UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents
UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents
Chemistry (CHEM)
Professor Holmes (Chair); Professors Bares, Stevens; Associate Professors C. James, Krumpe, Van Engelen; Assistant Professor Holt
As a central science, chemistry is an important component of many disciplines. Therefore, it is the goal of the department to actively contribute to raising the level of scientific literacy for all students, provide them with an understanding of the relationship of chemistry to society, and to nurture their appreciation of the character of chemistry as a humanistic activity. The department continues to implement an approach that is built around an experiential, explorative-based curriculum that integrates the lecture with the laboratory and introduces students to research pedagogy early in their education. This involves smaller classes, group work, interactive methods, longer-term laboratories (projects and/or discovery-based laboratories), much greater use of student-centered learning activities, and culminates with a collaborative student-faculty research project. The department provides students with a solid base of chemical knowledge including the structure and reactivity of matter, familiarity with mathematical models describing matter, and experience with characterizing and measuring properties of matter. Students are taught problem-solving and self-directed learning skills and communicating effectively both in writing and speaking.
Because its constituency is so diverse, the department offers both the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts degrees with specific concentrations in each. The B.S. with a Concentration in Chemistry is intended for students wishing to pursue careers in industry as practicing chemists immediately after graduation or for those who will be seeking advanced degrees in chemistry. After students have completed this course of study, the department certifies to the American Chemical Society (ACS) that the students have fulfilled all of the requirements for an ACS-approved program. The B.S. with a Concentration in Biochemistry is intended for students wishing to obtain employment in a biochemically related field, pursue graduate studies, or attend schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine. The B.A. with Concentration in Chemistry or Biochemistry allows students more flexibility in course selections and is appropriate for those interested in chemistry-related fields or careers in health professions. Students pursuing teacher licensure must complete, at a minimum, the B.A. requirements listed under Chemistry with Teacher Licensure. The department also offers a joint program with North Carolina State University in Chemistry and Textile Chemistry. (See the section on Joint Programs.) UNCA's Chemistry Department prepares students for employment in chemistry-related fields, for careers in teaching, or for entry into graduate and/or professional schools.
Major in Chemistry for the Bachelor of Science Degree
Concentration in Chemistry
Students seeking licensure in Secondary Comprehensive Science (as distinct from Chemistry) must complete the requirements listed above, as well as ATMS 103 and ENVR 241. Students pursuing middle school licensure must complete the above requirements and ATMS 103. It is also required that those desiring to teach at the middle school level have a second area of concentration, preferably Mathematics. Further, in some cases it may be advantageous that some or all of the requirements of the B.S. degree be pursued, rather than the B.A. degree. More information and specific requirements for teacher licensure must be obtained from the Department of Education.
Declaring a major in Chemistry requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the department chair. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 102 and Library Research requirements.
Students minoring in Chemistry must complete the following requirements: 24 hours including CHEM 111, 144, 222, 223, 231, 233; and nine additional hours in chemistry (six of which must be at the 300- or 400-level).
103 Chemistry for Changing Times (3)
A chemistry course for the general student specifically designed to satisfy the three-hour
interdisciplinary course of the natural science General Education requirement. The goal of
the course is to create the ability in the student to critically evaluate scientific information based
on available data, to develop analytical and/or quantitative ability, and to demonstrate and
investigate scientific paradigms. The course utilizes current concerns in chemistry including, but
not limited to, pollution, energy and toxicity. Prerequisite: MATH 155 or higher.
On demand.
105 Chemistry in Social Context (5)
An introductory lecture and laboratory course designed specifically for the non-science
major with no prior knowledge of chemistry. The course develops scientific thinking and helps
students understand how chemistry is relevant to a variety of societal and technological
issues. Topics may include global warming, pollution of the environment, legal and illegal drugs,
and facets of industrial chemistry and waste. Fall and Spring.
111 General Chemistry Laboratory (1)
Introduction to general chemistry laboratory. Experiments include proper and safe
laboratory techniques, chemical and physical properties of matter, synthesis of compounds, chemical
kinetics and chemical reactions. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 or 144. Fall and Spring.
132 General Chemistry (3)
Introduction to basic chemical concepts such as atomic theory, periodic properties of
elements, stoichiometry, gas behavior, electronic structure of atoms and molecules, molecular
structure and bonding, solution theory including acid-base chemistry and aspects of
oxidation-reduction, and introduction to chemical equilibrium concepts. Designed as a first course in college
chemistry. Corequisite: MATH 163 or higher. Does not count for the major or the minor in
Chemistry. Fall and Spring.
143 Elements of Chemistry (4)
Introduction to organic and biological chemistry. Emphasis on the relation of these areas
to nursing, nutrition and para-medical professions. Acceptable for credit in the WCU
nursing program but only for elective credit in other programs. Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 111. Spring.
144 Structure and Reactivity (4)
A general chemistry course with topical coverage including, but not necessarily restricted
to, stoichiometry, atomic structure, periodic properties of elements, covalency and molecular
structure concepts, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction concepts, chemical kinetics and
reaction mechanisms, and aspects of chemical thermodynamics. Emphasis on quantitative
problem solving. Prerequisites: Completion of a high school chemistry course and a satisfactory score
on the Chemistry Placement Examination; or CHEM 132; MATH 163 or higher. Fall and Spring.
190 Introduction to Research I (1-2)
Directed laboratory research and independent study designed to introduce specialized
research techniques and methodology that are necessary in the early stages of professional
development and appropriate in the first year of study. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (An IP
grade may be awarded although all work must be completed by the end of the academic year.) Fall
and Spring.
222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)
Introduction to modern organic chemistry laboratory techniques including contemporary
synthesis, isolation, purification and characterization methods. Prerequisites: CHEM 111, 231.
Fall and Spring.
223 Quantitative Chemistry (2)
A laboratory-based course with emphases on classical methods of quantitative analysis
including gravimetric, volumetric, simple electrochemical and introductory spectrometric analyses.
Laboratory experiments are evaluated upon technique, accuracy and precision. Topics covered
also include sampling and sample preparation, acid-base and redox equilibria, thermodynamic
properties of ionic solutions and experimental statistics. Prerequisites: CHEM 111, 144. CHEM
233 is highly recommended. Fall.
231, 232 Organic Chemistry I and II (3, 3)
Introduction to modern organic chemistry which includes contemporary discussions of
structure, properties, synthesis and mechanisms. CHEM 231 prerequisite: CHEM 144. CHEM
232 prerequisite: CHEM 231. Fall and Spring.
233 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3)
A course designed as an introduction to such topics as coordination chemistry, solid state
chemistry and descriptive main group chemistry with emphasis on systematic coverage of the
preparations and reactions of selected compounds of the representative elements. Also includes
discussion of ionic and redox equilibria and aspects of electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM
144. Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 111. Spring.
290 Introduction to Research II (1-2)
Directed laboratory research and independent study designed to introduce specialized
research techniques and methodology that are necessary in the early stages of professional
development and appropriate in the second year of study. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (An IP
grade may be awarded although all work must be completed by the end of the academic year.) Fall
and Spring.
312 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1)
Laboratory experiments in electrochemistry, spectrometry and chromatography with
related sample preparation, error reduction and data analysis methods. Discussion of
contemporary applications in industrial, clinical and environmental analyses. Corequisite: CHEM 332. Spring.
314 Physical Chemistry I Lab (1)
A series of experiments involving physical measurements, which provide an examination
of various statistical procedures used in the reporting of data. Also includes a series of
experiments which demonstrate fundamental principles of physical chemistry and involve modern
instrumentation. Corequisite: CHEM 334. Fall.
315 Physical Chemistry II Lab (1)
An introduction to the use of modern nuclear instrumentation and experimentation.
This includes using cryogenic fluids, handling of radioactive materials, interfacing
instrumentation with computers, designing an experiment and computing analysis. Corequisite: CHEM
335. Spring.
332 Instrumental Analysis (3)
Principles of analytical chemistry with emphases on instrumental methods, including
potentiometry and electrolytic methods, molecular and atomic absorption spectrometry,
fluorescence spectrometry, separation techniques, chromatographic methods and mass spectrometry.
Experimental errors and methods of error reduction are studied along with statistical methods
of evaluating uncertainty. Prerequisite: CHEM 223. Corequisite: CHEM 312. Spring.
333 Inorganic Chemistry (3)
Intermediate level inorganic chemical concepts with an emphasis on the study of
descriptive chemistry of the main group elements, transition elements and organometallic
compounds within a modern framework of bonding and structure, stereochemistry, periodicity,
mechanistic concepts, acid-base theories and redox phenomena. Prerequisites: CHEM 232, 233. Pre-
or corequisite: CHEM 334. Fall.
334 Physical Chemistry I (3)
Topics to be studied include the study of gases using kinetic theory of gases; an introduction
to quantum theory including the models of the rigid rotator, harmonic oscillator and the
hydrogen atom; the three Laws of Thermodynamics and the examination of molecular energies.
Prerequisites: CHEM 223, 232, 233; MATH 192; PHYS 221. Fall.
335 Physical Chemistry II (3)
Topics to be studied include the study of liquids and solids with special emphasis on
structures; empirical and theoretical approaches to chemical kinetics; and free energies and phase
equilibrium. Prerequisite: CHEM 334. Spring.
336 Bi-Organic Chemistry (3)
Designed specifically for science majors interested in
biochemistry and molecular biology. The course begins to
examine the chemistry of living systems by expanding upon
the concepts discussed in organic chemistry in the context of
biological systems. Topics will include non-covalent
interactions and molecular recognition, catalyzed reactions,
cofactors for biological reactions, energy storage in organic
molecules, and the molecular basis for drug-action.
Prerequisite: CHEM 232 with a grade of C or better.
Spring.
390 Introduction to Research III (1-6)
Directed laboratory research and independent study designed to introduce specialized
research techniques and methodology that are necessary in the early stages of professional
development and appropriate in the third year of study. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (An IP
grade may be awarded although all work must be completed by the end of the academic year.) Fall
and Spring.
411 Laboratory Assistantship in Chemistry (1)
Guided teaching experience in a laboratory setting. Under the direct supervision of a
faculty member, the student will assist students in a chemistry laboratory that is appropriate to
the student's experience. Students will present explanatory material to the class and will assist
in the preparation of laboratory material and in the daily operation of the laboratory.
Departmental approval is required. May be repeated for up to four credits. Fall and Spring.
412 Chemical Information Systems (1)
A laboratory introduction to systematic searching of chemical information sources utilizing
both classical library methods and computerized information sources. Includes introduction to
other computer methods for the development and use of information systems and current
awareness. Enhancement of oral and written communication skills is emphasized. Prerequisites:
CHEM 223, 232, 233. Fall.
413 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
Syntheses, characterizations and structural investigations of representative main group,
organometallic and coordination compounds utilizing methods such as high temperature
reactions, inert-atmosphere and vacuum line manipulations, non-aqueous solvent systems,
electrochemistry, spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Prerequisite: CHEM 333. Spring.
414 Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry (1)
The course is designed to expand the laboratory skills of students in specific areas of
advanced chemistry within an integrated framework. Special emphasis will be placed upon
experiment design. Areas of focus will include, but are not limited to, contemporary organic,
organometallic and inorganic synthesis; compound isolation and purification; structure elucidation using
modern spectroscopic techniques; molecular modeling; reaction mechanism studies; and
advanced instrumental analysis techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 334. Fall.
415 Chemistry Seminar (1)
The student will attend a series of scheduled seminars to introduce oral presentation of
chemical information. These seminars will be analyzed for technique and performance. The student
will give one seminar as a demonstration of oral competency. Prerequisites: CHEM 412, 60 hours;
or permission of the instructor. Spring.
416, 417 Chemical Research I, II (1-3, 1-3)
Directed laboratory research and independent study in a specialized area of chemistry
which results in a comprehensive, written research report. CHEM 416 prerequisite: permission
of instructor. CHEM 417 prerequisites: 416 and permission of instructor. (An IP grade may
be awarded.) CHEM 416, Fall; CHEM 417, Spring.
430 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (3)
Course designed to present current developments in a specific area of advanced chemistry.
Topic areas will include analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical
chemistry or polymer chemistry. May be repeated as content varies. Prerequisite: CHEM 334. Fall
and Spring.
436, 437 Biochemistry I, II (4,4)
Lecture and laboratory courses that deal with biochemistry
from a chemistry perspective. The study begins with a
review of properties of aqueous solutions and elements of
thermodynamics and includes the study of the structures and
functions of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; an
introduction to the properties, reaction kinetics and catalytic
mechanisms of enzymes; metabolism; and the expression
and transmission of genetic information. CHEM 436
prerequisite: CHEM 222, 334, 336. CHEM 437
prerequisite: CHEM 436 with a grade of C or better.
CHEM 436, Fall; CHEM 437, Spring.
438 Spectroscopy (3)
A study of instrumental techniques for the identification, characterization and structural
analysis of compounds. Methods covered include mass and nuclear resonance
spectroscopy, electronic absorption and infrared spectrophotometry. Prerequisite: CHEM 334. On demand.
171-4, 271-4, 371-4, 471-4 Special Topics in Chemistry (1-4)
Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special
needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. On demand.
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