Fort Lewis College Chemistry Courses
Chem 123T Chemistry for Consumers (3-0) 3
Topics of interest to the consumer, with focus on making personal choices
of everyday chemicals. Topics include food additives and nutrition,
cosmetics, drugs,
pesticides, fertilizers, soaps, detergents, fabrics, and plastics. The course
presents basic principles leading to a practical understanding. This is a "humane" chemistry
course for people afraid of science and mathematics. Credit will not be given
for both Chemistry 123T and 323. Fall and winter terms.
Chem 125N Environmental Chemistry (4-0) 4
Chemical terminology and models will be developed and applied to understanding
of the impacts of Homo sapiens on the natural world. Topics include natural ecosystems,
anthropogenic influences on those ecosystems and how an understanding of fundamental
chemical principles applies to our understanding of environmental issues. Students
will work with modern chemical instrumentation on student-designed field projects
throughout the semester to explore local environmental issues. This is a chemistry
course for people concerned about environmental issues but who are not science
majors.
Chem 150 Fundamentals of Chemistry I: Atoms and Molecules (3-3) 4
A study of the fundamental principles guiding current thought on atoms and
how they aggregate into molecules and related forms. This includes the
traditional
uses of mass and energy to build a symbolic model of the atomic nano-world
from laboratory experiments. Topics include atomic quantum structure, covalent
and
ionic bonding, molecular shapes, non-bonding molecular interactions, and
the properties of gases and liquids. The laboratory emphasizes the properties
of
materials. Prerequisites: Placement into Math 110 or higher.
Chem 151Tx Fundamentals of Chemistry II: Chemical Reactions (3-3) 4
An integrated study of the fundamental kinetic and thermodynamic principles
guiding chemical change and equilibrium. These principles are applied to
the acid-base
and electron chemistry of aqueous systems with important applications for
living systems, geological processes, and environmental issues such as
air and water
quality, climate, energy use, and nuclear hazards. The laboratory includes
various techniques in chemical analysis in aqueous systems as well as applications
of
reaction principles. Prerequisites: Chem 150 and Math 110.
Chem 152 Fundamentals of Chemistry I: Chemical Problem Solving (1-0) 1
Supplement to Fundamentals of Chemistry I for students who wish to explore
the concepts in greater depth. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in
Chem 150.
Chem 153 Fundamentals of Chemistry II: Chemical Problem Solving (1-0) 1
Supplement to Fundamentals of Chemistry II for students who wish to explore
the concepts in greater depth. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in
Chem 151Tx.
Chem 250
Organic Chemistry I: Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds (3-3)
4
Fundamentals of bonding, structure, and nomenclature of carbon compounds. Principles
of stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms are introduced and illustrated
with alkanes, alkene, alcohols, and alkyl halides. Acid-base, nucleophilic
substitution,
electrophilic addition, and elimination reactions are discussed. The laboratory
addresses techniques of synthesis, separation, and analysis of organic compounds.
Prerequisites: Chem 150, concurrent enrollment in Chem 151Tx.
Chem 251 Organic Chemistry II: Functional Groups and Biological Chemistry (3-3)
4
Fundamentals of structure and reactivity of alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones,
acids, amines, aromatic compounds, and acid derivatives. Introduction to
the chemistry of biological compounds including sugars, lipids, proteins, and
coenzyme
catalysts. The laboratory emphasizes FT-IR and FT-NMR analysis of organic
compounds, multi-step synthesis, and identification of unknown compounds by
chemical and
spectroscopic methods. Prerequisite: Chem 250.
Chem 252 Organic Chemistry I: Discussion Section (1-0) 1
Supplement to Organic Chemistry I for students who wish to explore the concepts
in greater depth. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Chem 250.
Chem 253 Organic Chemistry II: Discussion Section (1-0) 1
Supplement to Organic Chemistry II for students who wish to explore the concepts
in greater depth. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Chem 251.
Chem 299 Individualized Study 1-6
Individual research is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.
Chem 300W At the Forefront of Chemical Research (3-0) 3
Survey of the chemical and biochemical literature to become familiar with the
newest and most exciting research topics. Papers from the secondary scientific
literature on these topics will be selected for discussion and for critical
analysis of ideas, writing styles, and conventions. Further investigation
of topics through
the use of electronic bibliographic tools will extend these topics into research
projects reaching to their roots in the primary research literature. Students
will write extensively and give well-organized oral presentations on chemical
topics. Prerequisites: Comp 150 and Lib 150.
Chem 311 General Biochemistry I (3-0) 3
The basic principles of biochemistry. Emphasis is on the structure and function
of proteins and lipids and the metabolic processes occurring within living
organisms. Fall term. Prerequisite: Chem 251.
Chem 312 General Biochemistry Lab (0-3) 1
Basic biochemical techniques. Fall term. Prerequisites: Chem 311 concurrent.
Chem 313 General Biochemistry II (3-0) 3
The basic principles of biochemistry. Emphasis is on nucleic acid chemistry,
carbohydrates, and immune response. Winter term. Prerequisites: Chem 311.
Chem 323 Chemistry for Consumers (3-0) 3
Topics of interest to the consumer, with focus on making personal choices about
the use of everyday chemicals. Topics include food additives and nutrition, cosmetics,
drugs, pesticides, fertilizers, soaps, detergents, fabrics, and plastics. For
upper division credit, this course will require extensive writing exercises culminating
in a major research paper on a consumer topic. Credit will not be given for both
Chemistry 123 and 323. Fall and winter terms.
Chem 351 Pharmacology (3-0) 3
Studies of the effects produced by drugs and of their administration, absorption,
distribution, and excretion. Special emphasis is placed on the theories of
the mechanism of action of drugs. First summer session when offered. Prerequisite:
Chem 250.
Chem 356 Physical Chemistry I: Quantum Mechanics (3-0) 3
A study of the quantum theory of atoms and molecules. Includes fundamentals
of quantum mechanics, electronic structure of atoms and molecules, molecular
symmetry,
molecular and reaction dynamics, and the interaction of matter with light.
Fall term. Prerequisites: Chem 151Tx, Phys 217Tx or 201, concurrent enrollment
in Math 222Q.
Chem 357 Physical Chemistry II: Thermodynamics (3-0) 3
An introduction to thermodynamics and its application to chemical processes.
The course explores why chemical reactions occur, the nature of chemical
equilibrium, the factors determining the speed of reactions, and the role
of temperature in
reactions and equilibria. Includes elementary kinetic gas theory and the
Boltzman distribution, energy, entropy, free energy and equilibrium, ideal
solutions,
colligative properties, and reaction rate theory. Winter term. Prerequisite:
Chem 356.
Chem 360 Physical Measurements (0-6) 2
Instruction in design of experiments to measure physical properties and the
analysis of data. These general techniques are applied in studies of kinetics,
thermochemistry,
electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and molecular structure. Winter term. Prerequisite:
Concurrent enrollment in Chem 357 or consent of instructor.
Chem 363 Inorganic Chemistry (3-3) 4
This course builds a descriptive and theoretical framework for understanding
inorganic systems. Fundamental bonding theories will be applied to understanding
the properties and reactions of solid state metals and materials, main group
chemistry, coordination compounds, and organometallic compounds. Special
topics, including bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis, environmental chemistry,
and lanthanide/actinide
chemistry, will be addressed. Prerequisites: Chem 151Tx and concurrent enrollment
in Chem 250 or instructor's permission.
Chem 365 Analytical Chemistry (3-3) 4
Introduction to quantitative analytical chemistry. A rigorous development of
the theory of chemical equilibria is presented to guide the development of
laboratory skills, the rational design of experimental methodologies, and
the use of instruments.
Major topics include chemical and chromatographic separations, spectroscopic
analysis, and electrochemical methods. Prerequisite: Chem 151Tx.
Chem 380 Introduction To Chemical Research (1-0) 1
This course consists of undertaking a project of an advanced nature. As a class,
all aspects of the project will be discussed, including choosing an appropriate
project, performing a literature search, defining a project, setting goals,
planning experiments, and reporting results. Individually, each member
of the class will
be working on their project, once that project has been selected in consultation
with the instructor. Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor.
Chem 381 Introduction to Chemical Research Laboratory 1-3
This is the laboratory to accompany Chem 380, Introduction to Chemical Research.
This course must be taken along with Chem 380. Repeatable for credit up to a
maximum of 15 hours.
Chem 411 Advanced Biochemistry (3-0) 3
Advanced studies of basic biochemical concepts. Emphasis is placed on protein
and carbohydrate structure, enzyme kinetics, membrane properties, biochemical
reaction mechanisms, thermodynamic relationships in biochemical systems,
and nucleic acid chemistry. A problem-solving approach is taken to these
topics.
On demand. Prerequisites: Chem 313 and 356 or consent of instructor.
Chem 431 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3-0) 3
Advanced studies of organic reactions and reaction mechanisms. Strategies of
stereoselective synthesis of complex organic molecules will be studied. Winter
term.
Prerequisite: Chem 251.
Chem 454 Advanced Topics in Chemistry 1-4
Examples of offerings include FT NMR techniques, bio-organic and bio-inorganic
chemistry and advanced topics in analytical, physical, and organometallic chemistry.
On demand.
Prerequisite: The 300-level course in the specific area.
Chem 460 Synthesis Techniques (1-6) 3
Laboratory instruction in standard advanced synthesis techniques including high
and low temperatures, high-pressures, photochemical syntheses, Schlenk-line manipulations
and chromatographic methods. Organic, inorganic, and organometallic compounds
will be synthesized. The synthesis literature and spectroscopic methods of structure
determination will also be studied. Winter term.
Prerequisite: Chem 251.
Chem 464 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3-0) 3
Atomic structure and periodic table, magnetic properties, modern bonding theories,
chemistry of selected transition and non-transition elements, reaction mechanisms,
solid state, organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Chem 363 and 356 or consent of instructor.
Chem 465 Instrumental Analytical Chemistry (3-3) 4
Advanced instruction in state-of-the-art instrumental analysis, including
separations methods, spectroscopic analysis, and electrochemical methods
of detection.
Emphasis is placed upon analytical decision-making, instrumental design,
and analysis
of "real world" samples. Technical report writing is emphasized.
Aspects of environmental analysis, pharmaceutical analysis, and bioanalytical
chemistry
are also included.
Prerequisites: Chem 300W, 360, and 365.
Chem 496 Senior Seminar (1-0) 1
Preparation of library thesis on significant research topic from recent primary
literature. Includes chemical abstracts instruction, on-line literature searching,
advanced library techniques, and advanced technical writing and presentations.
Also career preparation activities and participation in seminars by visiting
scientists. Fall term.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and Chem 300W.
Chem 497 Senior Seminar (1-0) 1
Continuation of Chem 496 with emphasis upon presentation of senior thesis to
the chemistry community. Winter term.
Prerequisites: Chem 496 or consent of instructor.
Chem 499 Independent Study 1-6
Laboratory work on a current research problem under the direction of a faculty
member. Students present oral and written papers based on this research. On demand.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.