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Willamette
University is among the
institutions approved by the
American Chemical Society for
undergraduate education in
Chemistry. The primary goals of
the Chemistry program are to help
students understand the place of
chemistry in human affairs and to
have students become sufficiently
knowledgeable about chemistry in
order to be effective
problem-solvers after
graduation.
For both majors and non-majors,
the study of chemistry provides
practice in logical thinking; an
awareness of the environmental
impact of chemistry; preparation
to enter and succeed in graduate
and professional programs
including medical, dental,
veterinary, and nursing schools;
the chemistry background needed
for careers in secondary
schoolteaching and other
professions and for employment in
business or industry; an
awareness of how chemistry
relates to other areas of
knowledge; and practice in
applying scientific methodology
to the solution of practical
problems.
Specific expectations for Chemistry majors include
a competent level of understanding of the four principal
areas of Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical
Chemistry. All majors will acquire a background
in mathematics and physics; biochemistry track students
will have, in addition, experience in biology and
Biochemistry. Students will also gain experience
in conducting individual laboratory research projects
and may study Quantum Chemistry or other advanced
topics. The chemistry major provides a level of
training in chemistry meeting recognized national
standards.
Numerous post-graduate and professional opportunities
exist for individuals who major in chemistry. Possibilities
include research and development or management careers
in industry, government or business; teaching at
the secondary school, college, or university level;
medically-oriented professions such as medicine,
dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, clinical
chemistry, pharmacology, public health, and forensic
chemistry. Even more applications of chemistry occur
in such fields as oceanography, space exploration,
environment quality, industrial toxicology, and
patent law. In many such cases advanced study beyond
the baccalaureate degree is advisable or required.
The Chemistry Department is housed in the Olin Science
Center. Modern laboratories for courses and for
individual research projects are provided with up-to-date
instruments and equipment. Care has been given to
laboratory safety, particularly in the organic chemistry
laboratory, where fume hoods for each student have
been installed. A wide selection of chemistry periodicals
and monographs is available to students in the University
Library. Students have access to SciFinder Scholar,
a chemical literature research tool, through the
University Library as well.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE CHEMISTRY MAJOR
The usual first course in the
chemistry program is Introductory
Chemistry I, although
well-qualified students may begin
at a higher level. Well-qualified
students should consult with the
department before
registration.
CHEMISTRY
TRACK
(10
credits in Chemistry, 2 in
Mathematics, 2 in Physics)
CHEM
115
(NW) Introductory Chemistry I
(1)
CHEM
116
(QA) Introductory Chemistry II
(1)
CHEM
225
Organic Chemistry I (1)
CHEM
226
Organic Chemistry II (1)
OR
CHEM
228
Organic Chemistry II: Bioorganic
Emphasis (1)
CHEM
321
Physical Chemistry I (1)
CHEM
322
Physical
Chemistry II (1)
CHEM
342
Instrumental and Experimental
Chemistry I (1)
CHEM
343
Instrumental and Experimental
Chemistry II (1)
CHEM
362
Inorganic Chemistry (1)
CHEM
495
(W) Senior Research Projects I
(.5)
CHEM
496
(W) Senior Research Projects II
(.5)
MATH
141
(QA*) Calculus I (1)
MATH
142
(QA*) Calculus II (1)
PHYS
221
(NW; QA) Introductory Physics I (1)
PHYS
222
(NW; QA) Introductory Physics II (1)
BIOCHEMISTRY
TRACK
(9
credits in Chemistry, 2 in
Mathematics, 2 in Biology, 1 in
Physics)
CHEM
115
(NW) Introductory Chemistry I
(1)
CHEM
116
(QA) Introductory Chemistry II
(1)
CHEM
225
Organic Chemistry I (1)
CHEM
226
Organic Chemistry II (1)
OR
CHEM
228
Organic
Chemistry II: Bioorganic Emphasis
(1)
CHEM
321
Physical Chemistry I (1)
CHEM
342
Instrumental and Experimental
Chemistry I (.5)
CHEM
343
Instrumental and Experimental
Chemistry II (.5)
CHEM
351
Biochemistry
(1)
CHEM
362
Inorganic Chemistry (1)
CHEM
495
(W) Senior Research Projects I
(.5)
CHEM
496
(W) Senior Research Projects II
(.5)
BIOL
130
Cell Biology and Genetics (1)
BIOL
333
Gene Structure and Function (1)
OR
BIOL
358
(W) Developmental Biology (1)
OR
BIOL 360
Molecular
Cell
Biology
(1)
OR
CHEM
431
Advanced
Topics in Biochemistry
(1)
MATH
141
(QA*) Calculus I (1)
MATH
142
(QA*) Calculus II (1)
PHYS
221
Introductory Physics I (1)
REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE CHEMISTRY
MINOR
(5 credits)
CHEM
115
(NW) Introductory Chemistry I
(1)
CHEM
116
(QA) Introductory Chemistry II
(1)
CHEM
225
Organic Chemistry I (1)
CHEM
226
Organic Chemistry II (1)
OR
CHEM
228
Organic
Chemistry II: Bioorganic Emphasis
(1)
Any one-credit Chemistry course
numbered above
300
FACULTY
J.
Charles
Williamson,
Associate
Professor
of
Chemistry,
Chair
Ronald
Backus,
Visiting
Instructor
of
Chemistry
Andrew
P.
Duncan,
Assistant
Professor
of
Chemistry
David
E.
Goodney,
Professor
of
Chemistry
Karen
McFarlane
Holman,
Associate
Professor
of
Chemistry
James
A.
Hoobler,
Visiting
Assistant
Professor
of
Chemistry
Sarah
R.
Kirk,
Assistant
Professor
of
Chemistry
Arthur
D.
Payton,
Research
Professor
of
Chemistry
Harry
E.
Rice,
Instructor
of
Chemistry
Todd
P.
Silverstein,
Professor
of
Chemistry
COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
CHEM
110 (NW) Chemical Concepts and
Applications (1)
Chemical
Concepts is a course designed for nonscience majors.
The course exposes students to the ways scientists
think, to the power and the limitations of the scientific
methods, and to the implications of our findings
in political, social, economic, international, and
ethical contexts. Relevant issues are used to introduce
the chemistry rather than the other way around.
Chemical concepts and facts are not introduced in
a linear fashion but on a “need-to-know “
basis to help students analyze complex issues from
a chemical perspective. Topics covered may include
studies of the ozone layer, global warming, nuclear
energy, acid rain, and traditional and alternative
energy sources. Laboratory required. Understanding
the Natural World. Fall and/or Spring. Staff
CHEM
115 (NW) Introductory Chemistry I
(1)
A
comprehensive, one-semester introduction to the
field of chemistry, stressing concepts and a semiquantitative
understanding rather than detailed theory. Discussions
include: chemical reactions, equations, and stoichiometry;
atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding,
and molecular polarity; reactions in solutions,
especially acid/base, redox, and solubility; chemical
energy including heat and enthalpy, entropy, free
energy, and chemical equilibrium; electrochemical
cells; chemical reaction rates; the gas laws, liquids,
intermolecular forces, and phase changes. Laboratory
required. Understanding the Natural World. Fall.
Staff
CHEM
116 (QA) Introductory Chemistry
II (1)
An
in-depth look at the chemical phenomena that are
at work in the world around us. Case studies (e.g.,
lasers, fossil fuels, air pollution, blood chemistry)
are used to explore in further detail concepts first
introduced in CHEM 115. Discussions include: light,
energy, and energy levels; electron configuration
and the periodic table; bonding and bond energies;
kinetics and reaction mechanisms; solubility and
colligative properties; acid/base equilibria; and
redox reactions as biological energy sources. These
chemical principles will be discussed in relation
to such modern phenomena as smog, acid rain, the
greenhouse effect, the ozone hole, and other aspects
of everyday life. Prerequisite: CHEM
115
or equivalent. Laboratory required. Quantitative
and Analytical Reasoning. Spring. Staff
CHEM
225-226 Organic Chemistry I and
II (1 each)
Integration
of aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic chemistry
by means of a mechanistic approach. Nomenclature,
stereochemistry, structure and reactivity, elementary
theoretical organic chemistry, and substitution,
elimination, addition, condensation, and rearrangement
reactions. Laboratory: Isolation and purification
techniques, synthesis, and qualitative organic
analysis. Prerequisite for CHEM 225: CHEM
116.
Prerequisite for CHEM 226: CHEM
225.
Laboratory required. 225 Fall; 226 Spring. Kirk,
Staff
NOTE: Either CHEM 226 OR
CHEM 228 may be taken for credit,
but not both.
CHEM
228 Organic Chemistry II:
Bioorganic Emphasis (1)
An
introduction to the study of organic reactions,
syntheses, mechanisms, nomenclature, and structure
as it relates to function and reactivity with
an emphasis on bioorganic molecules. Organic chemistry
as applied to biological and biochemical processes.
Reactions to be examined include acid/base, substitution,
elimination, oxidation and reduction, as well
as addition and rearrangements. Both synthetic
and retrosynthetic techniques will be utilized
in the design of molecules with biological applications.
Prerequisite: CHEM 225. Laboratory required. Spring.
Kirk
NOTE: Either CHEM 226 OR
CHEM 228 may be taken for credit,
but not both.
CHEM
230 Environmental Chemistry
(1)
Basic
chemical concepts are applied to environmental
issues, including the quality of air, quality
of water, use of natural resources, availability
of energy in various forms, feasibility of alternate
energy sources, and toxic chemicals. Some chemical,
hydrological, and meteorological cycles are covered.
Changes in our perception of the environment because
of advances in chemistry are considered. Environmental
issues of topical interest including environmental
legislation and societal impact are discussed.
Laboratory required. Prerequisite: CHEM 115. Alternate
years, Spring. Goodney
CHEM
321 Physical Chemistry I (1)
This
course presents a theoretical
basis for the equilibrium
behavior of bulk chemical
systems. Topics include:
mathematical tools; equations of
state; Laws of Thermodynamics;
derivation and application of
thermodynamic functions; physical
behavior of single- and
multi-component systems;
colligative properties; phase
diagrams; chemical reactions and
equilibrium; and thermodynamics
of electrolyte solutions.
Laboratory required.
Prerequisites: CHEM
116,
MATH
142.
Fall. Williamson
CHEM
322 Physical Chemistry II (1)
Quantum
mechanics, a theoretical description of the microscopic
world, is developed and connected to the equilibrium
behavior of macroscopic systems through statistical
mechanics. Topics include: mathematical tools;
the failure of classical mechanics; the postulates
of quantum mechanics; prototype microscopic systems;
hydrogen-like atoms; multi-electron atoms; molecular
orbitals; rotational, vibrational, and electronic
spectroscopy; the Boltzmann distribution; introductory
statistical mechanics; chemical equilibrium; and
chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM
321,
PHYS
221.
Spring. Williamson
CHEM
342 Instrumental and Experimental
Chemistry I (.5 or
1)
Lecture and laboratory stressing instrumental
methods for qualitative and quantitative chemical
analysis. Topics include experimental design,
analytical figures of merit, molecular spectroscopy
(UV-Visible, IR, NMR, fluorescence), and atomic
spectroscopy. Two laboratories per week required
for 1 credit. Prerequisite: CHEM
321.
Spring. Goodney
CHEM
343 Instrumental and Experimental Chemistry II
(.5 or 1)
Lecture
and laboratory stressing instrumental methods
for qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.
Topics include chromatography (GC, HPLC, SFC),
direct potentiometry, voltammetric techniques,
radiochemical analysis, special topics. Two laboratories
per week required for 1 credit. Prerequisite:
CHEM
342.
Fall. Goodney
CHEM
351 Biochemistry (1)
A
comprehensive introduction to biochemistry, stressing
a chemical understanding of life processes and
how molecules interact in cells and organisms.
We will discuss important biomolecules (e.g.,
proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) and their dynamic
interactions: how enzymes speed up reactions,
how muscles contract, how cells use and transduce
energy, how cells receive and transmit signals,
and how flaws in these processes can lead to disease.
We will examine closely the underlying chemistry
(organic mechanisms, thermodynamics) involved
in these molecular interactions. Laboratory required.
Prerequisites: CHEM
226
or
CHEM
228.
Recommended: BIOL
130.
Spring. Silverstein
CHEM
362 Inorganic Chemistry (1)
Atomic
structures; chemical bonding; periodicity and
the chemistry of the elements; coordination chemistry;
theory, structures, and reactions, kinetics and
mechanisms, organometallic chemistry; acid-base
concepts; special types of inorganic structures,
inorganic nomenclature. Prerequisite: CHEM
321.
Fall. Holman
CHEM
430 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (.5 or 1)
An
in-depth study of topics selected for their interest
and relevance to modern Chemistry. Topics may
be chosen from the areas of analytical, physical,
inorganic, organic, biological, polymer chemistry,
computational chemistry, or history and philosophy
of chemistry. Taught in a seminar format. Fall
or Spring. Staff
CHEM
431 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (1)
An
in-depth study of selected topics in modern biochemistry.
Topics will be chosen from the areas of bioinorganic,
bioorganic, biophysical, or bioenergetic chemistry,
and may include heavy metal toxicity, bioinorganic
electron transfer, photosynthetic electron transfer,
nucleic acid or carbohydrate chemistry, drug design,
membrane transport, neurochemistry, or cell signaling.
Prerequisite: CHEM
342, CHEM
351, and consent of instructor. Laboratory
required. Annually. Holman, Kirk, Silverstein
CHEM
480 Applied Group Theory (.5)
Symmetry
in quantum chemistry. Definitions and theorems
of group theory, chemically important point groups,
irreducible representations, molecular vibrations,
molecular orbital theory, and ligand field theory.
Prerequisite: MATH
141
and consent of instructor. Every semester. Payton
CHEM
481 Quantum Chemistry (1)
Quantum
mechanics applied to chemical systems including
theories of valence, wave mechanics, atomic orbitals,
molecular orbitals, diatomic molecules, polyatomic
molecules, carbon compounds, and transition metal
compounds. Prerequisites: MATH
141
and/or 142.
Fall. Payton
CHEM
482 Statistical Mechanics (1)
Canonical
ensemble, probabilities, partition function and
thermodynamic properties, entropy and information
theory, Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein
statistics, metals, perfect crystals, and dense
fluids. Prerequisite: MATH
141
and consent of instructor. Spring. Payton
CHEM
483 Thermodynamics (1)
Use
of exact differentials, line integrals, and partial
derivatives. Equations of state, internal energy,
the first law, Joule and Joule-Kelvin experiments
and enthalpy. The second law according to Kelvin
and Caratheodory, entropy, Helmholtz function,
Gibbs function, equilibrium conditions, the third
law, the phase equation, the phase rule. Prerequisite:
MATH
141
and consent of instructor. Fall. Payton
CHEM
491–492 Independent Projects
I and II (.5)
Individual
laboratory and library research
projects selected in consultation
with chemistry faculty. Written
reports and seminar presentations
are required. Occasional field
trips to nearby research
facilities may be made. Annually.
Staff
CHEM
495 (W) Senior Research Projects
I (.5)
Introduction
to
chemical
research
for
senior
chemistry
majors.
Weekly
meetings
include
seminars,
discussions
of
research
methods,
experimental
design,
and
ethical
issues
in
chemistry.
Each
student
prepares
an
independent
research
proposal
and
an
oral
presentation.
Prerequisite:
Senior
standing.
Writing
Centered.
Fall.
Staff
CHEM
496 (W) Senior Research Projects
II (.5)
Each
student
carries
out
an
independent
research
project
under
the
supervision
of
a
research
advisor.
Weekly
meetings
include
seminars,
discussions
of
research
methods,
guidance
in
effective
scientific
communication,
and
current
topics
in
chemistry.
The
course
culminates
with
a
written
senior
thesis
and
a
formal
oral
presentation.
Prerequisite:
CHEM
495.
Laboratory
Required.
Writing
Centered.
Spring.
Staff
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