| Chemistry
Courses
Courses with * fulfill General
Education requirements
(A-AP) = Arts - Applied
(A-TH) = Arts - Theoretical/Historical
(A-AR) = Analytical - Abstract
Reasoning
(A-QR) = Analytical - Quantitative
Reasoning
(CP) = Comparative Practices
(D-D) = Diversity - Domestic
(D-I) = Diversity - International
(D-L) = Diversity - Language
(ES) = Earlham Seminar
(IP) = Interpretive Practices
(SI) = Scientific Inquiry
(W) = Wellness
(AY) = Offered in
Alternative Year |
|
*CHEM 111 PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY (4 credits)
Designed as the entry course for the major. Core principles and interesting applications of chemistry combine to provide a conceptual understanding of chemistry for professional and everyday life. Principles of atomic and molecular structure, molecular energetics and classes of chemical reactions reviewed. Aspects of gas behavior, basic photochemistry and acid-base chemistry are applied to the study of environmental chemistry issues such as stratospheric ozone, the global greenhouse effect, acid rain and photochemical smog. Lab work includes the synthesis of compounds, the study of aqueous ions, simple calorimetry, titrations, basic IR, visible and UV spectrophotometry, and studies of acid rain. (A-QR, SI)
*CHEM 150 EARLHAM SEMINAR (4 credits)
Offered for first-year students.
Topics vary. (ES)
*CHEM 221 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I (4 credits)
Introductory course designed for chemistry and biology majors as well as pre-health professionals. Focuses on basic structural and reactivity aspects in organic chemistry and their relationship to pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and biological systems. Topics include stereochemistry, substitution, elimination and addition reactions. Weekly three-hour laboratory provides hands-on experience with modern organic methods and techniques. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CHEM 111 or consent of the instructor. (A-QR, SI)
CHEM 321 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II (4 credits)
A continuation of the sequence in organic chemistry. Focuses on more advanced structural aspects and reactivities in organic chemistry and their relationship to pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemical and biological systems. Topics include alcohol, carbonyl, amine and aromatic reactions, spectroscopy, drug design and synthetic methodology. Weekly three-hour laboratory introduces several additional modern synthesis, chromatography and spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-NMR and GCMS) methods. A significant portion of the lab includes a student-designed synthesis and/or natural product isolation research project. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CHEM 221 or consent of the instructor.
CHEM 331 EQUILIBRIUM AND ANALYSIS (5 credits)
Designed for chemistry majors, minors and pre-health professionals. Problem-based learning course designed to provide a working knowledge of the principles and practices of analytical chemistry. Covers two major themes: (1) the systematic treatment of chemical equilibrium in ionic systems, including acid-base, solubility, redox, and (2) methods of quantitative chemical analysis, which includes the theory and practice of volumetric analysis and the modern instrumental methods of analysis used in industrial analytical laboratories (spectroscopy and chromatography techniques). Culminates in a three-week laboratory group project and a poster presentation. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CHEM 111 or consent of the instructor.
CHEM 341 THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS (4 credits)
In the first two-thirds of the course, concepts of enthalpy, entropy and free energy are developed as a basis for understanding the nature of chemical stability. In the last third of the course, the tools of rate measurement and analysis are used to understand chemical reactivity. Laboratory work includes the application of calorimetric, potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods to study of thermodynamic and kinetic problems. Several applications utilizing computer-interfaced measurements are included. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CHEM 331, MATH 180 and either PHYS 220 or 225.
CHEM 351 BIOCHEMISTRY (4 credits)
Intended for students majoring in chemistry, biology or the health professions. Explores the role of chemistry in life processes. Topics include protein structure, enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, cancer mechanism and toxicology. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CHEM 321 and 331 or consent of the instructor.
CHEM 361 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (4 credits)
A systematic examination of the chemical elements and their compounds, with an emphasis on periodicity of properties. Examines bonding theories, group theory and reaction mechanisms. Particular emphasis placed on the coordination compounds and organometallic compounds of the transition metals. Other topics include bioinorganic chemistry and solid state chemistry. Labs explore synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CHEM 321 and 331 or consent of the instructor. Also recommended: CHEM 341.
CHEM 371 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY (4
credits)
A study of natural and unnatural chemical substances in the environment with particular emphasis on the problem of chemical pollution and its health consequences. Includes air pollution, global warming, water quality, heavy metals, pesticide residues and other organic compounds. Principles of chemical equilibrium and reaction mechanisms emphasized. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CHEM 221 and 331 or consent of the instructor. (AY)
CHEM 421 ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3 credits)
A look at advanced concepts of organic chemistry through the use of rotating central topics in different years. Topics include spectroscopy, agricultural and pharmaceutical chemicals, or natural product syntheses. Students discover how organic chemistry is intimately involved in a variety of other fields, including biology and medicine. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CHEM 321.
CHEM 431 ADVANCED ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (4 credits)
A systematic study of modern instrumental methods of chemical analysis with emphasis on the principles of operation of the instruments and their use for the analysis of real substances. Topics include atomic and molecular spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry. Laboratory portion provides extensive hands-on experience with major analytical instrumentation: UV-Vis absorption, AAS, ICP-AES, GC and HPLC. Emphasizes study of complex mixtures and the special problems of trace-level analysis. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CHEM 331. Also recommended: PHYS 220 or 225. (AY)
CHEM 441 QUANTUM CHEMISTRY (3 credits)
A study of the quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics as applied to chemical systems. In quantum mechanics, a range of problems is studied, from the simple particle-in-a-box case to the hydrogen atom, pi-electron systems, and time-dependent systems. With statistical mechanics, the molecular view of matter is linked to the energetics of chemical equilibrium systems. Prerequisites: CHEM 341, MATH 180 and PHYS 225.
CHEM 480 SEMINAR (2 credits)
A study of recent research topics in chemistry based on primary sources. Each student is expected to make several oral reports.
CHEM 481 INTERNSHIPS, FIELD STUDIES AND OTHER FIELD EXPERIENCES
(1-3 credits)
CHEM 482 SPECIAL TOPICS (3 credits)
Selected topics determined
by the instructor for upper-level study.
CHEM 483 TEACHING ASSISTANTS (1-3 credits)
CHEM 484 FORD/KNIGHT RESEARCH (1-4 credits)
Collaborative research
with faculty funded by the Ford/Knight Program.
CHEM 485 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
A literature investigation of a specific topic conceived and planned by the student in consultation with a faculty supervisor. Culminates in a comprehensive report prepared in the style of a thesis or a scientific paper.
CHEM 486 STUDENT RESEARCH (1-3 credits)
A laboratory investigation of a specific topic conceived and planned by the student in consultation with a faculty supervisor. Culminates in a comprehensive report prepared in the style of a thesis or a scientific paper.
CHEM 488 SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (2 credits)
Majors must successfully complete comprehensive examinations in the Spring Semester of the senior year. |
