Catalog 2008-2009

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

Division of Natural Sciences

Associate Professor Emily D. Niemeyer, PhD, Chair
Professor Kerry A. Bruns, PhD
Professor Frank S. Guziec, Jr., PhD
Associate Professor Gulnar H. Rawji, PhD
Associate Professor Willis Weigand, PhD
Assistant Professor Nikolaos Bentenitis, PhD
Assistant Professor Maha Zewail Foote, PhD
Assistant Professor Lynn Guziec, PhD (part-time)
Assistant Professor Sandra Loudwig, PhD (part-time)

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department seeks to provide a variety of educational experiences for students who desire a better understanding of the chemical, physical, and biological world around them. The department offers courses ranging from Chemistry Appreciation for the non-science major to advanced studies in biochemistry, physical chemistry, organic, inorganic or analytical chemistry. The courses are offered in a flexible program designed to provide a strong understanding and knowledge of chemistry for a wide variety of students. Research opportunities are also available for students interested in working directly with faculty in an intensive laboratory experience.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers majors and minors within the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. The department is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and offers an option for students to pursue an ACS-certified BS degree in chemistry. For students who wish to enter graduate school in chemistry or a related field upon completion of their degree, the ACS-certified chemistry major offers a strong foundation in all fields within the chemical sciences.

In addition to their regular course work, chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to become involved in laboratory research during their junior and/or senior years. Members of the department’s faculty are available to consult with chemistry students about research programs available at Southwestern and other universities. All chemistry majors are required to complete a capstone experience based on a laboratory research project. In addition, all chemistry majors must participate in a literature seminar course to prepare them for their capstone experience.

The flexibility of the chemistry degree program allows students to prepare for a number of career options including graduate or professional school, or obtaining a position in government or industry. Students should consult with their academic advisers to determine the best course choices within their individual degree plan.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department also offers a major in Biochemistry under the Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum is designed to guide students in developing a strong foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry and biology. It is shaped by suggestions of the educational division of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) for an undergraduate curriculum leading to a major in biochemistry.

Biochemistry majors must participate in research, either at Southwestern University or at another institution, to fulfill their capstone requirements. The education biochemistry majors receive will equip them with the skills and understanding needed for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related area. Graduates may also choose to pursue a career in industry or one of the health-related professions.

NOTE: Students must earn a grade of C- or better for all required prerequisite classes before enrolling in a given chemistry course.

Major in Chemistry (BA or BS): 30-34 semester hours, including Chemistry 51-153/151 and 163/161 or 173/171 and 214; 352; 912 (Capstone); one course, taken at Southwestern, from each of the following five areas: Analytical 51-214, 614, 644; Biochemistry 51-573/571, 583, 682, 683; Inorganic 51-624, 633, 654, 661, 662; Organic 51-544, 554 or 564, 593, 673; Physical 51-714, 724, 731, 732; enough additional hours in chemistry above the introductory level to total a minimum of 30 hours in the major.

Major in Chemistry (American Chemical Society (ACS) certified) (BS): 44-46 semester hours, including Chemistry 51-153/151 and 163/161 or 173/171 and 214; 352, 544; 554 or 564 (sophomore year); 714, 724 (junior year); 573/571, 624, 644, 912 (Capstone); two additional courses above the introductory level approved by the Department Chair.

Minor in Chemistry: 20 semester hours, including Chemistry 51-153/151 and 163/161 or 173/171 and 214; one course, taken at Southwestern, from three of the five following areas: Analytical 51-214, 614, 644; Biochemistry 51-573/571, 583, 682, 683; Inorganic 51-624, 633, 654, 661, 662; Organic 51-544, 554 or 564, 593, 673; Physical 51-714, 724, 731, 732.

Major in Biochemistry (BS): 41 or 42 semester hours, including Chemistry 51-153/151 and 163/161 or 173/171 and 214; 352, 544; 554 or 564; 573/571, 583, 714; 682 or 683; 912 (Capstone); Biology 50-102, 112, 122, 162, 232.

Required supporting courses for the Chemistry and Biochemistry majors: 15 semester hours, including Mathematics 52-154, 254; Physics 53-154, 164. Students seeking the BS degree must also complete one of the Approved Science Electives listed under Bachelor of Science in the University Degrees section of the catalog.

See the Education Department for information regarding teacher certification in chemistry.

Chemistry (CHE)

51-043CHEMISTRY CONNECTIONS (2-2). This course will provide an introduction to important scientific and chemical principles for non-science majors. The relevant chemical information will be presented in distinct topical modules covering chemistry in art and archeology, commerce, natural resources and the environment, nanotechnology and geochemistry. Individual and group experiments related to each module will be conducted in the laboratory. (NSL)
51-053CHEMISTRY APPRECIATION (2-2). A presentation of historic and modern theories and concepts of the nature of matter and bonding. Current problems dealing with synthetic and natural products and their pollutants will be discussed in light of their impact on society. Individual experiments and group demonstrations will be conducted in the laboratory. (NSL)
51-063CHEMISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT (2-2). This course provides an overview of basic chemical principles and their importance in understanding the complexities of our natural environment. In particular, the course will discuss fundamental chemical concepts such as equilibrium, solubility and acid-base chemistry and their application to environmental processes. Major topics that will be covered include atmospheric and aquatic chemistry, energy production and usage, and principles of toxicology. Also Environmental Studies 49-063. (NSL)
51-151GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LAB (0-4). To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-153. (NSL)
51-153GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (3-0). Correlation of physical laws with the structure of matter and chemical properties. To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-151. (NSL)
51-161GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LAB (0-4). Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-153/151. To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-163. (NSL)
51-163GENERAL CHEMISTRY II (3-0). Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-153/151. To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-161. (NSL)
51-171ACCELERATED GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (0-4). To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-173. (NSL)
51-173ACCELERATED GENERAL CHEMISTRY(3-0). For highly prepared students, this course reviews and reinforces essential concepts from General Chemistry. It is structured for students intending to major in chemistry or another department in the Natural Sciences, and offers an introduction to topics in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and the use of modern instrumentation in chemical analysis. Enrollment is limited to students who have taken Advanced Placement Chemistry in high school (with a 4 or 5 on the AP exam) or students who are invited to participate in the course by the Chemistry Department. To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-171. (NSL)
51-214QUANTITATIVE METHODS OF ANALYSIS (3-4). This course focuses on the basic principles of analytical chemistry and how these principles apply to chemical problems. Topics of discussion include the use of statistical analysis in chemistry, calibration methods, chemical equilibria and a basic introduction to instrumental analysis. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51-163/161 or 173/171. (Spring) (NSL)
51-352CHEMISTRY LITERATURE SEMINAR (2-0). This course will give students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research in the primary chemical literature. Students will be required to give scientific presentations and write papers in journal style. It is required for all chemistry majors and should be completed in the junior year of study for students completing their capstone research at another institution. Students who fulfill their capstone requirements using research conducted at Southwestern should enroll in this course during the fall of their senior year. (Fall) (NS)
51-544ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I (3-4). A study of the preparation and reactions of aliphatic and aromatic compounds with an introduction to heterocyclic and organometallic compounds. Reaction mechanisms and instruments used in the determination of molecular structure are integrated into the lecture and laboratory. Students will be introduced to techniques used to perform experiments on the macroscale as well as the microscale level. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-163/161 or 214. (NSL)
51-554ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II (3-4). Continuation of Chemistry 51-544. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51-544. (NSL)
51-564ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II FOR MAJORS (3-4). Continuation of Chemistry 51-544. This class is designed specifically for chemistry and biochemistry majors as well as those students interested in pursuing scientific research careers. The laboratory portion of the course will provide an introduction to advanced experimental techniques including both infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51-544 or consent of instructor. (NSL)
51-571GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I LAB (0-4). Separations and measurements of biological molecules. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-554 or 564. To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-573. Also Biology 50-571. (NSL)
51-573GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY I (3-0). A survey of structures and functional interrelations of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids in life processes. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-554 or 564. To be taken concurrently with Chemistry 51-571. Also Biology 50-573. (NSL)
51-583GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY II (3-0). Bioenergetics and metabolism. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-573/571. Also Biology 50-583. (NSL)
51-593MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (3-0). This course provides an introduction to medicinal chemistry, in particular, the relationship between molecular structure and therapeutic activity, and the biochemical basis for this activity. Topics to be discussed include a historical perspective on drug development, receptors and current approaches to rational drug design. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-554 or 564. (Fall) (NS)
51-614ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (3-4). This course discusses how microscopic properties of atoms and molecules can affect changes within the environment. The coursework places emphasis on current environmental problems and concerns while the laboratory component introduces students to techniques used in environmental water, air and soil analysis. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-544. Also Environmental Studies 49-614. (Fall, alternate years) (NSL)
51-624INTERMEDIATE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3-4). An introduction to the structure and reactivity of inorganic compounds. Descriptive chemistry of the elements including crystal structure, molecular structure, bonding, thermodynamic and redox properties, acid-base theories using periodic trends and theoretical models. Basic coordination chemistry and its biological applications will also be covered. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-554 or 564. (Fall) (NSL)
51-633BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3-0). This course will explore the inorganic chemistry of biological requirement for metals (e.g. zinc, iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, etc.). Beginning with the coverage of coordination chemistry, the ability of various functional groups within proteins and nucleic acids to form complexes will be examined. The reactivity of coordination complexes will be discussed within the context of reaction mechanisms of specific metalloenzymes. The role of metals in medicine and the toxicity of metals will be studied. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51-554 or 564.
51-644INSTRUMENTAL METHODS OF ANALYSIS (3-4). The basic goal of this course is for the student to develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of operation for a wide variety of chemical instrumentation. In addition, this course is designed for the student to learn the use of such chemical instrumentation in solving many common analytical problems. In the laboratory, students will be introduced to the operation of spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical instrumentation. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-554 or 564. (Fall, alternate years) (NSL)
51-654ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3-4). A further study of the structure of inorganic compounds including applications of symmetry to bonding and spectroscopy, and of synthesis and reactions of coordination, organometallic and bioinorganic complexes. The laboratory component of this course will utilize a variety of procedures for synthesis, purification and characterization of inorganic compounds to demonstrate the diversity of techniques used in the field. Some experiments will involve the use of original papers to better acquaint the student with the available literature. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51-624. (Spring) (NSL)
51-661, 662SPECIAL TOPICS IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (1-0 OR 2-0). Selected topics from bioinorganic or organometallic chemistry. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51- 654. May be repeated with changed content. (NS)
51-673ADVANCED TOPICS IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3-0). This course deals with selected advanced topics in organic chemistry including modern methods of organic synthesis and the preparation of biologically interesting structures. The course will also include a laboratory module dealing with hands-on spectroscopic structure determinations of organic molecules. The course is primarily geared to students who are interested in obtaining postgraduate degrees in chemistry or biochemistry. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-554 or 564. (Fall) (NS)
51- 682, 683ADVANCED TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY (2-0 OR 3-0). Selected topics from the areas of physical biochemistry, enzymology and protein chemistry, nucleic acids chemistry, cellular regulation and recombinant DNA technology will be presented and discussed. Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 51-583. (NS)
51-714INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS. (3-4).This course focuses on the fundamental understanding and the quantitative description of chemical and biochemical processes. The course covers Thermodynamics (whether processes occur) and Kinetics (how fast processes occur) and includes an integrated laboratory that combines wet lab with computational exercises. Biochemistry majors and pre-engineering students are highly encouraged to take this course in their junior year. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-163 or 173, Mathematics 52-254 and Physics 53-164. (NSL)
51-724INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (QUANTUM MECHANICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS)(3-4). This course focuses on applied quantum mechanics (how individual molecules behave and interact with each other and light) and statistical mechanics (how collections of molecules behave) and includes an integrated laboratory that combines wet lab with computational exercises. Physics majors interested in Chemical Physics, and Mathematics/Computer Science students are highly encouraged to take this course. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51-163 or 173, Mathematics 52-254, and Physics 53-164. (NSL)
51-731,732ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (1-0 OR 2-0). Selected topics in computational chemistry, including electronic structure methods, molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations. The course is appropriate for chemistry majors interested in graduate research and for physics majors interested in Chemical Physics. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51-714 or 724.(NS)
51-912CHEMISTRY LABORATORY RESEARCH CAPSTONE (2-0). This course is intended for students who have completed a departmentally-approved independent research project. A portion of the course will cover current literature topics selected in consultation with the instructor. Students will also be required to write a scientific article describing their research and complete an oral examination. Students who have completed their capstone research at another institution should enroll in this course during the fall of their senior year. Students who have conducted their research at Southwestern University should take this course during the spring semester of their senior year. (NS)
51-001, 002, 003, 004SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
51-301, 302, 303, 304SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
51-901, 902, 903, 904TUTORIAL.
51-951, 952, 953, 954INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with changed content. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
51-971, 972, 973INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH. May be repeated with changed content. Must be taken Pass/D/F.
51-983HONORS. By invitation only.
51-991, 992, 993CONTINUED RESEARCH. May be repeated with changed content.