Chemistry & Biochemistry

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.norwich.edu/.

Shinquin Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Professors Natalia Blank, and Michael McGinnis; Associate Professors Joseph Rizzolo, Seth Frisbie and Ethan Guth (Chair and Pre-Health Advisor); Assistant Professor Thomas Shell; Lecturers Marie Agan (Lab Coordinator), Sarah Gibbons, Anthony Rutkowski and Page Spiess

Our graduates are highly desired by industry and government employers for their laboratory skills, and are well qualified for admission to graduate and professional schools. The courses and labs required for these degrees assure that graduates are proficient in the fundamental principles of chemistry and prepared to apply these principles to specialized areas such as environmental, forensic, medicinal, and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Bachelor of Science Degree, Majors Offered:

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

Biochemistry (B.S) Curriculum Map 2020-2021 Catalog

All courses listed on the curriculum map are required, although the sequence varies somewhat for courses offered in alternate years. It is difficult for chemistry and biochemistry majors to schedule the required courses unless they follow the outline recommended paying special attention to the alternate year courses.

New PlanGrids
Freshman
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
BI 101 Principles of Biology I4BI 102 Principles of Biology II4
CH 103 General Chemistry I (General Education Lab Science)4CH 104 General Chemistry II (General Education Lab Science)4
EN 101 Composition and Literature I3EN 102 Composition and Literature II3
MA 107 Precalculus Mathematics 14MA 121 Calculus I (General Education Math)4
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 15Spring Semester Total Cr.: 15
Sophomore
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
CH 214 Communication in Chemistry (or in 3rd year)1BI 226 Cell Biology4
CH 225 Organic Chemistry I4CH 226 Organic Chemistry II4
PS 201 General Physics I 24PS 202 General Physics II 24
EN 222 Introduction to World Literatures (General Education Goal 3: Literature)3   
MA 122 Calculus II (General Education Math)4   
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 16Spring Semester Total Cr.: 12
Junior
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
BI 303 Genetics4CH 314 Instrumental Methods3
CH 204 Quantitative Analysis4CH 315 Analysis Laboratory (taken with CH 314)1
CH 327 Physical Chemistry I3CH 328 Physical Chemistry II (or Free Elective)3
General Education Social Science3 General Education History3 
General Education Leadership1-3 General Education Arts & Humanities3 
   General Education Ethics3 
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 15-17Spring Semester Total Cr.: 16
Senior
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
BI 304 Physiology4CH 325 Biochemistry II (or BI 226)4
CH 324 Biochemistry I4CH 422 Chemical Synthesis and Examination II (Capstone)3
CH 413 Chemistry Seminar (Capstone)1Free Elective3 
Free Elective3 Free Elective3 
Free Elective3 Free Elective3 
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 15Spring Semester Total Cr.: 16
TOTAL CREDITS FOR THIS MAJOR: 120-122

Chemistry (B.S.) - Curriculum Map 2020-2021 Catalog

All courses listed on the curriculum map are required, although the sequence varies somewhat for courses offered in alternate years. It is difficult for chemistry and biochemistry majors to schedule the required courses unless they follow the outline recommended paying special attention to the alternate year courses.

New PlanGrids
Freshman
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
CH 103 General Chemistry I (General Education Lab Science)4CH 104 General Chemistry II (General Education Lab Science)4
EN 101 Composition and Literature I3EN 102 Composition and Literature II3
MA 121 Calculus I (General Education Math)4MA 122 Calculus II (General Education Math)4
General Education Arts & Humanities3 MA 241 Mathematical Computation and Modeling (or Free Elective) 13
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 14Spring Semester Total Cr.: 14
Sophomore
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
CH 214 Communication in Chemistry (or in 3rd year)1CH 226 Organic Chemistry II4
CH 204 Quantitative Analysis4MA 224 Differential Equations4
CH 225 Organic Chemistry I4PS 212 University Physics II4
PS 211 University Physics I4General Education Leadership1-3 
EN 222 Introduction to World Literatures (General Education Goal 3: Literature)3   
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 16Spring Semester Total Cr.: 13-15
Junior
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
CH 327 Physical Chemistry I3CH 314 Instrumental Methods3
CH 337 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (taken with CH 327)1CH 315 Analysis Laboratory (taken with CH 314)1
Free Elective3 CH 328 Physical Chemistry II3
Math/Science Elective3-4 CH 338 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (taken with CH 328)1
BI 101 Principles of Biology I4Science/Math Elective 4-3 
   Free Elective3 
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 14-15Spring Semester Total Cr.: 15-14
Senior
Fall Cr. Comp. Spring Cr. Comp.
CH 324 Biochemistry I (or CH 204 Quantitative Analysis)4CH 438 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (or Math/Science Elective)3
CH 413 Chemistry Seminar1CH 422 Chemical Synthesis and Examination II3
CH 421 Chemical Synthesis and Examination I3General Education Ethics3 
General Education Social Science3 General Education History3 
Free Elective3 Free Elective 3 
Free Elective3 Free Elective3 
      
      
      
Fall Semester Total Cr.: 17Spring Semester Total Cr.: 18
TOTAL CREDITS FOR THIS MAJOR: 121-123

Chemistry Minor 2020-2021 Catalog

This minor is not available to students majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry.

CH Elective3
CH Elective3
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. Goal 4. (Fall, Spring).

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. Prerequisite: Math placement score of 001 or higher. Only CH 101 or CH 103 may count as degree credit. Goal 4.(Spring).

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. Credit may not be earned for both CH 102 and CH 104. CH 102 may not be taken for credit after successful completion of CH 205. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prerequisite: CH 101 or CH 103. Goal 4. (Fall).

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 and CH 104; CH 101 and CH 102; or CH 103 and CH 102. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prerequisite: Math placement score of 2 or higher or a “C” or higher in MA 095. Recommended: one year of high school chemistry. Goal 4. (Fall).

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 and CH 104; CH 101 and CH 102; or CH 103 and CH 102. 3 Lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prerequisite: CH 103. Goal 4. (Spring).

CH 188 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.

CH 199 Pilot Course 4 Cr.

Pilot Course.

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.

An introduction to the general principles and laboratory practices of quantitative chemical analysis. The sequence of steps in a typical quantitative analysis are emphasized, including defining the analytical requirements, choosing an analytical method, collecting a representative sample, processing the sample in the laboratory, detecting and eliminating interferences, calibrating and measuring concentrations, calculating results, and evaluating results by estimating their reliability. Gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical and spectrochemical methods are studied in the classroom and in the laboratory. Other topics include chemical equilibria, errors in chemical analyses and the statistical evaluation and reporting of analytical data. 3 Lecture hours. 4 Laboratory hours. Prerequisites: CH 104 (Fall).

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, 3 Laboratory hours. Prerequisite: CH 104 (Spring).

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. (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. Prerequisite: CH 104. (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. Prerequisite: CH 225. (Spring).

CH 288 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.

CH 299 Pilot Course 4 Cr.

Pilot Course.

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 and application of modern atomic and molecular instrumental methods. The atomic methods include absorption, emission, and fluorescence spectrometry and plasma emission spectroscopy. The molecular methods include ultraviolet visible absorption spectrometry, Fourier high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Other topics include optical systems, electrical components and circuits, signal measurement and processing, quality assurance/quality control methods, troubleshooting, method validation and reporting. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: CH 204 (Spring, odd years).

CH 315 Analysis Laboratory 1 Cr.

An upper level laboratory experience in analytical chemistry. Students will use quality assurance/quality control methods in quantitative analysis to reduce error; measure and interpret accuracy, precision, and detection limit; detect and eliminate interferences and contamination; and troubleshoot methods and instrumentation. Each student will use ultraviolet visible absorption spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify a variety of unknown compounds. Every student will work on an independent research project. 3 Laboratory hours. Prerequisite: CH 204 (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. Prerequisites: BI 101, CH 226. (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. Prerequisite: CH 324. (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. Prerequisites: CH 104; MA 122. Recommended: PS 201/202 or PS 211/212. (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. Prerequisite: CH 327. (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. Prerequisite: CH 327, or concurrent enrollment. (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. Prerequisite: CH 328, or concurrent enrollment. (Spring, odd years).

CH 388 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.

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. Prerequisite: Junior status or higher; and Chemistry or Biochemistry major. (Fall).

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. Prerequisite: Junior status or higher; Chemistry or Biochemistry major. (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. Prerequisite: Senior status; Chemistry or Biochemistry major. (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. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the student record.

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. (Spring, even years).

CH 439 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 Cr.

An advanced and thorough development of topics introduced in CH 226. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: CH 226. (Occasionally).

CH 450 Topics in Chemistry 3 Cr.

A course in which a limited topic in advanced chemistry is covered in depth. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (Occasionally).

CH 488 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.