Chemistry- BA & BS
CHEM – Chemistry course descriptions
Faculty
James Shriver (chair), James Dunne, Ashley Garr, Jay Wackerly
Statement of philosophy- BA
Housed in the Natural Sciences department, a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry prepares students to operate at the interface between the sciences. Referred to as the central science, all physical and natural sciences are touched by chemistry. This major opens the door to such diverse career options as basic research, medicine, pharmacology, public health, teaching, industrial lab work, environmental testing laws and forensic science. Since chemistry is inherently experimental, the department is committed to providing students with ample laboratory experience to develop the tools necessary to become successful experimentalists. The faculty strives to remain abreast of modern chemical techniques while being aware of the benefits and responsibilities of living in a technological society. Our department follows guidelines of the American Chemical Society (ACS), so biochemistry majors receive instruction comparable to that at larger institutions while benefiting from individualized attention that is the hallmark of Central College.
*Students interested in graduate school or an industrial career should consider the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
Statement of philosophy- BS
Housed in the Natural Sciences department, a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry prepares students for an in-depth study of chemistry with significant study of connected areas. Referred to as the central science, all physical and natural sciences are touched by chemistry. With its in-depth focus, this major opens is targeted for students looking towards in array of career choices including basic research, pharmacology, industrial lab work, and forensic science. Since chemistry is inherently experimental, the department is committed to providing students with ample laboratory experience to develop the tools necessary to become successful experimentalists. Using personalized advising, students will design major elective tracks that allow for additional focus in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science (programming).
American Chemical Society certification
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry meets the requirements for ACS-certification which offers excellent preparation for graduate school or a career in industry or government. According to the American Chemical Society, a department that follows and meets the guidelines for certification produces graduates with the background necessary to enter graduate school or employment in which a strong background in chemistry is needed. An ACS approved department will “assure students that they have high quality programs in chemistry. For the student, a certified degree in chemistry is a valuable personal credential that serves as a national-level recognition for successfully completing a rigorous academic chemistry curriculum in an ACS-approved department…The extra rigor and additional requirements of the certified degree are valued by potential employers and graduate schools alike.” (Undergraduate Professional Education in Chemistry Guidelines and Evaluation Procedures, Spring 2003, American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training). In connection with our ACS certification, students in our department have on-line access to all American Chemical Society publications. In connection with our ACS certification, students in our department have on-line access to all American Chemical Society publications.
*Students interested in pre-health careers should consider a Bachelors of Arts degree with a major in chemistry to support additional needed coursework appropriate to their chosen program.
*To facilitate flexibility in relation to additional majors, minors, or study abroad, students may request a substitution for a major requirement through the department chair.
Chemistry Major Requirements BA (minimum 53 credits)
- Complete all of the following: (46 credits)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 241 Analytical Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 321 Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 361 Physical Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 363 Chemical Kinetics with Lab (1)
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
PHYS 111 General Physics I with Lab (5)
PHYS 112 General Physics II with Lab (5)
- Complete two from the following: (7-8 credits)
CHEM 351 Biochemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 372 Environmental Chemistry with Lab (3)
CHEM 431 Advanced Organic Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 442 Instrumental Analysis with Lab (4)
CHEM 461 Physical Chemistry II (3)
Chemistry Major Requirements BS (minimum 75 credits)
Note: For other ACS course options and updates to the requirements for ACS certification, please see the department chair.
- Complete all of the following (61 credits):
BIOL 131 Introduction to Cells with Lab (4)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 241 Analytical Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 321 Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 351 Biochemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 361 Physical Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 363 Chemical Kinetics with Lab (1)
CHEM 442 Instrumental Analysis with Lab (4)
CHEM 461 Physical Chemistry II (3)
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4)
PHYS 111 General Physics I with Lab (5)
PHYS 112 General Physics II with Lab (5)
- Complete one chemistry elective courses from the following (3-4 credits):
CHEM 372 Environmental Chemistry with Lab (3)
CHEM 421 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (3)
CHEM 431 Advanced Organic Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 451 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (3)
- Complete a significant research capstone experience by completing one of the following options:Research Track: Students will complete a multi-semester research experience culminating in the completion of a thesis, judged by completing one of the following. (2 credits)
CHEM 498 Senior Thesis in Chemistry (2)
CHEM 499H Senior Honors Thesis (2)Industrial Track: Students will complete a significant internship/ work experience approved by the department. May be done for internship credit.
- Complete an additional 4 courses (12-16 credits) *
These courses can come from the list below or from courses NOT used in section 2 (courses may NOT count twice).
COSC 110 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
COSC 130 Data Structures (3)
ENGR 211 Statics (3)
ENGR 212 Dynamics (3)
ENGR 311 Thermodynamics (3)
ENGR 312 Fluid Mechanics (3)
MATH 231 Multivariable Calculus (3)
MATH 240 Linear Algebra (4)
MATH 250 Differential Equations (3)
PHYS 225 Modern Physics I (3)
PHYS 322 Optics (3)
PHYS 412 Quantum Mechanics (4)
*A program-approved abroad experience may substitute for one elective in section 4 if taken for 3+ credits with department chair approval.
Chemistry Minor Requirements (19 credits)
- Complete all of the following:
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II with Lab (4)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I with Lab (4)
CHEM 241 Analytical Chemistry with Lab (4)
- Complete an additional two Chemistry courses (3-4 credits) at the 300-level or higher.