Curriculum

THE MAJOR

Four degree programs are offered to students interested in a major in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is a four-year course of study designed for those students who plan to be professional chemists. This program meets the standards set by the American Chemical Society to train chemists for industry and graduate programs in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry prepares students for graduate study and research in the rapidly growing areas of biotechnology and the chemistry of life processes. This program meets the standards set by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as the American Chemical Society. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology also meets the needs of students preparing for graduate studies in bioscience or for medical school. This program is more interdisciplinary than the B.S. in Biochemistry. The Bachelor of Arts program is suitable for students interested in secondary school teaching, premedical training, and interdisciplinary studies such as biophysics, environmental sciences, oceanography, and toxicology.

All students interested in a major are encouraged to begin research involvements during their first and sophomore years. The course offering “Research Techniques and Applications” (CHEM 1190) provides students with the opportunity to be engaged in the ongoing research programs of chemistry faculty, and a significant component of this experience will involve the use of sophisticated instrumentation for specific research applications. The junior-senior course “Independent Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry” (CHEM 3-90) then allows experienced students to undertake suitably challenging projects with faculty members without having to spend a large fraction of time in introductory formats.

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in chemistry are as follows:

I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:

A. 31-32 credits in chemistry including CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220, 3330, 2130, 3432, 3334, 3135, 3321, 3121 and one upper division course selected from CHEM 3335, 4242, 4346, or 4347.
B. MATH 1311, 1312, PHYS 1111, 1112, 1309, 1310.
C. Completion of the Senior Experience is satisfied by one of the following: CHEM 4346, 4347, GNED 4301 Senior Synthesis, or GNED 4300 Senior Interdisciplinary Seminar.

III. Electives sufficient to total 124 semester hours.

typical BA Chemistry 4-year course program

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN CHEMISTRY

The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry are as follows:

I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:

A. 43 credits in chemistry, including CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220, 3330, 2130, 3190, 3432, 3334, 3135, 3321, 3121, 3335, 4242, 4250 and two courses selected from 4340, 4346 and 4347. Students may substitute an advanced course in molecular biology, engineering science, or physics for one of the two advanced electives in chemistry. This substitution must be approved by the department chair.
B. MATH 1311, 1312, plus one additional course from MATH 2321 or 3336; PHYS 1111, 1112, 1309 or 1311, 1310 or 1312.
C. Completion of the Senior Experience is satisfied by one of the following: CHEM 4346, 4347, 4395, or 4399.

III. Electives sufficient to total 124 semester hours.

typical BS Chemistry 4-year course program

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOCHEMISTRY

The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in biochemistry are as follows:

I. The common curriculum

II. Departmental requirements:

A. 38 credits in chemistry, including CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220, 3330, 2130, 3131, 3432, 3334, 3135, 3321, 3121, 4340, 4242, and one course chosen from 3335, 4346 and 4347.
B. BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212, and one course from the following: 3421, 3424, 3444, or 3446.
C. CHEM 3190 or BIOL 3190.
D. PHYS 1111, 1112, 1309, 1310.
E. MATH 1311, 1312.
F. Completion of the Senior Experience is satisfied by one of the following: CHEM 4340, 4346, 4347, 4395, or 4399.

III. Electives sufficient to total 124 semester hours.

typical BS Biochemistry 4-year course program

GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAJORS

Full acceptance is granted if the following requirements are met at the time of application:

Completion of CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220 with grades of C or better.
Completion of MATH 1311 with a grade of C or better.
A grade point average of at least 2.0 on all other university work.

Provisional acceptance may be granted if it is apparent that the applicant can meet the requirements for full acceptance by the end of the semester in which application is made.

Transfer students will be accepted provisionally pending completion at Trinity of at least one upper division chemistry course, which includes lab, with a grade of C or better.

THE MINOR

A minor in chemistry may be obtained by successful completion of a minimum of 20 hours in chemistry, to include CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220, 2130 and at least 6 additional hours in upper division courses.

HONORS IN CHEMISTRY

In addition to the minimum requirements for an honors thesis described earlier, the Department of Chemistry has the following requirements:

Application and Procedures

Students planning to write an Honors Thesis in Chemistry should discuss research opportunities with at least three faculty members. Normally the choice of research director will be made in the first semester of the Junior year, although students with extraordinary research experience, including research during a summer, may defer the choice of research director for one or two semesters.

Requirements

The Honors Program in Chemistry requires a minimum of nine credit hours of research normally arranged over three semesters. At least six of these hours must be taken in the senior year and devoted to the thesis research. If a student has worked full-time on research related to the thesis for a minimum of ten weeks during one summer, the department may waive the requirement for three of the nine credit hours. Submission of the final research report for the summer is required for this waiver.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

The requirements for the degree Bachelor of Science with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are as follows:

I. The common curriculum
II. Departmental requirements:

A. 47-49 credits in chemistry and biology, distributed as follows:

i. Core Courses. BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212, 3421, 3444, CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220, 3330, 2130, 3131, 3334, and 4340.
ii. Advanced Electives. Two courses chosen from the following list (one from each department): BIOL 3424, 3433, 3442, 3446, 3449, CHEM 3432, 4346, 4347, or the combination of 3321 and 3121.
iii. Advanced Laboratory. One course chosen from the following list: BIOL 2191, 3-90, 3-92, CHEM 2180, or 3-90.

B. MATH 1307 or 1311 and 1308 or 1312.
C. PHYS 1111, 1112, 1309, 1310.
D. Completion of the Senior Experience is satisfied by one of the following: BIOL 4390, 4399, CHEM 4346, 4347, 4395, 4399, GNED 4300, or 4301.

III. Electives sufficient to total 124 semester hours.

typical BS Biochemsitry and Molecular Biology 4-year course program

GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MAJORS

Full acceptance is granted if the following requirements are met at the time of application:

Completion of CHEM 1318, 1118, 2319, 2119, 2320, 2220 and BIOL 1311, 1111, 1312, 1212 with grades of C or better.
Completion of MATH 1307 or 1311 with a grade of C or better.
A grade point average of at least 2.0 on all other university work.

Provisional acceptance may be granted if it is apparent that an applicant can meet the requirements for full acceptance by the end of the semester in which application is made.

Transfer students will be accepted provisionally pending completion at Trinity of at least one upper division chemistry and biology course, which includes laboratories, with a grade of C or better.

HONORS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Students may undertake honors under the direction of faculty in either the Biology or Chemistry Departments. The procedures and requirements will be determined by the department affiliation of the research mentor. These are described in the Biology and Chemistry sections of this bulletin.

COURSES

CHEM 1118	General Chemistry Laboratory Emphasis is placed on the development of laboratory skills that are fundamental to experimental chemistry. Laboratory operations include the use of modern potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods of analysis as well as traditional gravimetric and volumetric procedures. Laboratory, 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CHEM 1318.
CHEM 1190	Research Techniques and Applications Involvement in ongoing research programs with individual faculty. Information retrieval, chemical and instrumental methods, and experimental design for the solution of specific chemical problems are emphasized. 6 laboratory hours a week for 1 semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
CHEM 1300	Introduction to Chemistry Introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemistry including the mole, stoichiometry, balanced reactions, electronic structure, chemical bonding, and intermolecular interactions with modern examples. An emphasis will be placed on problem solving involving mathematics. CHEM 1300 provides a thorough preparation for CHEM 1318. Lecture, 3 hours per week.
CHEM 1301	The Chemistry of Crime The study of forensic chemistry, with an emphasis on the scientific basis for the various techniques used in solving crimes. The course is designed as a studio course that includes both lectures and laboratory experiments during the class period. The course will include a minimum of 25 hours of laboratory activities. Two field trips on Friday afternoon/Saturday morning may be required. This course is intended for students who major in a non-science discipline. Credit for CHEM 1301 will not be given to those students who have already fulfilled (or who are currently enrolled in a course fulfilling) the Using Scientific Methods section of the Understanding Natural Science and Technology portion of the Common Curriculum.
CHEM 1305	The Chemistry of Art The study of the chemical foundations of the visual arts. Topics range from a study of the historical development of technical innovations and discoveries which impacted the evolution of art, to the chemical and physical properties of artists’ materials, to an introduction to conservation and the analysis of works of art. The course is designed as a studio course which includes both lectures and laboratory experiments during the class period. A minimum of one-half of the course meeting times will be laboratory activities. This course is intended for students who major in a non-science discipline. Credit for CHEM 1305 will not be given to those students who have already fulfilled or who are currently enrolled in a course fulfilling) the Using Scientific Methods section of the Understanding Natural Science and Technology portion of the Common Curriculum.
CHEM 1318	General Chemistry Fundamental concepts in chemical science, taught from perspectives of chemistry in the modern world, with emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving. Course content will include stoichiometry and mass relationships, properties of solutions, atomic structure, molecular structure and bonding, intermolecular forces, chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetics. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Credit for the Common Curriculum will not be granted for both CHEM 1300 and CHEM 1318. Prerequisite: Passing the Chemistry Placement Exam or CHEM 1300. Corequisite: CHEM 1118.
CHEM 2119	Laboratory Methods in Organic Chemistry The laboratory stresses modern techniques for the preparation and analysis of organic compounds. Infrared spectral analyses and chromatographic separations are introduced. Laboratory, 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CHEM 2319. Prerequisite: CHEM 1118.
CHEM 2130	Advanced Chemical Principles Laboratory Emphasis is placed on the developmental of foundational laboratory techniques and skills, including attention to details and precision. Utilizing quantitative instrumental techniques, students build a deeper level of experimentation and problem solving skills while becoming increasingly independent. Laboratory, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2220.
CHEM 2180	Biomolecular Research Methods Investigative skills for interdisciplinary research in the biological and chemical sciences. The use of modern fluorescence spectroscopy, microcalorimetry, and mass spectrometry to solve biomolecular research problems. Research topics will vary from year to year and may include protein studies, biomolecular stability, and biomolecular recognition. (Also listed as BIOL 2180.) Prerequisites: BIOL 1312, 1212, CHEM 2319, 2119, and consent of instructor.
CHEM 2220	Chemical Synthesis Laboratory Continued development of student laboratory experience with emphasis on organic and inorganic syntheses. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, use of Chemical Abstracts, and technical writing are emphasized. Laboratory, 5 hours per week, alternate weeks; discussion session, 1 hour each week. Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 2320. Prerequisite: CHEM 2119.
CHEM 2305	Chemistry for the Visual Artist The study of the chemical foundations of the visual arts. Topics range from a study of the historical development of technical innovations and discoveries that impacted the evolution of art, to the chemical and physical properties of artists’ materials, to an introduction to conservation, and the analysis of works of art. The course is designed to include both lectures and laboratory experiments during the class period. A minimum of one-half of the course meeting times will be laboratory activities. A field trip may be included. The laboratory activities will be expanded and built upon in the corequisite course, ART 2305. This course is intended for students who major in a non-science discipline. No student who has already fulfilled (or who is currently enrolled in a course fulfilling) the Using Scientific Methods section of the Understanding Natural Science and Technology portion of the Common Curriculum may register for CHEM 2305. Students may register for one of CHEM 1305 or CHEM 2305. Corequisite: ART 2305: Studio Art for Chemists.
CHEM 2319	Organic Chemistry I Introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry through studies of the structures, properties, and reactions of carbon-based compounds. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CHEM 2119. Prerequisite: CHEM 1318.
CHEM 2320	Organic Chemistry II The continuation of CHEM 2319 with emphasis on structure-activity relationships, mechanisms, and synthesis of complex organic compounds. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2319.
CHEM 2340	Application of Chemical Principles Application of chemical structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics to a broad range of problems, including acid-based reactions, redox reactions, and energy production. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2319.
CHEM 3121	Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and reactivity studies of inorganic compounds. Students will develop advanced synthesis and characterization techniques, and will become familiar with the Inorganic chemistry literature. In the second half of the semester, students may be able to develop individual projects relating to their broader fields of interest. Laboratory, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2220, 3334. Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 3135, 3321, or consent of instructor.
CHEM 3131	Biochemistry Laboratory An introduction to modern experimental biochemistry. The course emphasizes analytical and physical methods used in isolating and determining the properties of proteins and nucleic acids. Laboratory, 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 3330, 2130.
CHEM 3135	Physical Chemistry Laboratory Experimentation in physical and biophysical chemistry using modern laboratory techniques and instrumentation. The emphases of the course are to illustrate physical chemistry principles and to develop careful and critical experimental expertise. Topics covered include chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and equilibrium. Laboratory, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 3334, 3432.
CHEM 3321	Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry of the main group and transition metal elements, with emphasis on the application of fundamental chemical principles to trends in stability and reactivity. Topics include atomic theories, bonding, molecular structure, symmetry and group theory, acid-base theories, thermodynamic properties, kinetics and reactivity, redox properties, coordination compounds, organometallic chemistry, solid state chemistry, catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2320, 3334. Corequisite: CHEM 3121.
CHEM 3330	Biochemistry I The structure and function of biological molecules. The course emphasizes protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate and lipid structure, mechanisms of enzymes, membrane structure and dynamics, and bioenergetics. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2320.
CHEM 3334	Physical Chemistry I Emphasis is placed on the effect of temperature, pressure, volume, and chemical composition on chemical equilibrium and reaction rates through the development of fundamental principles of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 1309. Prerequisites: CHEM 1318, MATH 1312.
CHEM 3335	Physical Chemistry II A continuation of CHEM 3334 with emphasis on quantum mechanical approaches to chemical structure and dynamics, statistical mechanics, and theoretical developments in chemistry. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 1310. Prerequisite: CHEM 3334.
CHEM 3-90	Independent Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry Analyses directed to the solution of a problem having mutual student and faculty interest. All available instrumental and technical resources appropriate to this research are employed. Oral and written communication of results is required. 6 laboratory hours a week per credit hour. An end of semester written report is required. Attendance at departmental seminars is expected. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
CHEM 3398	Honors Readings Independent study in selected areas in preparation for Honors Thesis. May be taken for up to three hours of credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
CHEM 3432	Analytical Chemistry Principles of quantitative chemical analysis. Discussions will include topics such as sampling, statistical analysis, experimental design and optimization, chemical equilibrium, volumetric and gravimetric techniques, electrochemistry, and elementary instrumental analysis. Typical laboratory experience includes volumetric analysis and elementary instrumental analysis. 3 lecture hours and 3 lab hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2319.
CHEM 4194	Major’s Seminar A seminar course for junior and senior chemistry majors. Attendance at weekly departmental seminars is required. In addition, each student will prepare an abstract and give an oral presentation on a current topic in chemical science. May be repeated for up to four hours credit. Pass/Fail.
CHEM 4242	Advanced Analytical Methods Principles of modern instrumental analysis, with emphasis on separation methods and mass spectrometry. Both theory and practical experience are addressed. Appropriate laboratory experience emphasizes use of sophisticated chemical instrumentation. Equivalent of 1 lecture hour and 3 laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 3334, 3432.
CHEM 4250	Senior Integrated Laboratory Advanced experimentation in chemistry and biochemistry. A team-taught course designed to bring the perspectives of multiple disciplines to bear on advanced laboratory problems. The emphasis in the course will be on the use of emission and absorption spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, electrochemistry, and computational chemistry to study complex chemical and biochemical problems. Equivalent of 1 lecture hour and 6 laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 3334, 3335, 3135, 4242.
CHEM 4340	Biochemistry II The continuation of CHEM 3330 with emphasis on metabolism, biosynthesis, and gene expression. Lecture, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 3330, 3334.
CHEM 4346	Advanced Interdisciplinary Topics - Fall Advanced topics in chemistry, with an emphasis on modern approaches in interdisciplinary areas. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include physical inorganic, physical organic, bioinorganic, bioorganic, bioanalytical, organometallic chemistry, or the chemistry of materials. Lecture, 3 hours per week. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BA and BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees. Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 3334.
CHEM 4347	Advanced Interdisciplinary Topics - Spring Advanced topics in chemistry, with an emphasis on modern approaches in interdisciplinary areas. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include physical inorganic, physical organic, bioinorganic, bioorganic, bioanalytical, organometallic chemistry, or the chemistry of materials. Lecture, 3 hours per week, Spring. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BA and BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees. Prerequisite: CHEM 3334.
CHEM 4395	Thesis Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry Written communication of research performed at Trinity University in thesis form. Course enrollment requires a minimum of two semesters of research involvement in a research project and the permission of the department chair. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees.
CHEM 4399	Honors Thesis Individual research and scholarly investigation under faculty supervision leading to the preparation of an Honors Thesis. To be taken only by Senior Honors students in both terms of their Senior year. Includes participation in Senior Colloquium where students present reports on their Thesis work. This course fulfills the Senior Experience requirement of the University’s Common Curriculum for the BS Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees.