Chemistry & Biochemistry
Shinquin Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Professors Natalia Blank, Mary Hoppe, and Michael McGinnis; Associate Professors Joseph Rizzolo, Seth Frisbie and Ethan Guth; Assistant Professor Thomas Shell; Lecturers Richard Milius (Chair), Amy Hoeltge, Anthony Rutkowski and Page Spiess
Majors:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (fulfills all pre-medical and pre-dental required courses)
Mission:
Within the mission of Norwich University and the College of Science and Mathematics, the mission of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department is to offer laboratory-intensive courses that provide an understanding of the chemical and biochemical aspects of the physical environment and to prepare students majoring in the discipline for careers in chemistry and biochemistry related fields as well as for further educational opportunities.
The progress of all students majoring in chemistry and biochemistry will be evaluated by the department at the end of the first and second years. Students receiving an unsatisfactory evaluation will be requested to change majors.
Goals:
- Graduates will have a good understanding and broad knowledge of chemistry in all five areas of the discipline: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical.
- Graduates will be capable of performing independently and competently in the laboratory.
- Graduates will be prepared for successful employment in a profession employing chemistry and will be prepared for graduate or professional school.
Outcomes:
- Chemistry and biochemistry majors will complete the ETS standardized chemistry major field exam and score on average in the 50th percentile or above.
- Chemistry and biochemistry majors will develop the ability to read the primary literature; to follow procedures found in the literature; to perform a variety of modern laboratory techniques and produce quality results, and to communicate results orally and in writing.
- Ninety percent of graduates who wish to pursue graduate or professional education will be accepted into programs; 100% of graduates desiring employment or commissioning directly from the undergraduate programs will be employed or commissioned within six months of graduation.
Careers for these Majors:
A degree in chemistry or biochemistry serves as an excellent foundation for careers both in and out of science. It can be of particular benefit to students interested in pursuing any of the following careers:
- Agricultural Chemist
- Air Pollution Monitor
- Bio-Analyst or DNA Analyst
- Biochemist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biostatistician
- Brewmaster
- Clinical Chemist
- Crime Lab Assistant, Forensic Chemist,
- Dentist
- Doctor
- Epidemiologist
- Food and Drug Inspector, Food Safety Auditor
- Food Chemist or Food Scientist
- Laboratory Manager
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Patent Agent
- Pest Control Technician
- Petroleum Chemist
- Pharmaceutical Chemist
- Pharmacist, Pharmacologist
- Quality Control Specialist
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Sales Representative
- Science Teacher, University Professor
- Toxicologist
- Water Purification Chemist or Water Quality Analyst
B.S. in Biochemistry Curriculum Map 2018-2019 Catalog
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 101 Principles of Biology I | 4 | BI 102 Principles of Biology II | 4 | ||
| CH 103 General Chemistry I (General Education Lab Science) | 4 | CH 104 General Chemistry II (General Education Lab Science) | 4 | ||
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 | ||
| MA 107 Precalculus Mathematics 1 | 4 | MA 121 Calculus I (General Education Math) | 4 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 15 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| CH 214 Communication in Chemistry (or in 3rd year) | 1 | BI 226 Cell Biology | 4 | ||
| CH 225 Organic Chemistry I | 4 | CH 226 Organic Chemistry II | 4 | ||
| EN 201 World Literature I (General Education Literature) 3 | 3 | EN 202 World Literature II 3 | 3 | ||
| PS 201 General Physics I 2 | 4 | PS 202 General Physics II 2 | 4 | ||
| MA 122 Calculus II (General Education Math) | 4 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 303 Genetics | 4 | CH 314 Instrumental Methods | 3 | ||
| CH 204 Quantitative Analysis | 4 | CH 315 Analysis Laboratory (taken with CH 314) | 1 | ||
| CH 327 Physical Chemistry I | 3 | CH 328 Physical Chemistry II (or Free Elective) | 3 | ||
| General Education Social Science | 3 | General Education History | 3 | ||
| General Education Leadership | 1-3 | General Education Arts & Humanities | 3 | ||
| General Education Ethics | 3 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 15-17 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 304 Physiology | 4 | CH 325 Biochemistry II (or BI 226) | 4 | ||
| CH 324 Biochemistry I | 4 | CH 422 Chemical Synthesis and Examination II (Capstone) | 3 | ||
| CH 413 Chemistry Seminar (Capstone) | 1 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 15 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS FOR THIS MAJOR: 123-125 | |||||
B.S. in Chemistry - Curriculum Map 2018-2019 Catalog
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| CH 103 General Chemistry I (General Education Lab Science) | 4 | CH 104 General Chemistry II (General Education Lab Science) | 4 | ||
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 | ||
| MA 121 Calculus I (General Education Math) | 4 | MA 122 Calculus II (General Education Math) | 4 | ||
| General Education Arts & Humanities | 3 | MA 241 Mathematical Computation and Modeling (or Free Elective) 1 | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 14 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 101 Principles of Biology I | 4 | CH 226 Organic Chemistry II | 4 | ||
| CH 214 Communication in Chemistry (or in 3rd year) | 1 | EN 202 World Literature II 2 | 3 | ||
| CH 225 Organic Chemistry I | 4 | MA 224 Differential Equations | 4 | ||
| EN 201 World Literature I 2 | 3 | PS 212 University Physics II | 4 | ||
| PS 211 University Physics I | 4 | General Education Leadership | 1-3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 16-18 | ||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| CH 204 Quantitative Analysis | 4 | CH 314 Instrumental Methods | 3 | ||
| CH 327 Physical Chemistry I | 3 | CH 315 Analysis Laboratory (taken with CH 314) | 1 | ||
| CH 337 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (taken with CH 327) | 1 | CH 328 Physical Chemistry II | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | CH 338 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (taken with CH 328) | 1 | ||
| Math/Science Elective | 3-4 | Science/Math Elective | 4-3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 14-15 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 15-14 | ||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| CH 324 Biochemistry I (or CH 204 Quantitative Analysis) | 4 | CH 438 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (or Math/Science Elective) | 3 | ||
| CH 413 Chemistry Seminar | 1 | CH 422 Chemical Synthesis and Examination II | 3 | ||
| CH 421 Chemical Synthesis and Examination I | 3 | General Education Ethics | 3 | ||
| General Education Social Science | 3 | General Education History | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 17 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 18 | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS FOR THIS MAJOR: 124-126 | |||||
Chemistry Minor Curriculum Map 2018-2019 Catalog
This minor is not available to students majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry.
| CH Elective | 3 | |
| CH Elective | 3 | |
| CH Elective (200 level or higher) | 3 | |
| CH Elective (200 level or higher) | 3 | |
| CH Elective (200 level or higher) | 3 | |
| CH Elective (200 level or higher) | 3 | |
| Total Cr. | 18 | |
Courses
CH 100 Introduction to Forensic Science 4 Cr.
An introductory survey course designed for non-science/engineering majors that focuses on scientific principles behind the recognition, collection, preservation, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence found at a crime scene. Emphasis is on understanding the capabilities and limitations of forensic science as it is currently practiced. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Offered Fall and Spring. Goal 4.
CH 101 Introduction to General Chemistry 4 Cr.
The first of a two-semester course series covering topics in General, Organic and Biochemistry (GOB). This fundamental course introduces the principles of chemical structure and reactivity. Topics include accuracy and precision in measurement, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding and reactions, and chemical equilibrium. The laboratory complements the lecture material with emphasis placed on collaborative problem solving. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: Math placement score of 001 or higher. Not more than one of CH 101 or CH 103 may count as degree credit. Offered Spring. Goal 4.
CH 102 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 4 Cr.
The second part of a two-semester course series covering topics in General, Organic and Biochemistry (GOB). This course introduces the nomenclature, structure and reactivity of organic compounds and the structure and function of the major classes of biological compounds and their role in metabolic pathways. Laboratory exercises complement the lecture material. Prereqs: CH 101 or CH 103. No more than one of CH 102 or CH 104 may count as degree credit. CH 102 may not be taken for credit after successful completion of CH 205. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Offered Fall. Goal 4.
CH 103 General Chemistry I 4 Cr.
Introduction to chemical characteristics and behavior, stressing atomic structure, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium and kinetics, and descriptive chemistry of important elements. Laboratory includes qualitative and quantitative exercises, and syntheses. Credit will not be granted for more than one of the following sequences: CH 103 - CH 104, CH 101 - CH 102, or CH 103 - CH 102. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: One year of high school chemistry and a Math placement score of 2 or higher or a “C” or higher in MA 095. Offered Fall. Goal 4.
CH 104 General Chemistry II 4 Cr.
Continuation of the study of chemical characteristics and behavior, stressing atomic structure, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium and kinetics, and descriptive chemistry of important elements. Laboratory includes qualitative and quantitative exercises, and syntheses. Credit will not be granted for more than one of the following sequences: CH 103 - CH 104, CH 101 - CH 102, or CH 103 - CH 102. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: CH 103. Offered Spring. Goal 4.
CH 1XL Chemistry Lab Transfer Elective 4 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
CH 1XX Chemistry Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
CH 204 Quantitative Analysis 4 Cr.
A course on the general principles and laboratory practices of quantitative analysis, applied principally in colorimetric and volumetric determinations. Studies include theory and practical procedures associated with gravimetric analysis, potentiometric titrations, and use of pH-meters. 3 Lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours. Prereqs: CH 103, CH 104. Offered Fall even years.
CH 205 Survey of Organic Chemistry 4 Cr.
An introduction to the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds and the instrumentation of organic chemistry. Laboratory work involves manipulation of organic laboratory equipment, preparation and identification of typical organic compounds, and the characteristics of the major functional groups. 3 Lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Prereq: CH 104. Offered Spring even years.
201910.
CH 214 Communication in Chemistry 1 Cr.
Illustrates the organization of the chemical literature, the efficient search of the literature and a formal introduction to scientific writing. 1 Lecture hour. Offered Fall.
CH 225 Organic Chemistry I 4 Cr.
An introduction to the study of carbon compounds; preparation and identification of typical compounds. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: CH 104. Offered Fall.
CH 226 Organic Chemistry II 4 Cr.
A continuation of the study of carbon compounds; preparation and identification of typical compounds. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: CH 225. Offered Spring.
CH 2XX Chemistry Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
CH 314 Instrumental Methods 3 Cr.
A course on the theory of modern instrumental methods. 3 Lecture hours. Prereq: CH 204. Offered Spring odd years.
CH 315 Analysis Laboratory 1 Cr.
An upper class laboratory experience in chemical methods of measurement and analysis. 3 Laboratory hours. Prereq: CH 204. Offered Spring odd years.
CH 324 Biochemistry I 4 Cr.
A course on the chemical phenomena and energy effects in life processes. Topics include structure and function of biomolecules, metabolism (catabolism and anabolism), photosynthesis and recombinant DNA technologies. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereqs: BI 101, CH 226. Offered Fall.
CH 325 Biochemistry II 4 Cr.
A continuation of the study of the chemical phenomena and energy effects in life processes. Topics include structure and function of biomolecules, metabolism (catabolism and anabolism), photosynthesis and recombinant DNA technologies. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: CH 324. Offered Spring even years.
CH 327 Physical Chemistry I 3 Cr.
The physical properties, structure and transformation of matter are studied with emphasis on applications of thermodynamics, equilibrium, phase equilibria and reaction kinetics.
3 Lecture hours. Prereqs: CH 104; MA 122. Recommended: PS 201/202 or PS 211/212. Offered Fall even years.
CH 328 Physical Chemistry II 3 Cr.
A continuation of the study of physical properties and structure of matter with emphasis on the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, molecular and electronic spectroscopy and molecular thermodynamics. 3 Lecture hours. Prereq: CH 327. Offered Spring odd years.
CH 337 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I 1 Cr.
Laboratory investigations with formal laboratory reports into the physical properties and chemical behavior of substances. 3 Laboratory hours. Pre/Co-req: CH 327. Offered Fall even years.
CH 338 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II 1 Cr.
A continuation of laboratory investigations with formal laboratory reports on the physical properties and chemical behavior of substances. 3 Laboratory hours. Pre/Co-req: CH 328. Offered Spring odd years.
CH 413 Chemistry Seminar 1 Cr.
Part of a capstone experience providing individual assignments, written reports, oral reports, and class discussions on chemical topics of current interest. Reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills are emphasized. 1 Lecture hour. Restriction: J2 Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.
CH 421 Chemical Synthesis and Examination I 3 Cr.
A capstone experience in which organic, inorganic and compounds of biological interest are synthesized and examined with respect to purity and properties. Students develop an integrated perspective on the general field of chemistry and develop proficiency in practical laboratory procedures and in reporting results. 8 Laboratory hours. Restriction: J2 Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Offered Fall.
CH 422 Chemical Synthesis and Examination II 3 Cr.
The second part of a capstone experience in which organic, inorganic and compounds of biological interest are synthesized and examined with respect to purity and properties. Students develop an integrated perspective on the general field of chemistry and develop proficiency in practical laboratory procedures and in reporting results. 8 Laboratory hours. Restriction: Sr. 1 Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Offered Spring.
CH 425 Thesis 1-3 Cr.
This course allows the student to conduct research on a project approved by the faculty of the chemistry and biochemistry programs. The student can be expected to perform the necessary experiments, organize and interpret the data and to communicate the results of the project with a comprehensive report. Prerequisites: CH 226 and permission of the department. The student may re-enroll in CH 425 for up to 6 credits.
CH 438 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 Cr.
A course on the chemistry of the elements: properties, characteristics, and behavior. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: CH 327 - CH 328. Offered spring semesters of even numbered years.
CH 439 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 Cr.
An advanced and thorough development of topics introduced in CH 226. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisites: CH 226. Offered on occasion.
CH 450 Topics in Chemistry 3 Cr.
A course in which a limited topic in advanced chemistry is covered in depth. Prereq: permission of the instructor. Offered on occasion.