CHEMISTRY (CHEM)
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry
O’Shaughnessy Science Hall (OSS) 402, (651) 962-5575
Fort (Chair), Borgerding, Dittmer, Donato, Gengenbach, Ippoliti, Layfield, Marsh, McCue, Ocampo, Ojala, Pardini, Popescu, Prevette, Uzcategui, Wammer
The Department of Chemistry at the University of St. Thomas educates future scientific leaders in an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative community. Through impactful experiences and mentorship, we empower undergraduate students to find success and to solve challenging problems in service of the common good.
Department of Chemistry Website
The Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for the professional training of chemists.
The Department of Chemistry offers three degree programs in the field of chemistry:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree
- The B.S. degree is certified by the American Chemical Society.
- The B.S. has either a chemistry or a biochemistry concentration option.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree
- Biochemistry B.S. degree, offered in partnership with the Department of Biology
The B.S. degree is recommended for students who plan to pursue graduate study or research in academic, industrial, or government laboratories.
The B.A. degree requires fewer chemistry courses and offers flexibility for completing additional majors to enhance a student’s curriculum.
Students graduating with a major in chemistry will have the necessary knowledge to prepare them for a career in chemistry, its many related fields, and graduate school. They will have developed the skills necessary to analyze data and to draw conclusions from it. They will have the ability to read, comprehend, write, and speak with clarity and understanding in technical areas. They will apply critical thinking to their reading of the technical literature. They will have developed good laboratory skills and be familiar with modern instrumentation and technology used in related fields.
Chemistry is an excellent major for students interested in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, food science, forensic science, patent law, materials science, environmental science, and many other interdisciplinary fields. When paired with course work aligned with a pre-health track, a Chemistry degree provides academic preparation for a variety of graduate programs in health care. The major is also suited to students with a complementary interest in other sciences, engineering, data science, education, economics, or business.
Interdisciplinary Programs:
The Departments of Chemistry and Biology jointly offer a B.S. degree in “Biochemistry”. Students interested in teacher licensure should consider science offerings from “School of Education”. Students interested in “Data Analytics” and “Environmental Science” can find a chemistry track within the majors.
Transfer Students and Non-majors:
In order to receive a degree in chemistry from the University of St. Thomas, transfer students must complete a minimum of sixteen credits in chemistry at the university in addition to the two-credit seminar sequence (CHEM 481-484).
The department offers a number of courses for non-majors to fulfill the laboratory science component of the core curriculum (CHEM 100, 101, 109, 111, and 115).
Chemistry Honors:
Students graduating with a B.A. or B.S. degree in chemistry may also qualify for departmental honors. Students interested in this designation should consult with the department chair one year prior to their graduation date.
Requirements include:
- a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a major field GPA of 3.50;
- completion of four credits of research (CHEM 491) or the equivalent in paid research (up to two credits). Research must be completed at least one semester before graduation.
- preparation of a written thesis in the format of a primary literature article;
- successful defense of the thesis before a panel composed of:
- thesis director (chair of committee)
- two additional UST chemistry faculty
- one UST faculty member outside the chemistry department
- one faculty member from another institution selected in consultation with the thesis adviser
- presentation of research at regional or national meeting of chemistry professionals
- All requirements must be completed early enough to allow for proper notification of the registrar and academic dean for the graduating term.
Major in Chemistry (B.S.) (ACS-certified)
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (4 credits) and CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
or CHEM 115 Accelerated General Chemistry (4 credits)
Plus:
- CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 220 Foundations in Inorganic Chemistry (4 credits)
- CHEM 300 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
- CHEM 320 Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
- CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Dynamics (4 credits)
- CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy (4 credits)
- CHEM 440 Biochemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 481-484 Student Seminar Sequence (2 credits total)
Plus six credits from:
- CHEM 250 Organometallic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 295 Topics (2 credits)
- CHEM 296 Topics (2 credits)
- CHEM 298 Topics (4 credits)
- CHEM 340 Organic Spectroscopy (2 credits)
- CHEM 391, 392 Research (1 credit each)
- CHEM 400 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 404 Advanced Organic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 420 Bioanalytical and Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 430 Polymer Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 442 Biochemistry II (4 credits)*
- CHEM 444 Advanced Metabolism (2 credits)
- CHEM 450 Metals in Biology (2 credits)
- CHEM 487, 488 Topics (2 credits each)
- CHEM 491 Research (2 credits each)
Note: Only 4 credits of research may be applied to the degree.
*required for a B.S. in Chemistry with a biochemistry concentration, plus a research project in biochemistry
Plus:
- A research requirement that can be satisfied by taking CHEM 491 Research (2 or 4 credits) in the list above or by completing a summer research project approved by the department.
Allied Requirements
- MATH 113 Calculus I (4 credits)*
- MATH 114 Calculus II (4 credits)
- PHYS 211 Introduction to Classical Physics I (4 credits)
- PHYS 212 Introduction to Classical Physics II (4 credits)
Note: *Students not placing into MATH 113 must take MATH 108, 109 and 114 in order to satisfy the overall calculus requirement.
Strongly recommended:
- MATH - additional courses numbered 200 or above (MATH 200 and 240 are highly recommended).
Course Sequence
All chemistry majors are advised to take General Chemistry (CHEM 111-112 or CHEM 115) and MATH 113-114 (Calculus) during the freshman year, then CHEM 201, 202, 220 and PHYS 211-212 (Introductory Physics) during the sophomore year. (Note that PHYS 109-110 is not acceptable for the chemistry major). Other sequences of math and physics require additional planning. If staring with MATH 108 in the fall of the first semester freshman year and MATH 109 in the second semester (combined MATH 113) or if MATH 113 is started in the second semester of freshman year; then MATH 114 can be taken concurrently with PHYS 211 during first semester sophomore year.
Major in Chemistry (B.A.)
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (4 credits) and CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
or CHEM 115 Accelerated General Chemistry (4 credits)
Plus:
- CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 300 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
- CHEM 320 Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
- CHEM 481-484 Seminar (2 credits total)
Plus four credits from the following:
- CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Dynamics (4 credits)
- CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy (4 credits)
Plus at least eight credits in courses chosen from the following list:
- CHEM 220 Foundations in Inorganic Chemistry (4 credits)
- CHEM 250 Organometallic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 295 Topics (2 credits)
- CHEM 296 Topics (2 credits)
- CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Dynamics (4 credits)
- CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy (4 credits)
- CHEM 340 Organic Spectroscopy (2 credits)
- CHEM 391, 392 Research (1 credit)
- CHEM 400 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 404 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 420 Bioanalytical and Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 430 Polymer Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 440 Biochemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 442 Biochemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 444 Advanced Metabolism (2 credits)
- CHEM 450 Metals in Biology (2 credits)
- CHEM 487, 488 Topics (2 credits each)
- CHEM 491 Research (2 credits each)
Note: Only 4 credits of research may be applied to the degree.
Note: * For students matriculating Fall 2019. All students matriculating prior to Fall 2019 have CHEM 332 as prerequisite for CHEM 400.
Allied Requirements
- MATH 113 Calculus I (4 credits) and MATH 114 Calculus II (4 credits)*
- PHYS 211 Introductory Physics I (4 credits) and PHYS 212 Introductory Physics II (4 credits)
*Students not placing into MATH 113 must take MATH 108, 109 and 114 to satisfy the allied mathematics requirement. Additional MATH courses numbered 200 or above (MATH 200 and 240 are highly recommended).
Note: Math and physics requirements are specified above. MATH 200 and 240 are highly recommended.
Concentration in Biochemistry
Students may receive a biochemistry concentration if they meet the requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry and complete the following:
Required Courses:
- CHEM 440 Biochemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 442 Biochemistry II (4 credits)
- Biochemistry Research Project: In consultation with the Chemistry department.
Teacher Licensure
- Elementary Education with a Co-major in Science and Mathematics for Elementary Education
- Elementary Education with a Specialty in Science (5-8)
- Co-major in Science (5-8) – Chemistry (9-12) and a Co-major in Secondary Education
See Education
Minor in Chemistry
A minor in chemistry shall consist of 24 credits in chemistry courses. A minimum of 8 credits in chemistry must be successfully completed at St. Thomas to earn a minor in the field.
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (4 credits) and CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
or CHEM 115 Accelerated General Chemistry (4 credits) - CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
Plus sufficient credits from the following to yield a total of 24:
Note: Some of these courses have prerequisites beyond the core, or require permission of the instructor.
- CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 220 Foundations in Inorganic Chemistry (4 credits)
- CHEM 250 Organometallic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 295 Topics (2 credits)
- CHEM 296 Topics (2 credits)
- CHEM 298 Topics (4 credits)
- CHEM 300 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
- CHEM 320 Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
- CHEM 331 Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Dynamics (4 credits)
- CHEM 332 Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Spectroscopy (4 credits)
- CHEM 340 Organic Spectroscopy (2 credits)
- CHEM 400 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 404 Advanced Organic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 420 Bioanalytical and Forensic Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 430 Polymer Chemistry (2 credits)
- CHEM 440 Biochemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 442 Biochemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 444 Advanced Metabolism (2 credits)
- CHEM 450 Metals in Biology (2 credits)
- CHEM 487, 488 Topics (2 credits each)
- CHEM 491 Research (2 or 4 credits)*
*A student may take four credits of research for the minor with the approval of the department chair.
Chemistry Undergraduate Courses
Course Number | Title | Credits | |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM 100 | Chemistry in Our World | 4 | |
Description of course Chemistry in Our World : | An introduction to chemistry and its applications to modern society and personal life. The course is intended for non-majors and satisfies a general requirement for one semester of a laboratory science course. The chemistry studied includes the structure of matter, elements and compounds, chemical bonding, reactions, energy changes and an introduction to organic chemistry. The emphasis in the course is the relevance of chemistry in everyday life, and the applications studied will include various topics such as environmental problems, energy resources, chemistry and health, and consumer chemistry. Lecture plus three laboratory hours per week. Offered fall semester. NOTE: Students who receive credit for CHEM 100 may not receive credit for CHEM 101. | ||
CHEM 101 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 | |
Description of course Environmental Chemistry : | An introduction to chemistry with particular emphasis on environmental science. Basic chemistry topics covered include the structure of matter, elements, compounds, reactions, energy and energy changes. These fundamentals lead to the study of currently relevant environmental problems and their proposed solutions, for example the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere, global warming, acid rain, smog, waste disposal, water pollution and the study of energy resources. Lectures and laboratory. NOTE: Students who receive credit for CHEM 101 may not receive credit for CHEM 100. | ||
CHEM 108 | Nursing Chemistry | 4 | |
Description of course Nursing Chemistry : | This lecture with laboratory course introduces the fundamental principles of chemistry and measurements with an emphasis on chemical bonding, reactions, properties of solutions and gases, and concepts from organic and biochemistry that are needed by students interested in careers in nursing and allied health professions. It is designed as a stand-alone course intended for those nursing and allied health students who do not plan to take additional courses in chemistry. Prerequisites: MATH 100 placement or higher or completion of MATH 005 or higher. NOTE: Students who receive credit for CHEM 108 may not receive credit for CHEM 100, 101, 111 or 115. This course is not equivalent to CHEM 109, CHEM 111, CHEM 112 or CHEM 115 and will not substitute for them. | ||
CHEM 109 | General Chem for ENGR | 4 | |
Description of course General Chem for ENGR : | Principles of chemistry and the properties of matter explained in terms of modern chemical theory with emphasis on topics of general interest to the engineer. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, solids, liquids, gases, acids and bases, thermodynamics, kinetics, polymer chemistry and materials science. This is an accelerated course requiring excellent preparation in math and science and is a terminal course intended only for those engineering students who do not plan to take additional courses in chemistry. Prerequisites: ENGR 100 and MATH 109 or higher (or concurrent enrollment in MATH 109). NOTE: Students who receive credit for CHEM 109 may not receive credit for CHEM 100, 101, 111 or 115. This course is not equivalent to CHEM 111, CHEM 112 or CHEM 115 and will not substitute for them. | ||
CHEM 110 | Introduction to Chemistry | 1 | |
Description of course Introduction to Chemistry : | An introduction to fundamental concepts in chemistry with an emphasis on problem solving. Topics to be covered include measurement in scientific study, the fundamentals of the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical equations, and stoichiometry. This course is designed as a preparatory course for students who do not pass the chemistry placement exam but wish to eventually enroll in CHEM 111. Prerequisite: Math placement at 108 or above. Offered January term. NOTE: This is an online course; content will be delivered via the Blackboard portal. | ||
CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 4 | |
Description of course General Chemistry I : | This course, together with CHEM 112, provides a two- semester introduction to chemistry. Topics include atomic structure, molecular structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table, states of matter, reaction types, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, intermolecular forces, and properties of the common elements and their ions in aqueous solution. Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Offered fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: Math placement at 108 or above, and completion of CHEM 110 or placement at or above CHEM 111 NOTE: Students who receive credit for CHEM 111 may not receive credit for CHEM 100, 101, 109 or 115. | ||
CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 4 | |
Description of course General Chemistry II : | This course continues the study of chemistry begun in 111. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acid- base chemistry, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Offered spring semester and summer (when enrollment allows). Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 111 NOTE: Students who receive credit for CHEM 112 may not receive credit for CHEM 115. | ||
CHEM 115 | Accelerated General Chemistry | 4 | |
Description of course Accelerated General Chemistry : | A one semester general chemistry class that blends significant topics from CHEM 111 and 112 for very strong students interested in majoring in science or engineering. Approximately one-third of the course content is drawn from CHEM 111 with the balance coming from CHEM 112. Topics include atomic theory, stoichiometry, gas laws, phases of matter, atomic and molecular structure, bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry. Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: Math placement at the 113 level, high school chemistry, and satisfactory performance on the chemistry placement examination. NOTE: Students who receive credit for CHEM 115 may not receive credit for CHEM 100, 101, 109, 111, or 112. | ||
CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 | |
Description of course Organic Chemistry I : | Study of the various families of organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on structure determination, reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry and spectroscopy in addition to a survey of various reaction types. An introduction to biochemical topics is included. Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 112 or 115 | ||
CHEM 202 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 | |
Description of course Organic Chemistry II : | Continuation of CHEM 201. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 201 | ||
CHEM 220 | Foundations in Inorganic Chem | 4 | |
Description of course Foundations in Inorganic Chem : | This is a foundational course that provides breadth in the inorganic chemistry sub-discipline and lays the groundwork for advanced study in inorganic chemistry. Students will learn the preparation, structure and bonding of inorganic compounds. Selected topics include atomic structure and bonding theories, symmetry operations and point groups, simple crystalline solids and energetics, periodicity, descriptive chemistry, and coordination chemistry. The course will also introduce students to materials science concepts and the bio-inorganic field. Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: C– in CHEM 112 or CHEM 115 or CHEM 109. | ||
CHEM 243 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 250 | Organometallic Chemistry | 2 | |
Description of course Organometallic Chemistry : | A study of the structure, bonding, and reactions of compounds that contain direct metal-carbon bonds. Emphasis is placed on the role these compounds play as stoichiometric and catalytic reagents in organic and inorganic synthesis. Additional topics include electronic and structural theory, reaction mechanisms, and the role of organometallics in biochemistry and material science. Offered alternate January terms. Prerequisite: CHEM 201 | ||
CHEM 269 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 296 | Topics | 0 TO 2 | |
Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
CHEM 297 | Topics | 4 | |
Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
CHEM 300 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 | |
Description of course Quantitative Analysis : | An introduction to quantitative chemical analysis. Topics include sample treatment, the statistical handling of data, equilibria governing acid/base chemistry and complex formation, and fundamentals underlying measurements using the following techniques: titrimetry (using acid/base, complexation and redox reactions), spectrophotometry (atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy and molecular absorption spectroscopy), and analytical separations (GC, HPLC, and capillary electrophoresis). Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Offered fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 112 or 115 | ||
CHEM 320 | Instrumental Analysis | 4 | |
Description of course Instrumental Analysis : | Principles and techniques of operation of modern chemical instrumentation not covered in CHEM 300. Topics include the capabilities, limitations and data interpretation of advanced optical spectroscopies (luminescence, Raman, etc.), voltammetry, potentiometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry. Fundamentals of signal processing, basic circuitry and optical components are also included. The laboratory consists of both structured exercises and a student designed project and report based on an industrial problem or on an analysis problem of interest to the student. Lecture plus four hours of lab each week. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: CHEM 202, 300 | ||
CHEM 331 | Chem Thermodynamics/Reactio | 4 | |
Description of course Chem Thermodynamics/Reactio : | Physical chemical introduction to the fundamentals of kinetic-molecular theory, statistical thermodynamics, classical thermodynamics, and chemical reaction dynamics. Emphasis on the in-depth study of chemical reaction equilibria, phase equilibria, and chemical reaction kinetics in gaseous, liquid and solid systems. Laboratory work involves modern computational methods in physical chemistry, as well as physicochemical measurements related to thermodynamics and reaction dynamics. Lecture plus six laboratory hours per week. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: CHEM 202, MATH 114 and PHYS 111 or 211 | ||
CHEM 332 | Quantum Chem/Molecular Spec | 4 | |
Description of course Quantum Chem/Molecular Spec : | Study of chemical systems from the point of view of molecular theory. Introduction to the fundamentals of quantum chemistry and atomic/molecular spectroscopy. Laboratory work involves computational methods in molecular quantum mechanics and spectroscopic measurements of atomic/molecular systems. Lecture plus six laboratory hours per week. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: CHEM 202, MATH 114 and PHYS 112 or 212 | ||
CHEM 340 | Organic Spectroscopy | 2 | |
Description of course Organic Spectroscopy : | A more detailed study of various spectroscopic methods, especially as they are employed to determine structures of organic molecules. Coverage includes H-1, F-19, and C-13 NMR, mass spectrometry, ultraviolet and visible and infrared spectroscopies. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 202 | ||
CHEM 389 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 391 | Research | 1 | |
Description of course Research : | Work on a problem under the direction of the staff. Primarily literature work. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair | ||
CHEM 392 | Research | 1 | |
Description of course Research : | Work on a problem under the direction of the staff. Primarily laboratory work. Prerequisite: CHEM 391 | ||
CHEM 393 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 400 | Adv Inorganic Chemistry | 4 | |
Description of course Adv Inorganic Chemistry : | A study of the preparation, structure, bonding and reactions of inorganic compounds. Selected topics include group theory, bonding theories, reactions and mechanisms of transition metals, and advanced topics in inorganic chemistry such as organometallic chemistry and catalysis, parallels between main group and organometallic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, etc. Prerequisites: C- or better in CHEM 202 and 220, or permission of the instructor | ||
CHEM 404 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 0 OR 2 | |
Description of course Advanced Organic Chemistry : | This course will focus on modern approaches to synthesis for organic chemistry. Topics will include reaction mechanisms, reagents, stereocontrol, and other techniques for the design of organic molecules. The course will primarily consist of lecture, reading and discussing current literature, and solving synthetic problems with a particular emphasis on developing synthetic routes utilizing newly learned techniques. | ||
CHEM 420 | Bioanalytical/Forensic Chem | 2 | |
Description of course Bioanalytical/Forensic Chem : | The chemistry behind criminal investigations as well as some developments in analysis of biologically important molecules. Topics to be covered include enzyme and DNA analysis, mass spectrometry and spectral interpretation, the detection and identification of explosives and fire accelerants, methods of connecting the suspect to the scene of a crime (analysis of fingerprints, fibers, glass fragments, soil and gunshot residue), the analysis of drugs and poisons, and the detection of forgeries using ink, paint and materials analysis. The course is designed to have a lab component that uses both instrumental and "wet chemical" methods of analysis. Offered alternate January terms. Prerequisite: CHEM 201 | ||
CHEM 430 | Polymer Chemistry | 2 | |
Description of course Polymer Chemistry : | An introduction to the science associated with polymers accomplished by discussing some of the fundamental aspects of polymer science and engineering. Three general subject areas will be addressed: 1) polymer synthesis and characterization, 2) polymer structure including melt, glassy, semicrystalline, rubbery, and solution states, and 3) selected physical properties (e.g. viscoelasticity, toughness, failure, permeability) and processing characteristics. Prerequisite: CHEM 202 | ||
CHEM 440 | Biochemistry I | 4 | |
Description of course Biochemistry I : | The first course in a two-semester sequence examining the chemistry underlying biological processes. The topics addressed include a review of the properties of aqueous solutions and buffers; the structure and function of proteins with an introduction to the properties, reaction kinetics and catalytic mechanism of enzymes; qualitative and quantitative models of bioenergetics; and an introduction to primary metabolic pathways of carbon through oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthesis. Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Offered fall and spring semester. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 202 | ||
CHEM 442 | Biochemistry II | 4 | |
Description of course Biochemistry II : | The second course in a two-semester sequence examining the chemistry underlying biological processes. Topics include a continued investigation of bioenergetics focusing on the primary metabolism of nitrogenous biomolecules and integration of metabolic pathways followed by pathways of information metabolism; nucleic acid structure and function, regulation of gene expression; protein synthesis; and methods in genetic engineering. Lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 440 | ||
CHEM 444 | Advanced Metabolism | 2 | |
Description of course Advanced Metabolism : | This course is designed to offer senior students an introduction to current research topics in biochemistry. The goal of the course is to increase exposure to a wide variety of topics through discussions of the biochemical principles associated with each one. The course material will focus on advanced topics in metabolism including secondary metabolite production, biochemical pathways associated with disease, biochemistry of biofuel production, and applied biotechnology to generate novel biochemical pathways. Prerequisite: A C- or better in CHEM 442, or a C- or better in CHEM 440 with instructor permission. | ||
CHEM 450 | Metals in Biology | 2 | |
Description of course Metals in Biology : | The course provides an introduction to the field of bioinorganic chemistry as a lens of viewing life processes. Students learn elements of bioinorganic chemistry and their application to metallo-enzymes and metallo-proteins. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing mechanisms and structures containing metals, such as iron and copper, etc., that are central to life, in an effort to unify knowledge from classical sub-disciplines into central paradigms in the mechanisms of life processes. Students will engage in reading and discussing the primary literature, and on writing and presenting at the professional standards of the discipline. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHEM202 (Organic Chemistry 2) is required; CHEM 220 and 300 are recommended. | ||
CHEM 476 | Experiential Learning | 1 TO 4 | |
Description of course Experiential Learning : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 481 | Student Seminar | 1 | |
Description of course Student Seminar : | This sequence of courses begins in the fall semester of the junior year and progresses for a total of four semesters. The first (CHEM 481) and last (CHEM 484) courses are each one credit and are graded on the usual letter grade scale. The interior two courses (CHEM 482, 483) are zero credit and are graded on a pass-fail basis (S/R). Seminars are presented by guest speakers, St. Thomas faculty, and St. Thomas students throughout all four courses. In CHEM 481, juniors are introduced to the chemical literature, literature search techniques including use of computer databases, and write a short paper based on literature research. In CHEM 483 seniors meet in small groups with faculty and discuss articles from the current literature. In CHEM 484, seniors research a topic from the chemical literature and present it in both written and oral formats. Information about career opportunities for students holding a chemistry degree is presented throughout the seminar sequence. Required of all chemistry majors. Offered fall semester. | ||
CHEM 482 | Student Seminar | 0 | |
Description of course Student Seminar : | This sequence of courses begins in the fall semester of the junior year and progresses for a total of four semesters. The first (CHEM 481) and last (CHEM 484) courses are each one credit and are graded on the usual letter grade scale. The interior two courses (CHEM 482, 483) are zero credit and are graded on a pass-fail basis (S/R). Seminars are presented by guest speakers, St. Thomas faculty, and St. Thomas students throughout all four courses. In CHEM 481, juniors are introduced to the chemical literature, literature search techniques including use of computer databases, and write a short paper based on literature research. In CHEM 483 seniors meet in small groups with faculty and discuss articles from the current literature. In CHEM 484, seniors research a topic from the chemical literature and present it in both written and oral formats. Information about career opportunities for students holding a chemistry degree is presented throughout the seminar sequence. Required of all chemistry majors. Offered spring semester. | ||
CHEM 483 | Student Seminar | 0 | |
Description of course Student Seminar : | This sequence of courses begins in the fall semester of the junior year and progresses for a total of four semesters. The first (CHEM 481) and last (CHEM 484) courses are each one credit and are graded on the usual letter grade scale. The interior two courses (CHEM 482, 483) are zero credit and are graded on a pass-fail basis (S/R). Seminars are presented by guest speakers, St. Thomas faculty, and St. Thomas students throughout all four courses. In CHEM 481, juniors are introduced to the chemical literature, literature search techniques including use of computer databases, and write a short paper based on literature research. In CHEM 483 seniors meet in small groups with faculty and discuss articles from the current literature. In CHEM 484, seniors research a topic from the chemical literature and present it in both written and oral formats. Information about career opportunities for students holding a chemistry degree is presented throughout the seminar sequence. Required of all chemistry majors. Offered fall semester. | ||
CHEM 484 | Student Seminar | 1 | |
Description of course Student Seminar : | This sequence of courses begins in the fall semester of the junior year and progresses for a total of four semesters. The first (CHEM 481) and last (CHEM 484) courses are each one credit and are graded on the usual letter grade scale. The interior two courses (CHEM 482, 483) are zero credit and are graded on a pass-fail basis (S/R). Seminars are presented by guest speakers, St. Thomas faculty, and St. Thomas students throughout all four courses. In CHEM 481, juniors are introduced to the chemical literature, literature search techniques including use of computer databases, and write a short paper based on literature research. In CHEM 483 seniors meet in small groups with faculty and discuss articles from the current literature. In CHEM 484, seniors research a topic from the chemical literature and present it in both written and oral formats. Information about career opportunities for students holding a chemistry degree is presented throughout the seminar sequence. Required of all chemistry majors. Offered spring semester. | ||
CHEM 487 | Topics | 2 | |
Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
CHEM 488 | Topics | 2 | |
Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
CHEM 491 | Individual Research | 2 OR 4 | |
Description of course Individual Research : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 492 | Individual Research | 2 | |
Description of course Individual Research : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 494 | Individual Research | 4 | |
Description of course Individual Research : | No description is available. | ||
CHEM 495 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. |