Course Descriptions


Chemistry Courses

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    CHM 1030 Chemistry in Society

    CHM 1030 Chemistry in Society

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course is designed for the non-science major with no previous college-level science background. It includes an introduction to elementary chemical concepts in the context of topics familiar to the non-science student. Through the lens of different overarching themes, chemical topics with significant societal concern will be explored. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

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    CHM 1040 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry for the Health Sciences

    CHM 1040 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry for the Health Sciences

    Credit Hours: 3

    Chemistry for the health sciences including the topics of measurements, atomic and molecular structure, energy, gases, solutions, chemical quantities and reactions, acid and base chemistry, nuclear chemistry, an introduction to the different classes of organic compounds applicable to biochemistry and their reactions, the structure and function of biological molecules, and the metabolic pathways involved in energy production. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • MTH 1010 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently) OR
    • MTH 1040 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 1050 Introduction to General Chemistry

    CHM 1050 Introduction to General Chemistry

    Credit Hours: 4

    Designed as an introductory course to CHM 1070 for those 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø whose high school training in chemistry and mathematics is deemed insufficient for unqualified admission to CHM 1070. Chemical laws and theories; symbols, formulae and equations; the periodic classification; atomic and molecular masses; elementary concept of ionization; states of change; mole concept; stoichiometry. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • MTH 1400 to MTH 1410 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) OR
    • MTH 1010 to MTH 1040 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 1070 General Chemistry I

    CHM 1070 General Chemistry I

    Credit Hours: 3

    Stoichiometry, thermochemistry, states of matter, selected properties of the elements, solutions and gases, atomic and molecular structure, and oxidation/reduction reactions. The lab, CHM 1100, should be taken with this course. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1050 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • MTH 1400 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) OR
    • MTH 1410 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) OR
    • MTH 1350 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 1080 General Chemistry II

    CHM 1080 General Chemistry II

    Credit Hours: 3

    Intermolecular forces, chemical thermodynamics and equilibria, kinetics, electrochemistry and redox, acid/base reactions, nuclear reactions, solutions, and selected properties of the elements. The lab, CHM 1120, should be taken with this course. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1070 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 1099 Special Topics in Chemistry

    CHM 1099 Special Topics in Chemistry

    Credit Hours: 1 TO 3

    Covers topics of current interest in Chemistry. Topics may vary each semester.

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    CHM 1100 Chemistry Laboratory I

    CHM 1100 Chemistry Laboratory I

    Credit Hours: 1

    The first of two general chemistry laboratory courses for science and engineering majors. Basic laboratory techniques. This lab should be taken with the lecture, CHM 1070. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1070 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 1120 Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

    CHM 1120 Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

    Credit Hours: 1

    The second of two general chemistry laboratory courses for science and engineering majors. This course provides 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø with hands-on experience in the exploration of chemical principles covered in General Chemistry II (CHM 1080). This will include principles of solutions, kinetics, acid/base reactions, equilibria, electrochemistry as well as laboratory techniques such as volumetric analysis and spectrophotometry. The lecture, CHM 1080, should be taken with this lab course. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1080 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently) AND
    • CHM 1100 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 1150 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 1150 Research in Chemistry Lab

    CHM 1150 Research in Chemistry Lab

    Credit Hours: 1

    A research-based general chemistry laboratory course. This course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) contains the following elements: relevance, scientific background, hypothesis development, proposal, experiments/teamwork to test hypotheses, data analysis/conclusions, and presentation. This lab is based on the hypothesis development and proposal module and will incorporate computational approaches to test hypotheses. The course will also cover basic chemistry laboratory techniques, including (but not limited to): acid-base titrations, dilutions and calibration plots and molecular and atomic spectrophotometry. The course will also cover topics specific to chemical experimentation, including (but not limited to): research design, notebooks and data-keeping, use of equipment and instruments, searching the chemical literature, writing and reviewing a chemical manuscript, preparing standard operating procedures, and presenting research results. Journal club will be part of the course where 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø are required to present a research article related to the theme of the main project. This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1070 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 1980 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 1080 (Minimum Grade of D, May be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 1980 Introduction to Research Methods in Chemistry and Biochemistry

    CHM 1980 Introduction to Research Methods in Chemistry and Biochemistry

    Credit Hours: 1

    CHM 1980 is an introduction to performing research in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø. It is strongly recommended for all 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø who intend to perform research. This one credit, one hour per week course will cover topics specific to chemical experimentation, including (but not limited to): the purpose of research, ethics in scientific research, the role of the Institutional Review Board, safety and personal protective equipment, the layout of a laboratory (standard lab procedures), notebooks and data-keeping, use of equipment and instruments, searching the scientific literature, writing and reviewing a chemical manuscript, shared resources (solvents, distilled water, stockroom), and emergency procedures. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

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    CHM 2250 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

    CHM 2250 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

    Credit Hours: 1

    Common laboratory techniques are illustrated with experiments involving the generation, isolation, purification and characterization of organic compounds. Upon successful completion of this course, 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø will be able to: (a) Perform basic organic chemical lab techniques, such as distillation, TLC, extraction, washing, re-crystallization and melting point analysis; (b) Effectively explore the principles behind observed organic chemical phenomena; (c) Construct and maintain a professional laboratory notebook. (d) Develop an internal database of organic reactions. The lecture, CHM 2270, should be taken with this lab course. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1120 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 1150 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • CHM 2270 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 2260 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

    CHM 2260 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

    Credit Hours: 1

    Further laboratory techniques are illustrated with experiments involving the generation, isolation, purification and characterization of organic compounds. Upon successful completion of this course, 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø will be able to: (a) Perform advanced organic chemical lab techniques, including syringe use, inert atmospheres, and air-/water-sensitive reagent handling. (b) Effectively explore the principles behind observed organic chemical phenomena. (c) Acquire and analyze spectroscopic data from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectrophotometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. (d) Develop an internal database of organic reactions. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2250 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • CHM 2290 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 2270 Organic Chemistry I

    CHM 2270 Organic Chemistry I

    Credit Hours: 3

    First in a two course series covering organic chemical structure and reaction mechanisms. Students will learn how to apply general chemical concepts to the analysis of organic molecules structure and reaction behavior. Upon successful completion of this course, 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø will be able to: (a) Communicate in the conventions and nomenclature of organic chemistry; (b) Differentiate among the concepts of constitutional, conformational and configurational isomerism; (c) Apply the qualitative methods of mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance in the determination of organic chemical structure; (d) Determine the general modes of heterolytic organic reaction and employ this knowledge in the solving of mechanistic problems. The lab, CHM 2250, should be taken with this course. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1080 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 2290 Organic Chemistry II

    CHM 2290 Organic Chemistry II

    Credit Hours: 3

    Second in a two course series covering organic chemical structure and reaction mechanisms. Students will learn how to apply general chemical concepts to the analysis of organic molecules structure and reaction behavior from a mechanistic point of view. Upon successful completion of this course, 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø will be able to: (a) Communicate in the conventions of organic chemical mechanisms and recognize the reactive pathways available to a structure; (b) Determine the general modes of heterolytic organic reaction and employ this knowledge in the solving of mechanistic problems; (c) Explain the purpose and application of Molecular Orbital (MO) theory in the solving of structural and pericyclic/homolytic mechanistic problems; (d) Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate and apply organic chemical information found on the internet. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2270 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 2310 Advanced Organic and Inorganic Synthetic Laboratory

    CHM 2310 Advanced Organic and Inorganic Synthetic Laboratory

    Credit Hours: 1

    Advanced laboratory techniques are illustrated with experiments involving the generation, isolation, purification and characterization of organic, organometallic, and inorganic compounds. Upon successful completion of this course, 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø will be able to: (a) Perform advanced organic and inorganic chemistry laboratory techniques, including syringe use, procedures involving inert atmospheres and low temperatures, the handling of air- and water-sensitive reagents as well as simple column chromatography; (b) observe and interpret changes of physical properties of reaction mixtures; (c) record and interpret spectroscopic data including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Fourier Transform-infrared spectrophotometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; (d) search the chemical literature and formulate laboratory procedures based on synthetic strategy; (e) assess chemical safety and Green Chemistry aspects of laboratory work; (f) write cogent scientific and properly edit peer manuscripts. This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2250 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 2290
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    CHM 3200 Computers in Chemistry and Molecular Modeling

    CHM 3200 Computers in Chemistry and Molecular Modeling

    Credit Hours: 1

    A hands-on introduction to computers, chemical drawing packages, and molecular visualization software, and to electronic structure and molecular modeling software used in modern chemistry and biochemistry laboratories.

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3420
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    CHM 3330 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I

    CHM 3330 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I

    Credit Hours: 1

    To be taken concurrently with or subsequently to CHM 3410. Determinations of physicochemical properties and behavior of chemical compounds. Required of B.S. Biochemistry and B.A. Chemistry majors. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2300 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 2310 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3410
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    CHM 3340 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II

    CHM 3340 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II

    Credit Hours: 1

    A continuation of CHM 3330. Required of B.S. Biochemistry and B.A. Chemistry majors This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 3330 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3420
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    CHM 3410 Chemical Thermodynamics and Application

    CHM 3410 Chemical Thermodynamics and Application

    Credit Hours: 3

    The theory and application of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics to chemical systems. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • MTH 1420 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • PHY 1320 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) OR
    • PHY 1620 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 3420 Chemical Dynamics and Quantum Chemistry

    CHM 3420 Chemical Dynamics and Quantum Chemistry

    Credit Hours: 3

    The theory and application of chemical kinetics and quantum mechanics to chemical systems. This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 3410 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 3430 Physical Chemistry Laboratory A

    CHM 3430 Physical Chemistry Laboratory A

    Credit Hours: 2

    Determinations of physicochemical properties and behavior of chemical compounds, with emphasis on instrumentation. Required of B.S. Chemistry majors. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2300 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3410
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    CHM 3440 Physical Chemistry Laboratory B

    CHM 3440 Physical Chemistry Laboratory B

    Credit Hours: 2

    A continuation of CHM 3430. Required of B.S. Chemistry majors. This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 3430 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3420
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    CHM 3870 Quantitative Analysis

    CHM 3870 Quantitative Analysis

    Credit Hours: 3

    This is the analytical chemistry course for both chemistry and biochemistry majors. This course will cover analytical applications of statistical evaluation, complex acid-base reactions, multi-step equilibria, electrochemistry, spectrophotometry, and chromatography. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1080 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • CHM 1120 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 1150 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3880
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    CHM 3880 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory

    CHM 3880 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory

    Credit Hours: 1

    This is the analytical chemistry laboratory for chemistry and biochemistry majors. This course will provide 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø with hands-on experience using classical quantitative analysis techniques. These will include volumetric analysis, gravimetric analysis, potentiometry, molecular and atomic spectrophotometry, and modern separation techniques. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1080 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • CHM 1120 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 1150 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3870
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    CHM 3980 Introduction to Undergraduate Research

    CHM 3980 Introduction to Undergraduate Research

    Credit Hours: 0 TO 1

    An introduction to the research laboratory involving a project carried out under the direction of a designated faculty member. This course may be taken a maximum of twice. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 1980 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4010 Inorganic Chemistry

    CHM 4010 Inorganic Chemistry

    Credit Hours: 3

    General survey of modern inorganic chemistry. This course is normally offered every other fall semester.

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    CHM 4600 Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery

    CHM 4600 Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery

    Credit Hours: 3

    Topics relevant to medicinal chemistry at the intersection of organic and biological chemistry, natural product chemistry and pharmacology will be covered. Modern approaches to drug design including lead discovery, assay development and the optimization of leads will be discussed while focusing on the neurochemistry of addiction and pharmaceutical agents used for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Modern chemistry is an interdisciplinary field. This course is normally offered every other fall semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2290 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4700 Comprehensive Biochemistry

    CHM 4700 Comprehensive Biochemistry

    Credit Hours: 3

    The chemistry of and structure-function relationships of biomolecules, including amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzymes. Also an introduction to metabolism of proteins, and lipids, with special emphasis on carbohydrate metabolism. Physiological applications of biochemistry will be stressed. This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2290 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4710 Biochemistry I

    CHM 4710 Biochemistry I

    Credit Hours: 3

    The chemistry of and structure function-relationships of biomolecules, including amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Special emphasis is placed on enzymes, enzyme kinetics, and enzyme mechanisms. Also an introduction to metabolism, including glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. This course is normally offered every fall semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2290 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4720 Biochemistry II

    CHM 4720 Biochemistry II

    Credit Hours: 3

    Intermediary metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Bio-energetics in terms of cellular utilization and conservation of energy. Metabolic controls in terms of genetic and enzymatic mechanisms. This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 4710 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4730 Biochemistry Laboratory

    CHM 4730 Biochemistry Laboratory

    Credit Hours: 2

    Isolation, purification and characterization of carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins from natural sources. Enzyme kinetics using isolated enzymes. Designed to supplement CHM 4710 and 4720. This course is normally offered every winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 4700 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently) OR
    • CHM 4710 (Minimum Grade of C, May be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4750 Biochemistry Laboratory

    CHM 4750 Biochemistry Laboratory

    Credit Hours: 1

    This laboratory course provides a framework for 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø to participate in mentored research. Students will perform original research while learning and implementing biochemical techniques including: PCR, enzyme expression and purification, electrophoresis, kinetics, and molecular modeling. Students will leave the class with an expanded understanding of the scientific method, hypothesis development, experimental design, literature review, and scientific writing.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 2310 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4810 Instrumental Analysis

    CHM 4810 Instrumental Analysis

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course is for junior or senior level chemistry majors. Topics covered include analytical methods and assessment, instrumental theory and applications for ultraviolet and visible molecular absorption spectrometry, luminescence spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption and emission spectrometry, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and X-ray spectrometry. This course is normally offered every other winter semester.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 3410 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • CHM 3870 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 3420
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    CHM 4830 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

    CHM 4830 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

    Credit Hours: 1

    This laboratory course includes experiments involving analytical methods and assessment, atomic and molecular absorption and fluorescence spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 3330 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently) AND
    • CHM 3880 (Minimum Grade of D, May not be taken concurrently)

    Corequisites:

    • CHM 4810
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    CHM 4900 Recent Advances in Chemistry and Biochemistry

    CHM 4900 Recent Advances in Chemistry and Biochemistry

    Credit Hours: 3

    An advanced treatment of current research in chemistry and biochemistry. Students will tour the current literature and will be expected to actively engage the concepts therein, as well as the ethical and social repercussions of the work. The course is built around student reading and discussion. Topics will vary yearly to reflect research trends. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ethics of technological advance and how chemistry and biochemistry affect the lives of all organisms on Earth. Upon successful completion of this course, 91³Ô¹Ï×ÄÐÈ˵ijԹÏÍø will be able to: (a) Search the chemical literature competently; (b) Properly interpret all pieces of the chemical literature; (c) Distill large amounts of topical data into a written or oral presentation; (d) Apply their knowledge of chemical science to the ethical and social implications of such work.

    Prerequisites:

    • CHM 3410 (Minimum Grade of C, May not be taken concurrently)
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    CHM 4980 Undergraduate Research

    CHM 4980 Undergraduate Research

    Credit Hours: 0 TO 3

    An extensive project in research carried out under the guidance of a designated faculty member. This course is usually taken for two consecutive terms. The laboratory results must be submitted in an approved technical report at the end of each term. A maximum of six credits may be used to satisfy degree requirements. This course is normally offered every fall, winter, and summer semester.

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    CHM 4990 Chemistry Senior Assessment

    CHM 4990 Chemistry Senior Assessment

    Credit Hours: 0

    This course is required of all B.S. Biochemistry, B.S. Chemistry, and B.A. Chemistry majors in their final year. Students are required to complete the outcomes assessment tools used by the department. These contribute to curriculum assessment, and the accreditation process of the American Chemical Society. This course is normally offered every fall and winter semester.