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Chemistry: Course Listing 

Chair: Professor Edwin Lane
Associate Professor Lori Wetmore
Assistant Professor Jason Morrill
Visiting Assistant Professor Jeremy Rush

The James Andrew Yates Department of Chemistry

Goals for Student Learning

Graduates of William Jewell College with a major in chemistry:

• Are literate about chemistry.
• Communicate with the scientific community.
• Develop expertise in the methodologies of the laboratory.
• Rediscover and develop innate intellectual curiosity.
• Think critically as scientists.
•  Participate in the community of research and discovery.
• Function in a community of learners.
• Develop a basic understanding of chemical principles, facts, and concepts.
• Are exposed to ethical decision making.

The department offers three majors and one minor.

Students with a serious interest in the sciences, the health professions, or engineering will normally start the study of chemistry with either CHE 121 or CHE 122. Many students’ initial enrollment is in CHE 121, a spring-semester course, which assumes a minimal knowledge of chemistry. However, those with a strong background in chemistry and mathematics are encouraged to consider beginning with CHE 122 in the fall semester. Students planning to major in chemistry or related fields are encouraged especially to consider beginning with CHE 122, since it makes the entry into higher-level courses much more efficient.

The Major

Chemistry

The chemistry major leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. A grade of C- or higher is required in each course in the major. Students working toward a major in chemistry who transfer credit from other institutions must satisfactorily complete in residence a minimum of 12 hours of the required courses in chemistry numbered over 200. Courses in chemistry that are more than ten years old will not normally be counted toward the major. Any student majoring in chemistry must complete all requirements for the BA degree.

A prospective chemistry major may apply for admission to the major after completing four required courses: CHE 122, CHE 206, one course in calculus numbered 200 or above, and one course in physics. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the major courses is required. Students must be admitted to the major before beginning the research sequence (CHE 310) or taking 400-level coursework.

Students majoring in chemistry may receive certification to teach chemistry in grades 9-12 in the State of Missouri by majoring in both chemistry and secondary education. A certification program in chemistry has been approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Procedures to be followed in obtaining teacher certification are included in the Student Handbook for Teacher Certification. Specific course requirements for all certification programs may be obtained from the Education Department.

Science and Technology Management with Emphasis in Chemistry

The major in Science and Technology Management with an emphasis in chemistry leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. A grade of C- or higher is required in each course in the major. Any student in this major must complete all requirements for the BA degree.

The major prepares graduates for employment in sales and marketing in high-technology industries. Graduates of this program have the knowledge and experience needed to understand the manufacture and operation of high-technology products. In addition, they have skills in marketing and organizational behavior that are necessary to operate successfully in the world of business. This proficiency in science and business, when combined with abilities in communication and leadership that are developed through a liberal-arts education, provide the background needed to progress to management-level positions. 
 

The Minors

The Department of Chemistry offers a minor in chemistry for those students who are interested in a foundation in chemistry but who are pursuing majors in other disciplines. Students working toward a minor in chemistry must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 9 hours in residence. Students who major in chemistry, biochemistry, bioethics, or Oxbridge molecular biology are not eligible for a minor in chemistry. Courses in chemistry that are more than ten years old will not normally be counted toward the minor. A grade of C- or higher is required in each course in the minor.

Course Descriptions

CHE 113 Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5 cr. hrs.)
An introduction for the non-science major to the basic principles of chemistry will be accomplished in this course. Topics from general chemistry include scientific measurement, chemical nomenclature, atomic structure, chemical energy, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, solutions, acids and bases, and buffers. Special attention will be given to structures and reactions of organic compounds. Biochemistry will be introduced through the study of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and metabolism. The course includes one laboratory period per week and was designed for students who have little or no background in chemistry. CHE 113 is especially appropriate for students interested in allied-health fields. This course is not intended to serve as a prerequisite for CHE 121 or other courses in chemistry. Fall semester.

CHE 121 General Chemistry I (4 cr. hrs.)
Principles, concepts, and methods that are basic to the study of chemistry are introduced in this course. Typical topics include inorganic nomenclature; atomic structure; stoichiometry; gases, liquids, and solids; chemical energy; and solutions. The course includes one laboratory period per week. Because many of the same topics are addressed in CHE 113 and CHE 121, students may not receive credit toward graduation for both courses. Spring semester.

CHE 122 General Chemistry II (4 cr. hrs.)
This is a continuation of the introduction to chemistry that was begun in CHE 121. Typical topics include kinetics; equilibrium; acids, bases, and buffers; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; organic chemistry; and biochemistry. The course includes one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHE 121 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester.

CHE 205 Discoveries in Chemistry (1 cr. hr.)
In this course, students will be introduced to the use of the chemical literature and techniques of technical writing. The course is designed to expose students to the various resources used by chemists to research a chemical topic. Students will complete several literature searching assignments using a variety of print and online resources and will visit Linda Hall Library. The course culminates in a final research report presented in a technical-report format about a family of chemical compounds. Prerequisite: CHE 122. Co-requisite: CHE 206. Spring semester.

CHE 206 Analytical Chemistry (4 cr. hrs.)
This course is a survey of the field of analytical chemistry. Topics covered include methods of classical quantitative analysis, instrumental methods of quantitative analysis, sample collection and treatment, statistical analysis of data, and the applications of analytical methods to real-world problems. One laboratory period per week is scheduled. Laboratory exercises emphasize both development of technique and comparison of analytical methods. Prerequisite: CHE 122. Spring semester.

CHE 301 Organic Chemistry I (4 cr. hrs.)
This course in organic chemistry begins with atomic structure and builds through functional group chemistry. The interactions between structure, reactivity, and synthesis strategy are stressed. Typical topics include atomic and molecular structure; stereochemistry; reaction mechanisms; organic spectroscopy; and the chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. The course includes one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHE 122. CHE 206 is also recommended. Fall semester.

CHE 302 Organic Chemistry II (4 cr. hrs.)
The studies begun in CHE 301 continue in this course. Typical topics covered are the synthesis and reactions of aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, polymers, carbonyl compounds, and amines. An emphasis is placed on the functional groups involved in the chemistry of biological molecules. The course includes one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHE 301. Spring semester.

CHE 401 Physical Chemistry I (4 cr. hrs.)
Physical chemistry involves the study of the structures, physical properties, and interactions of individual molecules and collections of molecules. This first course includes introductions to thermodynamics and quantum mechanics as well as spectroscopy, electrolyte chemistry, and kinetics. The one lab period per week will not only involve traditional experiments, but it will also include literature assignments and activities in data analysis. Prerequisites: CHE 206, MAT 200, and admission to the major. Physics is strongly recommended. Fall semester.

CHE 402 Physical Chemistry II (4 cr. hrs.)
This is a continuation of the types of studies begun in CHE 401. A thorough examination of thermodynamics is emphasized, involving both classical (experimental) and statistical (theoretical) approaches. Additional work on quantum mechanics is also included. The one lab period per week will not only involve traditional experiments, but it will also include literature assignments and activities in data analysis. Prerequisites: CHE 401 and admission to the major. Offered as faculty availability and student demand allow.

CHE 404 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr. hrs.)
This course is a study of the chemical elements with emphasis on structure, bonding, periodic trends, and concepts relating to mechanisms of inorganic reactions. These tools are used to interpret and systematize the concepts of inorganic chemistry. The course includes one laboratory period per week. The laboratory component will complement the lecture through the preparation, analysis, and study of various inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: CHE 206, 301, and admission to the major. Spring semester of even-numbered years.

CHE 405 Senior Seminar A & B (1 cr. hr.)
Senior students enter this course with a good foundational understanding of chemistry. This course builds on that foundation, providing a context for the student to engage questions that will be confronted as the senior either enters post-baccalaureate study or employment in chemical industry. This course focuses on preparing the graduating student to be able to discuss ethical issues and to interpret new information in the chemistry field. The first half of this course (Part A, 0.5 credit hours, fall semester) will involve a discussion of ethical issues confronted in the chemical profession, with an overview of parameters involved in ethical decision-making. The second half of this course (Part B, 0.5 credit hours, spring semester) strengthens the student’s ability to read, to interpret and to discuss primary journal articles. Students will be encouraged to discuss primary articles involving the latest developments reported in chemical literature. Prerequisites: Admission to the major and senior standing in the chemistry major or permission of the instructor.

CHE 406 Instrumental Analysis (4 cr. hrs.)
The course develops a basic understanding of the theory of instrumental analysis as well as demonstrates, via hands-on experience, the importance of instrumental methods to the modern chemist. A primary concern in the course is development and application of the fundamental principles of an instrumental method and its general theory. Students will not only learn the analytical application of instruments but will also use the instruments to collect significant chemical data. This latter feature of the course ensures that students acquire a sound knowledge of the chemical principles involved in the measurement and aids in selecting the most appropriate conditions for an analysis. Topics covered include computer interfacing and data analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, and electro-chemistry. There is a strong laboratory component to this course. Prerequisites: CHE 206 and admission to the major. Physics is strongly recommended. Spring semester of odd-numbered years.

CHE 411 Chemical Thermodynamics (2 cr. hrs.)
This course continues the study of thermodynamics that was begun in CHE 401. Systems of single substances and of mixtures will be considered. Both classical (experimental) and statistical (theoretical) approaches to the subject will be employed. This course duplicates two-credit-hours’ worth of material from CHE 402. Prerequisites: CHE 401 and admission to the major. Offered spring semester as faculty availability and student demand allow.

CHE 450 Biochemistry (4 cr. hrs.)
A detailed course in biochemistry that includes a study of the occurrence, structure, function, and metabolism of biologically important molecules. There is an emphasis on molecular species such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The course includes work in the laboratory. The course may be credited toward a biology, biochemistry, or chemistry major, as the student elects, but it cannot count towards more than one major. Prerequisites: BIO 233, CHE 301, CHE 302 (or concurrent enrollment), and admission to the major (Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology). Spring semester of even-numbered years. Also listed as BIO 450.

CHE 210, 215 Introduction to Chemical Research (0.5-1 cr. hrs. each)
These are courses that allow a serious student in chemistry or biochemistry to undertake an individual project in literature and/or laboratory research. Prior to enrollment, the student must select a topic and secure approval of the faculty member who will supervise the work on the project. These independent study courses should be employed as a supplement to and not a replacement for regular courses in chemistry or biochemistry. They may not be used as a vehicle for repeating work from another course in chemistry. CHE 210 is a prerequisite for CHE 215. A student moving from CHE 210 to CHE 215 will find an increased expectation for independence and for originality in the work.

CHE 310, 315, 410, 415 Chemical Research (1 cr. hr. each)
A four-credit-hour laboratory or library research project is required for the biochemistry major and is strongly encouraged for the chemistry major. CHE 310, the first course in this research sequence, is normally taken in the first semester of the junior year. CHE 315 and 410 involve continued laboratory and/or library research that was begun in CHE 310. CHE 415 is normally taken the second semester of the senior year . This sequence of courses will culminate in a presentation, both oral and written, of the results of the research project. Prior to enrollment in these courses, the student must select a topic and secure approval of the faculty member who will supervise the work on the project. Prerequisite: Admission to the major. CHE 310 is a prerequisite for CHE 315; CHE 315 is a prerequisite for CHE 410; and CHE 410 is a prerequisite for CHE 415.