2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Office: F. W. Olin Hall, Room 202
Mail Code: 2190 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80208
Phone: 303-871-2435
Email: cheminfo@du.edu
Web Site: https://science.du.edu/chemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a program of study that combines a traditional classroom emphasis with an innovative laboratory experience. In addition to providing excellent training for graduate study in chemistry and biochemistry, the program also is a strong pre-professional degree. A degree in chemistry, biochemistry or environmental chemistry prepares students for a variety of careers in chemical and biochemical research, medicine, life sciences, environmental science, atmospheric sciences, materials science, oceanography and teaching in chemistry or science in general. It also prepares students for employment with chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical products, natural resources and environmental companies.

Because most medical and dental schools require a minimum of two years of chemistry for admission, a major in chemistry or biochemistry provides an excellent background for premed or pre-dental majors. Students who complete the bachelor of science in chemistry curriculum are certified by the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry

Bachelor of Arts Major Requirements

(183 credits required for the degree)

Minimum of 40 credits of chemistry. Requirements include the following:

CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2270Quantitative Chemical Analysis4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
CHEM 2453
CHEM 2463
Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
4
CHEM 3610Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 3210Instrumental Analysis (or CHEM 3820 Biochemistry Lab)4
CHEM at 3000 level or higher 15
Total Credits40

Additional Requirements

Calculus
MATH 1951Calculus I4
MATH 1952Calculus II4
or MATH 1962 Honors Calculus II
MATH 1953Calculus III4
or MATH 1963 Honors Calculus III
Physics
One year, preferably:
PHYS 1211University Physics I5
PHYS 1212University Physics II5
PHYS 1213University Physics III5
Total Credits27

Bachelor of Arts Minor Requirements

20 credits of chemistry. Requirements include:

CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
Total Credits20

Bachelor of Science Major Requirements

(183 credits required for the degree)

Minimum of 47 credits in chemistry. Requirements include the following:

CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2270Quantitative Chemical Analysis4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
CHEM 2453
CHEM 2463
Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
4
CHEM 3210Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 3610Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 3620Physical Chemistry II3
CHEM 3621Physical Chemistry III3
CHEM 3500Chemistry Frontiers3
CHEM at the 3000 level or higher3
Total Credits47

Additional Requirements

Calculus
MATH 1951Calculus I4
MATH 1952Calculus II4
or MATH 1962 Honors Calculus II
MATH 1953Calculus III4
or MATH 1963 Honors Calculus III
Physics
One year, preferably:
PHYS 1211University Physics I5
PHYS 1212University Physics II5
PHYS 1213University Physics III5
Total Credits27

Bachelor of Science Minor Requirements

20 credits of chemistry. Requirements include:

CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
Total Credits20

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Major Requirements

(183 credits required for the degree)

Minimum of 62 credits in chemistry. Requirements include the following:

CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2270Quantitative Chemical Analysis4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
CHEM 2453
CHEM 2463
Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
4
CHEM 3210Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 3610Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 3620Physical Chemistry II3
CHEM 3621Physical Chemistry III3
CHEM 3811Biochemistry-Proteins3
CHEM 3820Biochemistry Lab3
CHEM 3500Chemistry Frontiers3
CHEM 3995Independent Research 16
CHEM at the 3000 level6
Total Credits62

Additional Requirements

Mathematics
MATH 1951Calculus I4
MATH 1952Calculus II4
or MATH 1962 Honors Calculus II
MATH 1953Calculus III4
or MATH 1963 Honors Calculus III
Math or Computer Science Electives8
Physics
One year, preferably:
PHYS 1211University Physics I5
PHYS 1212University Physics II5
PHYS 1213University Physics III5
Total Credits35

Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science Major Requirements

(183 credits required for the degree)

Minimum of 47 credits in chemistry. Requirements include the following:

CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2270Quantitative Chemical Analysis4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
CHEM 2453
CHEM 2463
Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
4
CHEM 3210Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 3610Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 3811Biochemistry-Proteins3
CHEM 3812Biochemistry-Membranes/Metabolism3
CHEM 3813Biochemistry-Nucleic Acids3
CHEM 3820Biochemistry Lab3
Total Credits47

Additional Requirements

Biology 2
BIOL 1010
BIOL 1020
Physiological Systems
and Physiological Systems Lab
5
BIOL 1011
BIOL 1021
Evolution, Heredity and Biodiversity
and Evolution, Heredity and Biodiversity Lab
5
BIOL 2120
BIOL 2121
Cell Structure and Function
and Cell Structure & Function Lab
5
BIOL 2510
BIOL 2511
General Genetics
and General Genetics Lab
5
Upper-division biology or chemistry class3-4
Mathematics
MATH 1951Calculus I4
MATH 1952Calculus II4
or MATH 1962 Honors Calculus II
MATH 1953Calculus III4
or MATH 1963 Honors Calculus III
Physics
One year, preferably:
PHYS 1211University Physics I5
PHYS 1212University Physics II5
PHYS 1213University Physics III5
Total Credits50-51

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Biochemistry Concentration Requirements

(183 credits required for the degree)

Minimum of 62 credits in chemistry. Requirements include the following:

CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2270Quantitative Chemical Analysis4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
CHEM 2453
CHEM 2463
Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
4
CHEM 3210Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 3610Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 3620Physical Chemistry II3
CHEM 3621Physical Chemistry III3
CHEM 3811Biochemistry-Proteins3
CHEM 3812Biochemistry-Membranes/Metabolism3
CHEM 3820Biochemistry Lab3
CHEM 3813Biochemistry-Nucleic Acids3
CHEM 3500Chemistry Frontiers3
CHEM 3995Independent Research 16
Total Credits62

Additional Requirements

Biology
BIOL 1010
BIOL 1020
Physiological Systems
and Physiological Systems Lab
5
BIOL 1011
BIOL 1021
Evolution, Heredity and Biodiversity
and Evolution, Heredity and Biodiversity Lab
5
BIOL 2120
BIOL 2121
Cell Structure and Function
and Cell Structure & Function Lab
5
Biology Elective5
Calculus
MATH 1951Calculus I4
MATH 1952Calculus II4
or MATH 1962 Honors Calculus II
MATH 1953Calculus III4
or MATH 1963 Honors Calculus III
Math or Computer Science Electives8
Physics
One year, preferably:
PHYS 1211University Physics I5
PHYS 1212University Physics II5
PHYS 1213University Physics III5
Total Credits55

Environmental Chemistry

Bachelor of Science Major Requirements

(183 credits required for the degree)

Minimum of 47 credits in chemistry. Requirements include the following:

Required CHEM coursework
CHEM 1010
CHEM 1240
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 1020
CHEM 1250
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 2131
CHEM 2141
Chemistry of the Elements
and Chemistry of the Elements Lab
4
CHEM 2270Quantitative Chemical Analysis4
CHEM 2451
CHEM 2461
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Lab I
4
CHEM 2452
CHEM 2462
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Lab II
4
CHEM 2453
CHEM 2463
Organic Chemistry III
and Organic Chemistry Lab III
4
CHEM 3210Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 3610Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 3500Chemistry Frontiers3
CHEM 3410Atmospheric Chemistry3
CHEM 3411Aquatic Chemistry3
CHEM 3412Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology3
Total Credits47

Additional Requirements1

Calculus
MATH 1951Calculus I4
MATH 1952Calculus II4
or MATH 1962 Honors Calculus II
MATH 1953Calculus III4
or MATH 1963 Honors Calculus III
Physics
One year, preferably:
PHYS 1211University Physics I5
PHYS 1212University Physics II5
PHYS 1213University Physics III5
Total Credits27

Requirements for Distinction in the Major for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degrees

  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA 
  • Minimum 3.5 major GPA 
  • CHEM 3500 (Frontiers) or CHEM 3820 (Biochemistry Lab)
  • Six credits of research
  • Completion of a thesis
  • Presentation of poster at Undergraduate Research Symposium

The recommended order of courses is listed below for each degree.  Please consult your advisor each quarter.

Chemistry

Bachelor of Arts

Chemistry credit: 40; calculus credit: 12; physics credit: 15

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
FSEM 11114WRIT 11224WRIT 11334
CHEM 10103CHEM 10203CHEM 21313
CHEM 12401CHEM 12501CHEM 21411
MATH 195114MATH 1952 or 19624MATH 1953 or 19634
Electives4Electives4Electives4
 16 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 24513CHEM 24523CHEM 24533
CHEM 24611CHEM 24621CHEM 24631
Physics and Lab15Physics and Lab5Physics and Lab5
Electives6Electives6Electives6
 15 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 36103CHEM Elective23CHEM 22704
Electives12Electives12Electives12
 15 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM Elective23CHEM 382033CHEM 321034
Electives12Electives12Electives10
 15 15 14
Total Credits: 183
1

One year of calculus is required. One year of University Physics (recommended) or General Physics is required.  Physics is a prerequisite for Physical Chemistry.  The third quarter of physics may be taken at the same time as Physical Chemistry I.  Students are encouraged to take Physical Chemistry II and III.

2

3000-level CHEM course.

3

Either CHEM 3820 (CHEM 3811 is a prerequisite) in winter or CHEM 3210 in spring of 4th year.

Bachelor of Science

Chemistry credit: 47; calculus credit 12; physics credit: 15

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
FSEM 11114WRIT 11224WRIT 11334
CHEM 10103CHEM 10203CHEM 21313
CHEM 12401CHEM 12501CHEM 21411
MATH 195114MATH 1952 or 19624MATH 1953 or 19634
Electives4Electives4Electives4
 16 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 24513CHEM 24523CHEM 22704
CHEM 24611CHEM 24621CHEM 24533
Electives12Physics and lab15CHEM 24631
 Electives6Physics and lab5
  Electives3
 16 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 36103CHEM 36203CHEM 32104
Physics and lab5Electives12CHEM 36213
Electives6 Electives9
 14 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM Elective23CHEM 35003Electives13
Electives12Electives12 
 15 15 13
Total Credits: 183
1

One year of calculus is required.  One year of University Physics (recommended) or General Physics is required.  Physics is a prerequisite for Physical Chemistry.  The third quarter of physics may be taken at the same time as Physical Chemistry I.

2

 3000-level CHEM course.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Chemistry credit: 62; math and computer science credit: 20; physics credit: 15

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
FSEM 11114WRIT 11224WRIT 11334
CHEM 10103CHEM 10203CHEM 21313
CHEM 12401CHEM 12501CHEM 21411
MATH 195114MATH 1952 or 19624MATH 1953 or 19634
Electives4Electives4Electives4
 16 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 24513CHEM 24523CHEM 22704
CHEM 24611CHEM 24621CHEM 24533
Math or computer science4Physics and lab5CHEM 24631
Electives6Math or computer science4Physics and Lab5
 Electives3Math or Computer Science3
 14 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 36103CHEM 36203CHEM 36213
CHEM 38113CHEM 38203CHEM 32104
Physics and lab5Electives9Electives9
Electives5  
 16 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 39952CHEM 35003CHEM 39952
CHEM Elective23CHEM 39952Electives 
Electives9Electives CHEM Elective3
 Electives10Electives9
 14 15 14
Total Credits: 183
1

20 credits of math and computer science is required, including one year of calculus. One year of University Physics (recommended) or General Physics is required.  Physics is a prerequisite for Physical Chemistry.  The third quarter of physics may be taken at the same time as Physical Chemistry I.

2

Minimum of six credits of CHEM 3995 with written thesis. 

Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science

Chemistry credit: 47-50; biological sciences credit: 20-24; calculus credit: 12; physics credit: 15

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
FSEM 11114WRIT 11224WRIT 11334
CHEM 10103CHEM 10203CHEM 21313
CHEM 12401CHEM 12501CHEM 21411
MATH 195114BIOL 10114BIOL 10104
Electives3BIOL 10211BIOL 10201
 MATH 1952 or 19624MATH 1953 or 19634
 15 17 17
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 24513CHEM 24523CHEM 22704
CHEM 24611CHEM 24621CHEM 24533
BIOL 21204BIOL 2510
BIOL 2511
5CHEM 24631
BIOL 21211Physics and lab5Physics and lab5
Physics and lab15 Electives3
 14 14 16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 38113CHEM 38123CHEM 38133
CHEM 36103CHEM 38203CHEM 32104
Electives9Electives9Chemistry OR Biology elective23-4
  Electives6
 15 15 16-17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
Electives15Electives15Electives12
 15 15 12
Total Credits: 183
1

One year of calculus is required. One year of University Physics (recommended) or General Physics is required.  Physics is a prerequisite for Physical Chemistry.  The third quarter of physics may be taken at the same time as Physical Chemistry I.  Students are encouraged to take Physical Chemistry II and III. Biochemistry majors are encouraged to take research even if this brings their total chemistry credits over 47.

2

Chemistry 3xxx OR Biology 2xxx/3xxx (3-4 credits). Elective may be completed at any time.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Biochemistry Concentration

Chemistry credit: 62; biological sciences credit: 20; math and computer science credit: 20; physics credit: 15

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
FSEM 11114WRIT 11224WRIT 11334
CHEM 10103CHEM 10203CHEM 21313
CHEM 12401CHEM 12501CHEM 21411
MATH 195114BIOL 10211BIOL 10104
Electives3BIOL 10114BIOL 10201
 MATH 1952 or 19624MATH 1953 or 19634
 15 17 17
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 24513CHEM 24523CHEM 22704
CHEM 24611CHEM 24621CHEM 24533
Math or computer science4Physics and lab15CHEM 24631
BIOL 21204Biology elective25Physics and lab5
BIOL 21211 Math or computer science4
Electives3  
 16 14 17
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 36103CHEM 36203CHEM 36213
CHEM 38113CHEM 38203CHEM 38133
Physics and Lab5CHEM 38123CHEM 32104
Electives3Electives6Electives6
 14 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 39952CHEM 35003CHEM 39952
Electives12CHEM 39952Electives12
 Electives9 
 14 14 14
Total Credits: 183
1

20 credits of math or computer science is required, including one year of calculus. One year of University Physics (recommended) or General Physics is required.  Physics is a prerequisite for Physical Chemistry.  The third quarter of physics may be taken at the same time as Physical Chemistry I.

2

 Take a 2000- or 3000-level biology course.

3

Minimum of six credits of CHEM 3995 with written thesis.

 Environmental Chemistry

Bachelor of Science

Chemistry credit: 47; calculus credit: 12; physics credit: 15; one minor must be in biology, environmental science, GIS, or sustainability.

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
FSEM 11114WRIT 11224WRIT 11334
CHEM 10103CHEM 10203CHEM 21313
CHEM 12401CHEM 12501CHEM 21411
MATH 195114MATH 1952 or 19624MATH 1953 or 19634
Electives3Electives3Electives3
 15 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 24513CHEM 24523CHEM 22704
CHEM 24611CHEM 24621CHEM 24533
Physics and lab15Physics and lab5CHEM 24631
Electives7Electives6Physics and lab5
  Electives3
 16 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 36103CHEM 34123CHEM 32104
CHEM 34103Electives12CHEM 34113
Physics and Lab5 Electives8
Electives3  
 14 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
Electives16CHEM 35003Electives16
 Electives12 
 16 15 16
Total Credits: 183
1

One year of calculus is required.  One year of University Physics (recommended) or General Physics is required.  Physics is a prerequisite for Physical Chemistry.  The third quarter of physics may be taken at the same time as Physical Chemistry I.  Students are encouraged to take Physical Chemistry II and III.

CHEM 1001 Science of Contemporary Issues I (4 Credits)

CHEM 1001 is the first class is a three-quarter sequence focused on real-world applications of chemistry. The first quarter focuses on sustainability, pollution, and climate change. To understand these topics, we will explore the behavior of gases, properties of solutions, chemical reactions in the atmosphere, and acid-base chemistry. This course cannot be taken for credit for a chemistry major or minor. A lab fee is associated with this course. The course counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World requirement.

CHEM 1002 Science of Contemporary Issues II (4 Credits)

CHEM 1002 is the second class in a three-quarter sequence focused on real-world applications of chemistry. This course focuses on fossil fuels, renewable resources, nuclear energy, batteries, and fuel cells. To understand these topics, we will examine combustion reactions, radioactive elements, nuclear waste, and electrochemistry. This course cannot be taken for credit for a chemistry major or minor. A lab fee is associated with this course. This course counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World requirement. Prerequisite: CHEM 1001.

CHEM 1003 Science of Contemporary Issues III (4 Credits)

CHEM 1003 is the final class is a three-quarter sequence focused on real-world applications of chemistry. This course focuses on plastics, nutrition, drugs, and genetic engineering. To understand these topics, we will learn about polymerization, macromolecules, and the chemistry behind foods such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This course cannot be taken for credit for a chemistry major or minor. A lab fee is associated with this course. The course counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World requirement. Prerequisite: CHEM 1002.

CHEM 1010 General Chemistry I (3 Credits)

The first course in the introductory chemistry sequence for natural science and engineering majors. Topics covered include atomic and molecular structure, reactions in solution, and thermochemistry. This course counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World requirement. Co-requisite: CHEM 1240.

CHEM 1020 General Chemistry II (3 Credits)

The second course in the introductory chemistry sequence for science and engineering majors. Topics covered include thermodynamics, equilibria including acids and bases, and kinetics. This course counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World requirement. Pre-requisites: CHEM 1010 and CHEM 1240; Co-requisite: CHEM 1250.

CHEM 1240 General Chemistry I Laboratory (1 Credit)

Laboratory to accompany CHEM 1010. Experiments illustrate aspects of atomic structure, chemical bonding and thermochemistry. Lab fee associated with this course. This course counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World requirement. Co-requisite: CHEM 1010.

CHEM 1250 General Chemistry II Laboratory (1 Credit)

Laboratory to accompany CHEM 1020. Experiments illustrate chemical principles applied to equilibrium of acids/bases, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Lab fee associated with this course. This course counts toward the Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World requirement. Pre-requisites: CHEM 1010 and CHEM 1240; Co-requisite: CHEM 1020.

CHEM 2131 Chemistry of the Elements (3 Credits)

Descriptive chemistry of main group and transition elements including redox and coordination chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 1020 and CHEM 1250. Corequisite: CHEM 2141.

CHEM 2141 Chemistry of the Elements Lab (1 Credit)

Laboratory to accompany CHEM 2131. Study of reactions of main group and transition elements including redox and coordination chemistry. Lab fee associated with this course.

CHEM 2240 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry (4 Credits)

An introduction to the chemistry of the environment. Topics cover the chemistry of air, water, and soil with a special focus on the influence that humankind has on the natural environment. Course provides tools to understand environmental science from a chemical perspective. The course is a combined lecture and laboratory. Primarily for environmental science majors. Lab fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: CHEM 1010, CHEM 1020, CHEM 1040, and CHEM 1250.

CHEM 2270 Quantitative Chemical Analysis (4 Credits)

This combined lecture-laboratory course is primarily focused on understanding and applying the principles and techniques associated with making quantitative chemical measurements. Topics covered include statistics, applications of acid-base, complexation, precipitation, and redox titrations in chemical measurements, activity, electroanalytical techniques, and gravimetric analysis. Lab Fee associate with this course. Prerequisites: CHEM 2131 and CHEM 2141.

CHEM 2451 Organic Chemistry I (3 Credits)

Structure and reactions of covalent compounds of carbon. Satisfies organic chemistry requirement in chemistry, biology and related fields. Prerequisites: CHEM 2131 and CHEM 2141.

CHEM 2452 Organic Chemistry II (3 Credits)

Structure and reactions of covalent compounds of carbon. Satisfies organic chemistry requirement in chemistry, biology and related fields. Prerequisite: CHEM 2451 and CHEM 2461.

CHEM 2453 Organic Chemistry III (3 Credits)

Structure and reactions of covalent compounds of carbon. Satisfies organic chemistry requirement in chemistry, biology and related fields. Prerequisite: CHEM 2451, CHEM 2452, CHEM 2461, and CHEM 2462.

CHEM 2461 Organic Chemistry Lab I (1 Credit)

Laboratory course in theory and practice of preparative and analytical organic chemistry, including introduction to IR and NMR spectroscopy. Lab fee associated with this course. Co-requisite: CHEM 2451.

CHEM 2462 Organic Chemistry Lab II (1 Credit)

Laboratory course in theory and practice of preparative and analytical organic chemistry, including introduction to IR and NMR spectroscopy. Lab fee associated with this course. Co-requisite: CHEM 2452.

CHEM 2463 Organic Chemistry Lab III (1 Credit)

Laboratory course in theory and practice of preparative and analytical organic chemistry, including introduction to IR and NMR spectroscopy. Lab fee associated with this course. Co-requisite: CHEM 2453.

CHEM 3110 Chemical Systems I (3 Credits)

Advanced discussion of modern concepts of organic chemistry; bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453 and equivalent of one year of physical chemistry.

CHEM 3120 Chemical Systems II (3 Credits)

Interpretation of trends in the chemistry of the elements in terms of orbital interactions. Most examples will be taken from the third row transition metals and the boron and carbon groups. Prerequisites: CHEM 2131, CHEM 3310 and CHEM 3110.

CHEM 3130 Chemical Systems III (3 Credits)

Advanced-level physical biochemistry course intended for advanced-level undergraduates and graduate students. Focuses on kinetic, thermodynamic and dynamic aspects of biopolymers; delineates the relationship of these properties to the mechanism and function of biological macromolecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 3811, CHEM 3812, CHEM 3813, CHEM 3610 or the equivalent.

CHEM 3210 Instrumental Analysis (4 Credits)

Course focus is toward students' understanding of instrumental components and the theory behind both component's and instrument's operation. Emphasis is on techniques such as spectroscopy and chromatography. Students will experience extensive hands-on use of a number of instruments. Course provides a strong background for Chemistry Frontiers (CHEM 3500) and emphasizes techniques and skills sought by chemical and biotechnology industries. Lab fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: CHEM 2011 or CHEM 2270.

CHEM 3220 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3 Credits)

Principles of chemical instrumentation applied to analytical measurements; principles, instrumentation and applications of spectrometric and chromatographic measurements. Prerequisites: CHEM 3210 and CHEM 3621, or the equivalent.

CHEM 3310 Structure and Energetics I (3 Credits)

Fundamentals of quantum chemistry, and introduction to symmetry and molecular structure of small and large systems. Prerequisite: one year of physical chemistry.

CHEM 3320 Structure and Energetics II (3 Credits)

Computational methods in chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 3310, one year of physical chemistry.

CHEM 3410 Atmospheric Chemistry (3 Credits)

The concepts of equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetics, and photochemistry will be applied to understanding atmospheric processes. Covers urban air pollution in detail with focus on primary pollutants. Also covers stratospheric chemistry with focus on ozone chemistry and the chemistry of climate change. Prerequisites: (CHEM 2270 and CHEM 2453) OR CHEM 2240.

CHEM 3411 Aquatic Chemistry (3 Credits)

The circulation of the oceans and their chemical make-up. 'Classical water pollution problems' like biological oxygen demand and turbidity are discussed. Also presented: aquifer structure and flow, ground water chemistry, pollutant partitioning between stationary and mobile phases, heterogeneous surface chemistry, and the detection of trace contaminants. Prerequisites: (CHEM 2270 and CHEM 2453) or CHEM 2240.

CHEM 3412 Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology (3 Credits)

A survey of environmental toxicology concepts: animal testing, dose-response data, epidemiology, risk assessment. The course includes ecotoxicology, focusing on the alteration of biological and chemical systems beyond the simple response of an individual to an environmental chemical. Prerequisites: (CHEM 2270 or CHEM 2011) and CHEM 2453.

CHEM 3500 Chemistry Frontiers (3 Credits)

Advanced-level laboratory course required for all undergraduates majoring in chemistry or environmental chemistry. Emphasis on the development of oral, written, computer and presentation skills necessary for success as a scientist. Skills will be honed through state-of-the-art laboratory experiences from diverse areas of chemistry. Lab fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: CHEM 3210 and CHEM 3610.

CHEM 3610 Physical Chemistry I (3 Credits)

Fundamentals of thermodynamics, including phase and reaction equilibria, properties of solutions, and electrochemistry needed for advanced study in life sciences and for Physical Chemistry II and III. May be taken for graduate credit by nonchemistry majors. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453, calculus and physics.

CHEM 3620 Physical Chemistry II (3 Credits)

Fundamentals of quantum chemistry, including theories of atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy. May be taken for graduate credit by nonchemistry majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 3610.

CHEM 3621 Physical Chemistry III (3 Credits)

Fundamentals of kinetic theory and statistical mechanics. May be taken for graduate credit by nonchemistry majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 3620.

CHEM 3703 Topics in Organic Chemistry (3 Credits)

May include organic photochemistry, organic synthesis, organic electrochemistry or natural products. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: CHEM 3110 or equivalent and others depending on topic.

CHEM 3705 Topics in Biochemistry (3,4 Credits)

May include physical techniques for exploring biological structure, biological catalysis, and selected fields within biochemistry taught from original literature. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: CHEM 3831 and 3813.

CHEM 3811 Biochemistry-Proteins (3 Credits)

Protein structure and function, starting with the building blocks and forces that drive the formation of protein structure and the basic concepts of protein structure, and continuing with enzyme catalysis, kinetics, and regulation. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453 or instructor permission.

CHEM 3812 Biochemistry-Membranes/Metabolism (3 Credits)

Membranes and membrane mediated cellular processes, energy and signal transduction, and metabolic/biosynthetic pathways. Prerequisite: CHEM 3811 or CHEM 3831.

CHEM 3813 Biochemistry-Nucleic Acids (3 Credits)

Molecular processes underlying heredity, gene expression and gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453 and CHEM 3811.

CHEM 3820 Biochemistry Lab (3 Credits)

Purification and properties of biological molecules and structures. Lab fee associated with this course. Prerequisites: CHEM 3811 AND (CHEM 2011 OR CHEM 2270).

CHEM 3831 Advanced Protein Biochemistry (3 Credits)

This course provides fundamental insights into the chemistry and physics of proteins. It investigates how amino acids form proteins with highly complex three-dimensional structures and how these structures mediate function. We examine key research articles and their contribution to our current understanding of proteins. Topics range from protein folding to enzyme kinetics and emphasize basic principles. Prerequisites: CHEM 2453 and instructor permission.

CHEM 3980 Internship-Undergraduate (0 Credits)

Practical work experience.

CHEM 3991 Independent Study (1-10 Credits)

May be repeated for credit.

CHEM 3995 Independent Research (1-10 Credits)

Research project conducted under guidance of a faculty member. Credit hours and projects arranged on an individual basis. May be repeated for credit.

Faculty

Allegra T. Aron, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Emily Faye Barter, Teaching Associate Professor, PhD, Indiana University Bloomington

Erich Galen Chapman, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Oregon

Bryan L. Cowen, Teaching Associate Professor, PhD, Yale University

Gareth Eaton, Professor, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sandra Eaton, Professor, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Scott Horowitz, Associate Professor, PhD, University of Michigan

Alex Huffman, Associate Professor , PhD, University of Colorado - Boulder

Ogar Ofuka Ichire, Teaching Associate Professor, PhD, University of Montana

Michelle Knowles, Associate Professor, PhD, University of Oregon

Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor, PhD, Clemson University

Brian Jacob Majestic, Associate Professor and Department Chair, PhD, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Keith E. Miller, Associate Professor and Associate Provost, PhD, University of Washington

Martin Margittai, Professor, PhD, Freie Universität Berlin

Brian William Michel, Associate Professor, PhD, University of Utah

Debbie Gale Mitchell, Teaching Associate Professor, PhD, University of Denver

Balasingam Murugaverl, Teaching Associate Professor, PhD, University of Denver

Todd A. Wells, Teaching Associate Professor, PhD, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Brady Thomas Worrell, Assistant Professor, PhD, The Scripps Research Institute

Lawrence J. Berliner, Professor, Emeritus, PhD, Stanford University

Dwight Smith, Professor, Emeritus, PhD, Pennslvania State University

Sheldon York, Associate Professor, Emeritus, PhD, Stanford University

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