Inquisitive and curious students who are ready to find answers by practicing science find their home in the chemistry program. Our students gain a solid foundation in analytical, organic and physical chemistry, and we help students examine the central roles that chemistry plays in biology and the global environment.
Our students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in fields where women are still underrepresented, and they gain the opportunity to explore options such as graduate school, medical school or employment in the industrial and non-profit sectors.
CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIntroduces some of the general principles of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry and chemical reactions; the structure and properties of atoms, ions, and molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; oxidation/reduction and acid/base chemistry. It includes an introduction to equilibrium and kinetics. This course emphasizes active student involvement; many concepts are introduced via direct experimentation. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry I. 4 credits Prerequisites: MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently) or MATH 108.General Education: Knowledge and InquiryCHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry IIContinues the study of basic chemical principles, focusing on thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Transition metal complexes give an introduction to inorganic chemistry. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry II.4 creditsPrerequisites: MATH 125 (may be taken concurrently), CHEM 111 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the program.General Education Knowledge and InquiryCHEM 221 Organic Chemistry IProvides students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry through an exploration of the properties and reactions of carbon compounds, including structure and bonding, polarization, isomerism, stereochemistry, equilibrium, reaction types, and synthesis. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 223). Formerly CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I.3 creditsPrerequisites: CHEM 111 or CHEM 112.CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry IIApplies the concepts learned in Organic Chemistry I to new classes of compounds. The course includes a further investigation of substitution and elimination reactions, and the utility of infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance in determining organic structure is emphasized. Students learn about reactions and mechanisms pertaining to alkyl halides, aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, and a variety of carbonyl compounds. A working knowledge of the reactions covered in both semesters of will enable students to develop multistep syntheses leading from starting material to product. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 224). Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry II.3 creditsPrerequisites: CHEM 221 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the programCHEM 341 Physical ChemistryExamines the principles of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and atomic structure, with an emphasis on applications to biological systems. Formerly CHE 377 Physical Chemistry I. 3 credits Prerequisites: CHEM 112, MATH 225, and PHYS 111 (may be taken concurrently); MATH 325 is recommended.CHEM 350 Forensic Instrumental AnalysisIntroduces the principles, theory and applications of instrumental methods of chemical analysis including spectroscopy (UV-VIS, IR, fluorescence, NMR, MS), electrochemistry and chromatography. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 351). Formerly CHEM 350 Instrumental Analysis. 3 creditsPrerequisite: CHEM 112.
Our students are encouraged to participate in internships; recent placements include programs at John Hopkins University, Brown University, N.I.H., N.S.F. and the Smithsonian.
Inquisitive and curious students who are ready to find answers by practicing science find their home in the chemistry program. Our students gain a solid foundation in analytical, organic and physical chemistry, and we help students examine the central roles that chemistry plays in biology and the global environment.
