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www.chem.plu.edu
Chemistry seeks to understand the fundamental nature of matter, as well as how its composition and energy content change. Use of this knowledge influences our lives in many profound ways. Whether interested in the chemical profession itself, including biochemistry, polymer chemistry, radiation chemistry, and other specialities, or in chemistry in conjunction with other fields such as business, the social sciences, and the humanities, students will have suitable programs available to meet their interests at PLU. Diversity in career planning is a key concept in the chemistry department. Programs are available which are broadly applicable to the health, biological, physical, environmental behavioral, and fundamental chemical sciences.
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) spectroscopy, laser light scattering instrumenation, gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GCMS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Linux and Silicon Graphics workstations for molecular modeling and computational chemistry.
Faculty research projects involve undergraduate participation.
Faculty: Fryhle, Chair; Cotten, Frydrychowski, Swank, Tobiason, Tonn, Waldow.
Students deciding to major in chemistry should officially declare their intent as soon as possible and not later than after having completed Chemistry 232 and after 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.
Bachelor of Arts Major: Chemistry 120 or 125, 232, 234, 332, 334, 338, 341, 342, 343, 499. Required supporting courses: Math 151, 152; Physics 153, 154, 163, 164.
Bachelor of Science Major (three alternatives):
Generalized Chemistry Curriculum for the BS Degree
| Fall | Spring |
| First-year (1) | |
| Chemistry 120 or 125 Biology 161 or GUR Inquiry Seminar or Writing Seminar Math 151 Physical Education 100 or other activity course | Chemistry 232, 234 Biology 162 and/or Inquiry Seminar or Inquiry Seminar or Writing Seminar Math 152 Physical Education 100 or other activity course |
| Sophomore | |
| Chemistry 332, 334 Biology 323 Two additional courses |
Chemistry 338, 410 Physics 153, 163 GUR elective(s) |
| Junior | |
| Chemistry 341, 343 Physics 154, 164 GUR elective(s) Elective |
Chemistry 342, 344 GUR elective(s) Electives |
| Senior | |
| Chemistry 403, 499 Electives |
Chemistry 435, 499 Electives |
Departmental Honors: In recognition of outstanding work the designation with 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:
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, including 120 or 125; 232, 234, 332, 334 or 336; 338, and 4 hours of additional 300- or 400-level chemistry course(s) completed with grades of C or higher.
Prerequisite and corequisite requirements are strictly enforced.
104 Environmental Chemistry - NS, SM
Basic principles of chemical structure and reactions, with
appli-cations to human activities and the natural environment. No
prerequisite; students without high school chemistry are encouraged to
take 104 before taking 105 or 120. Also suitable for environmental
studies, general science teachers, BA in geo-sciences, and general
university core requirements. I (4)
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 104 before
taking 105. II (4)
120 General Chemistry - NS, SM
An introduction to energy and matter, atomic and molecular theory,
periodic properties, nomenclature, states of matter, chemical
calculations, solution properties, acids and bases, equilibrium, and
kinetics. Includes laboratory. One year of high school chemistry is
required. Students with no high school chemistry or a weak mathematical
background should take Chemistry 104 before this course. Corequisite:
MATH 140 or math placement in a course higher than 140. I (4)
125 Advanced General Chemistry - NS, SM
An advanced presentation of thermodynamics, atomic structure,
valence bond and molecular orbital theories, complex equilibrium,
kinetics, macromolecules, and coordination chemistry. Includes
laboratory. Designed for those who desire to pursue studies beyond the
bachelor's degree. An outstanding record in a one year high school
chemistry course or advanced high school chemistry is required.
Corequisite: MATH 151. I (4)
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. I (4)
232 Organic Chemistry - NS, SM
An introduction to structure, reactivity, and general properties of
organic molecules. Prerequisite: 120 or 125. Corequisite: 234. II (4)
234 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I - 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 232. Corequisite: 232.
II (1)
332 Organic Chemistry II - NS, SM
Chemistry of aromatic compounds, carbonyl-containing functional
groups, amines, phenols, and an introduction to biologically important
molecules. Prerequisites: 232, 234. Corequisite: 334 or 336. I (4)
334 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - NS, SM
Synthesis of organic compounds, including instrumental and
spectroscopic analyses. Practical investigation of reactions and
classes of compounds discussed in 332. Prerequisite: 234. Corequisite:
332. I (1)
336 Organic Special Projects Laboratory - NS, SM
Individual projects emphasizing current professional-level methods
of synthesis and property determination of organic compounds.
Corequisite: 332. This course is an alternative to 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. II (1)
338 Analytical Chemistry - NS, SM
Chemical methods of quantitative analysis, including volumetric,
gravimetric, and selected instrumental methods. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisites: 120 or 125; MATH 140. II (4)
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. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or 125, MATH
152, PHYS 154. I (4)
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 120 or 125, MATH 152, PHYS 154. II (4)
343 Physical Chemistry I Laboratory - NS, SM
Experiments in kinetics and thermodynamics. Attention given to data
handling, error analysis, instrumentation, computational analysis, and
correlation with theory. Prerequisite or corequisite: 341. I (1)
344 Physical Chemistry II 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 corequisite:
342. II (1)
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 403 and 405 for a comprehensive exposure to biochemical
theory and techniques. Prerequisites: 332, 334. I (4)
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. Prerequisites: 341 and/or 342 or permission; 403. II (3)
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. II (2)
435 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: 338; 341 and/or 342; 343. II (4)
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: 332. a/y II (2)
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
characerization of non-metal, coordination and organometallic
compounds. Prerequisites: 332, 341; Prerequisite or corequisite: 342.
a/y II (3)
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: 341; Prerequisite or corequisite: 342. a/y II (3)
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. I II (1, 2, or 4)
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 an expanded study of the research project
developed in 499. I II (1, 2 or 4)
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. I II (2)
598 Non-thesis Research Project
Open to master's degree candidates only. Prerequisite: consent of department chair. I II (2-4)