| Faculty | BA Major | BS Major | Generalized Curriculum | Minor | Course Offerings |
Chemistry involves the study of matter at the atomic and molecular level. Concepts and tools of chemistry are used to study the composition, structure, reactivity and energy changes of materials in the world around us. At PLU, students will find a chemistry program that supports their interests, whether in the chemistry of natural products, the environment, biological systems, poylmers, or inorganic compounds, and that supports their educational goals, whether toward graduate study, the medical and health professions, biotechnology, education, business, or as a complement to other studies in the natural sciences, humanities, or social sciences. For good reason, chemistry is often called "the central science."
The chemistry department's courses, curriculum, faculty, and facilities are approved by the American Chemical Society.
Students have hands-on use of sophisticated instrumentation in coursework and research with faculty, including 300 MHz Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance (FTNMR) spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP AES), spectrofluorometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman, spectroscopy, laser light scattering instrumentation, gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GCMS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Linux workstations for molecular modeling and computational chemistry.
Faculty research projects involve undergraduate participation.
Faculty: Fryhle, Chair; Cotten, Davis, Naasz, Swank, Tonn, Waldow, Yakelis.
Declaring the Chemistry Major:
Students deciding to major in chemistry should officially declare their intent as soon as possible and preferably not later than completion of CHEM 331 or before consultation with a faculty advisor in the chemistry department. Transfer students desiring to major in chemistry should consult a departmental advisor no later than the beginning of their junior year.
CHEM 115, 116, 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 342, 343, 499
Required supporting courses:
MATH 151, 152; PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
General - leads to American Chemical Society Certification
CHEM 115, 116, 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 342, 343, 344, 405 or 450 or 456, 410, 435, 499
MATH 151, 152
PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
CHEM 450 and either CHEM 405, 440, or 456 required for American Chemical Society Certification
CHEM 115, 116
CHEM 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 343, 403, 405, 410, 435, 499
BIOL 161, 162, 323
Select four semester hours from: BIOL 328, 332, 364, 407, 441, 448 or CHEM 342
MATH 151, 152
PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
CHEM 342 and 450 are required for American Chemical Certification of the Biochemistry Option
Chemical-Physics Emphasis:
CHEM 115, 116
CHEM 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 342, 343, 344, 499
MATH 151, 152, 253
PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164, 331, 332, 336, 356.
FALL SEMESTER
SPRING SEMESTER
First-Year
CHEM 115
GUR
Inquiry Seminar or Writing Seminar
(or BIOL 161 for students interested in the Chemistry B.S.
with Biochemistry emphasis)
MATH 151
PHED 100 or other activity courseCHEM 116
Inquiry Seminar or Writing Seminar
and/or BIOL 162
MATH 152
PHED 100 or other activity courseSophomore CHEM 320, 331, 333
BIOL 323 (if Chemistry B.S. with Biochemistry emphasis
Two additional coursesCHEM 332, 334 (or 336), 410
PHYS 153, 163
GUR elective(s)Junior CHEM 341, 343 (320, if not taken in second year)
PHYS 154, 164
GUR elective(s)
ElectiveCHEM 342, 344
GUR elective(s)
ElectivesSenior CHEM 403, 499
ElectivesCHEM 420, 499
Electives
In recognition of outstanding work the designation of Departmental Honors may be granted to Bachelor of Science graduates by vote of the faculty of the chemistry department, based on the student's performance in these areas:
- Course work: The grade point average in chemistry courses must be at least 3.50.
- Written work: From the time a student declares a major in chemistry, copies of outstanding work (e.g., laboratory, seminar, and research reports) should be kept by the student for later summary evaluation by the faculty when considering the student's application for Honors.
- Oral communication: Students must evidence ability to communicate effectively as indicated by the sum of their participation in class discussion, seminars, help session leadership, and teaching assistantship work.
- Independent chemistry-related activities: Positive considerations include the extent and quality of extracurricular work done in background reading, independent study, and research; assisting in laboratory preparation, teaching, or advising; any other chemistry-related employment, on campus or elsewhere; and participation in campus and professional chemistry- related organizations.
The departmental honors designation will appear on a graduating chemistry major's transcript.
Bachelor of Arts in Education:
Students interested in this degree develop their chemistry program through the department in conjunction with the School of Education. See School of Education section.
Chemical Engineering:
Students interested in pursuing studies in chemical engineering should see the course outline in the Engineering Science section of this catalog. The department chair should be consulted for assignment of a program advisor.
Minor - 22 semester hours
CHEM 115, 116
CHEM 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336) completed with grades of C or higher.Prerequisite and co-requisite requirements are strictly enforced.
Fall CHEM 104, 115, 320, 331, 333 341, 343, 403, 499 Spring CHEM 105, 116, 332, 334 (or 336), 342, 344, 405 410, 420, 499 Alternate Years CHEM 440 (J term), 450 (Spring term), 456 (J term)
CHEM 104: Environmental Chemistry – NS, SM
Basic principles of chemistry and reactions, with applications to human activities and the natural environment. No prerequisite; students without high school chemistry are encouraged to take CHEM 104 before taking CHEM 105 or CHEM 115. Also suitable for environmental studies, general science teachers, BA in geosciences, and general university core requirements. (4)
CHEM 105: Chemistry of Life – NS, SM
Basic organic and biochemistry applied to chemical processes in human systems; suitable for liberal arts students, nursing students, physical education majors, and prospective teachers. Students who have not completed high school chemistry recently should take CHEM 104 before taking CHEM 105. (4)CHEM 115: General Chemistry I - NS, SM
Topics explored include the structure of matter, nomenclature, atomic and molecular theory, periodic relationships, states of matter, quantitative relationships, and thermochemistry. The course includes laboratory experiences that take place in the Open laboratory and a weekly discussion section. Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry. Co-requisite: MATH 140 or Math Placement in MATH 151 or higher. (4)
CHEM 116: General Chemistry II – NS, SM
Introduces students to chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemistry of the elements, and coordination compounds. The course includes laboratory experiences that take place in the Open laboratory and a weekly discussion section. Prerequisite: MATH 140 or higher and CHEM 115. (4)
CHEM 210: Nutrition, Drugs, and the Individual –NS, SM
An introduction to basic metabolic interactions, general endocrinology, mind and body interactions, and roles of drugs in modifying biological and behavioral functions. Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry or equivalent recommended. (4)
CHEM 320: Analytical Chemistry – NS, SM
Chemical methods of quantitative analysis, including volumetric, gravimetric, and selected instrumental methods. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: CHEM 116; MATH 140. (4)CHEM 331: Organic Chemistry I – NS, SM
An introduction to structure, reactivity, and general properties of organic molecules. Prerequisite: CHEM 115. Co-requisite: CHEM 333. (4)CHEM 333: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory – NS, SM
Reactions and methods of synthesis, separation, and analysis of organic compounds. Microscale techniques. Practical investigation of reactions and classes of compounds discussed in CHEM 331. Co-requisite: CHEM 331. (1)CHEM 332: Organic Chemistry II – NS, SM
Chemistry of aromatic compounds, carbonyl-containing functional groups, amines, phenols, and an introduction to biologically important molecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 331, 333. Co-requisite: CHEM 334 or 336. (4)CHEM 334: Organic Chemistry II Laboratory – NS, SM
Synthesis of organic compounds, including instrumental and spectroscopic analyses. Practical investigation of reactions and classes of compounds discussed in CHEM 332. Prerequisite: CHEM 333. Co-requisite: CHEM 332. (1)CHEM 336: Organic Special Projects Laboratory – NS, SM
Individual projects emphasizing current professional-level methods of synthesis and property determination of organic compounds. This course is an alternative to CHEM 334 and typically requires somewhat more time commitment. Students who wish to prepare for careers in chemistry or related areas should apply for departmental approval of their admission to this course. Co-requisite: CHEM 332. (1)
CHEM 341: Physical Chemistry – NS, SM
A study of the relationship between the energy content of systems, work, and the physical and chemical properties of matter. Classical and statistical thermodynamics, thermochemistry, solution properties, phase equilibria, and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 116, MATH 152, PHYS 154. (4)CHEM 342: Physical Chemistry – NS, SM
A study of the physical properties of atoms, molecules and ions, and their correlation with structure. Classical and modern quantum mechanics, bonding theory, atomic and molecular structure, spectroscopy. Prerequisites: CHEM 116, MATH 152, PHYS 154. (4)CHEM 343: Physical Chemistry Laboratory – NS, SM
Experiments in kinetics and thermodynamics. Attention given to data handling, error analysis, instrumentation, computational analysis, and correlation with theory. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 341. (1)CHEM 344: Physical Chemistry Laboratory – NS, SM
Experiments in molecular structure and spectroscopy. Attention given to data handling, error analysis, instrumentation, computational analysis, and correlation with theory. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 342. (1)CHEM 403: Biochemistry I – NS, SM
An overview of the structures, function, and regulation of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, and an introduction to metabolic and regulatory cellular processes. Majors are encouraged to take both CHEM 403 and 405 for a comprehensive exposure to biochemical theory and techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 332, 334. (4)CHEM 405: Biochemistry II – NS, SM
A continuation of 403 that provides further insight into cellular metabolism and regulation, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms of catalysis, protein synthesis, nucleic acid chemistry, and biotechnology. Concepts introduced in Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry I will be applied to this course. Laboratory designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving abilities through the use of modern biochemical techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 403. (3)CHEM 410: Introduction to Research – NS
An introduction to laboratory research techniques, use of the chemical literature, including computerized literature searching, research proposal and report writing. Students develop an independent chemical research problem chosen in consultation with a member of the chemistry faculty. Students attend seminars as part of the course requirement. (2)
CHEM 420: Instrumental Analysis – NS, SM
Theory and practice of instrumental methods along with basic electronics. Special emphasis placed on electronics, spectrophotometric, radiochemical, and mass spectrometric methods. Prerequisites: CHEM 320; 341 and/or CHEM 342; 343. (4)CHEM 440: Advanced Organic Chemistry – NS
Students will develop a repertoire of synthetic methodology and a general understanding of a variety of organic reaction mechanisms. Synthetic organic strategies and design, the analysis of classic and recent total syntheses from the literature, and advanced applications of instrumentation in organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 332. (2)CHEM 450: Inorganic Chemistry – NS, SM
Techniques of structural determination (IR, UV, VIS, NMR, X-ray, EPR), bonding principles, nonmetal compounds, coordination chemistry, organometallics, donor/acceptor concepts, reaction pathways and biochemical applications are covered. Laboratory: Synthesis and characterization of non-metal, coordination and organometallic compounds. Prerequisites: CHEM 332, 341; Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 342. (3)CHEM 456: Polymers and Biopolymers – NS, SM
A course presenting the fundamentals of polymer synthesis, solution thermodynamic properties, molecular characterization, molecular weight distribution, and solution kinetics. Free radical, condensation, ionic, and biopolymer systems, with emphasis on applications. The 1-credit laboratory examining polymer synthesis through experiments is optional. Prerequisite: CHEM 341; Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHEM 342. (3)CHEM 491: Independent Studies
Library and/or laboratory study of topics not included in regularly offered courses. Proposed project must be approved by department chair and supervisory responsibility accepted by an instructor. May be taken more than once. A specific title for the project may be appended to the general title of Independent Studies for CHEM 491. (1 to 4)CHEM 497: Research
Experimental or theoretical investigation open to upper-division students with consent of department chair. May be taken more than once. Generally consists of a research project developed in consultation with a chemistry faculty member. A specific title for the project may be appended to the general title of Research for CHEM 497. (1 to 4)CHEM 499: Capstone: Seminar – SR
Senior capstone course. Presentation by students of knowledge gained by personal library or laboratory research, supplemented with seminars by practicing scientists. Participation of all senior chemistry majors is required and all other chemistry-oriented students are encouraged to participate. Seminar program will be held during the entire year but credit will be awarded in the spring semester. (2)