Courses

Faculty | Decription of Major | Degree Requirements | Courses for Potential  Majors | ACS Certification | Minor Requirements | Advanced Placement | Course Listings and Descriptions

Faculty

Paul L. Gaus, Chairperson
Judith C. Amburgey-Peters
Paul A. Bonvallet
Paul L. Edmiston
Virginia B. Pett
Sarah J. Schmidtke
Melissa M. Schultz
Mark J. Snider

A major in chemistry provides a student with sound training for a professional career in chemistry and related areas of science. Approximately 40 to 50 percent of Wooster's chemistry graduates continue their education in graduate school. In almost every instance, they receive full financial support in the form of a tuition grant plus a teaching or research assistantship, or fellowship stipend. These individuals go not only into disciplines such as chemistry, chemical physics, geochemistry, oceanography, environmental science, and biochemistry, but also into biomedical sciences such as neurochemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry. Most graduates who earn advanced science degrees enter careers in which they carry out basic research in academic, industrial, or institutional laboratories. Recent graduates not entering graduate school have taken positions at a variety of well-known chemical and pharmaceutical companies. Others find careers in non-laboratory activities of science-based industry such as information retrieval, personnel, sales, market research, and technical writing. Still others go into education.

Many premedical and predental students find that a major in chemistry prepares them well for professional schools. In addition to the 40 percent of the Wooster chemistry graduates who go to graduate school, another 20 percent enter medical or dental school. Most of these enter private practice after completing their training, but a significant number also maintain active research programs in association with a medical or dental school.

The minimum major consists of the following: a) nine courses in the department; the required courses are 111, 112, 211, 212, 215, 318, 340, and two other course credits from among 216 and the remaining 300-level courses listed below; b) courses covering the fundamental concepts of physics and mathematical sciences; this requirement can be met by completion of Physics 204 (or Physics 102), and by receiving credit in Mathematical Sciences 111 (or 107 and 108) and either Mathematical Sciences 112 or Computer Science 151; c) a three-course Independent Study project (401, 451, 452) culminating in a thesis and an oral defense of the thesis. None of the courses in sections a), b), or c) above may be taken S/NC. Required courses in the major, including the required physics, mathematics and/or computer science, must be passed with both classroom and laboratory grades of C- or higher.

For those entering students who are considering a major in chemistry, one of the following two sequences for the first two years is strongly recommended:

or, if the interest, ability, and preparation of the student warrants:

ACS Certification

A student may elect a program that will result in Certification by the American Chemical Society in a) Chemistry, b) Chemistry/Biochemistry, or c) Chemistry/Chemical Physics. a) To meet the requirements for certification in Chemistry, the student must take Chemistry 111, 112, 211, 212, 215, 318, 319, 340, 401, 451, and 452, plus Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 331, Mathematical Sciences 112, and Physics 204 (or 102). A reading knowledge of German or Russian is recommended. b) To meet the requirement for certification in Chemistry/Biochemistry, the student must take Chemistry 111, 112, 211, 212, 215, 318, Chemistry or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 401, 451, and 452, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 303, 331, 332, plus Mathematical Sciences 112, Physics 204 (or 102), Biology 220, and one of the following: Biology 305, 306, or 335. c) To meet the certification requirements in Chemistry/Chemical Physics, a student must take the courses listed in a) above, plus two physics courses beyond the first year sequence and two advanced courses in theoretical chemistry, physics, or mathematics. The department chairperson is allowed some flexibility in authorizing certification, so students should consult with the chairperson if a selection of courses different from that given above for ACS certification is desired.

A minor in chemistry consists of six courses in the department. Although the recommended pattern is 111, 112, 211, and 215, plus two others (not including 101, 102, or 103), other groupings are possible to meet the student's academic goals. The student should consult with the department chairperson about other arrangements.

Advanced Placement. Any student who presents a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry automatically receives credit for one general chemistry course. Such students will be placed in 112 or 211, depending upon the results of the departmental placement exam. The faculty of the department administer a placement exam during orientation week. Students who have had more than one year of high school chemistry and students who receive a grade of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Examination may take the departmental placement exam. If the student's performance demonstrates mastery of the material in 111 or 112, he/she may be advanced to either 112 or 211. The advanced placement policy of the College is further explained in the section of the Catalogue on Admission. International students may receive either one or two chemistry course credits. For an explanation of "International Advanced Placement Credit," see the section of the Catalogue on Admission-International Student Admission.

The laboratory and classroom portions are closely related for courses having a laboratory component. Students must register concurrently for both classroom and laboratory sections in order to receive credit for the couse. The grade in the classroom portion (1.0 credit) includes both classroom and laboratory components, whereas the laboratory grade (0.25 credit) reflects the quality of laboratory work. The student may not take 101, 102, and 103 concurrent with or after 111.

Course Listings and Descriptions

101. Chemistry and the World in Which We Live: Ten Wonderful Things A study of chemistry is understaken using ten important or fascinating items (ten wonderful things) as starting points in developing a detailed appreciation for the facts, theories, and methodology of the chemical sciences. "The List" has in the past included such diverse items as smoke detectors, concrete, solar cells, air bags, teflon, bullet-proof vests, ozone, proteins, DNA, vitamins, gasoline, sports packs (hot and cold), diamonds, chloresterol, fireflies, fool's gold, rocket fuel, stainless steel, and fiber optics. Not open to students who have received credit for or are concurrently enrolled in Chemistry 111. Three class hours per week. No prerequisite. One course credit. Spring 2006-2007. [+]

102. Chemistry and the World in Which We Live: Forensic Science Law enorcement techniques such as DNA typing, fingerprint identification, drug/explosives detection, and fiber analysis are covered in class and in short laboratory experiments. The underlying scientific principles of forensic techniques are discussed, drawing on examples from true crime investigations. The broader impact of science on the judicial system is covered in this course. Not open to students who have received credit for or are concurrently enrolled in Chemistry 111. Three class hours per week. No prerequisite. One course credit. Spring 2006-2007. [Q, +]

103. Controversies in Science and Public Policy: Risk, Disease, Weapons & War This course will examine the relationship between science and public policy through case studies of controversial issues including weapons & war, and HIV/AIDS. We will develop an understanding of the fundamental chemical, biological and physical concepts and technologies that under pin each case. In-class laboratory exercises will explore key technical concepts to develop an understanding of scientific methods and processes. The social, political and ethical questions which surround each of these issues will be used to examine the relationship of science and society, the scope of science, its importance to society, its limitations, its values and how science is used and/or misused in the political sphere. Not open to students who have received credit for or are concurrently enrolled in Chemistry 111. Three class hours per week. No prerequisite. One course credit. Not offered 2006-2007.[+]

111, 112. Introductory College Chemistry I & II Emphasis is placed on the structure of the atom, chemical bonding, behavior of matter in the various pure states, solutions, stoichiometry, equilibria, energetics, and chemical reactivity. During the latter half of the second course, well-qualified students may apply to undertake special laboratory projects. [Q, +]
Course 111: Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Fall. [Q, +]
Course 112: Three class hours and two three-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 111, C- or better, or acceptable performance on the departmental placement exam (see above). One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Spring. [Q, +]

211. Organic Chemistry I This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of organic chemistry. The structure, bonding, and reactivity of organic compounds will be studied. Functional groups, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopic techniques, data interpretation, and synthetic methods will be emphasized. The course particularly emphasizes critical thinking, application of general concepts to new examples and problem-solving skills. The course includes three class hours and one three-hour laboratory perod per week. Laboratory experiments are designed to teach students about key synthetic organic laboratory skills, reactions, techniques, and instrumentaion. The experiments promote student independence and competency in the laboratory. Informational literacy, safety awareness, and scientific writing skills will also be developed. Prerequisite: Chemistry 112, C- or better. One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Fall. [+]

212. Organic Chemistry II This course builds on the fundamental principles of organic chemistry indroduced in Chemistry 211. The study of organic structure, bonding, and reactivity continues with more complex molecules including aromatics, carbonyl compounds, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Advanced spectroscopic data analysis and multi-step synthesis of complex molecules will challenge students to be creative, critical thinkers. This course includes three class hours and one three-hour laboratory perod per week. The laboratory allows students to use skills learned in Chemistry 211, become more independent, and learn new synthetic techinques through multi-week projects involving sythisis and spectroscopic identification. Information literacy, safety, and scientific writing (notebooks, technical reports, summaries, and experimental plans) continue to be emphasized. This is a Writing Intensive (W) Course. It fulfills part of the College's writing requirement for graduation. Scientific writing is a distinct form of written communication that has its own conventions and idiosyncrasies. This course will build on scientific writing developed in Chemistry 211 to communicate research ideas, data, and scientific arguments. The subtleties of several forms of scientific writing (include notebooks, reports, data summaries, and experimental plans) will be addressed. Students will complete at least six writing assignments. Two of these assignments will be extensive formal laboratory reports. Time will be allotted during the laboratory for peer review of notebooks and reports, discussion of the writing process, and revision. The ACS Style Guide and Writing in the Sciences will serve as resources for the understanding the prevailing conventions in scientific writing. Prerequisite: Chemistry 211, C- or better. One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Spring. [W, +]

215. Analytical Chemistry The fundamental principles and methodology of chemical analysis are examined, with examples taken from biochemistry as well as organic and inorganic chemistry. Lecture material includes discussion of errors and statistical treatment of data, a review of equilibria, and an introduction to spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and analytical separations. Included in the laboratory portion of the course are concepts of experimental design using library resources, and methods and proper techniques for obtaining and evaluation of quantitative data. Methods employed include spectroscopy, potentiometry, chromatography, and titrimetry. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 112. Recommended previous course: Chemistry 212. One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Spring. [Q, +]

216. Environmental Chemistry Various aspects of the chemistry of the environment, both unpolluted and polluted, are discussed. Consideration is given to chemical reactions in the aquatic, atmospheric, and geologic realms. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 112, C- or better. Suggested previous course: Geology 110. One and one-fourth course credits. Alternate years. Spring 2006-2007.

313. Advanced Organic Chemistry The course focuses on the experimental, instrumental, and theoretical methods by which the structure, reactivity, and electronic properties of organic compounds are determined. Various aspects of modern organic chemistry, including synthesis, mechanism, advanced spectroscopic methods, and computational chemistry may be represented. Historic and current case studies are taken from the chemical literature. Three class hours per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 212, C- or better. One course credit. Alternate years. Not offered 2006-2007.

316. Instrumental Analysis The course covers three major areas of instrumental chemical analysis, namely separations, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. Approximately half of the semester is devoted to fundamental and practical aspects of methods for analytical separations. Gas and liquid chromatography are two of the major areas investigated. Other topics may include electrophoresis, affinity chromatography, and solvent extractions. In the second half of the semester, the fundamental and practical aspects of analytical spectroscopy and electrochemistry receive approximately equal time. Laboratory work involves multi-week independent projects. One laboratory project may involve building an analytical instrument, such as a gas chromatograph. Three class hours and one scheduled three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 215, C- or better. Suggested previous courses: Chemistry 318. One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Fall.

318. Physical Chemistry I Chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and X-ray diffraction. Topics covered include: kinetic theory of gases, free energy and chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, solid state structure and structure determination. Three class hours and three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 112, C- or better. Prerequisites or corequisites: Mathematical Sciences 111, Physics 203 (or 101). One and one-forth course credits. Annually. Fall. [+]

319. Physical Chemistry II: Atomic and molecular structure. Topics covered include: quantum mechanical methods, the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, quantum mechanical models for molecular rotation and vibration, molecular symmetry, application of symmentry to molecular vibrations and MO theory, magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 318, C- or better. One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Spring. [+]

320. Topics in Physical Chemistry The physical chemistry of solid state materials and surfaces. Topics include: structure and bonding in solids, X-ray methods for structure determination; energy levels in solids; low-dimensional materials; semiconductors; the design of materials with useful electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; surface chemistry and spectroscopy. Three class hours per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 318 or Physics 302, C- or better. One course credit. Alternate years. Not offered 2006-2007. [+]

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 331. Biochemistry I The main goal of this course is to enable the student to analyze the structural and chemical properties of the four main categories of biological molecules — amino acids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids — as a means of cricitally assessing the function of complex biological macromolecules and cellular processes at the molecular and atomic levels. Structure , equilibria, thermodynamics, kinetic and reactivity of biological macromolecules, with emphasis on proteins, are the course conrnerstones. Principles of bioeneregetics and intermediary metabolism (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation) are also included. It is highly recommended that students concurrently take BMB 303: Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This course counts for major credit in the major in Biology and Chemistry. Prerequisite: C- or better in Chemistry 212 and Biology 101, or permission of instructor. Suggested previous courses: Biology 201, 305 and 306, as well as Chemistry 215 and 318. One course credit. Annually. Fall. [+]

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 332. Biochemistry II A continuation of Biochemistry I with molecular and mechanistic emphasis on advanced cellular metabolism, single transduction, as well as DNA, RNA and protein metabolism. Special and current topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are discussed. This course counts for major credit in Biology and Chemistry. Prerequisite: C- or better in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 331 or permission of instructor. One course credit. Annually. Spring. [+]

340. Inorganic Chemistry The details of the chemistries of selected elements and their compounds are studied. For each class of substances that is studied, the topics of structure, bonding, and reactivity are linked, with some discussion of mechanism, in order to give an overall survey of the chemistry of elements from various portions of the periodic table. Three class hours and one to two three-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 212, C- or better, or permission of the instructor. One and one-fourth course credits. Annually. Fall. [+]

341. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Advanced aspects of inorganic chemistry are treated, including the organometallic chemistry of transition metal compounds and the chemistry of catalysis. The chemistry of condensed materials is also treated, including transition metal clusters. The course is designed to emphasize structure, bonding and spectroscopy, as well as syntheses and reaction mechanisms. Three class hours per week. Prerequisites: Chemistry 318 and 340, C- or better, or permission of the instructor. One course credit. Alternate years. Spring 2006-2007. [+]

400. Tutorial Advanced library and laboratory research problems in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and biochemistry. Approval of the chairperson is required. One-half to one course credit.

401. Introduction to Independent Study An introduction to science writing and techniques for searching the chemical literature is provided. Concepts of structure and bonding are discussed. Each student consults individually with faculty advisers and writes a series of papers culminating in a major paper on an appropriate topic. Each also gives an oral report on a topic from one of those papers. Prerequisite: Chemistry 212, C- or better, or the approval of the department. One course credit. Annually. Spring.

407, 408. Chemical Research Internship Students are placed in research positions in non-academic laboratories. The normal schedule involves work during the summer months, in addition to either the fall or spring semester, on a research problem related to the function of the employing laboratory. The work is directed by scientists at the laboratory. Liaison is established by regularly-scheduled consultations with one or more faculty members of the Department of Chemistry. The student arranges his/her schedule only after consultation with the department chairperson. Prerequisite: junior standing, Chemistry 212, 215, 318, and 401. One to three course credits.

451, 452. Independent Study Thesis An original investigation is conducted, culminating in a thesis and an oral defense of the thesis. During the year each student gives two research seminars on her/his Independent Study research topic. Problems are offered in selected areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Prerequisite: Chemistry 212, 215, and 401, C- or better, or approval of the department. Two course credits.