Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the major, students will be able to:

• Write well on exams, short paper, long papers and laboratory reports.
• Make oral reports of varying lengths, either alone or as part of a team.
• Prepare and present posters at scientific meetings.
• Exhibit critical thinking when reading texts, lecture supplements, and other materials.
• Prepare a literature review and a bibliography on a topic in chemistry.
• Obtain relevant information from primary sources in a library or online.
• Demonstrate knowledge about the broad core of chemistry.
• Recognize and use connections of chemistry to biology, computing, and mathematics.
• Use ethical scientific methods in obtaining and evaluating data.
• Demonstrate proper methods in the design and conduct of research.
• Exhibit basic laboratory skills in such areas as preparing solutions and titration.
• Use chemical instrumentation and perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Be able to use computer hardware and software for chemical purposes.
• Demonstrate safety in the laboratory.
• Make proper disposal of wastes.

Learning Outcomes Matrix [PDF]

» Click here to view more detailed learning outcomes listings for each course.

Chatham University Chemistry

Buhl Hall • Woodland Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Curriculum

+Major Requirements (BA)

33 Credits of Required Courses and Restricted Electives

CHM108	Chemistry II This course is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide a robust foundation in the principles of chemistry. Topics include thermochemistry, phase changes, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reactions in aqueous solution, thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: CHM105 General Chemistry CHM107 Chemistry I	3
CHM110L	Chemistry II Laboratory Continued introduction to the basic experimental procedures and laboratory techniques in chemistry. Experiments are correlated with lectures in Chemistry 108. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: CHM 108. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
CHM205	Organic Chemistry I Development of the structural theory of organic compounds. Relationship of structure to reactivity, stereochemistry, types of organic reactive intermediates, and the chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic compounds are covered. Co-requisite: CHM 215. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: CHM108 Chemistry II CHM110L Chemistry II Laboratory	3
CHM206	Organic Chemistry II Discussion of organic functional groups and their chemistry. Spectroscopy, mechanisms, and synthetic type-reactions are included. A discussion of biologically important compounds is covered during the last third of the term. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: CHM205 Organic Chemistry I CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory	3
CHM209	Inorganic Chemistry A descriptive survey of inorganic chemistry, including bonding theories, coordination compounds, electrochemistry, inorganic syntheses, and the chemistry of the transition metals. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM108 Chemistry II	3
CHM215L	Elementary Organic Laboratory Basic manipulative skills, including introduction to several chromatographic techniques, are followed by chemistry of alkenes and aromatic compounds. Four hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	2
CHM216LW	Organic Chemistry Laboratory Chemistry of organic functional groups. Identification of unknowns and a multistep synthesis. Four hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory	2
IND200W	Introduction to Scientific Research This course introduces students to all phases of research from conceptualization of the research question to the interpretation of results. Topics include why and how to conduct research, the scientific method, issues key to research (research design, causation, data collection). Statistical software packages and basic statistical analysis will be covered. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: ENG105 First-Year Writing	2
IND350W	Scientific Research Methods This course serves as an introduction to research literature and research methodology in the sciences. Topics include professional writing, experimental design, presentation techniques, and professional and research ethics. Credit is not given for both IND350W and EXS301W.	2
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9 additional credits in chemistry at the 300-level or above:
CHM311	Physical Chemistry I Introduction to thermodynamic aspects of physical chemistry, and a survey of kinetics. Chemical reactions and other transformations are examined in light of ideas of energy conservation and the direction of spontaneous change. Molecular, mathematical, and statistical-mechanical underpinnings are emphasized as appropriate. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM108 Chemistry II	3
CHM312	Physical Chemistry II Quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, introduction to symmetry, and introduction to statistical mechanics. Four hour lectures per week. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM311 Physical Chemistry I	4
CHM322	Topics in Analytical Chemistry This course explores the fundamental chemical principles underlying modern chemical instrumentation. Students learn the advantages and limitations of these instruments, how to select the proper instrumental configuration for a specific experiment, and how to evaluate emerging chemical technologies. Corequisite: CHM 318 Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory Co-requisites CHM318L Chemical Analysis Laboratory	3
CHM338	Biochemistry I This course covers the structure and functions of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy, are covered. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM205 Organic Chemistry I	3
CHM339	Biochemistry II Metabolism is studied with an emphasis on anabolic pathways and special pathways such as cytochrome P450. Other topics include molecular genetics and protein synthesis, hormones and receptors, and immunology. Cross-listed as BIO438 Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: CHM206 Organic Chemistry II CHM338 Biochemistry I	3
CHM343	Environmental Chemistry This course is an advanced study of the chemical principles underlying common environmental problems. It aims to deepen the student's knowledge of chemistry and its role in the environment and shows the power of chemistry as a tool to help us comprehend the changing world around us. Cross-listed as ENV 443. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: CHM205 Organic Chemistry I CHM206 Organic Chemistry II CHM209 Inorganic Chemistry CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory CHM216L Organic Chemistry Laboratory	3
*or additional course pre-approved by the Department Chair

+Major Requirements (BS)

72 credits, including:

CHM108	Chemistry II This course is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide a robust foundation in the principles of chemistry. Topics include thermochemistry, phase changes, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reactions in aqueous solution, thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: CHM105 General Chemistry CHM107 Chemistry I	3
CHM110L	Chemistry II Laboratory Continued introduction to the basic experimental procedures and laboratory techniques in chemistry. Experiments are correlated with lectures in Chemistry 108. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: CHM 108. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
CHM205	Organic Chemistry I Development of the structural theory of organic compounds. Relationship of structure to reactivity, stereochemistry, types of organic reactive intermediates, and the chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic compounds are covered. Co-requisite: CHM 215. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: CHM108 Chemistry II CHM110L Chemistry II Laboratory	3
CHM206	Organic Chemistry II Discussion of organic functional groups and their chemistry. Spectroscopy, mechanisms, and synthetic type-reactions are included. A discussion of biologically important compounds is covered during the last third of the term. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: CHM205 Organic Chemistry I CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory	3
CHM209	Inorganic Chemistry A descriptive survey of inorganic chemistry, including bonding theories, coordination compounds, electrochemistry, inorganic syntheses, and the chemistry of the transition metals. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM108 Chemistry II	3
CHM215L	Elementary Organic Laboratory Basic manipulative skills, including introduction to several chromatographic techniques, are followed by chemistry of alkenes and aromatic compounds. Four hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	2
CHM216LW	Organic Chemistry Laboratory Chemistry of organic functional groups. Identification of unknowns and a multistep synthesis. Four hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory	2
CHM311	Physical Chemistry I Introduction to thermodynamic aspects of physical chemistry, and a survey of kinetics. Chemical reactions and other transformations are examined in light of ideas of energy conservation and the direction of spontaneous change. Molecular, mathematical, and statistical-mechanical underpinnings are emphasized as appropriate. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM108 Chemistry II	3
CHM312	Physical Chemistry II Quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, introduction to symmetry, and introduction to statistical mechanics. Four hour lectures per week. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM311 Physical Chemistry I	4
CHM317L	Integrated Chemistry Laboratory Experiments are selected to illustrate important principles of advanced experimental chemistry and familiarize students with important experimental methods. The course is intended to encourage students to think critically about the reliability of their experimental results in the light of their previous chemistry experience. Five hours of laboratory per week. Co-requisites CHM311 Physical Chemistry I	2
CHM318L	Chemical Analysis Laboratory This laboratory teaches the proper design, implementation and analysis of modern techniques in instrumental chemistry, encompassing spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and separation science. In addition, several inorganic compounds are synthesized and characterized. Student-originated research projects are used extensively throughout this course. Seven hours of laboratory per week. Cross-listed as BIO418. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM216L Organic Chemistry Laboratory	3
CHM322	Topics in Analytical Chemistry This course explores the fundamental chemical principles underlying modern chemical instrumentation. Students learn the advantages and limitations of these instruments, how to select the proper instrumental configuration for a specific experiment, and how to evaluate emerging chemical technologies. Corequisite: CHM 318 Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory Co-requisites CHM318L Chemical Analysis Laboratory	3
CHM338	Biochemistry I This course covers the structure and functions of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy, are covered. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM205 Organic Chemistry I	3
CHM340L	Macromolecule Laboratory An advanced laboratory course for junior and senior science majors who wish to gain theoretical and practical experience with the techniques and equipment commonly used in the fields of cellular biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Topics include PCR, electrophoresis, enzyme kinetics, aseptic cell and tissue culture, cell surface receptors, and molecular modeling. Five-hour laboratory with one-hour pre-lab lecture each week. Cross-listed as BIO. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM338 Biochemistry I	2
CHM490	Integrative Capstone The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student's major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: IND350 Scientific Research Methods	3
IND200W	Introduction to Scientific Research This course introduces students to all phases of research from conceptualization of the research question to the interpretation of results. Topics include why and how to conduct research, the scientific method, issues key to research (research design, causation, data collection). Statistical software packages and basic statistical analysis will be covered. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: ENG105 First-Year Writing	2
IND350W	Scientific Research Methods This course serves as an introduction to research literature and research methodology in the sciences. Topics include professional writing, experimental design, presentation techniques, and professional and research ethics. Credit is not given for both IND350W and EXS301W.	2
MTH152	Calculus II This is the second course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for the transcendental functions, advanced methods of integration, and infinite sequences and series. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: MTH151 Calculus I	4
PHY251	Principles of Physics I Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. This is the first course in a calculus-based sequence that focuses on classical mechanics. Topics include vector analysis, kinematics, Newton's laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, gravity, harmonic motion, and wave phenomena. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: MTH151 Calculus I	4
PHY252	Principles of Physics II Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. The second course in a calculus-based physics sequence. Topics include thermodynamics, fluids, electricity, circuit analysis, magnetism, Maxwell’s equations, properties of light, and optics. Four hours of class per week. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PHY251 Principles of Physics I	4
PHY255L	Physics Laboratory I Experimental techniques of classical mechanical physics. Three hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
PHY256L	Physics Laboratory II Experimental techniques of classical physics with applications to electricity, magnetism, sound, and optics. Three hours per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
Chemistry 300-level Elective:
CHM339	Biochemistry II Metabolism is studied with an emphasis on anabolic pathways and special pathways such as cytochrome P450. Other topics include molecular genetics and protein synthesis, hormones and receptors, and immunology. Cross-listed as BIO438 Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: CHM206 Organic Chemistry II CHM338 Biochemistry I	3
CHM343	Environmental Chemistry This course is an advanced study of the chemical principles underlying common environmental problems. It aims to deepen the student's knowledge of chemistry and its role in the environment and shows the power of chemistry as a tool to help us comprehend the changing world around us. Cross-listed as ENV 443. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: CHM205 Organic Chemistry I CHM206 Organic Chemistry II CHM209 Inorganic Chemistry CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory CHM216L Organic Chemistry Laboratory	3
*or additional course pre-approved by the Department Chair

+Minor Requirements

18-19 credits, including:

CHM107	Chemistry I This course is the first course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide a robust foundation in the principles of chemistry. Topics include atomic and electronic structure, periodicity, nomenclature, dimensional analysis, reaction stoichiometry, molecular shapes, bonding, intermolecular forces, gases, solids, liquids, and solutions.	3
CHM108	Chemistry II This course is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide a robust foundation in the principles of chemistry. Topics include thermochemistry, phase changes, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reactions in aqueous solution, thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: CHM105 General Chemistry CHM107 Chemistry I	3
CHM109L	Chemistry I Laboratory Introduction to the basic experimental procedures and laboratory techniques in chemistry. Experiments are correlated with the lectures in Chemistry 105 and Chemistry 107. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: CHM 105 or 107. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
CHM110L	Chemistry II Laboratory Continued introduction to the basic experimental procedures and laboratory techniques in chemistry. Experiments are correlated with lectures in Chemistry 108. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: CHM 108. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
two 3-credit CHM lecture courses approved by the department
two 2- or 3-credit CHM lab courses approved by the department