Chemistry & Biochemistry
Shinquin Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Professor Michael McGinnis; Associate Professors Seth Frisbie, Ethan Guth (Chair and Pre-Health Advisor) and Joseph Rizzolo; Assistant Professors Sarah Gallant and Emma Ste Marie; Senior Lecturer, Anthony Rutkowski; Lecturers Marie Agan (Lab Coordinator) 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:
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry (coursework in this major covers the core pre-requisite classes for the majority of medical and dental schools)
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 2021-2022 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.
| 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 110 Writing and Inquiry in Public Contexts | 3 | EN 111 Writing and Inquiry in Academic Contexts | 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 | ||
| PS 201 General Physics I 2 | 4 | PS 202 General Physics II 2 | 4 | ||
| EN 222 Introduction to World Literatures (General Education Goal 3: Literature) | 3 | ||||
| MA 122 Calculus II (General Education Math) | 4 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 12 | ||
| 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: 120-122 | |||||
Chemistry (B.S.) - Curriculum Map 2021-2022 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.
| 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 110 Writing and Inquiry in Public Contexts | 3 | EN 111 Writing and Inquiry in Academic Contexts | 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. |
| CH 214 Communication in Chemistry (or in 3rd year) | 1 | CH 226 Organic Chemistry II | 4 | ||
| CH 204 Quantitative Analysis | 4 | MA 224 Differential Equations | 4 | ||
| CH 225 Organic Chemistry I | 4 | PS 212 University Physics II | 4 | ||
| PS 211 University Physics I | 4 | General Education Leadership | 1-3 | ||
| EN 222 Introduction to World Literatures (General Education Goal 3: Literature) | 3 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 16 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 13-15 | ||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| CH 327 Physical Chemistry I | 3 | CH 314 Instrumental Methods | 3 | ||
| CH 337 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (taken with CH 327) | 1 | CH 315 Analysis Laboratory (taken with CH 314) | 1 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | CH 328 Physical Chemistry II | 3 | ||
| Math/Science Elective | 3-4 | CH 338 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (taken with CH 328) | 1 | ||
| BI 101 Principles of Biology I | 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: 121-123 | |||||
| 1 | EG 110 may be substituted for MA 241. |
Chemistry Minor 2021-2022 Catalog
A Chemistry or Biochemistry major is ineligible to declare this minor.
| 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 and 3 Lab hours. Goal 4. Offered: 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. Credit in CH 101 or 103 will be used toward degree requirements, not both. 3 Lecture hours and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisite: MA 005, or Math placement into MA 095, or higher. Offered: 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 and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisites: CH 101 or CH 103. Offered: 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 cannot be earned in CH 101 and CH 103. 3 Lecture hours and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MA 095, or Math Placement score of 2 (MA 107), or higher. Recommended: One year of high school chemistry. Offered: 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 CH 104 and CH 102. 3 Lecture hours and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisite: CH 103. Offered: Spring.
CH 188 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.
CH 199 Pilot Course 4 Cr.
Pilot Course.
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 and 4 Lab hours. Prerequisite: CH 104. Offered: 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 and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisite: CH 104. Offered: 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. 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 and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisite: 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 and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisite: CH 225. Offered: Spring.
CH 288 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.
CH 299 Pilot Course 4 Cr.
Pilot Course.
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-transform infrared spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography, 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. Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: CH 204. Offered: 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 Lab hours. Prerequisite: 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 and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisites: 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 and 3 Lab hours. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisite: 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 Lab hours. Prerequisite: CH 327 or concurrent enrollment. 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 Lab hours. Prerequisite: CH 328 or concurrent enrollment. Offered: 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 or higher; Chemistry or Biochemistry major. Offered: 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 Lab hours. Prerequisite: Junior or higher; Chemistry or Biochemistry major. 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 Lab hours. Prerequisite: Senior status; Chemistry or Biochemistry major. 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. Prerequisite: CH 226. Permission of Department Chair. 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. Offered: 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. Offered: 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. Offered: Occasionally.
CH 488 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.