The Chemistry department offers major and minor degrees to provide quality academic experiences through intensive classroom instruction integrated with hands-on activities during laboratory sessions.
The courses are designed to enable the student to acquire the chemical background necessary for certain specialized professions and vocational fields. These include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, laboratory work, and teaching at the secondary level. The curriculum includes the courses which typically are required for admission to graduate schools. The student is prepared for immediate employment in industry, government, research centers, health facilities and business in technical areas. Opportunities are also available to those who combine their undergraduate chemistry degree with advanced studies in other fields.
For more information about the chemistry department in the Division of Natural Sciences contact Dr. Jerry Deese at (314) 392-2315 or Dr. Annlie Sing at (314) 392-2284.
CHEMISTRY INFORMATION
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Mission Statement: Chemistry courses are offered to serve the needs of students in major and minor fields as well as students in allied health professional majors and non science majors fulfilling generaleducation and degree requirements. Majors will be prepared to face regional and national competition for employment and academic placement. In accord with the general mission of the University, courses are taught from a perspective of objective analysis while discriminating between observation and derived theories. It is intended that the student will see that a truly objective observation of the science demonstrates the glory of Christ through His creation.
Students desiring certification to teach biology and/or chemistry in the secondary school are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to complete a Unified Science Core of at least 39 hours. This Unified Science certificate is designed for the beginning high school sciences (i.e., Biology I or Chemistry I).
Students who desire certification to teach advanced biology or chemistry in the secondary school are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to complete a Unified Science Core of at least 39 with an additional 20 hours minimum in at least one endorsement area (Biology or Chemistry). The program requires specific courses, for details, see the Division Chair of the Natural Sciences or the Division Chair of Education.
Students interested in a career in chemical engineering should consult Dual Degree Program in Engineering described in the catalog.
B.A. in Chemistry
This degree is available for those interested in pre-medicine.
The student must complete 30 hours of Chemistry beyond CHEM 143 and 142 (see note below).
Required Chemistry (CHEM) courses (19-24 hours):
CHEM 313 & 312 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 323 & 322 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 332 & 342 Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 472 & 462 Molecular Modeling
CHEM 481-486 Chemistry Research
Chemistry Electives (6-11 hours)
Required Mathematics (MATH) courses:
MATH 164 Calculus I
Required Physics (PHYS) courses:
PHYS 213 & 211 General Physics I
PHYS 223 & 221 General Physics II
B.S. in Chemistry
This degree is recommended for students planning to enter graduate school or professional employment in chemistry, as well as for students seeking Missouri state teacher certification in Unified Science with an endorsement in Chemistry. The student must complete at least 30 hours of Chemistry beyond CHEM 143 and 142 (see note below).
Required Chemistry (CHEM) courses (25-30 hours):
CHEM 313 & 312 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 323 & 322 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 332 & 342 Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 413 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 423 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 453 & 452 Modern Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 472 & 462 Molecular Modeling
CHEM 481-486 Chemistry Research
Chemistry Electives* (0-5 hours)
Required Mathematics (MATH) courses:
MATH 164 Calculus I
MATH 254 Calculus II
MATH 264 Calculus III
Required Physics (PHYS) courses:
PHYS 213 & 211 General Physics I
PHYS 223 & 211 General Physics II
*NOTE: The following electives are required for those seeking
certification in Unified Science with an endorsement in Chemistry:
CHEM 443 & 441 Biochemistry
CHEM 383 Advanced Topics in Chemistry:
Advanced Analysis
At least 20 hours of Chemistry beyond CHEM 143 and 142, including CHEM 312, 313, 322, 323, 332, and 342.
NOTE: CHEM 143 and 142, MATH 264, and PHYS 223 and 221, or their equivalents, are prerequisite for some of the above courses; check the individual course description for details.
CHEM 111 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 113 Introduction to
Chemistry. This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 113
only with the written consent of the instructor and the student’s
advisor. Labs will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Spring
CHEM 113 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
This is a one-semester survey of chemistry designed to meet the
minimum requirements for general education and required for
Sports Medicine majors. This course would also be helpful for
students who plan to take more advanced chemistry but who have
not had any chemistry in high school. It does not apply toward the
satisfaction of any requirements for a major or minor in chemistry,
but it does satisfy the general education requirement for physical
science. No prerequisites. Co-requisite: CHEM 111 Introduction
to Chemistry Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring
CHEM 121 SURVEY OF ORGANIC AND
BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 123 Survey of
Organic and Biochemistry. This lab may be taken for credit
apart from CHEM 123 only with the written consent of the
instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs will meet for two hours
per week for one credit hour.
One Hour, Fall
CHEM 123 SURVEY OF ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY
This is a one-semester survey of the basic principles of organic
chemistry with emphasis on its application to the chemistry of
living things. It is required for Sports Medicine majors and may be
of interest to others with majors in health-related fields, but it is not
a replacement for either Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry for
Chemistry or Biology majors or minors. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111
and 113, or a strong high school chemistry preparation; this is not a
beginning chemistry course. For those students with adequate high
school preparation, this course will satisfy the general education
requirement in chemistry or physical science. Co-requisite: CHEM
121 Survey of Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall
CHEM 132 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 133 General Chemistry I.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 133 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs
will meet for four hours per week for two credit hours.
Two Hours, Fall
CHEM 133 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
A study of the basic laws and theories of chemistry, with emphasis on
structure, bonding, and periodic relationships of the elements. This
course is designed for those who plan further study in chemistry.
The class consists of lectures and laboratory work, and the only
prerequisite is reasonable competence in algebra. Co-requisite:
CHEM 132 General Chemistry I Laboratory.
Three Hours, Fall
CHEM 142 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 143 General Chemistry II.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 143 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs
will meet for four hours per week for two credit hours.
Two Hours, Spring
CHEM 143 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
This is a continuation of CHEM 133, and includes the study of
ionic equilibrium, electrochemistry, theory of solutions, and some
laboratory work in semimicro qualitative analysis. This course is normally
prerequisite to all more advanced chemistry courses, but students with
unusually fine high school preparation, including two full years of chemistry,
may petition the chemistry faculty for permission to waive general
chemistry and proceed directly to more advanced courses. Prerequisite(s):
CHEM 132 and 133 and MATH 164. Co-requisite: CHEM 142
General Chemistry II Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring
CHEM 312 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 313 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs
will meet for four hours per week for two credit hours.
Two Hours, Fall
CHEM 313 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
A detailed study of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, including
emphasis on structures and reaction mechanisms. The laboratory
work includes the basic techniques of purification, identification,
and synthesis. This course is designed for science majors or minors.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 142 and 143.
Three Hours, Fall
CHEM 322 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 323 Organic Chemistry II.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 323 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs
will meet for four hours per week for two credit hours.
Two Hours, Spring
CHEM 323 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
A continuation of CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I, which
is a prerequisite. Co-requisite: CHEM 322 Organic
Chemistry II Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring
CHEM 332 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 342 Analytical Chemistry
Lecture. This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 342
only with the written consent of the instructor and the student’s
advisor. Labs will meet for four hours per week for two credit hours.
Two Hours, Spring, Odd Years
CHEM 342 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LECTURE
A study of the theory and practice of gravimetric and volumetric
analysis, including the simpler electronic instrumentation.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 142 and 143. Co-requisite: CHEM 332
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory.
Two Hours, Spring, Odd Years
CHEM 372-374 INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND
PROBLEMS IN CHEMISTRY
This course is a study and application of methods used to solve
problems in chemistry. The student will assist the instructor with
the teaching of the class, solve problems that arise in the process
of the class, and work independently with other problems.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 142 and 143, appropriate laboratory
experience, and consent of instructor. A total of six hours may
be applied toward graduation.
Two to Four Hours, On Demand
CHEM 383 ADVANCED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY
A study of specialized topics in chemistry, such as advanced
analysis, nuclear chemistry, polymer chemistry, specialized
instrumentation application, etc., May be repeated for credit on
different topics, and may be offered as a class or by independent
study. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Three Hours, On Demand
CHEM 413 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
A study of the application of theories of the physical properties of
matter, thermodynamics, and kinetics to chemical systems; both
kinetic and thermodynamic models are studied. Prerequisite(s):
MATH 264, PHYS 221 and 223, and CHEM 322 and 323, or
consent of instructor; may be taken concurrently with MATH 264.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years
CHEM 423 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II
A continuation of CHEM 413, which is prerequisite. This course
is focused on the study of both classical and quantum-mechanical
models and their interaction with chemical systems.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years
CHEM 433 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
A study of the periodic system, complex ions, and the more
important classes of inorganic compounds.
Three Hours, On Demand
CHEM 441 BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 443 Biochemistry. This
lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 443 only with the
written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs
will meet for two hours per week for one credit hour.
One hour, Spring, Even Years
CHEM 443 BIOCHEMISTRY
A study of the compounds and mechanisms associated with the
chemistry of living systems, both plant and animal. This course will
include a laboratory component to examine current techniques and
instrumentation in biochemistry. Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry II.
Co-requisite: CHEM 441 Biochemistry Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years
CHEM 452 MODERN INSTRUMENTAL
ANALYSIS LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 453 Modern Instrumental
Analysis. This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 453
only with the written consent of the instructor and the student’s
advisor. Labs will meet for four hours per week for two credit hours.
Two Hours, Spring, Odd Years
CHEM 453 MODERN INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
This course covers the use, operation, theoretical basis, and
interpretation of data for modern scientific instruments. The course will
cover the most commonly used scientific analytical instruments as well
as instruments intended mainly for research purposes. Emphasis will be
given to hands on operation and data interpretation of selected
instruments. Prerequisite: CHEM 322 and 323. Co-requisite: CHEM
452 Modern Instrumental Analysis Laboratory.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years
CHEM 462 MOLECULAR MODELING LABORATORY
This laboratory is co-requisite to CHEM 472 Molecular Modeling.
This lab may be taken for credit apart from CHEM 472 only with
the written consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Labs
will meet for four hours per week for two credit hours.
Two Hours, Fall, Even Years
CHEM 463 INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
This course covers skills that are especially useful for students
planning to go into industry. The general subject areas covered
include intellectual property, information retrieval methods and
resources, development of budgets for research, operations, and
capital equipment, management organization, and managing
techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 322 and 323.
Three hours, Fall, Even Years
CHEM 472 MOLECULAR MODELING
This course covers methods of computational chemistry. It will
cover fundamentals of atomistic modeling of molecules in all phases
of matter. Specific subject areas that will be covered include
quantum mechanical calculations, analytical instrument simulation,
structure refinements, crystal structures, organic reaction
mechanisms, reaction thermodynamics, and macroscopic material
properties. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 221 and 223, and CHEM 322
and 323, or consent of instructor; Co-requisite: CHEM 462
Molecular Modeling Laboratory.
Two Hours, Fall, Even Years
CHEM 481-486 CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
Library and laboratory research in chemistry resulting in the
submission of a formal paper. This course is designed to give
experience in formal research methods, including literature search,
laboratory work, record keeping, and reporting results. The scope of
the research problem will be limited, but the quality of work and
methodology will approach that expected in industry or graduate
school. A summer internship may also be used to acquire credit. A
total of six hours may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisite(s):
Junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.
Variable credit, On Demand

