CHEM 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
CHEM 490 – Introduction to Research, 1 to 4 credits. E. The student carries out chemical research under the direction of a faculty member. The requirements are established by the individual faculty member. Typically, 10 hours per week is expected for 4 credits, 5 hours per week for 0.5 credit, and 2.5 hours per week for 0.25 credit. Additional requirements could include, but are not limited to, the following: attendance of regular group meetings, presenting a poster or talk to the department or at a professional meeting, or a written report.
Course Catalog
