Course Catalog 2012-2013

Associate Professor Kimberly M. Specht, Chair

Associate Professors Jordan L. Fantini, Michael M. Fuson, Peter Kuhlman, Sonya L. McKay, Charles W. Sokolik, Kimberly Musa Specht; Assistant Professors Annabel M. Edwards, Jordan E. Katz, Rachel Mitton-Fry, Joseph J. Reczek; Academic Administrative Assistant Cathy Romei

The chemistry and biochemistry curriculum provides courses which are designed to enable students as contributing professionals and engaged citizens to deal effectively with a world increasingly dominated by the ideas and methods of modern science. Majors are qualified for immediate employment in industry. However, many elect to attend graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry, or related areas, or enter schools of medicine, dentistry, or engineering. The department is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society to offer a Certificate of Professional Training in Chemistry to students who satisfy certain requirements beyond a B.S. in chemistry.

Majors are encouraged to participate in the various ongoing research projects in the department. Non-majors have access to the department's resources as they are required for their projects. Additional research opportunities are available in the department during the summer and as part of the Oak Ridge Science Semester described at Oakridge. Students interested in teaching should consult with faculty in the Department of Education. Although a teacher licensure program is not offered currently, students may take a course of study to explore the field of Education. Faculty and staff in the Department of Education assist students in creating individually designed plans for obtaining licensure through a range of programs after graduation. Students interested in in pursuing a B.A. degree in Chemistry before pursuing a teaching career are strongly encouraged to take all three 300-level Chemistry course options (as described below).

Approved eye protection is required in all laboratory courses. The general policy regarding safety glasses is explained in detail at Safety Glasses Requirement.

A policy of breakage fees governs equipment use in all laboratory courses. This policy is described earlier in this catalog.

The department understands that transfer students, students who adopt a chemistry or biochemistry major after the first year, and students who study off-campus all have unique needs; we encourage them to contact us so that we can work together to help them achieve their academic objectives.

The descriptions of Majors, Minor, and courses below apply to students beginning their coursework in Chemistry after spring 2011. Other students should consult the 2010-2011 Catalog or the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department website for curricular information.

The department provides two routes to the bachelor's degree in Chemistry: a Bachelor of Science program for students wishing an intensive study of chemistry in preparation for professional careers, graduate work in chemistry, or professional schools; and a Bachelor of Arts program for students intending to pursue fields such as dentistry, medicine, secondary school teaching or other areas requiring a strong chemistry background. Earning a B.A. degree does not preclude a professional scientific career, although an additional year of undergraduate study may be required for admission to some graduate programs.

A student may graduate with a B.A. degree in chemistry on fulfillment of G.E. requirements and the successful completion of the following 12 courses:

A student may graduate with a B.S. degree in chemistry on fulfillment of G.E. requirements and the successful completion of the following 16 courses:

Two semesters of Senior Research (or a summer research experience at Denison followed by one semester of Senior Research in the same laboratory) may be counted as one of the four 400-level electives for the B.S. degree. The B.S. major who takes two semesters of Senior Research as part of the degree requirements will earn a degree certified to the American Chemical Society.

B.A. and B.S. Chemistry majors must also register for two zero-credit courses used for program assessment (Chemistry/Biochemistry Assessment I (Chem 300) and II (Chem 400)).

The Chemistry courses listed above must be taken at Denison with the following exception. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recognizes the valuable contribution that off-campus study can provide to a broad liberal arts education, and so one course in the major at the 300-level or higher may be taken at another institution, providing that prior approval is sought and received from the department. Students considering study off-campus are encouraged to discuss these plans with their academic advisor early in their Denison careers.

The department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. This is a rigorous course of study which will provide the student with a strong background for professional schools (medical, dental, pharmacology, veterinary) as well as graduate schools in biochemistry and related fields.

A student may graduate with a B.S. degree in biochemistry on fulfillment of G.E. requirements and the successful completion of the following 17 courses:

Two semesters of Senior Research (or a summer research experience at Denison followed by one semester of Senior Research in the same laboratory) may be counted as one of the upper-level electives.

(All advanced courses in Biology have prerequisite courses that a student majoring in biochemistry may not have completed. Students without the appropriate prerequisite courses must obtain the permission of the instructor before registering for these advanced Biology courses.)

The Chemistry courses listed above must be taken at Denison, with the following exception. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recognizes the valuable contribution that off-campus study can provide to a broad liberal arts education, and so one course in the major at the 300-level or higher may be taken at another institution, providing that prior approval is sought and received from the department. Students considering study off-campus are encouraged to discuss these plans with their academic advisor early in their Denison careers.

Biochemistry majors must also register for two zero-credit courses used for program assessment (Chemistry/Biochemistry Assessment I (Chem 300) and II (Chem 400)).

A student may graduate with a minor in chemistry on successful completion of the following 6 courses, taken at Denison:

Atoms and Molecules: Structure and Dynamics (CHEM-131).  This course is an introduction to the study of chemical phenomena using an "atoms-first" approach -- starting with atoms and building up to more complex molecules. Students will explore principles of atomic structure, molecular bonding and structure, electronic properties, intermolecular forces in all phases of matter, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics. Core concepts will be taught through active learning, and laboratory investigation will develop skills in foundational quantitative analysis (measurement, stoichiometry, error analysis). Cognitive skills in graphical and written presentation of chemistry developed in this course will be built on in subsequent courses. This course satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly. 4

Structure and Reactivity of Organic Molecules (CHEM-132).  This course builds on the foundation of molecular structural and electronic properties developed in CHEM 131. Students will be introduced to chemical reactions of inorganic and organic compounds, including acid/base reactions, precipitation reactions and substitution and elimination reactions. In-depth analysis of reaction chemistry will encompass aspects of equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. The principles of conformation and sterochemistry of organic and inorganic molecules, and organic reaction mechanisms will be emphasized. Skills in presentation of scientific data, and experimental design and analysis will be developed and built on in subsequent courses. Prerequisite: CHEM 131. This course satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly. 4

Introductory Topics in Chemistry (CHEM-199).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4

Environmental Chemistry (CHEM-212).  A study of the chemistry of the atmosphere, natural water, and soils with a special focus on acid precipitation, greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, urban and indoor air pollution, water and soil pollution, solid and hazardous waste disposal and risk assessment. Prerequisites 121-122 or 131-132. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly. This course can be used to satisfy minor in chemistry. Safety glasses required. (Offered every other year in spring semester only) 4

Analytical Chemistry (CHEM-231).  A course of quantitative analytical chemistry based on principles of chemical equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The laboratory includes exposure to a range of solution methods along with spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques for analysis. Offered fall semester only. Three class periods and one laboratory period weekly. Safety glasses required. Prerequisite: 122. 4

Intermediate Organic Chemistry (CHEM-251).  This course expands upon concepts in molecular structure and behavior presented in CHEM 131 and CHEM 132 and applies them to the systematic investigation of the reactivity of organic molecules. Students will explore the transformation and reaction chemistry of organic functional groups, including alcohols, aromatics, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives. Reactions are explored with an emphasis on the mechanism of reactivity, and in the context of organic synthesis with a focus on the art of retrosynthetic analysis for complex targets. Laboratory experiments are selected to introduce techniques for the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic compounds discussed in class. Offered in the fall only. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly. Safety glasses required. Prerequisite: CHEM 132. 4

Intermediate Biochemistry (CHEM-258).  A study of the major chemical processes and molecular species that characterize living organisms. Principles of molecular structure and chemical reactivity from Chem 131, 132, and 251 will be developed in greater quantitative detail and applied to investigation of the molecular interactions that underlie cellular life. Primary emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationship between the structures of biological macromolecules (particularly proteins) and their functions. Laboratory work will consist of a series of multi-week experiments focused on the isolation and subsequent characterization of active biological macromolecules from living organims. Offered in the spring only. Three class periods and one laboratory weekly. Prerequisites: CHEM 251 and BIOL 150, or consent of instructor. 4

Intermediate Topics in Chemistry (CHEM-299).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4

Biochemistry (CHEM-302).  A study of the chemical and physiochemical properties of living organisms. Concepts will be developed through a study of the physical and chemical properties of biological compounds and integration of various metabolic pathways in an attempt to understand the dynamics of living systems. The laboratory will include the isolation and study of properties of biological compounds. Prerequisites: 224 and Biology 201. The department strongly recommends that students enrolling in this course have earned a grade of C or higher in Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 224) and Molecular Biology (BIOL 201). Offered in the fall semester (also as Biology 302). Three class periods weekly plus laboratory. Safety glasses required. 4

Thermodynamics and Kinetics (CHEM-341).  An examination of the physical properties of chemical systems from both macroscopic and microscopic points of view. Topics include: gas laws and the kinetic molecular theory; thermodynamics and thermochemistry; equilibria and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: Chemistry 122, Math 123 or Math 124, Physics 122. Four class periods and one laboratory period weekly. Safety glasses required. 4

Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (CHEM-342).  An examination of the structures and energies of molecules. Topics include: structure and bonding from a quantum mechanical point of view; symmetry; and an introduction to spectroscopy. Four class periods and one laboratory period weekly. Prerequisites: Chemistry 122, Math 123 or Math 124, Physics 122. Safety glasses required. 4

Directed Study (CHEM-361).  Laboratory (or library) research, in consultation with a member of the chemistry faculty. Offered to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: Consent of faculty mentor. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required. 1-4

Directed Study (CHEM-362).  Laboratory (or library) research, in consultation with a member of the chemistry faculty. Offered to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: Consent of faculty mentor. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required. 1-4

Independent Study (CHEM-363). 1-4

Independent Study (CHEM-364). 1-4

Advanced Topics in Chemistry (CHEM-399).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4

Advanced Biochemistry (CHEM-401).  This is a topical course, the content of which will vary from year to year. In general, a detailed look at a variety of recent biochemical topics will be conducted through readings of the primary literature. Laboratory will offer an in-depth, semester-long research experience. Offered Spring semester (also as Biology 401). Prerequisite: CHEM/BIOL 302. Safety glasses required. 4

Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM-402).  A study of synthetic strategy and certain theoretical aspects of organic chemistry using specially selected examples. The latter include some of the more complex compounds of the aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic series, including compounds of biological significance. Prerequisites: 224. Three class periods and one laboratory period weekly. Safety glasses required. (Offered every other year) 4

Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM-417).  A study of inorganic chemistry well beyond that encountered in 122. Topics treated include: chemical bonding; theory, structure and reactivity of coordination complexes; acid-base concepts; organometallic chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry. Prerequisites: 224. Three class periods and one laboratory period weekly. Safety glasses required. (Offered every other year) 4

Instrumental Analysis (CHEM-431).  An examination of modern instruments used in absorption spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and chromatography. Emphasis is on instrumental use as well as underlying theory. Selected aspects of electronics are also discussed. Examples and problems are drawn from the current chemical literature. Prerequisite: 231. Three class periods and one laboratory period weekly. Safety glasses required. Offered every other year in spring semester only. 4

Senior Research (CHEM-451).  Laboratory research for qualified seniors working under faculty supervision. Students who wish to qualify for graduation with honors must first enroll in these courses. Prerequisite: Staff approval. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required. 4

Senior Research (CHEM-452).  Laboratory research for qualified seniors working under faculty supervision. Students who wish to qualify for graduation with honors must first enroll in these courses. Prerequisite: Staff approval. Hours arranged. Safety glasses required. 4

Chemistry and Biochemistry Senior Seminar (CHEM-470).  Based on current literature in chemistry and biochemistry, this course encourages a critical reading of the primary literature and the thoughtful expression of its analysis through student-led presentations. Topical focus will vary from year to year. Required of all Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor. This course satisfies the Oral Communication requirement. (Offered spring semester) 2