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Chemistry
Chemistry lies at the heart of modern science. Advances in fields such as molecular biology, environmental science, materials science, and medicinal chemistry are built upon an understanding of chemistry. At Sweet Briar students may earn either a B.A. or B.S. degree in chemistry. We also offer a B.S. degree in biochemistry & molecular biology (BIOC) jointly with the Biology Department. Chemistry courses provide a sound background in chemical principles, and open-ended investigative laboratories teach students to become chemists. These labs present opportunities for students to design their own experiments and experience the excitement of discovery. Beginning in introductory courses, students gain experience with sophisticated, research-quality equipment.
As students progress, projects deal with more complex chemical questions and require hands-on problem-solving and extensive data analysis. Chemistry and BIOC students learn to present their results in both written and oral form. Students are challenged to develop excellent problem-solving skills, both in their coursework and in the laboratory, and to become adept at using professional instrumentation and computer software. The culmination of both the chemistry and the BIOC major is the completion of a semester-long independent project. It is strongly recommended that a student considering a major in chemistry or biochemistry/molecular biology complete CHEM 131, CHEM 141, CHEM 252, CHEM 253, MATH 123, and MATH 124 by the end of her first year. Prospective majors should consult with the department before registering for sophomore courses.
The Chemistry Major (B.A.)
The Chemistry Major (B.S.)
The Chemistry Minor
Teacher Licensure
Course Descriptions
The Chemistry Major (B.A.)
(51 semester hours)
Required prerequisites (or exemption by placement):
CHEM 131 (3) General Chemistry
CHEM 141 (1) General Chemistry Laboratory
Required:
CHEM 216 (3) Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 226 (1) Environmental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 231 (3) Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 232 (4) Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 233 (1) Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 234 (1) Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 252 (4) Introduction to Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 253 (1) Introduction to Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 341 (3) Intermediate Laboratory I
MATH 123 (4) Calculus I
MATH 124 (4) Calculus II
MATH 223 (3) Calculus III
Senior Exercise:
CHEM 451 (3) Senior Research
Choose 3 of the following courses: (at least one must be a physical chemistry course)
CHEM 202 (3) The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition
CHEM 321 (3) Biochemistry I
CHEM 322 (3) Biochemistry II
CHEM 331 (3) Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CHEM 332 (3) Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Thermodynamics
CHEM 431 (3) Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 432 (3) Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 450 (3) Advanced Organic Chemistry
Choose 1 of the following physics sequences:
Sequence A
PHYS 171 (4) General Physics I
PHYS 172 (3) General Physics II
Sequence B
PHYS 171 (4) General Physics I
PHYS 122 (3) Algebra-based Electromagnetism and Optics
NOTE: With permission of the department, one course in physics at the 200, 300, or 400 level or one course in molecular biology at the 300 or 400 level may be used in place of one course in chemistry.
The Chemistry Major (B.S.)
(58 semester hours)
Required prerequisites (or exemption by placement):
CHEM 131 (3) General Chemistry
CHEM 141 (1) General Chemistry Laboratory
Required:
CHEM 216 (3) Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 226 (1) Environmental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 231 (3) Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 232 (4) Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 233 (1) Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 234 (1) Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 252 (4) Introduction to Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 253 (1) Introduction to Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 331 (3) Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CHEM 332 (3) Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Thermodynamics
CHEM 341 (3) Intermediate Laboratory I
CHEM 342 (3) Intermediate Laboratory
CHEM 441 (1) Advanced Laboratory
MATH 123 (4) Calculus I
MATH 124 (4) Calculus II
MATH 223 (3) Calculus III
PHYS 171 (4) General Physics I
PHYS 172 (3) General Physics II
Senior Exercise:
CHEM 451 (3) Senior Research
Choose 2 of the following courses:
CHEM 315 (3) Molecular Modeling
CHEM 321 (3) Biochemistry I
CHEM 322 (3) Biochemistry II
CHEM 431 (3) Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 432 (3) Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 450 (3) Advanced Organic Chemistry
Recommended:
MATH 328 (3) Ordinary Differential Equations
PHYS 132 (1) General Physics II Laboratory
The Chemistry Minor
(21-22 semester hours)
Required:
CHEM 131 (3) General Chemistry
CHEM 141 (1) General Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 231 (3) Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 232 (4) Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 233 (1) Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 234 (1) Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 252 (4) Introduction to Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 253 (1) Introduction to Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
Choose either:
CHEM 216 (3) Analytical Chemistry
AND
CHEM 226 (1) Environmental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
OR 1 of the following:
CHEM 321 (3) Biochemistry I
CHEM 322 (3) Biochemistry II
CHEM 331 (3) Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CHEM 332 (3) Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Thermodynamics
Teacher Licensure
(61 semester hours)
Required:
1. A bachelor of arts degree in chemistry including two courses in physics and courses in mathematics as required by the degree.
2. A minimum of 10 credit hours in non-chemistry science courses which must include at least three credit hours in biology and three credit hours in earth science (ENVR 143 or PHYS 113)
Students who seek endorsement in more than one area of science need to complete an additional 18 credit hours in the second field which must include any specific requirements in that field.
CHEM 119
The Development of Modern Science
CR:
3.0 What is science and how did it arise? Why did the scientific revolution occur in the seventeenth century? Who were the key players and what stimulated their technological inventiveness? How does scientific thinking differ from conventional human thought? We will explore possible answers to these questions. Students will be introduced to the individuals and concepts central to the development of modern science. Finally, the class will explore directions which science is taking today. V.1, V.8a
CHEM 120
Chemistry for the Liberal Arts I
CR:
3.0 A topical approach to modern chemistry. Areas of emphasis include environmental chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, drugs, and nutrition. III.Q, V.8a
CHEM 125
Chemistry for the Liberal Arts Laboratory I
CR:
1.0 Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 120. An introduction to experimental chemistry to accompany CHEM 120. The focus of the lab is to reinforce concepts in a hands-on way using labs that apply to everyday life (soaps, foods, breath, water quality, plastics, etc.). The lab is closely tied to the textbook for the class. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course. V.8b
CHEM 131
General Chemistry
CR:
4.0 Prerequisite: Placement or permission; or CHEM 120. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 141. This course is an introduction to chemical principles and it is open to students having appropriate backgrounds in science and mathematics. Areas of emphasis include chemical equations and reactions, stoichiometry, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility equilibria, electronic structure of atoms, periodic relationships, molecular structure and bonding, intermolecular forces, properties of solutions, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Applications of modern chemistry are discussed whenever appropriate and are explored in the associated laboratory course, CHEM 141. III.Q, V.8a
CHEM 141
General Chemistry Laboratory
CR:
1.0 Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 131. An introduction to experimental chemistry. laboratory modules emphasize investigation of the chemistry in everyday life and introduce modern analytical techniques. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course. One three-hour laboratory. V.8b
CHEM 202
The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: CHEM 131 or equivalent with permission. A study of the biochemistry of human nutrition. Topics covered will include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, cholesterol, lipoproteins and fiber. Metabolism will be introduced as a chemical concept as well as an introduction to proteolytic and regulatory enzymes. Popular controversies in nutrition will also be explored, including food additives, vitamin and mineral supplementation and genetic engineering of foods. Offered alternate years. III.W, V.8a
CHEM 216
Analytical Chemistry
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 131 and CHEM 141, or any 200-level chemistry course. Co-requisite: Students are strongly encouraged to take CHEM 226. An introduction to the principles of analytical chemistry stressing proper methods of obtaining and handling data. Topics include statistical error analysis, propagation of error, methods of data reduction, sampling techniques, sample preparation, method validation, sample interferences, and complex equilibria. The course also explores classical analytical techniques and surveys methods using advanced instrumentation.
CHEM 226
Environmental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CR:
1.0 Prerequisite: CHEM 131. Co-requisite: CHEM 216 or ENVR 244. Students will gain practical experience analyzing samples from diverse matrices including sediment, air, soil, and water. Students will also learn how to critically analyze data, conduct an error analysis, and recommend improvements to an experimental procedure. Methods of analysis include gravimetric, titrimetric, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, fluorometry, AAS, and HPlC. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course. One three-hour laboratory.
CHEM 231
Organic Chemistry I
CR:
4.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 131 and CHEM 141. Co-requisite: CHEM 233. A study of the chief classes of carbon compounds, including their syntheses and the mechanisms of their reactions. The methods for determining reaction mechanisms are studied in detail. Four hours lecture. V.8a
CHEM 232
Organic Chemistry II
CR:
4.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 231 and CHEM 233. Co-requisite: CHEM 234. A continuation of CHEM 231. Four hours lecture.
CHEM 233
Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 131 and CHEM 141. Co-requisite: CHEM 231. Experiments are designed to introduce students to the techniques of separation, purification, and synthesis of organic compounds. Techniques for studying reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and the use of literature of chemistry are also covered. A nominal laboratory fee may be required for this course. One three-hour laboratory. V.8b
CHEM 234
Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 231 and CHEM 233. Co-requisite: CHEM 232. A continuation of CHEM 233. A nominal laboratory fee may be required for this course. One three-hour laboratory.
CHEM 252
Introduction to Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry
CR:
4.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 131 and CHEM 141. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MATH 123. Co-requisite: CHEM 253. Topics include a detailed study of chemistry in the gas phase, thermochemistry and chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, an introduction to main-group inorganic chemistry, an introduction to transition metal complexes, metallurgy, industrial chemistry, and an introduction to nuclear chemistry. Four hours lecture. III.Q, V.8a
CHEM 253
Quantitative and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
CR:
1.0 Co-requisite: CHEM 252. Experiments will feature applications of topics discussed in CHEM 252. A nominal laboratory fee may be required for this course. One three-hour laboratory. V.8b
CHEM 261
Directed Study
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: One CHEM course and permission of the instructor. The study of introductory level material by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member.
CHEM 315
Molecular Modeling
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: BIOl 112 and CHEM 231. A study of computational methods on a variety of systems, including organic and inorganic compounds and biomolecules. Thermodynamic predictions of chemical reactions and molecular dynamic simulations of lipids and proteins are used to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical aspects of math, chemistry, and biology. This course uses significant application of current software. Offered alternate years. Four hours lecture/lab.
CHEM 321
Biochemistry I
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 231 and BIOL 112. A study of the relationship between structure and function in biomolecules including proteins and nucleic acids; methods of bioanalysis; prokaryotic DNA replication and the synthesis of proteins and RNA. CHEM 341, Intermediate Laboratory, may be elected simultaneously with this course. Four hours lecture.
CHEM 322
Biochemistry II
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 321; or CHEM 231 and BIOL 205 and permission. A study of enzyme mechanics, kinetics, structures and functions; carbohydrate, amino acid, fatty acid and nucleotide degradation and biosynthesis; and the regulation of the major metabolic pathways. CHEM 342, Intermediate Laboratory, may be elected simultaneously with this course.
CHEM 331
Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 252, MATH 223, and PHYS 171. This course is a study of the principles, generalizations, and theories behind modern chemistry. The course includes an introduction to quantum mechanics and its application to chemistry including molecular structure, computational chemistry, and molecular spectroscopy. It is recommended (but not required) that CHEM 232 be taken before this course and that CHEM 341 or CHEM 342, Intermediate Laboratory, be elected simultaneously with this course.
CHEM 332
Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Thermodynamics
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 252, MATH 223, and PHYS 171. This course is a study of the principles, generalizations, and theories behind modern chemistry. The laws of thermodynamics are discussed in detail and are applied to a variety of problems concerning chemical equilibrium. The tools and theories used to measure and interpret chemical kinetics are also studied. It is recommended (but not required) that CHEM 232 be taken before this course and that CHEM 341 or CHEM 342, Intermediate Laboratory, be elected simultaneously with this course.
CHEM 341
Intermediate Laboratory I
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 331 or CHEM 332. An integrated, project-oriented laboratory. Laboratory work in physical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic, advanced organic chemistry, and instrumental analysis is included. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course. One hour lecture and five hours of laboratory. III.W
CHEM 342
Intermediate Laboratory II
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 331 or CHEM 332. An integrated, project-oriented laboratory. Laboratory work in physical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic, advanced organic chemistry, and instrumental analysis is included. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course. One hour lecture and five hours of laboratory. III.O
CHEM 361
Special Study
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: 100-level CHEM course and permission of the instructor. The study of an intermediate level topic by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course.
CHEM 377
Internship
CR:
1.0 Prerequisites: Three credits in CHEM and permission of instructor, department chair, and dean. This course is graded P/CR/NC only.
CHEM 431
Iinstrumental Analysis
CR:
3.0 Prerequisites: CHEM 216, CHEM 226, and CHEM 332. An intensive survey of instrumentation and techniques for quantitative and qualitative analysis of organic and inorganic samples. Emphasis is placed on the theory and instrumental design for the three main areas of modern instrumental analysis: electroanalytical chemistry, spectrochemical methods, and chromatography. Students will also improve their critical thinking skills, and gain an understanding of the analytical approach to problem solving. Offered alternate years.
CHEM 432
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite: CHEM 332. Areas of emphasis include modern theories of the bonding and structure of inorganic molecules, acid-base chemistry, chemistry in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, coordination chemistry of the transition metal ions, and an introduction to organometallic chemistry and to the inorganic chemistry of biological systems. Offered alternate years.
CHEM 441
Advanced Laboratory
CR:
1.0 Prerequisite: CHEM 341 or CHEM 342. An integrated, project-oriented laboratory. The emphasis will be on completing more extensive laboratory investigations than in CHEM 341 and CHEM 342, and on doing background literature research on the projects. Both oral and written presentation of results are required. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course. One three-hour laboratory.
CHEM 450
Advanced Organic Chemistry
CR:
3.0 Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 331 or CHEM 332. A theoretical study of selected topics of current research in both synthesis and mechanisms of reactions. Offered alternate years.
CHEM 451
Senior Research
CR:
3.0 An independent research project selected and carried out in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Required of senior majors in chemistry. Bachelor of science candidates will conduct a laboratory investigation; Bachelor of Arts candidates may elect a library project. A written report and an oral presentation are required. A nominal lab fee may be required for this course. III.O, III.W
