| 253.535.7054 | www.plu.edu/chemistry/ | chair@chem.plu.edu |
| Tina Saxowsky, Ph.D., Chair |
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, forensics, the environment, biological systems, polymers, or inorganic compounds, and that supports their educational goals, whether toward graduate study, the medical and health professions, biotechnology, forensic science, education, business, or as a complement to other studies. For good reason, chemistry is often called “the central science.”
The Department of Chemistry’s courses, curriculum, faculty, and facilities are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the department offers ACS certified degrees.
Students get hands-on experience using sophisticated instrumentation in coursework and when doing research with faculty. They learn techniques used in the chemical industry, in graduate research, and in analytical or forensics laboratories; including, 500 MHz Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Chemistry Major Declaration Process
- Students may only declare one major of those listed within the Chemistry department below.
- Consultation with a chemistry faculty member required.
- Declare major early and preferably by completion of CHEM 331.
- Transfer students must consult with a department advisor no later than the start of the junior year.
- A minimum grade of C- in all courses required by the major; overall chemistry GPA of 2.00 or higher.
- A minimum grade of C in courses required by the minor.
- Departmental Honors requires a 3.50 overall GPA in chemistry courses and other qualifications as described on the department’s webpage.
- A grade of C- or higher is required for all prerequisite courses. Students may enroll in courses that have prerequisites only if they have completed the prerequisite course(s) with a grade of C- or higher. This grade requirement applies to prerequisite courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and to supporting courses offered by other departments. Each department sets the prerequisite requirements for their own classes, so students may need to earn a grade higher than a C- in courses offered by other departments in order to take additional courses offered by that department. For example, students in MATH 151 must earn a grade of C or higher to advance to MATH 152.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Major in Chemistry
51 semester hours
- Chemistry Courses
33 semester hours- CHEM 115, 116, 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 342, 343, 499A, 499B
- Supporting Courses
18 semester hours- MATH 151, 152
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
Bachelor of Science Degree
Major in Biochemistry
72 semester hours
- Chemistry Courses
42 semester hours- CHEM 115, 116, 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 343, 410, 420, 499A, 499B
- Supporting Courses
26 semester hours- MATH 151, 152
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
- BIOL 225, 226
- Elective Courses
4 semester hours- 4 credits from CHEM 342 or BIOL 330, 342, 358, 442, 445, 448, or 453
The BS in Biochemistry can lead to ACS Certification if the following courses are included: CHEM 342, 344, and 450.
Major in Chemistry
61 semester hours
- Chemistry Courses
43 semester hours- CHEM 115, 116, 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 342, 343, 344, 410, 420, 499A, 499B
- One of CHEM 405, 450, or 456
- Supporting Courses
18 semester hours- MATH 151, 152
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
The BS in Chemistry can lead to ACS Certification if the following courses are included: CHEM 403, 450, and one of CHEM 405, 440, or 456.
Major in Chemical Physics
74 semester hours
- Chemistry Courses
36 semester hours- CHEM 115, 116, 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336), 341, 342, 343, 344, 410, 499A, 499B
- Supporting Courses
22 semester hours- MATH 151, 152, 253
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
- Elective Courses
16 semester hours- 4 credits from PHYS 354, MATH 331, or 351
- 12 credits from CHEM 420 or PHYS 310, 331, 332, or 336
The BS in Chemical Physics can lead to ACS Certification if the following courses are included: CHEM 403, 420, 450, and either 405, 440, or 456.
Advising Considerations
While MATH 151 and 152 are required for all majors, students can take CHEM 115 concurrently with MATH 140 to begin the major.
Once MATH prerequisites are met, physics should be started as early as possible to prepare students for upper-division chemistry courses.
Students interested in the Biochemistry Major should start biology in the first or second year.
Upper-division electives courses CHEM 450 (required for ACS degree certification) and CHEM 456 are typically offered in Fall or J-term in alternating years. CHEM 440 or CHEM 487 (Special Topics courses) may be offered occasionally and can count as an upper division elective in lieu of CHEM 450 or CHEM 456 for the Major in Chemistry.
Students interested in pursuing studies in chemical engineering should see the course outline in the Engineering Dual-Degree section of this catalog. The department chair should be consulted for assignment of a program advisor.
Pre-Health Sciences
Students interested in pursuing studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other professional health science fields should consult the Pre-Health Sciences section of this catalog.
Chemistry Education
Students interested in a high school chemistry teaching endorsement should plan to complete a B.A. or B.S. in chemistry or biochemistry and then plan to earn a master’s degree in education with certification. The degree program is developed through the Department of Chemistry in conjunction with the Department of Education. Go to the School of Education section of this catalog for further information about Secondary Certification and Endorsement Options.
Minor in Chemistry
22 semester hours
- CHEM 115, 116
- CHEM 320, 331, 332, 333, 334 (or 336) completed with grades of C or higher.
Prerequisite and corequisite requirements are strictly enforced.
Chemistry (CHEM) - Undergraduate Courses
CHEM 101 : Introductory Chemistry
An introduction to basic chemical principles, reactions and mathematical skills relating to chemistry. Specifically tailored to students with limited previous chemical experience or those that desire a review of these topics before taking CHEM 105/115. (1)
CHEM 104 : Environmental Chemistry - NW
Basic principles of chemistry and reactions, with applications to human activities and the natural environment. Includes laboratory. No prerequisites. Suitable for environmental studies, general science teachers, elementary education, B.A. in geosciences, or fulfilling university general education requirements. (4)
CHEM 105 : Chemistry of Life
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 101 before taking CHEM 105. Prerequisite: Math placement in MATH 140 or higher; or completion of MATH 115 with a C or higher. (4)
CHEM 115 : General Chemistry I - NW
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. Corequisite: MATH 140 or math placement in MATH 151 or higher. Recommended: one year of high school chemistry. (4)
CHEM 116 : General Chemistry II - NW
Introduces students to chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemistry of the elements, and coordination compounds. The course includes laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: MATH 140 or higher and CHEM 115. (4)
CHEM 287 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 288 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 289 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
CHEM 320 : Analytical Chemistry
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
An introduction to structure, reactivity, and general properties of organic molecules. Prerequisite: CHEM 116. Corequisite: CHEM 333. (4)
CHEM 332 : Organic Chemistry II
Chemistry of aromatic compounds, carbonyl-containing functional groups, amines, phenols, and an introduction to biologically important molecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 331 and 333. Corequisite: CHEM 334 or 336. (4)
CHEM 333 : Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
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. Corequisite: CHEM 331. (1)
CHEM 334 : Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Synthesis of organic compounds, including instrumental and spectroscopic analyses. Practical investigation of reactions and classes of compounds discussed in CHEM 332. Prerequisite: CHEM 333. Corequisite: CHEM 332. (1)
CHEM 336 : Organic Special Projects Laboratory
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. Corequisite: CHEM 332. (1)
CHEM 341 : Physical Chemistry
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 153. (4)
CHEM 342 : Physical Chemistry
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
Experiments in kinetics and thermodynamics. Attention given to data handling, error analysis, instrumentation, computational analysis, and correlation with theory. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 341. (1)
CHEM 344 : Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Experiments in molecular structure and spectroscopy. Attention given to data handling, error analysis, instrumentation, computational analysis, and correlation with theory. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 342. (1)
CHEM 387 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 388 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 389 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 403 : Biochemistry I
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 and 334 (or 336) (4)
CHEM 405 : Biochemistry II
A continuation of CHEM 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
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
Theory and practice of instrumental methods along with basic electronics. Special emphasis placed on electronics, spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometric methods. Prerequisites: CHEM 320, 341, and 343. (4)
CHEM 440 : Advanced Organic Chemistry
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
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. Prerequisite: CHEM 332. (3)
CHEM 456 : Polymers and Biopolymers
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. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 341. (3)
CHEM 487 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 488 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
CHEM 489 : Special Topics in Chemistry
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
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 495 : Internship
To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)
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 499A : Capstone Seminar I - SR
Students are trained in the practice of scientific writing and presentation by initiation of a project developed through independent library or laboratory research under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Effective oral presentation skills are critically evaluated in seminars by practicing scientists and fellow students. Participation by all senior chemistry majors is required; meets the senior seminar/project requirement with CHEM 499B. (1)
CHEM 499B : Capstone Seminar II - SR
Continuation of CHEM 499A with emphasis on completion of an independent library or laboratory research project with a faculty advisor. This includes presentation of their research in a department seminar and submission of the final capstone paper. Participation by all senior chemistry majors is required; meets the senior seminar/project requirements with CHEM 499A. (1)