Chemistry
Academic Programs
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Chemistry BA -
Chemistry BS -
Chemistry Double Major -
Chemistry Minor
Chemistry attempts to identify and rationalize the transformations and structure of matter, the ways matter and light interact, and the physical and chemical properties of all substances. Essentially, chemists seek to relate macroscopic observable properties to the nature of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.
Chemistry is a broad field and knowledge of chemistry is essential to the student in other sciences, medicine, or engineering as well as to the person who wishes to be liberally educated. With many scientific issues facing today’s society, knowledge of chemistry and science are crucial.
The Division offers a core B.A. degree, an American Chemical Society (ACS) approved degree, and an interdisciplinary B.S. in Chemistry with at least ten upper-level credits in other disciplines of science, engineering, or math at the 200 level or higher. The core B.A. provides a unique experience that links fundamental knowledge in the classroom with hands-on exploration in the laboratory. We stress the importance of undergraduate research experiences for our students, whether on or off campus.
Students with a chemistry degree from Alfred University graduate with a firm background for entry into the job market as a chemist, for graduate degrees in the discipline, for advanced study in a related discipline or success in professional schools of pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, or library science. The ACS approved degree requires the core B.A. degree in Chemistry plus a total six additional semester credit hours, 4 of which must include Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism.
All courses taken as part of the Chemistry major must be passed with a grade of C or better.
A minor in chemistry is also offered and integrates well with several majors on campus. The minor not only provides breadth of knowledge, but also permits the student to tailor their studies to complement a major in other fields. For example, a biology major might emphasize organic chemistry whereas a person in ceramic engineering might focus on physical, inorganic, or analytical chemistry.
Upon completion of this program a student is able to:
- Exhibit a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
- Solve problems efficiently and effectively,
- Communicate effectively with professional and lay audiences,
- Exhibit a passion for their chosen vocation,
- Demonstrate a fundamentally sound knowledge of chemistry,
- Exhibit superior preparation for obtaining a terminal degree in their field,
- Understand the place of chemistry within natural science, and
- Comprehend the relationship between natural science, the environment, and the rest of human culture.
Courses
CHEM 105: General Chemistry I
Credits 3A systematic study of the fundamental principles; theories and calculations involved in chemistry; focusing on basic concepts of bonding & bonding theories; the Periodic Table; states of matter; stoichiometry; gases and the Ideal Gas Law; thermodynamics; and types of reactions.
CHEM 105L: General Chemistry I Laboratory
Credits 1A survey of basic chemical laboratory techniques. Techniques include gravimetric analysis; colorimetric analysis; and titration. Laboratory work includes experiments dealing with stoichiometry; qualitative analysis; and quantitative analysis.
CHEM 105LL: General Chemistry I Laboratory Lecture
Credits 0A discussion of the weekly lab for General Chemistry I. Lab quizzes and exams will be administered during this section.
CHEM 106: General Chemistry II
Credits 3A continuation of the systematic study of the fundamental principles and calculations involved in chemistry: focusing on kinetics; equilibria; acid-base chemistry; redox reactions and electrochemistry; thermodynamics; and a brief introduction to organic and nuclear chemistry.
CHEM 106L: General Chemistry II Laboratory
Credits 1A survey of basic chemical laboratory experiments pertaining to qualitative analysis; kinetics; electrochemistry; and synthesis. Techniques include gravimetric analysis; colorimetric analysis; the use of calibration curves; and titration. Includes a laboratory practical exam that evaluates students' ability to perform the covered laboratory techniques and the identification of unknown ions in aqueous solution.
CHEM 106LL: General Chemistry II Lab Lecture
Credits 0A discussion of the weekly lab for General Chemistry II. Lab quizzes and exams will be administered during this section.
CHEM 300: Special Topics in Chemistry
Credits 1 4This course explores special topics in chemistry appropriate for sophomore; junior; and senior level students majoring in chemistry or related fields. Contact the course instructor for additional information about any CHEM 300 course offering.
CHEM 310: Basic Organic Chemistry
Credits 3A descriptive study of the structure and reactions of common aliphatic and aromatic compounds of carbon. For students interested in ceramics; materials science; environmental science; or ecology; but not suitable for chemistry majors or those interested in biochemistry; molecular biology; or the health professions.
CHEM 315: Organic Chemistry I
Credits 3An introduction to organic compounds. Topics include structure identification using modern spectroscopic methods; bonding and reactions such as nucleophilic substitutions; eliminations and additions to alkenes.
CHEM 315L: Laboratory-Organic Chem I
Credits 1Students practice techniques essential for organic synthesis; characterization; and purification including: melting point acquisition; recrystallization; liquid-liquid extraction; analysis by thin layer chromatography; and distillation. Students learn how to troubleshoot reactions; perform several syntheses; and gain experience interpreting spectral data.
CHEM 316: Organic Chemistry II
Credits 3An in-depth exploration of the chemistry of carbon-based compounds. Topics include enolates; reductions; oxidations; additions to the carbonyl; the Diels-Alder reaction; radicals Aromatic reactions; aromaticity; carbohydrates and amino acid chemistry.
CHEM 316L: Laboratory-Organic Chem II
Credits 1Students collaboratively conceive; design; and carry out research experiments based upon their interests as they relate to organic chemistry and/or laboratory techniques learned in the first semester lab course. By the end of the semester; students will collaborate on a research proposal; the associated lab work; and both a written and oral report of the project.
CHEM 316LL: Organic Chem II Lab Lecture
Credits 0A discussion of student projects; the scientific method; and advanced topics germane to the practice of organic chemistry and science. Lab quizzes and exams and other assessments will be administered during this section.
CHEM 321: Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
Credits 4A study of classical analytical techniques involving equilibria of aqueous systems as well as simple modern analytical techniques involving the methods and instrumentation of spectrophotometry and separation science will be presented. Laboratory exercises will include inorganic synthesis; traditional wet methods of analysis; and instrumental methods of analysis. Two lectures and two three-hour laboratories per week.
CHEM 321L: Laboratory-Intro Analyt Chem
Credits 0CHEM 340: PCHEM: Quantum & Spectroscopy
Credits 3Fundamentals of quantum mechanics applied to chemical systems; atomic and molecular structure; computational chemistry; and spectroscopy.
CHEM 341: Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Credits 1Explores concepts in thermodynamics; kinetics; and quantum mechanics through six team-based experiments in a simulated research environment.
CHEM 342: PCHEM: Thermo & kinetics
Credits 4Foundations and applications of classical and statistical thermodynamics; chemical kinetics; and molecular dynamics.
CHEM 343: Physical Chemistry I
Credits 4The first semester of our physical chemistry sequence covers thermodynamics from a combined classical/statistical perspective and chemical kinetics.
CHEM 345: Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Credits 1CHEM 346: Physical Chemistry II
Credits 3The second semester of our physical chemistry sequence covers quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.
CHEM 370: Chemistry Projects
Credits 1 2Laboratory work or literature review involving a chemical topic of interest to the student and not covered in any of the regular course work. A final written report is required. CHEM 370 cannot be substituted for any of the required courses in the chemistry major and cannot be used to fulfill the additional credits needed for an ACS certified degree. A chemistry minor may count up to three credits of CHEM 370 toward the minor. Laboratory work that can be considered original research in chemistry should be performed as an Independent Study or an ARGUS project (CHEM 450). *Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; a study plan approved by the Division Chair; and CHEM 106.
CHEM 372: Inorganic Chemistry
Credits 3Principles of inorganic chemistry with emphasis on periodicity; symmetry and group theory; molecular orbital theory; bonding; acid/base chemistry; coordination chemistry and ligand field theory; organometallic reactions and mechanisms; catalysis; solid state chemistry; and bioinorganic chemistry.Generally offered (Spring).
CHEM 374: Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
Credits 1Experiments will be performed to demonstrate the synthetic techniques used in modern inorganic chemistry to synthesize coordination compounds; polymers; and liquid crystals. Inert atmosphere techniques such as using the Schlenk Line; the glove bag; and the glove box will be covered.
CHEM 400: Advanced Chemistry Topics
Credits 1 4Special topics not covered by regular course work. All special topics courses must have the written approval of the Division Chair and should in general meet the criteria of the American Chemical Society's requirements for an advanced course.
CHEM 420: Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism
Credits 4Properties; biosynthetic pathways; and metabolism of carbohydrates; lipids; and nitrogenous compounds with related units on physical biochemistry; protein structure; bioenergetics and enzyme kinetics. Laboratories reinforce theoretical concepts and provide hands-on experience with modern biochemistry techniques and instrumentation. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory.
CHEM 423: Instrumental Analysis
Credits 3The theory and practice of modern instrumentation techniques and methods used in chemistry are presented. An in-depth look at spectroscopic; separation; and electrochemical methods and their associated instrumentation follow an introduction to instrumentation; interpretation of results is also covered. Required for chemistry majors.
CHEM 450: Independent Study
Credits 1 4Original chemical research under faculty guidance. The work must have the potential to be published. An Approved Plan of Study and a written final report are required. Oral reports may also be required.
CHEM 461: Advanced Chemistry Laboratory I
Credits 2A laboratory course primarily focused on mastering instrumental techniques such as NMR; FTIR; and GCMS to characterize organic compounds through discovery labs and solving independent unknowns.
CHEM 465: Advanced Lab I
Credits 1A laboratory course primarily focused on mastering characterization techniques using instrumentation within the department to solve independent unknowns as well as an introduction to computational chemistry.
CHEM 466: Advanced Lab II
Credits 1A continued exploration into advanced chemical instrumentation available on campus and/or nearby. Students will have the opportunity to practice peer mentorship in a research setting in concert with an upper-level chemistry lab course or perform an independent research project.
CHEM 485: Internship in Chemistry
Credits 1 6Off-campus research in consultation with faculty and an off campus project advisor. An approved plan of study and a written final report are required. Oral reports may also be required. The work must represent original research in chemistry and have the potential to be published. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; a study plan approved by the Division Chair and in general; CHEM 343 although this can be waived by the Division Chair.
CHEM 490: Chemistry Seminar
Credits 1Taken in the final semester of a student's AU studies. Students; working with Division Faculty; prepare and orally defend a portfolio demonstrating their professional preparedness. Representative examples this growth are: research; attending research lectures/meetings; preparing a C.V. and presenting lectures/posters.