Courses Offered in Chemistry and Physics

This course introduces the theory, principles, and practices of green and environmentally benign chemistry. Green chemistry anticipates the superiority of preventing pollution at the design stage before it begins. The principles of green chemistry will be discussed to design creative ways to reduce hazardous waste and human impact on the environment, and perform chemistry in a better way. Emphasis will be given to analysis of a chemical reaction at the molecular level or an industrial chemical process by using green chemistry metrics and finding "greener" alternatives in the context of ecological sustainability, environmental health, economic welfare, and social justice. This course does not require any previous chemistry or science background, but a strong interest in environmental issues and a desire to find solutions to ecological problems is highly recommended. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Pers Growth & Responsibility

This course is a systematic survey of measurements, scientific notation, atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding, chemical calculations, acids and bases, and radioactivity. The course will also cover the nomenclature, structure, and reactions of organic compounds and biochemicals, including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Intended for health science and other non-chemistry majors. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course covers descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry. Topics include states and properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, the mole, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and acid-base chemistry. A proficiency in algebra is recommended. Open to all students and designed for Chemistry, Biology, and Geological Sciences students. Three lecture hours, one hour of discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Quantitative Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course is a continuation of CHE 130. Topics include equilibrium, electrochemistry, kinetics, nuclear chemistry and phase equilibria. This course emphasizes applications in environmental chemistry. Three lecture hours, one hour of discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: CHE 130.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Quantitative Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course investigates the chemical processes widespread in our environment: natural waters, earth and soil, and atmosphere. Chemical concepts such as reduction and oxidation processes, equilibria in aqueous solution, and reactions of hazardous inorganic and organic compounds will be covered. Specific topics will include: air pollution, the chemical basis of ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, photochemical smog, natural resources and renewable energy, and water pollution and remediation. This course will also provide opportunities to the students to develop critical reasoning, effective literature survey strategies and presenting the results of a scientific term project in a professional formal. A background in algebra and physical sciences is recommended. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: Basic math competency.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

Introduction to chemistry of carbon compounds. Survey of the principal classes of aliphatic and aromatic compounds and their reactions. The application of the techniques of synthetic organic chemistry to the preparation and purification of simple organic compounds is taken up in the laboratory. Required of Chemistry and Biology Majors. Three lecture hours, and one three-hour laboratory per week. This course, with CHE130 satisfies the full year sequence in a laboratory science.
Prerequisite: CHE130.

Credits: 4.00

This course is a continuation of CHE 212: Study of organic reactions with emphasis upon the relation between structure and reactivity. Introduction of IR and NMR theory in lecture and application in laboratory. Laboratory work includes the study of advanced preparations and techniques. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
Prerequisite: CHE212.

Credits: 4.00

This course explores descriptive inorganic chemistry. The chemistry of the representative elements and the inner and outer transition elements will be studied. Topics include bonding, atomic and molecular structure, and chemical reactivity. The discovery and purification of these elements is covered as well. Special tropics include organometallic chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHE130, CHE131, CHE212, CHE213.

Credits: 3.00

An introduction to carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, which will include metabolic pathways, the role of vitamins and detoxification mechanisms. The laboratory deals with enzyme kinetics and the solution of practical analytical problems using chromatographic, instrumental and wet chemical methods. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
Prerequisite: CHE130, CHE131, CHE212, CHE213.

Credits: 4.00

This course focuses on the fundamental principles of classical analysis, equilibrium and electrochemistry, with specific emphasis on error analysis, gravimetry, titrimetry, and potentiometry. The laboratory work includes the use of analytical balances, glassware and electronics in order to quantitate single constituents of mixtures gravimetrically, volumetrically, complexometrically and electrochemically. The analysis, presentation and reporting of data in both oral and written formats is developed and practiced throughout the semester. Three lecture hours and one four-hour laboratory period per week.
Prerequisite: CHE131, CHE212 and W-I course.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Communication-Level II

This laboratory course explores advanced chemical synthesis. The laboratory experiments will focus on the synthesis and characterization of inorganic and organic compounds. The purpose of the course is to build on a student's experience in the laboratory through the use of new synthesis techniques and instrumentation applications. The use of specialized glassware and instruments such as the FT-IR, FT-NMR and UV-Vis will be a main part of the course. One lecture hour and two three hour laboratory periods per week.
Prerequisites: CHE130, CHE131, CHE212, CHE213.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Commun-Level III

This course will cover quantum theory; molecular and atomic structure; vibrational, rotational and electronic spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics. Three lecture hours and one three hour laboratory per week. Not open to students who have received credit for CHE332.
Prerequisites: CHE130, CHE131, CHE212, CHE213, MAT220, MAT221, PHS211A or PHS221,PHS212A or PHS222.

Credits: 4.00

This course will cover chemical kinetics, the laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibrium, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Three lecture hours and one three hour laboratory per week. Not open to students who have received credit for CHE331.
Prerequisites: CHE130, CHE131, CHE212, CHE213, MAT221, PHS211A or PHS221, PHS212A or PHS222.

Credits: 4.00

This course is an introduction to research and provides qualified students with research direction and the opportunity to participate in independent work in any area of chemistry of special interest to them, provided that a Faculty Supervisor is available. Three hours of lab work per week. May be taken up to three times for credit. Open only to Junior and Senior Chemistry majors.
Prerequisites: Two years of Chemistry, consent of the Faculty Supervisor and permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 1.00

This course builds upon Biochemistry (CHE309). The focus of this course is the understanding of the enzyme catalyzed biochemical reactions and mechanisms relating to bioenergetics and metabolism. Topics may include glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, metabolic regulation, citric acid cycle, fatty acid catabolism, amino acid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, hormone regulation and biosynthesis of lipids, amino acids and nucleotides. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHE309 or BIO409.

Credits: 3.00

This course will involve the study of the theoretical aspects, chemical applications, and the instrumentation of the physiochemical principles that are the foundations of Instrumental Analysis. Topics covered will be the absorption, emission, and the scattering of various forms of electromagnetic radiation; the various forms of chromatography, mass to charge ratio, and the interaction of electricity with matter. The laboratory will involve practical chemical experiments (qualitative and quantitative) based on some of the topics covered in lecture. Three lecture hours and two three-hour laboratory periods per week.
Prerequisites: CHE321, CHE341, PHS212A or PHS222.

Credits: 4.00

This course builds on Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry. Topics include concepts of acids and bases; non-aqueous solvent systems; bonding and structure; molecular symmetry; solid state chemistry; coordination chemistry with an emphasis on ligand field theory, spectroscopy, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of coordination compounds; organometallic chemistry of mono and polynuclear metal carbonyl, alkyl and analogues. Catalysis and selected bioinorganic compounds will be covered briefly as well. Three lecture hours per week. Not open to students who have received credits for CHE440.
Prerequisites: CHE308 and CHE341.

Credits: 3.00

This course provides scientific presentation experience, professional development, and a review of chemical concepts in the undergraduate curriculum. Students will develop an oral presentation from current topics in chemical literature and/or the results of individual research. The topics will be approved by Department members. Students will develop a professional resume and cover letter appropriate for a scientific job search. Student swill review chemical concepts from the undergraduate curriculum in preparation for taking standardized tests for advanced study in science or medicine, or for entry into the job market. Two class meetings per week.
Prerequisite: Senior standing as a Chemistry major or permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 2.00

This course will consist of readings in particular areas of chemistry, under the direction of a staff member. Students wishing to register for this course must make prior arrangements with the faculty member involved. Cannot be taken for major credits in Chemistry. Open only to Junior and Senior Chemistry majors.
Prerequisite: Consent of the faculty member and permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 1.00 - 3.00

This course provides qualified students with research direction and the opportunity to participate in independent work in any area of chemistry of special interest to them, provided that a faculty supervisor is available. A paper and poster presentation are required at the end of the course. Open only to Junior and Senior Chemistry majors.
Prerequisites: CHE321 and CHE341, consent of the faculty supervisor and permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course builds on CHE572, continuing with the same project or starting a new project. Students in this course will be expected to present their results in a professional setting.
Prerequisites: CHE342 and CHE572, consent of the faculty supervisor and the permission of the Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

Selected topics from physics, chemistry, & astronomy, will be explored with emphasis on the process of scientific investigation and the development of scientific concepts, reasoning skills, and mathematical modeling. Topics to be investigated may include properties of matter, the relationship between motion and energy, and energy conservation. No previous background in science is assumed. Together with PHS 102A or PHS 107, this course satisfies the full-year sequence in laboratory science. Three lecture hours, and one two-hour lab per week. Not open to students who have received credits for PHS 105 or PHS 101.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course introduces logic design and digital circuit fundamentals. Topics include: binary systems, Boolean algebra, combinatorial and sequential circuit analysis and design, and fundamental building blocks of modern computers, such as multiplexers, decoders, counters and registers. Students are involved in hands-on laboratory activities and team projects to apply learned theory to the design, simulation and implementation of digital circuits using current computer aided-design software and hardware tools. Three lecture hours and three hours of scheduled laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: MAT220, or MAT 110 or equivalent.

Credits: 4.00

The purpose of this course is to provide a broad introduction to theoretical and observational astronomy. Principles of physics and observational techniques, introduced conceptually, will be applied to understand both the visible sky and the universe as revealed through telescopes. Topics may include the origin and evolution of the solar system; the lives and deaths of stars; the structure of the galaxy; the origin and evolution of the universe; the search for extrasolar planets, and the prospects for extraterrestrial life. Required periodic observations at the Collins Observatory will supplement lectures. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits: 3.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning

An introduction to principles of classical mechanics, with emphasis on development of problem-solving skills. Topics include the relationship between force and motion, the conservation of energy and momentum, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion. Algebra, geometry and elementary trigonometry are used freely. Three lecture hours, one discussion period and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Emphasizes biological science applications. Not open to students who have received credits for PHS 211.
Prerequisite: MAT 150 or equivalent.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

This course examines additional topics in classical physics, including fluid dynamics; thermal properties of matter, the laws of thermodynamics; principles of electricity and magnetism; D.C. circuits, electromagnetic induction. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving skills, in which algebra, geometry and elementary trigonometry are used freely. There is an equally strong emphasis on developing an understanding of the underlying concepts, in which active participation in class is required. Three lecture hours, one discussion period and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
Prerequisites: MAT150 equivalent and PHS 211A or PHS 222.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

Calculus-based survey of selected topics in classical mechanics, including kinematics and Newtonian mechanics; one-and two-dimensional collisions; energy conservation; rotational motion and angular momentum; harmonic motion and oscillations. Three lecture hours, one mandatory discussion hour, and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Cannot be taken for credit with PHS 211A. Not open to students who have received credit for PHS 213.
Prerequisite: MAT 150 or equivalent.
Co-requisite: MAT 220.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

Continuation of PHS 221. Calculus-based survey of selected topics in classical electrodynamics and geometric optics, including electric fields & Gauss' Law; electric potential; D.C. circuits; magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction; the electromagnetic field, reflection and refraction of light. Cannot be taken for credits with PHS 212 or PHS 212A. Not open to students who have received credits for PHS 214.
Prerequisites: PHS 221 or PHS 213 and MAT 220.
Co-requisite: MAT 221.

Credits: 4.00

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning Lab

The purpose of this course is to explore topics in theoretical and observational astronomy using a quantitative approach. Principles of physics, including the laws of gravitation, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics will provide a foundation to understand how the universe began and continues to evolve, where the elements came from, why stars shine, how planetary climates change, and which extraterrestrial worlds may be habitable. Observational techniques, practiced on periodic required visits to the Collins Observatory, will reveal the evidentiary basis of modern astronomy. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: PHS211A and PHS212A, or PHS221 and PHS222, or PHS207 and MAT150, or permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 3.00

This course examines topics in electromagnetism and wave motion, including properties of waves; geometric optics; interference and diffraction of light; the electromagnetic spectrum and wave-particle duality. Selected topics in modern physics will be introduced as time permits. Three lecture hours, one discussion period, and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
Prerequisite: PHS212A or PHS212 or PHS214.

Credits: 4.00

This course examines problems in radiation physics, including nuclear structure; radioactive decay and activity; uses of radioactivity; the interaction of radiation with matter; radiation detection and measurement; radiation dosimetry; biological applications and hazards of radioactivity. Intended for Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: PHS211A and PHS212A, or PHS221 and PHS222.

Credits: 3.00

This course will consist of readings in particular areas of physics, under the direction of a staff member. Students wishing to register for this course must make prior arrangements with the faculty members involved.
Prerequisites: Consent of faculty member and permission of Department Chairperson.

Credits: 1.00 - 6.00