Degrees Choosing a Major Requirements for Major Honors Program Teacher Licensing Minor Chemistry Courses |
ChemistrySciences 203A
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Thomas A. Keevil, Chair Students majoring in chemistry typically enter positions in private, academic, or government laboratories, or they enroll in graduate or professional schools. There are outstanding opportunities for graduate study in chemistry. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry is also excellent preparation for graduate study in a number of other fields, including business, dentistry, engineering, environmental studies, forensic science, law, medical technology, medicine, oceanography, pharmacology, teaching, and veterinary medicine. The Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has approved the Chemistry Department’s curricular offerings, faculty, and facilities. Students who complete the approved program are certified by the American Chemical Society and become eligible for full membership in the society upon graduation. Back to top of page.DegreesBA or BS in Chemistry with options in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Additional options include American Chemical Society Certified Degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Physics
BA or BS in Business-Chemistry
BS in Environmental Studies with a Chemistry option
Co-MajorBusiness-Chemistry (see page 148 for a description of this program) MinorChemistry
Back to top of page.Choosing a MajorStudents are strongly encouraged to make this decision as early as possible to ensure their degree may be completed in four years. It is generally not possible to complete the degree in four years without taking chemistry courses every year. It is also necessary to begin taking mathematics courses in the first year. Freshmen considering a chemistry major should talk to a chemistry professor immediately. Back to top of page.Requirements for Major- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 15.
- Complete the core curriculum.
- Complete the chemistry major core courses.
- Complete courses for one of the approved options. Students planning to attend graduate school are strongly encouraged to complete an ACS-accredited degree.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA in all upper division chemistry courses.
- Complete an outcome assessment portfolio demonstrating proficiency in, but not limited to, core academics, oral and written presentations, instrument and computer skills, research, and cooperative learning.
- The student’s entire program must be approved by a chemistry advisor.
CapstoneStudents must complete the Senior Project as described under Ch 497, 498, 499. Only one of the four course sequences below may be taken simultaneously with the Senior Project. | Inorganic Chemistry (Ch 411, 414) | | | Analytical Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis (Ch 421, 422 and 425, 426, 427) | | | Physical Chemistry (Ch 441, 442, 443, 444, 445) | | | Biochemistry (Ch 451, 452, 453, 454, 455) | |
Chemistry Major Core Courses
(50 chemistry credits, 12 mathematics credits)
| General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202, 203) | 9 | | General Chemistry Lab (Ch 204, 205, 206) | 6 | | Chemical Information (Ch 314) | 1 | | Chemical Research Writing (Ch 315) | 1 | | Organic Chemistry (Ch 334, 335, 336) | 9 | | Introduction to Organic Chemistry Lab (Ch 337) | 2 | | Organic Spectroscopy (Ch 340) | 3 | | Organic Chemistry Lab (Ch 341) | 2 | | Computer Applications in Chemistry (Ch 371) | 3 | | Analytical Chemistry (Ch 421) | 3 | | Analytical Chemistry Lab (Ch 422) | 1 | | Instrumental Analysis (Ch 425) | 3 | | Instrumental Analysis Lab (Ch 426) | 1 | | Physical Chemistry (Ch 441) | 3 | | Senior Project (Ch 497, 498, 499) | 3 | | Elementary Functions (Mth 112) | 4 | | Calculus I, II (Mth 251, 252) | 8 |
Chemistry Option
(7 chemistry credits, 12 physics credits)
| Inorganic Chemistry (Ch 411) | 4 | | Inorganic Chemistry Lab (Ch 414) | 1 | | Physical-Chemical Measurements (Ch 444) | 2 | | General Physics (Ph 201, 202, 203) | 9 | | General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 |
Biochemistry Option
(20 biology credits, 11 chemistry credits, 12 physics credits)
| Principles of Biology (Bi 211, 212, 213) | 12 | | Genetics (Bi 341) | 4 | | Molecular Biology (Bi 425) | 4 | | Biochemistry (Ch 451, 452, 453) | 9 | | Biochemistry Lab (Ch 454, 455) | 2 | | General Physics (Ph 201, 202, 203) | 9 | | General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 |
American Chemical Society Certified Degree in Chemistry Option
(20 chemistry credits, 4 mathematics credits, 19 physics credits)
| Introductory Biochemistry (Ch 350) | 4 | | Inorganic Chemistry (Ch 411) | 4 | | Inorganic Chemistry Lab (Ch 414) | 1 | | Advanced Instrumental Analysis Lab (Ch 427) | 1 | | Physical Chemistry (Ch 442, 443) | 6 | | Physical-Chemical Measurements (Ch 444, 445) | 4 | | Differential Equations (Mth 321) | 4 | | General Physics (Ph 221, 222, 223) | 12 | | General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 | | Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences (Ph 371) | 4 |
American Chemical Society Certified Degree in Biochemistry Option
(20 biology credits, 24 chemistry credits, 4 mathematics credits, 19 physics credits)
| Principles of Biology (Bi 211, 212, 213) | 12 | | Genetics (Bi 341) | 4 | | Molecular Biology (Bi 425) | 4 | | Inorganic Chemistry (Ch 411) | 4 | | Inorganic Chemistry Lab (Ch 414) | 1 | | Physical Chemistry (Ch 442, 443) | 6 | | Physical-Chemical Measurements (Ch 444) | 2 | | Biochemistry (Ch 451, 452, 453) | 9 | | Biochemistry Lab (Ch 454, 455) | 2 | | Differential Equations (Mth 321) | 4 | | General Physics (Ph 221, 222, 223) | 12 | | General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 | | Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences (Ph 371) | 4 |
American Chemical Society Certified Degree in Chemical Physics Option
(19–22 chemistry credits, 4–12 mathematics credits, 31–39 physics credits)
| Introductory Biochemistry (Ch 350) | 4 | | Inorganic Chemistry (Ch 411) | 4 | | Inorganic Chemistry Lab (Ch 414) | 1 | | Physical Chemistry (Ch 442, 443) | 6 | | Physical-Chemical Measurements (Ch 444, 445) | 4 | | Differential Equations (Mth 321) | 4 | | General Physics (Ph 221, 222, 223) | 12 | | General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 | | Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences (Ph 371) | 4 | | Optics and Waves (Ph 333) | 3 | | Optics Lab (Ph 336) | 1 | | Lasers (Ph 339) | 3 | | Modern Physics (Ph 341) | 3 | | Modern Physics Lab (Ph 344, 345) | 1–2 | | Thermal Physics (Ph 354) | 4 | | Electronics (Ph 361, 362) | 4–8 | | Computer Methods (Ph 380) | 3 | | Quantum Physics (Ph 416, 417) | 3–6 | | Analytical Mechanics (Ph 424, 425) | 4–8 | | Electricity and Magnetism (Ph 431, 432) | 4–8 | | Solid-State Physics (Ph 461) | 4 | | Advanced Topics in Mathematical Physics (Ph 471) | 3 | | Physics courses listed above | 0–8 | | Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Ch 485) | 1–3 | | Linear Algebra (Mth 261) | 4 | | Partial Differential Equations (Mth 421) | 4 |
Back to top of page.Honors ProgramStudents interested in participating in the departmental honors program must notify the advisor upon completing at least 25 credits of chemistry required for the degree. Admission to the program requires department faculty approval. Honors Requirements- Complete an ACS-certified chemistry degree.
- Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division chemistry courses.
- Complete one year of research prior to commencing the senior project and present both a written and oral report on this research.
- Obtain final approval from the department faculty.
The transcripts and diplomas of qualified students indicate that their degrees were awarded with departmental honors. Back to top of page.Teacher LicensingStudents who would like to teach chemistry at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor’s degree in chemistry before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT Program. Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in public schools are required prior to application to the MAT Program. Back to top of page.MinorComplete 28 credits in chemistry, at least 13 of which must be upper division. Choose upper division courses from at least two of the following areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 in all upper division chemistry courses. | General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202, 203) | 9 | | General Chemistry Lab (Ch 204, 205, 206) | 6 | | Upper division electives (approved by | | | advisor) | 13 |
Back to top of page.Chemistry CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses| Ch 100 Fundamentals of Chemistry | | 4 credits | | Introduces the structure, properties, and composition of matter and chemical changes. Designed primarily to help the non-science major understand the function, importance, and capabilities of chemistry in our environment and culture. Three lectures and one 2-hour lab. Approved for general education (Explorations). |
| Ch 101 Environmental Chemistry | | 4 credits | | Examines the basic chemical principles as applied to areas of current interest and concern in the natural environment and modern technology. Includes such topics as air and water pollution, toxic waste disposal, use of pesticides and fertilizers, and energy production. Three lectures and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Ch 100. Approved for general education (Explorations). |
| Ch 104, 105, 106 Survey of Chemistry | | 4 credits each | | Designed for students planning careers in nursing and related allied health sciences, students in preprofessional transfer programs, and students majoring in areas other than the sciences. Covers the fundamentals of biochemistry and inorganic and organic chemistry. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Ch 104, 105 are approved for general education (Explorations). |
| Ch 190, 191, 192 Chemical Concepts | | 1 credit each | | Helps students in Ch 104, 105, 106 develop chemistry-related skills. One lecture. |
| Ch 195, 196, 197 Chemical Problem Solving | | 1 credit each | | Develops the basic skills required to solve typical story problems encountered in Ch 201, 202, 203. One lecture. |
| Ch 199 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 201, 202, 203 General Chemistry | | 3 credits each | | Explores principles and applications of chemistry for science majors, including physical measurements, atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, reaction dynamics, and descriptions of elements and compounds. Three lectures. Mth 111 to be taken prior to or concurrently with Ch 201. Ch 201, 204 and 202, 205 are approved for general education (Explorations). | | Prerequisite: Mth 95 | | Corequisite: Ch 204, 205, 206 |
| Ch 204, 205, 206 General Chemistry Laboratory | | 2 credits each | | Experiments cover gravimetric and volumetric analysis, reactivity, syntheses, and qualitative analysis. One recitation and one 3-hour laboratory. Corequisite: Enrollment in lecture (Ch 201, 202, 203). |
| Ch 209 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged |
Upper Division Courses| Ch 300 Forensic Science | | 3 credits | | Introduces the scientific techniques used in crime investigation. Involves the analysis of physical evidence and covers aspects of chemistry, biology, geology, physics, and criminology. Three lectures. Does not fulfill chemistry major or minor requirements. Prerequisites: Colloquium and Explorations sequences from all three of the learning areas. Approved for general education (Synthesis and Applications). |
| Ch 301 Forensic Science Laboratory | | 1 credit | | Gives students hands-on experience with scientific procedures and techniques as they apply to forensic investigation. One 3-hour laboratory. Does not fulfill chemistry major or minor requirements. | | Prerequisite: Instructor consent, and credit for or registration in Ch 300. |
| Ch 314 Chemical Information | | 1 credit | | Introduces the retrieval, organization, and citation of chemical information using hard-copy, online, CD-ROM, and Internet sources. Focuses on resources appropriate to analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; biochemistry; forensic science; and materials science. Prerequisite: Ch 335. |
| Ch 315 Chemical Research Writing | | 1 credit | | Formulates a literature research project relating to the Senior Project (Ch 497). Students retrieve information from international literature and organize, analyze, and synthesize it into a paper that includes a detailed review of the topic and a laboratory research proposal. Prerequisite: Ch 314. |
| Ch 331, 332 Principles of Organic Chemistry | | 4 credits, 3 credits | | Studies the compounds of carbon, with particular emphasis on the chemical principles underlying biological and health sciences. Ch 331: Four lectures. Ch 332: Three lectures. Prerequisite: Ch 202. Corequisite for Ch 331: Ch 337. Corequisite for Ch 332: Ch 338. |
| Ch 334, 335, 336 Organic Chemistry | | 3 credits each | | Offers a comprehensive study of the physical and chemical properties of the compounds of carbon. Presents organic reactions as tools for the research scientist to use in synthesis and to illustrate the principles underlying chemical behavior. Three lectures. Prerequisite: Ch 202. Corequisite for Ch 334: Ch 337. Corequisite for Ch 335: Ch 340. Corequisite for Ch 336: Ch 341. |
| Ch 337 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Laboratory | | 2 credits | | Examines the theory and application of basic techniques used in the purification and characterization of organic and bioorganic compounds. One recitation and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Ch 205. Corequisite: Ch 331 or Ch 334. |
| Ch 338 Principles of Organic Chemistry Laboratory | | 2 credits | | Continues the study of organic laboratory techniques, including some elementary spectroscopy. One recitation and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Ch 337. Corequisite: Ch 332. |
| Ch 340 Organic Spectroscopy | | 3 credits | | Examines the theory and practical uses of spectroscopy for the structural characterization of organic compounds. Includes use of an infrared spectrophotometer, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometers. Two lectures and two 90-minute laboratories. Corequisite: Ch 332 or 335. |
| Ch 341 Organic Chemistry Laboratory | | 2 credits | | Explores the synthesis, isolation, and purification of organic and bioorganic compounds. Includes extensive use of chromatography and spectroscopy. One recitation and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Ch 337 and 340. Corequisite: Ch 336. |
| Ch 350 Introductory Biochemistry | | 4 credits | | Surveys structures and reactivities of biomolecules, with an emphasis on enzymes, nucleic acids, metabolic processes, and bioenergetics. Four lectures. Prerequisite: Ch 332 or 336. |
| Ch 371 Computer Applications in Chemistry | | 3 credits | | Trains students in writing computer programs with applications to various problems of chemical importance. Languages and software used include BASIC and Mathcad for Windows. Students use the Department of Chemistry’s microcomputers and learn methods involving computer graphics for analysis of experimental data. Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Ch 203 and Mth 252. Corequisite: Ch 441. |
| Ch 399 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 401/501 Research | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 403/503 Thesis | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 405/505 Reading and Conference | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 407/507 Seminar | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 408/508 Workshop | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 409/509 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ch 411/511 Inorganic Chemistry | | 4 credits | | Surveys contemporary theories and their application to inorganic compounds. Lecture topics include symmetry, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, coordination compounds, reaction mechanisms, periodicity, acids and bases, aqueous and nonaqueous solutions, organometallic and bioinorganic compounds, and descriptive chemistry of metals and nonmetals. Four lectures. Prerequisite or corequisite: Ch 414. |
| Ch 414/514 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | | 1 credit each | | Studies inorganic compounds and complexes, including the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive and water-sensitive organometallic compounds and transition metal complexes. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite or corequisite: Ch 411. |
| Ch 421 Analytical Chemistry | | 3 credits | | Covers the principles of quantitative analytical chemistry. Topics include equilibria in gravimetric, volumetric, and electrochemical methods of analysis, along with a brief introduction to spectroscopy and analytical separations. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: Ch 203, 206. Corequisite: Ch 422. |
| Ch 422 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | | 1 credit | | Involves students in quantitative analytical laboratory work, including gravimetric, volumetric, and a limited number of instrumental methods. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Ch 203, 206. Corequisite: Ch 421. |
| Ch 425/525 Instrumental Analysis | | 3 credits | | Explores the theory of instrumental methods of chemical analysis, including spectroscopy, chromatography, voltammetry, and other topics. Two 90-minute lectures. Prerequisites: Ch 421, 422 and 441. Corequisite: Ch 426. |
| Ch 426/526 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory | | 1 credit | | Laboratory exercises emphasize basic electronics, the application of instrumental techniques, the optimization of instrumental parameters, and the treatment of data. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Ch 421, 422 and 441. Corequisite: Ch 425. |
| Ch 427 Advanced Instrumental Analysis Laboratory | | 1 credit | | Integrated laboratory course covers the instrumental analysis and characterization of inorganic or organic compounds. Involves the synthesis of an inorganic or organic compound, followed by analysis and characterization using a variety of instrumental methods. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Ch 340, 414, and 426. |
| Ch 441/541, 442/542, 443/543 Physical Chemistry | | 3 credits each | | Comprehensive study of the theoretical and practical applications of physical laws to chemical phenomena. Topics include classical and statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, and the theory and application of quantum mechanics to atomic and molecular structures. Three lectures. Prerequisites: Ch 203, 206; Mth 252; Ph 201, 202, 203 or 221, 222, 223 and corresponding laboratories. Corequisite: Ch 371. |
| Ch 444/544, 445/545 Physical-Chemical Measurements | | 2 credits each | | Laboratory experience involving modern computer-enhanced methods of physical-chemical experimentation. Students gain experience programming in BASIC and FORTRAN, as well as with direct interfacing of lab equipment to computers. Experiments utilize student-written software for control of equipment and analysis of experimental data. Includes reaction kinetics, gas-phase reaction equilibria, electrochemical measurements, and spectroscopic analysis of molecular structure. One lecture and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites or corequisites: Ch 371 and 441, 442, 443. |
| Ch 451/551, 452/552, 453/553 Biochemistry | | 3 credits each | | Examines the chemistry of biological systems and their products, focusing on the underlying organic, chemical, thermodynamic, and kinetic principles. Three lectures. Prerequisite: Ch 332 or 336. |
| Ch 454/554, 455/555 Biochemistry Laboratory | | 1 credit each | | Covers laboratory principles and procedures useful for the chemical study of biological systems and biomolecules. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites or corequisites: Ch 451, 452, 453. |
| Ch 485/585 Advanced Topics in Chemistry | | 1–3 credits | | Advanced course covering special topics in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, or biochemistry. Prerequisites and credits vary with topic. May be repeated for credit with different topics. |
| Ch 497, 498, 499 Senior Project | | 1 credit each | | Designed as a practical application of the student’s accumulated knowledge. Ch 497 and 498 typically involve supervised study or research, which may be conducted inside or outside the department. Ch 499 entails significant library research, writing, and oral presentation components. All projects must be approved by faculty. This sequence must be taken during the student’s senior year and is required for graduation. |
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