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 school teaching 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, environmental engineering, toxicology, business, policy, and 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 (BA: 42 semester hours; BS-Chem track: 54 semester hours; BS-Biochem track: 56 semester hours)
The usual first course in the chemistry program is General Chemistry I, although well-qualified students may begin at a higher level. Well-qualified students should consult with the department before registration.
Chemistry Track, Bachelor of Arts degree
41-43 semester hours in Chemistry, 4 semester hours in Mathematics
Required Courses:
- CHEM 115 General Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 115Y General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHEM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
- CHEM 116Y General Chemistry II Lab (1)
- CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 225Y Organic Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHEM 226 Organic Chemistry II (4) and CHEM 226Y Organic Chemistry II Lab (1) or
- CHEM 230 Environmental Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 342W Experimental Techniques in Chemistry (2)
- CHEM 342YW Experimental Techniques in Chemistry Lab (2)
- MATH through MATH 152 (4)
Capstone (2):
- CHEM 345YW Experimental Chemistry II (2) or
- CHEM 347YW Experimental Biochemistry II (2) or
- CHEM 430 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (2 or 4) or
- CHEM 431 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (2)
Electives (16-18):
- CHEM 226 Organic Chemistry II (4) and CHEM 226Y Organic Chemistry II Lab (1)
- CHEM 230 Environmental Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I (4) and CHEM 321Y Physical Chemistry I Lab
- CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II (4)
- CHEM 341 Instrumental Analysis (4)
- CHEM 351 Biochemistry (4)
- CHEM 362 Inorganic Chemistry (4)
Note: If three of the 2-semester hour courses listed in the Capstone section are completed, the two may be applied to the elective category.
Chemistry Track, Bachelor of Science degree
42 semester hours in Chemistry, 4 semester hours in Mathematics, 8 semester hours in Physics
- CHEM 115 General Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 115Y General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHEM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
- CHEM 116Y General Chemistry II Lab (1)
- CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 225Y Organic Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHEM 226 Organic Chemistry II (4)
- CHEM 226Y Organic Chemistry II Lab (1)
- CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 321Y Physical Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II (4)
- CHEM 341 Instrumental Analysis (4)
- CHEM 342W Experimental Techniques in Chemistry (2)
- CHEM 342YW Experimental Techniques in Chemistry Lab (2)
- CHEM 344W Experimental Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 345YW Experimental Chemistry II (2)
- CHEM 362 Inorganic Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 495Y Senior Research Projects I (2)
- CHEM 496YW Senior Research Projects II (2)
- MATH 152 Accelerated Calculus II (4) or
- MATH 249 Multivariable Calculus (4)
- PHYS 221 Introductory Physics I (4)
- PHYS 222 Introductory Physics II (4)
Biochemistry Track, Bachelor of Science degree
44 semester hours in Chemistry, 4 semester hours in Mathematics, 4 semester hours in Biology, 4 semester hours in Physics
- CHEM 115 General Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 115Y General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHEM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
- CHEM 116Y General Chemistry II Lab (1)
- CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 225Y Organic Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHEM 226 Organic Chemistry II (4)
- CHEM 226Y Organic Chemistry II Lab (1)
- CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I (4)
- CHEM 321Y Physical Chemistry I (1)
- CHEM 341 Instrumental Analysis (4)
- CHEM 342Y Experimental Techniques in Chemistry (2)
- CHEM 342YW Experimental Techniques in Chemistry Lab (2)
- CHEM 347YW Experimental Biochemistry II (2)
- CHEM 351 Biochemistry (4)
- CHEM 362 Inorganic Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 431 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (2)
- CHEM 495Y Senior Research Projects I (2)
- CHEM 496YW Senior Research Projects II (2)
- BIOL 120 Introduction to Biological Inquiry (4)
- MATH 152 Accelerated Calculus II (4) or
- MATH 249 Multivariable Calculus (4)
- PHYS 221 Introductory Physics I (4)
- PHYS 221Y Introductory Physics I Lab (4)
Requirements for the Chemistry Minor (20 semester hours)
- Sixteen semester hours of Chemistry courses
- An additional four semester hours of Chemistry courses numbered above 300 (4)
Indicators of Achievement
Each goal articulated below advances the education of Willamette undergraduates in the field of chemistry within the context of a liberal arts education. These goals refine critical thinking skills, enhances our students’ awareness of the broader importance of chemistry, and prepares our students to contribute their chemical knowledge to society upon graduation.
The Student Learning Outcomes of the Chemistry Program include:
- Foundations in Chemistry
- Chemistry is conveniently divided into several widely recognized subfields. The chemistry major at Willamette University requires all students to take courses in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. In addition, the Biochemistry Track within the major requires biochemistry. A chemistry major should be knowledgeable about the important theories, experimental evidence, and applications of these subfields. Students should be able to apply knowledge from a combination of subfields to solve problems of a chemical nature.
- Laboratory Skills
- Chemistry is a laboratory science. All chemistry majors should acquire the skills necessary to work in an academic, commercial, or industrial laboratory after graduation. These skills include experience with the instruments, glassware, and techniques commonly used in laboratory settings. Majors should be able to work collaboratively on investigations, and they should develop an ability to design experiments from the ground up.
- Analytical Skills
- All chemistry majors should be able to draw appropriate and reasonable conclusions from the data they collect in the laboratory. Majors should understand how to assess the uncertainty, precision, and significance of data using formal statistical techniques; they should be comfortable using commercial software designed for data manipulation and presentation; and they should be familiar with sophisticated chemical computation software.
- Communication Skills
- A successful chemistry graduate should be able to communicate in a variety of formats commonly used by chemists. The department has identified the literature summary, the research poster, the formal laboratory report, the research proposal, and the research report as essential forms of written communication for chemists, and has incorporated these formats into the curriculum. Majors should have experience discussing chemistry before an audience in the context of both formal and informal oral presentations.
- Research Tools
- Research is the method by which chemical knowledge is acquired, and all chemistry majors should be capable of conducting an independent research project. Chemistry majors should know how to search reference sources and literature databases for specific information. They should have experience reading the primary scientific literature. Chemistry majors should be able to develop a hypothesis regarding a significant chemical question, design a method to test that hypothesis, carry out the method they propose, and evaluate the results.
Faculty
- David Griffith, Associate Professor of Chemistry; Department Chair,
- Cooper Battle, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
- Andrew P. Duncan, Professor of Chemistry
- Alison J. Fisher, Professor of Chemistry
- Karen McFarlane Holman, Professor of Chemistry
- J. Charles Williamson, Professor of Chemistry, Taul Watanabe Chair in the Sciences
Part-Time and Visiting Faculty
- Lex Alveshere, Visiting Professor of Chemistry
- Sam Hinton, Visiting Professor of Chemistry
Professors Emeriti
- Frances Chapple, Professor Emerita of Chemistry
- David E. Goodney, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
- Norm Hudak, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
- Todd P. Silverstein, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Staff
- Loxley Battle, Chemistry Laboratory and Stockroom Assistant
- Ron Jones, Instrumentation Specialist
- Todd Melgreen, Chemical Hygiene Officer and Chemistry Stockroom Manager
Administrative Program Coordinator
- Mary Martin, Administrative Program Coordinator
Course Listings
CHEM 110 Chemistry of Renewable Energy (4)
Chemistry of Renewable Energy invites nonscience majors to engage in a topic that profoundly impacts our society. In this course, renewable (and non-renewable) energy sources are investigated from a scientific and critical point of view. We will study the fundamental scientific principles behind energy sources such as biofuels, solar, hydrogen, nuclear, and fossil fuels. Within this context, we shall explore the power and the limitations of the scientific method as well as the implications of our findings in political, social, economic, international, and ethical contexts. Students will have opportunities to reflect on their own attitudes towards energy usage and will engage in the local community.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Offering: Occasionally
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 115 General Chemistry I (4)
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 precipitation; chemical energy including heat and enthalpy, entropy, free energy, and chemical equilibrium; electrochemical cells; the gas laws, liquids, intermolecular forces, and phase changes. Laboratory required
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Corequisite: CHEM 115Y
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
An in-depth look at the chemical phenomena that are at work in the world around us. Case studies are used to explore in further detail concepts first introduced in General Chemistry I. 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. These chemical principles will be discussed in relation to environmental issues such as smog, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, the ozone hole; technologies such as lasers and semiconductors; and physiological phenomena such as pH regulation. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 115
- Corequisite: CHEM 116Y
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 199 Topics in Chemistry (1-4)
A semester-long study of topics in Chemistry. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
- Prerequisite: Topic dependent
- Offering: Occasionally
- Professor: Staff
CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry I (4)
This course introduces foundational principles governing the structure and reactivity of carbon-based compounds. Structural topics include valence bond and molecular orbital theories; resonance and delocalization; conformational analysis; and stereochemistry. Topics in reaction chemistry focus on proton-transfer reactions and substitutions at tetrahedral and trigonal planar carbons, with a strong emphasis on a mechanistic understanding of these transformations. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 116 and CHEM 116Y
- Corequisite: CHEM 225Y
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Duncan
CHEM 226 Organic Chemistry II (4)
This course builds on the foundation established in Organic Chemistry I with a strong focus on reaction chemistry: addition, elimination, pericyclic, and organometallic reactions are covered extensively. There is a continued emphasis on a mechanistic understanding of these transformations. A significant amount of time is spent covering the theory and applications of NMR spectroscopy and foundational ideas in synthetic design. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 225 and CHEM 225Y
- Corequisite: CHEM 226Y
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Duncan, Battle
CHEM 230 Environmental Chemistry (4)
We will examine the fate of contaminants in a variety of environments and explore the implications for human and ecosystem health. Quantitative approaches are emphasized, including structure-activity relationships, methods of estimating chemical activity, and mass balance calculations. We will use these tools to predict how organic chemicals partition between air, water, soils/sediments, and biomass, and estimate environmental concentrations given basic information about chemical structures, transformation processes, and environmental characteristics. We will explore these topics in the context of applied problems, case studies, and a comprehensive site analysis project.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 115, and CHEM 116 or ENVS 121
- Offering: Spring Semester
- Instructor: Griffith
CHEM 291 Intermediate Research Projects (1-4)
Individual laboratory and library research projects selected in consultation with chemistry faculty.
- Prerequisite: Instructor consent
- Offering: On demand
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 299 Topics in Chemistry (1-4)
A semester-long study of topics in Chemistry. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
- Prerequisite: Topic dependent
- Offering: Occasionally
- Professor: Staff
CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I (4)
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.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences, Mathematical Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 116, MATH 152
- Corequisite: CHEM 321Y
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Williamson
CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II (4)
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; and chemical equilibrium.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences, Mathematical Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 321, PHYS 221
- Offering: Alternate spring semesters
- Instructor: Williamson
CHEM 341 Instrumental Analysis (4)
Instrumental methods for qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Topics include experimental design, calibration approaches, analytical figures of merit, molecular spectroscopy (UV-visible, IR, NMR, fluorescence), atomic spectroscopy, chromatographic separators (GC, LC), ionization methods, mass spectrometry, and special topics.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: Either CHEM 344W or CHEM 346W
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Griffith
CHEM 342W Experimental Techniques in Chemistry (2)
Theory and practice of chemical analysis in the laboratory. Statistics of small data sets. Introduction to formal scientific writing. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: Junior standing and CHEM major.
- Corequisite: CHEM 342YW
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 344W Experimental Chemistry I (4)
Theory and practice of chemical analysis in the laboratory. Students design and carry on qualitative and quantitative analysis on chemical systems using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. Analysis of real world sample when possible. Statistics of small data sets. Introduction to formal scientific writing. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: Junior Standing and declared Chemistry major
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Griffith, Holman, Williamson
CHEM 345W Experimental Chemistry II (2)
Theory and practice of chemical analysis in the laboratory. Students design and carry out qualitative and quantitative analysis on chemical systems using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Analysis of real world sample when possible. Emphasis on formal scientific writing.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 321 and CHEM 344W
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Griffith, Holman
CHEM 346W Experimental Biochemistry I (4)
Theory and practice of chemical and biochemical analysis in the laboratory. Students design and carry out qualitative and quantitative analyses using electrochemical, chromatographic, and spectroscopic techniques. Biochemical systems explored include tastant and odorant molecules, protein structure and ligand binding, enzyme catalysis, biosensor fabrication and analysis, and phospholipid membrane structure/dynamics. Both thermodynamic and kinetic analyses are carried out. Statistics of small data sets. Introduction into formal scientific writing. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: Junior Standing and declared Chemistry major, and CHEM 351 (or concurrent enrollment)
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Fisher, Battle
CHEM 347W Experimental Biochemistry II (2)
Theory and practice of chemical and biochemical analysis in the laboratory. Students design and carry out qualitative and quantitative analyses using electrophoretic and spectroscopic techniques, as well as the polymerase chain reaction, and protein purification. Biochemical phenomena explored include gene expression, protein function, and tRNA structure, dynamics, and ligand binding. Emphasis on formal scientific writing.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Natural Sciences
- Prerequisites: CHEM 346W and CHEM 351
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Fisher, Battle
CHEM 351 Biochemistry (4)
A comprehensive introduction to biochemistry, stressing a chemical understanding of life processes and how molecules interact in cells and organisms. Discussion of important biomolecules (e.g., proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) and their dynamic interactions: how enzymes speed up reactions, how cells use and transduce energy, how cells receive and transmit signals, and how flaws in these processes can lead to disease. The underlying chemistry (organic mechanisms, thermodynamics) involved in these molecular interactions will be closely examined.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 225
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Battle, Fisher
CHEM 362 Inorganic Chemistry (4)
This course presents a comprehensive investigation of transition metal complexes. Topics include: atomic structure, periodicity, and bonding theories of d-block metals; spectra and magnetism as they relate to electronic structure; and reactions, kinetics, and mechanisms of coordination compounds. Examples from organometallic, solid state, and bioinorganic chemistry are used. Additional topics include nuclear chemistry and photovoltaic semiconductors. Students engage in scientific communication via projects such as formal writing or a podcast that serves as outreach to general audiences.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 225
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Holman
CHEM 399 Topics in Chemistry (1-4)
A semester-long study of topics in Chemistry. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
- Prerequisite: Topic dependent
- Offering: Occasionally
- Professor: Staff
CHEM 429 Topics in Chemistry (1-4)
A semester-long study of topics in Chemistry. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
- Prerequisite: Topic dependent
- Offering: Occasionally
- Professor: Staff
CHEM 430 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (2 or 4)
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.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 431 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry (2)
An in-depth study of selected topics in modern biochemistry. Taught in a seminar format. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Science
- Prerequisite: CHEM 351
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Fisher
CHEM 491 Advanced Research Projects (1-4)
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.
- Prerequisite: Instructor consent
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 495 Senior Research Projects I (1)
Capstone course in independent chemical research for senior Bachelor of Science Chemistry majors. Students read and evaluate primary scientific literature, and develop project objectives for a thesis. Weekly meetings include seminars, discussions of research activities, experimental design, laboratory safety, career pathways, and ethical issues in chemistry. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Corequisite: CHEM 345W or CHEM 347W
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Staff
CHEM 496W Senior Research Projects II (1)
Continuation of the capstone course in independent chemical research for senior Bachelor of Science Chemistry majors. Weekly meetings include seminars, progress reports, and writing workshops. The course culminates with a written senior thesis and a formal oral presentation. Laboratory required.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: CHEM 495W and instructor consent
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Staff