UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

Chemistry (CHEM)

Associate Professor Krumpe (Chair); Professors Bares, Holmes, Stevens; Associate Professors C. James, Van Engelen; Assistant Professors Heard, Holt; Visiting Assistant Professor Allen

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.S. with a Concentration in Chemistry of the Environment, which also can be certified ACS-approved, is intended for students wishing either to seek employment or to attend graduate school in the area of environmental chemistry. 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.

Chemistry majors must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Required courses in the major--20 hours, including: CHEM 144, 145, 234, 235, 314, 334, 380, 416, 417.
2. Required courses outside the major--16 hours, including: MATH 191, 192; PHYS 221, 231 (or 222).
3. Other departmental requirements--Completion of one of the degree concentrations outlined below. Chemistry Department Comprehensive Examination and a grade of C or better in CHEM 416 and 417 to demonstrate practical, written, computer and oral competency in chemistry.

Bachelor of Science Degree - Concentration in Chemistry

24-27 hours distributed as follows: CHEM 315, 328, 332, 335, 413, 428, 429, 436; one 300-400 level Chemistry course, excluding CHEM 390 and 411; MATH 365. MATH 291 is also recommended for those planning to go to graduate school in chemistry.

Bachelor of Science Degree - Concentration in Biochemistry

20-22 hours distributed as follows: CHEM 315, 328, 335, 336, 436, 437; one 2-4 hour 300-400 level Chemistry course, excluding CHEM 390 and 411.

Bachelor of Science Degree - Concentration in Chemistry of the Environment

23 hours distributed as follows: CHEM 328, 332, 413, 430 (environmental chemistry topic); ENVR 130; and a minimum of 9 hours to include at least one ENVR course, chosen from CHEM 315, 335, 336, 428, 429, 430 (topic other than environmental chemistry), 436; ENVR 320, 321, 331, 338, 362 and 385. Due to the prerequisites for some of these elective courses, the total number of elective hours may be greater than 9. Students wishing to obtain ACS certification for their degree must choose CHEM 315, 335 and 436 as part of their elective hours.

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Concentration in Chemistry

16 hours distributed as follows: CHEM 328, 332, 413, and 8 hours of 300-400 level Chemistry courses, excluding CHEM 390 and 411.

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Concentration in Biochemistry

18 hours distributed as follows: CHEM 336, 436; BIOL 116, and 7 hours of 300-400 level Biology courses, approved by the chair of Chemistry.

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Concentration in Chemistry with Teacher Licensure

19 hours distributed as follows: CHEM 328, 332, 413, and 8 hours of 300-400 level courses in Chemistry, excluding CHEM 390 and 411; ENVR 130; and those requirements indicated under the Education section of the catalog.

Students who wish to receive teacher licensure in 9-12 Comprehensive Science (as distinct from Chemistry) must complete the requirements for Chemistry with Teacher Licensure, as well as ATMS 103, BIOL 105 and ENVR 105. Students seeking Middle School Licensure must complete the requirements listed for Chemistry with Teacher Licensure as well as BIOL 105. A second area of concentration is required for Middle School Licensure. See the appropriate advisor in the Education Department for additional information about teacher licensure.

Declaration of Major in Chemistry

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.

Minor in Chemistry

Students minoring in Chemistry must complete the following requirements: 24 hours including CHEM 144, 145, 234, 328; and 12 additional hours in chemistry (8 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 3-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. 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. Does not count for the major or the minor in Chemistry. Corequisite: CHEM 132. 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. Prerequisite: MATH 167 or higher. Does not count for the major or the minor in Chemistry. CHEM 111 is suggested as corequisite. 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. Prerequisites: CHEM 111; 132. See department chair.

144 Introductory Quantitative Chemistry (4)

A general chemistry course with topical coverage including but not necessarily restricted to chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction concepts, chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms, and aspects of chemical thermodynamics. Emphasis on quantitative problem solving. Prerequisite: CHEM 111; 132. A satisfactory score on the Chemistry Placement Examination may substitute for taking CHEM 132. Fall and Spring.

145 Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory (1)

In this laboratory, students will work in small research teams to design, implement, and analyze an interdisciplinary group project. In addition to the group project, students will learn many methods of quantitative analysis including volumetric analysis, pH measurements, spectrometry, and chromatography. Topics covered also include project design, sampling and sample preparation, acid-base and oxidation-reduction equilibria, and experimental statistics. Corequisite: CHEM 144. 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.

234 Structure and Reactivity of Organic Molecules (4)

An introduction to modern organic chemistry that deals primarily with the three-dimensional structures of various organic functional groups and the relationship between structure and reactivity from both a thermodynamic and kinetic point of view. Spectroscopic analysis and identification is also covered in detail to facilitate work in the laboratory. The laboratory experience will expose students to isolation, purification, and characterization techniques that are essential to synthetic success. Prerequisite: CHEM 144. Fall.

235 Introductory Synthetic Organic Chemistry (4)

An introduction to specific organic reactions, organized by common mechanisms, with an emphasis on the design and implementation of multistep syntheses. The laboratory experience will center on the students using the laboratory techniques and skills from CHEM 234 along with lecture concepts to design and implement a synthetic scheme. Prerequisite: CHEM 234. 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.

314, 315 Physical Chemistry I and II Lab (1, 1)

A series of experiments involving physical measurements, which provide an examination of various statistical procedures used in the reporting of data. Individual experiments will demonstrate fundamental principles of physical chemistry. Also included will be group, multiweek projects requiring students to design and conduct experiments and communicate results in written and oral format. Experiments will involve modern instruments, vacuum systems, and use of cryogenic fluids. CHEM 314 corequisite: CHEM 334. CHEM 315 corequisite: CHEM 335. CHEM 314: Fall. CHEM 315: Spring.

328 Elements of Inorganic Chemistry (3)

A course that focuses on the systematic study of the chemical properties of selected main group, transition metal, and inner transition metal elements and compounds. Topics will also include inorganic chemistry of the elements based on modern principles of atomic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding, acid-base behavior, intermolecular forces, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: CHEM 145. Fall.

332 Instrumental Analysis (4)

Principles of analytical chemistry with emphases on instrumental methods and theory including potentiometry and electrolytic methods, molecular and atomic spectrochemical analysis, separation and derivatization methods, mass spectrometry, chromatography and electrophoresis. Methods of error reduction and experimental statistics are also included. In addition to introductory experiments on major instruments, students will complete a semester long independent project as part of a group. Completion of PHYS 231 prior to enrollment is recommended. Prerequisite: CHEM 145. Spring.

334 Physical Chemistry I (3)

A study of chemical phenomena using fundamental physical principles and methods of calculus. Topics include an introduction to quantum theory, molecular symmetry, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 235; MATH 192; PHYS 221. Corequisite: CHEM 314. Fall.

335 Physical Chemistry II (3)

A continuation of the study of chemical phenomena using fundamental physical principles and methods of calculus. Topics include the study of the kinetic theory of gases; thermodynamics of gases, liquids and solids; phase and chemical equilibrium; phase diagrams; diffraction techniques for solids; and statistical thermodynamics. Prerequisites: CHEM 314 and 334; corequisite: CHEM 315. Spring.

336 Bio-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 235. Spring.

380 Chemical Research Methods (1)

An introduction to research projects directed by the chemistry faculty and to fundamental concepts of research in chemistry. Use of both classical chemical literature and computerized information sources will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the presentation of research results using both poster format and oral communication methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 235. Fall.

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.

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 328. 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. See department chair.

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. Prerequisite: CHEM 416. See department chair.

416, 417 Chemical Research I, II (1, 1)

Directed laboratory research and independent study in a specialized area of chemistry which results in a comprehensive, written research report. A student will also give a seminar on his or her research at the end of CHEM 417. CHEM 416 prerequisite: permission of instructor. CHEM 417 prerequisite: permission of instructor. (An IP grade may be awarded.) CHEM 416, Fall; CHEM 417, Spring.

428 Group Theory and Computational Chemistry (2)

An introduction to the role of symmetry in structural chemistry and spectroscopy, and to the use of computational methods in structure determination and chemical properties. Point groups, character tables, uses of reducible representations, and transition probabilities. Molecular mechanics, semi-empirical methods, ab initio and density functional theories for computer-aided molecular structure calculations and drug design. Prerequisites: CHEM 328; 334. Fall

429 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (2)

Inorganic chemical concepts including such topics as stereochemistry, structure and reaction chemistry of coordination compounds and selected compounds of representative elements, ligand field theory and electronic absorption spectra of transition metal complexes, structural and mechanistic aspects of organometallic compounds, introduction to cluster chemistry and aspects of bioinorganic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 335; 428. 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. Completion of CHEM 336 prior to enrollment is recommended. CHEM 436 prerequisite: CHEM 334. CHEM 437 prerequisite: CHEM 436. CHEM 436: Spring. CHEM 437: Fall.

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.

499 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See department chair.

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.

Return to the top of the page