UNDERGRADUATE CLASSES
CHE 100
CHEMISTRY AND SOCIETY
3, 3/0; NSIF
Non-mathematical approach to the study of matter. Presentation of the fundamentals of chemistry followed by socially relevant topics, such as toxic waste management, environmental pollution, space technology, agricultural chemistry, chemistry of consumer products, food processing, polymers, and plastics.
CHE 101
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
3, 2/3; NSIF
Basic principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure; gases, liquids, solids, and solutions; chemical reactions; acids and bases. Not open to chemistry majors.
CHE 102
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
3, 2/3
Prerequisite: CHE 101. Continuation of CHE 101
Includes chemical equilibriums, electrochemistry, metals and nonmetals, some fundamentals of organic chemistry, polymers, fibers and plastics, natural products, and some fundamentals of biochemistry. Not open to chemistry majors.
CHE 111
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I
4, 3/3; NSIF
Fundamental principles of chemistry covering the nature and structure and properties of the atom, chemical bonding, geometry of molecules, the periodic table, states of matter, stoichiometry, and solution chemistry.
CHE 112
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY II
4, 3/3
Prerequisite: CHE 111. Continuation of CHE 111
The concepts of kinetics, equilibria, and energetics, and preparative materials for further study in chemistry or other areas of science. Laboratory work in qualitative inorganic analysis and physicochemical experiments.
CHE 201
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 112
Chemistry of carbon compounds. Bonding, stereochemistry, and structural theory. Fundamental reactions of the functional groups considered from the mechanistic standpoint.
CHE 202
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 201. Continuation of CHE 201
The reactions and mechanisms of organic functional groups, including aromatic compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and acid derivatives. Spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, NMR) for the identification of organic molecules are also included.
CHE 203
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
1, 0/3
Prerequisite: CHE 201 or concurrent registration
Laboratory techniques in organic chemistry, including distillation, crystallization, extraction, sublimation, and chromatography are learned by application to the synthesis and purification of organic compounds. Experiments chosen from a variety of possible topics, such as isolation of natural products, separation of mixtures, and synthesis.
CHE 204
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
1, 0/3
Prerequisite: CHE 203. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 202. Continuation of CHE 203
Synthesis, isolation, purification, and identification of organic compounds with emphasis placed on spectroscopic methods of structure determination. Experiments chosen from a variety of possible topics, such as multistep synthesis, mechanistic studies, and qualitative organic analysis.
CHE 300
MEDICATIONS: CHEMICALS FOR YOUR HEALTH
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 100, CHE 101, or CHE 111
The structure, uses, and physiological effects of common medications, at a level appropriate for the nonscience major. Emphasis on consumer issues related to safe and effective use of prescription and nonprescription drugs; drug development and approval; alternative medicines, vitamins, generic drugs, and consumer guides for using drugs wisely. Not open to chemistry or forensic chemistry majors.
CHE 301
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
4, 2/6
Prerequisite: CHE 112
Theory and laboratory applications of quantitative analytical chemistry. Gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical, and spectrophotometric methods.
CHE 305
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202, PHY 112. Prerequisite or corequisite: MAT 263
The first semester of a two-semester sequence in physical chemistry. Topics include gas laws, laws of thermodynamics, state functions, thermochemistry, chemical equilibria, Maxwell relations, and chemical potential.
CHE 306
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 305
The second semester of a two-semester sequence in physical chemistry. Topics include quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, molecular and atomic spectroscopies, kinetic theory of gases, and kinetics.
CHE 307
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
1, 0/3
Prerequisite: CHE 204, CHE 301, CHE 305 or concurrent registration
A laboratory study of the principles of physical chemistry covered in CHE 305. Topics include colligative properties, electrical conductance, azeotropic mixtures, adsorption equilibria, and determination of equilibrium constants. Data analysis is required.
CHE 308
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
1, 0/3
Prerequisite: CHE 307, CHE 306 or concurrent registration
A laboratory study of principles of physical chemistry covered in CHE 306. Topics include determination of rate laws, ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectroscopy, and photochemistry. Data analysis using statistical methods and error analysis is required.
CHE 310
LITERATURE OF CHEMISTRY
1, 1/0
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 201
Sources of chemical literature. Experiences in chemical information searching and retrieval, including examples of computer searching.
CHE 312
CHEMISTRY AND CRIMINALISTICS
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 102, CHE 201, or CHE 321
Chemistry as an investigative aid in the process of criminal justice. General chemical techniques used in criminal investigations. The function of the criminalist from the gathering of evidence to the final presentation of expert testimony.
CHE 315
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
3, 3/0; TSIF
Prerequisite: CHE 112 or CHE 102
Discussion of chemical reactions in air, water, and soil. Effect of human activities on the chemical environment. Alternative energy sources, pollution-control methods and devices.
CHE 321
PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
4, 3/3
Prerequisite: CHE 102 or CHE 112
Survey of organic chemistry, including functional groups and their chemical behavior. Not open to chemistry or forensic chemistry majors.
CHE 322
BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
4, 3/3
Prerequisite: CHE 321 or CHE 202
Structure and functions of the substances of biochemical interest found in living systems, supplemented by illustrative laboratory work. Not open to chemistry majors.
CHE 331
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 202, MAT 126, PHY 108, or permission of instructor
A one-semester survey course exploring the principles of physical chemistry, oriented toward the needs of forensic chemistry majors and students in environmental and health related sciences. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum chemistry, and atomic and molecular spectroscopies.
CHE 399
INTERNSHIP IN CHEMISTRY
Variable Credit
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Hands-on experience in approved research and/or development project of current interest to local chemical industry. Student is a full-time employee of the industry, drawing full pay for the designated period.
CHE 403
INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
4, 2/6
Prerequisites: CHE 301; CHE 305 or CHE 331
Chemical analysis and structure determination through study of the theory and operation of instruments involving visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry; emission spectroscopy, colorimetry; flame photometry; chromatography; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
CHE 406
ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
2, 1/3
Prerequisites: MAT 311, CHE 301
Introductory analytical toxicology for pharmaceutical, forensic, and clinical analysis. Exploration of the main categories of inorganic and organic toxins, sample collection and treatment, chromatographic separation, spectroscopic and mass spectral determination of various toxic compounds in clinical, forensic, and environmental samples.
CHE 430
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY III
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 305
Advanced topics in theoretical and physical organic chemistry with emphasis on reaction types, mechanisms, and structure.
CHE 460
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 305 or CHE 331
Introduction to modern inorganic chemistry, with special emphasis on periodic variations of structural and bonding patterns among inorganic compounds of the main group and transition elements. Kinetic and thermodynamic factors that govern the preparation and stabilities of inorganic compounds.
CHE 461
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
2, 0/6
Prerequisite: CHE 301. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 460
Laboratory experience in the synthesis and characterization of selected inorganic compounds using a variety of techniques.
CHE 470
BIOCHEMISTRY I
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202; BIO 211 recommended
Study of the molecular structure and function of the four major classes of biomolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Examination of enzyme kinetics, mechanism, and regulation. Examination of the molecular nature of DNA replication and an introduction to recombinant DNA technology.
CHE 471
BIOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES
2, 1/3
Prerequisites: CHE 202, CHE 301. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHE 470
Introduction to techniques in the modern biochemistry laboratory. Participation in laboratory experiments illustrating these techniques and general biochemical principles.
CHE 472
BIOCHEMISTRY II
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202, CHE 470, BIO 211
A continuation of CHE 470. Examination of metabolic processes in living systems. Relationship of metabolic enzyme activity to cellular control. The chemistry of genetic information, storage, and expression.
CHE 495
SPECIAL PROJECT
Prerequisite: Faculty project adviser and department chair permission
CHE 499
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Prerequisite: Faculty project adviser permission
FOR 122
SCIENTIFIC CRIMINAL EVIDENCE ANALYSIS
3, 3/0
Overview of scientific techniques that have been adapted and applied to detection and investigation of crimes; examination of the specific collection techniques, analytical processes, and value of scientific evidence from the point of view of forensic scientists; overview of the different disciplines, specialties, and careers available in the field of forensic science.
FOR 312
CHEMISTRY AND CRIMINALISTICS
4, 3/3
Prerequisite: FOR 122, MAT 311 and CHE 201
Basic chemical, physical. and microscopic techniques used in criminal investigations. Relevant laws and legal issues that impact on scientific evidence. Professional practice and ethics in the field of forensic science from the gathering of evidence to the final presentation of expert testimony.
FOR 412
INTERNSHIP IN CRIMINALISTICS
3, 0/0
Prerequisites: CHE 312, CHE 403, permission of instructor, senior status
Field experience in a forensic laboratory involving routine and research work in forensic chemistry. Note: Police laboratories sometimes require background checks and/or drug screens prior to placement. While not required by the college, these can affect students’ abilities to complete the program.
FOR 414
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
3, 2/3
Prerequisites: FOR 312 and CHE 403; BIO 303 or BIO 350 (or concurrently)
Instruction and laboratory experiences in a wide range of forensic chemistry topics, including experiments in DNA for human identification, identification of illicit drugs, determination of blood alcohol, materials analysis, and arson.
FOR 416
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
2, 1/2
Prerequisites: CHE312 and PHY 112
Introductory optical microscopy for forensic physical analysis; fundamental theory of microscopy; physical properties of materials (refractive index, density, etc); basic topics in optics (electromagnetic radiation, refraction, reflection, interference, etc); operation, varieties, and capabilities of optical microscopes; and applications in analysis of physical evidence, such as pattern analysis, hair, fiber, and minerals.
GRADUATE CLASSES
CHE501
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
3, 2/6
Prerequisite: CHE 112 and CHE 202 (or equivalent) ; not opened to students who have had CHE 301 or equivalent
Study of advanced theoretical background and laboratory techniques required for quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis; emphasis on fundamental principles and applications of gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical, and spectrophotometric analytical techniques.
CHE530
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 201
Chemistry of the environment, air, water, soil, living environments, and the effects of technology thereon; the atmosphere, industrial ecosystems, phase interactions, water pollution and treatment, air pollution, global warming and green chemistry, smog, hazard wastes, soil chemistry, and toxicological chemistry.
CHE 540
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 202 or equivalent
Advanced topics, discussed in detail, with emphasis on the current state of knowledge; topics are essentially independent of each other. Class may be repeated, provided that a student has not already received credit for the same topic.
CHE 550
ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
4, 4/0
Prerequisites: Graduate status and instructor permission
Advanced study of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics, with applications to chemical problems.
CHE 560
SPECIAL TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 460 or equivalent
One of the following topics, presented in detail: coordination chemistry, nonaqueous solvents, the representative elements and lanthanides, synthetic inorganic chemistry. Topics are essentially independent of each other. Class may be repeated, provided that a student has not already received credit for the same topic.
CHE 571
BIOCHEMICAL PRINCIPLES I
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202; BIO 211 recommended, not open to students who have had CHE 470 or equivalent
Molecular structure and function of the four major classes of biomolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Enzyme kinetics, mechanism, and regulation. Molecular nature of DNA replication; introduction to recombinant DNA technology.
CHE 572
ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 571 or CHE 470; not open to students who have had CHE 472 or equivalent
Examination of metabolic processes in living systems. Relationship of metabolic enzyme activity to cellular control. The chemistry of genetic information, storage, and expression.
CHE 590
INDEPENDENT STUDY
3, 0/0
CHE 620
KINETICS AND REACTION MECHANISMS
4, 4/0; Offered by contract only.
Prerequisites: CHE 202, CHE 306 or CHE 550, and CHE 460 or instructor permission
Methods of determining mechanisms of chemical processes. Required for all master of arts in chemistry candidates.
CHE 625
PHYSICAL METHODS OF STRUCTURE DETERMINATION
4, 4/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202 and CHE 306
Methods of determining molecular structure, with special emphasis on electronic spectroscopy, vibrational and rotational spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Required for all M.A. in chemistry candidates.
CHE 626
SYMMETRY, GROUP THEORY, AND VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY
1, 1/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202, CHE 204 or equivalent
Symmetry, point groups and simple applications of group theory, with special emphasis on the vibrational spectroscopy of small molecules.
CHE 627
X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
1, 1/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202, CHE 204 or equivalent
The seven crystal systems, 14 Bravais lattices, 32 crystallographic point groups, 230 space groups and the theory of X-ray diffraction and the methods of crystal structure determination. Data mining using structural databases (Brookhaven Protein and Cambridge Structure Database) for various applications in organic, coordination, pharmaceutical, and forensic chemistry. Collecting powder and/or single crystal structure using the appropriate software packages.
CHE 628
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY
1, 1/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202, CHE 204 or equivalent
Theory and practice of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, including pulse and 2-dimensional methods. Use of the department’s NMR spectrometer.
CHE 629
MASS SPECTROMETRY
1, 1/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202, CHE 204 or equivalent
Theory and practice of mass spectrometry. Basic physics of mass spectrometry and ionization methods. Gas phase chemistry, rearrangements and ion molecule reactions. Use of the department’s electron impact ionization and electrospray mass spectrometers.
CHE 630
ADVANCED SYNTHETIC TECHNIQUES
5, 0/5; Offered by contract only.
Prerequisites: CHE 201, CHE 202, CHE 203, CHE 204, CHE 460, and CHE 470 or equivalent training in organic, inorganic, and biochemistry
Advanced techniques for the synthesis, purification, and characterization of inorganic, organic, organometallic, and biochemical compounds. Required for all masters of arts in chemistry candidates.
CHE/BIO 631
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
3, 3/0
Fundamental principles of environmental toxicology, including major environmental pollutants, their sources, toxic effects, mechanism of action, and factors that influence the toxicity of a chemical. Processes that govern the fate of a chemical in biological systems.
CHE 670
BIOMOLECULES: PROTEINS, NUCLEIC ACIDS, AND ENZYMES
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 202
Structure-function relationships in proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Introduction to biochemical techniques for the study of proteins, nucleic acids, and enzymes. Examination of the molecular basis of enzyme function, signal transduction, and neural and sensory responses in living systems.
CHE/BIO 672
FORENSIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
4, 3/3
Prerequisites: BIO 303 or BIO 350; FOR 612 or CHE 312; CHE 670, CHE 470 or BIO 305; or equivalents
Applications of biology, biochemistry, and genetics to forensic science with an in-depth look at the evidential information that can be obtained from blood, semen, saliva, and hair. Details of DNA profiling, including DNA extraction, DNA quantification, PCR amplification, STR analysis and interpretation, and mtDNA sequencing. Protein polymorphisms and immunological tests. Laboratory component providing hands-on experience with techniques commonly used in a forensic biology laboratory.
CHE 680
ADVANCED ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: CHE 301 or equivalent, or instructor permission
A study of chemical analysis using representative instrumental techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectroscopy; emphasis on fundamental theory, principles of operation, capabilities, and limitations of various analytical instruments; integration of laboratory-based demonstrations of data collection and analysis using selected analytical techniques.
CHE 690
MASTER’S PROJECT
3, 3/0
A study undertaken by one or more individuals on a problem of special interest submitted in acceptable form according to directions given by the Chemistry Department.
CHE 695: MASTER’S THESIS
6, 0/0
CHE 698
JOURNAL SEMINAR
1, 1/0
Prerequisite: Matriculated status in either the M.S. in Forensic Science or the M.A. in Chemistry programs, or, instructor permission
Examination of methods used to compose and deliver an effective seminar in the sciences. Searching the scientific literature. Oral presentation of a topic from the current literature in chemistry or forensic science. Required of all students in the M.S. in Forensic Science and M.A. in Chemistry programs.
CHE 699
THESIS SEMINAR AND DEFENSE
2, 2/0
Prerequisite: CHE 698
Oral presentation of master's thesis research at a departmental seminar. Defense of master's thesis to thesis committee. Required of all students in the M.S. in Forensic Science and M.A. in Chemistry programs.
CHE 795
RESEARCH THESIS IN CHEMISTRY
6, 0/0
Individual investigation of an original problem submitted in acceptable form according to directions given by the Chemistry Department and the Graduate School. Required for all masters of arts in chemistry candidates.
FOR 612
PRINCIPLES OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
3, 3/0
Prerequisite: CHE 301 or equivalent
Overview of forensic laboratory procedures and practices. Includes field testing, laboratory screen tests, instrumental analyses, microscopy, molecular identification, blood alcohol analyses, identification of physical evidence, pattern evidence, crime-scene processing, evidentiary value of chemical analysis, auditing, peer-review procedures, and quality issues. Sampling techniques, data quality, error rates, blind proficiency testing, and their relevance to legal decisions.
FOR 614
FORENSIC APPLICATIONS OF INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
4, 2/6
Prerequisites: CHE 403 or CHE 680; FOR 612 or CHE 312; or equivalents
Introduction to forensic chemical analysis using representative instrumental techniques, including spectroscopy and chromatography; emphasis on laboratory-based studies for applications of these instruments to provide extensive experience in solving various analytical issues present in forensic laboratories.
FOR 616
MICROSCOPY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE
2, 1/2
Prerequisite: FOR 612 or concurrent registration, or CHE 312 or equivalent.
Introduction to microscopic investigations for forensic pattern evidence and trace analysis; fundamental theory, principles of operation, varieties, and capabilities of optical microscopy and applications in forensics; fundamentals and applications of transmission and scanning electron microscopy for forensic imaging at atomic-scale resolution and chemical analysis; laboratory sections for pattern analysis and trace analysis.
FOR 618
DRUG CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY
3, 3/0
Prerequisites: CHE 202; CHE 612 or CHE 312; CHE 680 or CHE 403; or equivalents
Overview of misused and illegal pharmaceuticals, toxicology, poisons, forensic drug analysis, and illicit drug manufacture. Types, classes, and structures of illicit pharmaceuticals and the laws governing these substances; mechanism of biological activity and toxicological issues of each class; immunoassay technologies for drugs-of-abuse testing analysis; methods of forensic analysis of commonly encountered illegal drugs; and methods of surreptitious manufacture and law enforcement concerns with clandestine laboratories.