Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry

Interim Chairperson: Dr. Keith A. Boeckelman
Office: Currens Hall 214
Telephone: (309) 298-1538
Fax: (309) 298-2180
E-mail: Chemistry@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/chemistry

Program Offerings and Locations:

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry: Macomb
  • Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry: Macomb
  • Minor in Chemistry: Macomb
  • Minor in Forensic Chemistry: Macomb
  • Minor in Forensic Science: Macomb

Learning Outcomes

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

Faculty

Bellott, Determan, Huang, Jin, M. McConnell, Soendergaard, Song, Zhang.

Emeritus Faculty

Klopfenstein, J. McConnell, Mishra, Terry, Venugopalan, Vinod, Wen.

GradTrac

GradTrac is available to Chemistry majors with an option in Chemistry or Biochemistry. See more information about GradTrac.

Honors Curriculum

Academically qualified students in this department are encouraged to complete an honors curriculum in University Honors, Honors in the Major, or General Honors. All Honors students must complete the one-hour honors colloquium (G H 299). General Honors includes General Honors coursework. Honors in the Major includes honors work in the major. University Honors combines Honors in the Major and General Honors. View more information about honors curricula or visit the Centennial Honors College website at wiu.edu/honors.

Integrated Baccalaureate and Master’s Degree Program

An integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree program is available for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Forensic Chemistry: Master of Science in Chemistry. An integrated degree program provides the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years. Please refer to the Graduate Studies catalog for details about the integrated program.

Department Information

Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. It is the basis of the technology of the large-scale production of chemicals and chemical materials that are useful to modern society. The study of Chemistry helps people understand the physical world and its workings.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree program provides graduates a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates of the B.S. in Chemistry who complete either the general Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmacy options find employment in industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Types of work include basic research, applied research, analytical services, product development, marketing and sales, and manufacturing. Persons who wish to become professional chemists should select the Chemistry option or the Chemistry option certified by the American Chemical Society. Persons desiring to become practicing biochemists should select the Biochemistry option or the Biochemistry option certified by the American Chemical Society. Both are recommended for students wishing to enter graduate school or seek employment in the chemical industry immediately upon graduation. The Pharmacy option targets those students who seek a career as a pharmacist (Pharm.D.) or pharmacologist (Ph.D.) but would also benefit students who wish to work in the pharmaceutical or biotech industries at the B.S. or M.S. level. The Pharmacy option is also useful to those students who are seeking careers in forensic pharmacology, pharmaceutical sales, or as certified pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and other healthcare professionals. The Science/Chemistry—Teacher Education option is designed to prepare students to become licensed to teach high school science with a specialization in Chemistry.

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry prepares graduates with a strong Chemistry background and a specialization in forensic chemistry which will prepare them to work in modern laboratories at the local, regional, state, and federal levels. Graduates of the Forensic Chemistry program will be prepared for careers in modern crime laboratories and other law enforcement agencies as well as private chemical and pharmaceutical industries. ACS certification is available for the B.S. in Forensic Chemistry degree program.

The department also offers minors in Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Science.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science—Chemistry

All students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry must complete I, II, and III.A, III.B, III.C, or III.D below, and the Foreign Language/Global Issues requirement or Multicultural Perspectives requirement for the major#. The minimum semester hour requirement for the baccalaureate degree is 120 s.h.

In accordance with the Illinois State Board of Education licensure rule, all candidates seeking a Professional Education License or endorsement are required by Western Illinois University to obtain a grade of “C-” or better in all directed general education courses, all core courses, and all courses in the option. This rule does not supersede course prerequisite requirements in the catalog that specify a letter grade.

Please see the Teacher Education section of this catalog for more information about WIU’s Teacher Education Program.

Note: Students enrolled in this major may not minor in Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Science.

  1. University General Education and College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Requirements: 55 s.h.
    Except Teacher Education students must complete the University General Education Curriculum—37 s.h.
  2. Core Courses: 22 s.h.
    CHEM 201, 202, 241, 331, 332, 341
  3. Options of Study (select A, B, C, or D)
    1. Chemistry
      1. Special Courses: CHEM 374, 375, 401†, 416, 442, 492: 18 s.h.
      2. Departmental Electives: 3 s.h.
      3. Other
        1. CS 114 or higher: 3 s.h.
        2. MATH 133*, 134*, 231: 12 s.h.
        3. PHYS 211*, 212 or 124, 125: 8 s.h.
      4. Any minor: 16 s.h.
    2. Biochemistry
      1. Special Courses: CHEM 370 or 374, 416, 421, 422†, 425, 492: 18 s.h.
      2. Departmental Electives: 4 s.h.
      3. Other
        1. MATH 133*, 134*: 8 s.h.
        2. PHYS 211*, 212 or 124, 125: 8 s.h.
        3. CS 114 or higher: 3 s.h.
      4. Biology minor (Botany, Microbiology, or Zoology): 17 s.h.
      5. Open Electives: 1 s.h.
    3. Pharmacy
      1. Special Courses: CHEM 263, 264, 370, 416, 421, 422†, 452, 492 : 24 s.h.
      2. Other
        1. MATH 133*; STAT 171* or 276: 7 s.h.
        2. PHYS 211*, 212 or 124, 125: 8 s.h.
        3. ZOOL 330 and 331: 8 s.h.
      3. Select one of the following minors: Microbiology, Neuroscience, or Zoology: 17 s.h.
    4. Science/Chemistry—Teacher Education
      1. Special Courses: 43 s.h.
        1. CHEM 370 or 374 or 375; 342#; 401; 482†: 15 s.h.
        2. BIOL 101; CHEM 381, 481: 8 s.h.
        3. GEOL 110*: 4 s.h.
        4. PHYS 211, 213: 8 s.h.
        5. BIOL/GEOL 181; PHYS/GEOG 182: 8 s.h.
      2. Science Electives: 0 s.h.
        Additional courses in Biology (BIOL, BOT, MICR, ZOOL), Chemistry, Geology, Geography, or Physics
      3. Other: 41 s.h.
        1. MATH 133*, 134*: 8 s.h.
        2. EDUC 239, 339, 439, 469: 3 s.h.
        3. EDS 202, 301, 303 (2 s.h.), 304 (1), 305, 401: 13 s.h.
        4. ENG 366: 2 s.h.
        5. SPED 390: 3 s.h.
        6. STCH 480: 12 s.h.

# The Foreign Language/Global Issues graduation requirement or Multicultural Perspectives graduation requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing one of the following: 1) a designated foreign language requirement; 2) a General Education Global Issues (GEGI) course; 3) any major’s Discipline-Specific Global Issues (DSGI) course (including CHEM 342); or 4) an approved Study Abroad program.

* University General Education course. 10–16 s.h. may count toward the Natural Sciences/Mathematics requirement.

† CHEM 401 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement for the Chemistry non-teaching option. CHEM 422 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement for the Biochemistry and Pharmacy options. CHEM 482 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement for the Science/Chemistry—Teacher Education option.

Bachelor of Science—Forensic Chemistry

All students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry must complete I, II, III, and IV below, and the Foreign Language/Global Issues requirement for the major#. The minimum semester hour requirement for the baccalaureate degree is 124 s.h.

  1. University General Education and College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Requirements: 55 s.h.
  2. Core Courses: 25 s.h.
    CHEM 201*, 202*, 241, 251, 331, 332, 341
  3. Specialty Courses: 28 s.h.
    CHEM 370 or 374: 4 s.h.
    CHEM 485 or 490: 3 s.h.
    CHEM 351, 416, 421, 452, 453, 455†, 492: 21 s.h.
  4. Other Requirements: 32 s.h.
    1. MATH 133*, MATH 134*, STAT 171*: 11 s.h.
    2. PHYS 211*, 212 or 124, 125: 8 s.h.
    3. LEJA 101, and 255 or 303: 6 s.h.
    4. BOT 200* or ZOOL 200*: 4 s.h.
    5. Select at least 3 s.h. from the following: 3 s.h.
      ANTH 405, BIOL 330, CS 305, GEOL 110*, MICR 200*

# The Foreign Language/Global Issues graduation requirement (see Multicultural Perspectives Requirement) may be fulfilled by successfully completing one of the following: 1) a designated foreign language requirement; 2) a General Education Global Issues (GEGI) course; 3) any major’s Discipline-Specific Global Issues (DSGI) course (including CHEM 342); or 4) an approved Study Abroad program.

* University General Education course. 16 s.h. may count toward the Natural Science/Mathematics requirement.

† CHEM 455 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement.

Minors

Minor in Chemistry: 19–21 s.h.
  1. Core Courses: CHEM 201, 202, and 330 or 331: 13 s.h.
  2. Any two courses from:
    CHEM 332, 341, 342, 370/374, 375, 421, 425, 433: 6–8 s.h.
Minor in Forensic Chemistry: 20–21 s.h.

Note: This minor is not open to students majoring in Chemistry.

  1. Core Courses: CHEM 201, 202, 330, 440: 17 s.h.
  2. Select one of the following: 3–4 s.h.
    1. CHEM 485—internship at a state laboratory with placement approval by minor advisor.
    2. One course selected from: ANTH 405; BIOL 330; CHEM 342, 351, 421; MICR 200, 434; ZOOL 430
Minor in Forensic Science: 19–20 s.h.

Note: This minor is not open to students majoring in Chemistry.

  1. Core Courses: CHEM 101, 102, 221, 440: 16 s.h.
  2. Select one of the following options: 3–4 s.h.
    1. CHEM 485—internship at a state laboratory with placement approval by minor advisor.
    2. One course selected from: ANTH 405, BIOL 330, CHEM 342, MICR 200, MICR 434, ZOOL 430

Certification by the American Chemical Society

Western Illinois University is approved by the American Chemical Society for undergraduate professional training in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students who are pursuing the B.S.in Chemistry may qualify for certification by completing the following coursework:

Certification in Chemistry
  1. CHEM 201, 202, 331, 332, 333, 341, 374, 375, 401, 416, 421, and 442
  2. CHEM 342, 409, 418, or 422
  3. Elect one course from CHEM 485, 490, or 491
  4. PHYS 211 and 212
Certification in Biochemistry
  1. CHEM 201, 202, 331, 332, 333, 341, 374, 375, 401, 416, 421, 422, 425, 442, 485/490/491
  2. PHYS 211 and 212

Recommended High School Subjects for Students Planning to Major in Chemistry

  1. English: four years
  2. Mathematics: four years
  3. Chemistry: one year
  4. Physics: one year

The First-Year Course in Chemistry

  1. Students requiring two or more years of Chemistry should take CHEM 201 and 202.
  2. Students requiring only one year of Chemistry or Forensic Science minor should take CHEM 101 and 102.
  3. Students without one year of Chemistry in high school are required to take CHEM 100 before taking CHEM 101 or 201.

Course Descriptions

CHEMISTRY (CHEM)

Illinois law requires that safety goggles must be worn in all laboratory classes (Senate Bill 1190). Students enrolled in Chemistry laboratory courses are required to purchase safety goggles. A lab use charge applies to all Chemistry laboratory courses.

100 Introduction to Chemistry. (3) For those students who have completed less than the equivalent of one year of high school Chemistry. Introduces the fundamental concepts of Chemistry including matter, atomic structure and periodicity, stoichiometry, some descriptive Chemistry. Prerequisites: one year high school algebra or MATH 100 or 110. 3 hrs. lect.

101 Principles of Chemistry I. (4) (General Education/Natural Sciences) A survey for students who do not plan to take Chemistry beyond the 100 level. Application of the general principles of inorganic and organic chemistry to biological, environmental, and applied sciences. Prerequisites: one year of high school algebra or MATH 100 or 110, and either one year of high school Chemistry or CHEM 100. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: P1 902L.

102 Principles of Chemistry II. (4) A continuation of CHEM 101. Prerequisite: CHEM 101. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

114 Chemistry of Health. (3) A fundamental chemistry course focusing on applications to human health. Does not count toward majors in Biology, Medical Sciences option, or Chemistry, Pharmacy option. Prerequisite: MATH 100 or 110 or Mathematics placement above MATH 100. 3 hrs. lect.

150 Contemporary Chemistry. (4) (General Education/Natural Sciences) A course intended to inform the student of the role of science in modern society. Lectures treat the fundamentals of chemical composition, the impact of industrial products on the environment, energy, and drugs; and the importance of consumer information. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: P1 903L.

190 Introduction to Chemistry Research. (1–4, repeatable to 4) Introduction to chemistry research, which may include introduction to laboratory experimental design, scientific writing, and ethical issues of chemical research and reporting. Prerequisite: special permission from the department.

201 General Chemistry I. (4) Designed for science and pre-engineering majors. Fundamental physicochemical principles and quantitative relationships including the mole concept, periodic properties of the elements, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and thermochemistry. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative analysis. Prerequisites: MATH 100 or 110 and either one year of high school Chemistry or CHEM 100. Corequisite: one of MATH 101, 102, 123, or 128, or MATH course requiring one of these as a prerequisite. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab. IAI: CHM 911.

202 General Chemistry II. (4) A continuation of CHEM 201. Includes a study of solutions, acids and bases, equilibria, electrochemistry, and chemistry of the main group elements and the transition elements. Laboratory emphasizes qualitative analysis, quantitative measurements, and syntheses. Prerequisite: CHEM 201; one of MATH 101, 102, 123, 128, 129, 133, 134, or 137, or MATH course requiring one of these as a prerequisite. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab. IAI: CHM 912.

221 Elementary Biochemistry. (4) An elementary course intended to teach the structure, properties, function, and metabolism of biological molecules with emphasis on macromolecules. Intended for Biology and Family and Consumer Sciences majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 102. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

241 Chemical Calculations. (2) Designed primarily for Chemistry majors and minors. Emphasis is given to methods of presenting 
data and performing detailed chemical calculations typically required in biochemical and pharmaceutical analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 201. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHEM 202. 2 hrs. lect.

251 Introduction to Forensic Applications. (3) Designed primarily for Forensic Chemistry majors and minors. Introduction to forensic chemistry with emphasis placed on the forensic applications of chemical techniques. Lab demonstrates the applications of forensic chemical analysis. Does not count toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 201. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHEM 202.

263 Introduction to Pharmacology. (3) This course introduces the students to the basic concepts of pharmacology and the major categories of pharmacologic agents, and explores the myths and facts about vitamins, nutritional supplements, and common herbal medicines. Prerequisites: either BIOL 101 or ZOOL 200 or ZOOL 330; and either CHEM 102 or CHEM 330.

264 Pharmacy Methods. (3) This course is designed as an aid for students who plan a career in Pharmacy. The course describes methods used in Pharmacy, including receiving and processing prescriptions, drug calculations, dosage and formulations, Pharmacy law, and inventory control. Prerequisite: CHEM 263 or permission of the instructor.

330 Elements of Organic Chemistry. (5) A one-semester introduction to organic chemistry. Coverage includes nomenclature of compounds, study of selected reactions and mechanisms, spectroscopy and study of biologically relevant molecules such as carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins. Does not count toward Chemistry major. Prerequisite: CHEM 202 (C grade or better). 4 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

331 Organic Chemistry I. (5) A study of nomenclature, preparations, reactions, and reaction mechanisms of the functional groups of aliphatic and aromatic compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 202 (C grade or better). 4 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab. IAI: CHM 913.

332 Organic Chemistry II. (4) Further study of organic chemistry including spectroscopic methods. Laboratory includes synthetic methods, mechanistic studies, chromatography, and an introduction to qualitative analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 331 or CHEM 330 (C grade or better). 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab. IAI: CHM 914.

333 Advanced Organic Laboratory. (1) Designed to supplement the laboratory portion of CHEM 332. Prerequisite: concurrent registration or credit in CHEM 332. 3 hrs. lab.

341 Quantitative Analysis. (3) An extension of the fundamental techniques used in CHEM 201 and 202 with emphasis on the analytical process, methods of separation, and methods of measurement. Prerequisite: CHEM 202 (C grade or better); CHEM 241 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

342 Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry. (4) (Multicultural) An examination of the chemistry of the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere with emphasis on the interactions between them and the impact of technology upon the natural environment. Prerequisite: CHEM 102 or 202. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

351 Applications of Forensic Chemistry. (4) Applications of physio-chemical principles to analysis of physical evidence from criminal investigations, including seized drugs, explosive residues, arson debris, hairs, fibers, glass, paint, papers, inks, and soil. Cannot be applied toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisites: CHEM 251, 332, 341, or consent of instructor. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

370 Elementary Physical Chemistry. (4) Designed primarily for students who wish an introduction to physical chemistry and its biological applications. Prerequisite: CHEM 202. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

374 Physical Chemistry – Thermodynamics and Kinetics. (4) A rigorous treatment of physical chemistry useful for chemists, biologists, engineers, Earth scientists, and medical scientists. The topics include thermodynamics and kinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 202, one year of Physics, and one year of calculus. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

375 Physical Chemistry – Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy. (4) A rigorous treatment of physical chemistry useful for chemists, biologists, engineers, Earth scientists, and medical scientists. The topics include quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Prerequisites: CHEM 202, one year of Physics, and one year of calculus. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

381 (Cross-listed with BIOL/GEOL/MATH/ METR/PHYS 381) Introduction to STEM Teaching. (1) Introduction to the science of how students learn, with special emphasis on applications in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. Students will connect principles of cognitive psychology and theories of learning to the practice of teaching in STEM classrooms. To be taken concurrently with a field or student work placement approved by the instructor. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/GEOL/MATH/METR/PHYS 381. Prerequisites: at least one introductory level science or math course with a grade of B or higher, AND permission of the instructor.

390 Junior Project Laboratory. (1–2, repeatable to 2 for different projects) Enrollment only with permission of department.

401 Inorganic Chemistry. (4) Chemistry of transition elements and nontransition elements and their compounds; nomenclature, stereochemistry, symmetry, bonding, solids, and acid-base theories. Laboratory involves synthesis and physicochemical measurements of selected compounds. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: CHEM 332; CHEM 370 or 374; ENG 280. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

409 Current Inorganic Chemistry Topics. (2) Selected topics in inorganic chemistry which include current chemical bonding models, acid-base and redox approaches to inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, and special topics related to current research are discussed. Cannot be applied toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 202 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.

416 Chemical Literature. (1) An introduction to searching chemical research literature. Prerequisite: 18 s.h. of Chemistry. 1 hr. lect.

418 (Cross-listed with BIOL/GEOL/PHYS 418) Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy. (4) The course focuses on capabilities and operation of scanning electron microscopes with emphasis on beam-material interactions, sample preparation, image acquisition and analysis, and X-ray measurements with applications in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/GEOL/PHYS 418. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), or CHEM 202, or MICR 200 (C grade or better), or PHYS 125, or PHYS 212, or ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); or consent of instructor. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

421 Biochemistry. (4) The chemistry of major cellular constituents and their metabolism. Prerequisite: CHEM 330 or 332; CHEM 241 or BIOL 330 or permission of instructor. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

422 Advanced Biochemistry. (4) A continuation of CHEM 421 emphasizing the regulation of biosynthetic pathways and gene expression. Laboratory includes analysis of biological molecules by GC, HPLC, UV spectroscopy, and electrophoresis. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: BIOL 330, CHEM 421, and ENG 280. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

425 (Cross-listed with MICR 425) Biochemistry of Human Disease. (4) Biochemical aspects of human diseases with emphasis on cancer and genetic disorders. The course focuses on biochemical principles of disease development and contemporary biochemistry and molecular biology methods and approaches for drug development and cancer treatments. Not open to students with credit in MICR 425. Prerequisites: BIOL 330 and CHEM 421. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

429 Biochemistry Topics. (2) Selected topics in biochemistry which include current topics in applications of bio-macromolecules. Cannot be applied toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 221 or 421 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.

433 Polymer Chemistry. (3) An introductory course in polymer chemistry, including synthesis, mechanisms of polymerization, physical and chemical characterizations, and industrial applications. Biopolymers will also be discussed. Prerequisites: CHEM 330 with a grade of C or better, or CHEM 332 with a grade of C or better. 3 hrs. lect.

435 Macromolecular Chemistry Topics. (2) Selected topics in organic chemistry which include current topics and applications of macromolecules. Cannot be applied toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 330 or 331, or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.

440 Elementary Forensic Techniques. (4) Applications of chemical principles to analysis of crime scene physical evidence including serology, drugs, explosive residues, arson debris, papers and inks, paint, and DNA fingerprinting. State-of-the-art techniques and instrumentation are used. Prerequisite: CHEM 221 or 330 or permission of instructor. 3 hrs.; lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

442 Instrumental Analysis. (4) Theory and practice of analytical chemistry with emphasis on selected instrumental techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 341 and one semester of Physical Chemistry. 3 hrs. lect.; 6 hrs. lab.

449 Analytical Chemistry Topics. (2) Selected topics in analytical chemistry which include current topics and applications of pharmaceutical or forensic analysis. Cannot be applied toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 341 or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.

452 Forensic Toxicology. (4) Designed primarily for Forensic Chemistry majors. Applications of pharmacological, toxicological, and instrumental methods used in forensic investigations of death, poisoning, and drug use. Cannot be applied toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 332 and 341. 3 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

453 Forensic Mass Spectrometry. (3) Designed primarily for Forensic Chemistry majors. The course focuses on mass spectrometry for identification of forensically significant compounds, such as fire accelerants, explosives, illicit drugs, and all the poisons ranging from small organic molecules to biological macromolecules. Prerequisite: CHEM 332 and 341. 2 hrs. lect.; 3 hrs. lab.

455 Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis. (4) Applications of biochemical principles to analysis of human tissues, body fluids, and other biological forensic evidence. Topics will include serology, blood splatter evidence screening methods, 
and DNA analysis and interpretation. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Does not count toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 421 and ENG 280.

472 (Cross-listed with PHYS 472) Experimental Techniques in Materials Science. (2) This course explores basic experimental techniques used in studying the structure and properties of materials. Students will gain hands-on experience in operating a variety of instruments, and learn to collect and analyze data to study the properties of materials. Not open to students with credit in PHYS 472. Prerequisite: PHYS 464.

479 Physical Chemistry Topics. (2) Selected topics in physical chemistry which include modern applications, such as computational chemistry, molecular modeling, thermodynamics, kinetics, and/or surface chemistry. Cannot be applied toward the Chemistry minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 370 or 375, or permission of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.

481 (Cross-listed with BIOL/GEOL/METR/ PHYS 481) Techniques and Issues in Science Teaching. (3) An interdisciplinary course wherein preservice middle and high school science teachers develop techniques and resources appropriate for their instructional program, deepen understanding of scientific concepts, and examine lab safety. Requires involvement in several professional development activities outside of class time. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/GEOL/METR/PHYS 481. Prerequisites: EDUC 439 and ENG 280 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482.

482 (Cross-listed with BIOL/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482) Science in Context. (3) Interdisciplinary course for science majors in which students explore science through inquiry, the unifying principles of science, and the role of social contexts and ethics in science. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482. Prerequisites: senior standing in one of the following science majors—Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Meteorology; ENG 280; or permission of instructor.

485 Internship in Chemistry. (3–8, repeatable to 8) An on-the-job experience in a government or industrial laboratory. To familiarize students with working environments—laboratory procedures and instrumentation they will encounter in a job situation. A formal written report is required. Prerequisites: CHEM 332, 370 or 375, 442, junior or senior standing in Chemistry, or permission of department chairperson. Graded S/U only.

490 Senior Project Laboratory. (1–4, repeatable to 4) Laboratory research under the direction of a Chemistry faculty member. The work will include the use of the chemical literature in independent research programs. A formal written report of the investigation undertaken is required. Corequisite or Prerequisite: CHEM 492. Prerequisite: one semester of Physical Chemistry or permission of the department.

491 Honors Thesis in Chemistry. (1–2, repeatable to 2) A thesis prepared under the direction of one or more faculty members.

492 Safety Practices in Chemistry Research. (1) The course is designed to train students in safety techniques and practices commonly used in laboratory research. A combination of lecture and demonstrations are used to describe MSDS, PPE, federal regulations, safe handling of hazardous reagents, and isotopes. Prerequisite: CHEM 101 or 201 or permission of instructor.

(Education)

239 Pre-Teacher Education Program Admittance. (0, repeatable with no maximum) Students pursuing teacher licensure are required to take this course in the semester they plan to be fully accepted in the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Students must meet established departmental criteria for admittance to TEP. Graded S/U.

339 Pre-Student Teaching Clearance. (0) Students pursuing teacher licensure are required to take this course prior to their student teaching semester. Students must meet established criteria for departmental clearance to student teach. Prerequisites: Full admittance to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Graded S/U.

439 Methods of Teaching Middle and High School Science. (3) Study of secondary teaching methods (Grades 6–12) from the standpoints of theory and practice, curriculum objectives and standard implementation, materials, 
and evaluation and assessment. Included are demonstrations, discussions, lectures, classroom participation, and field observations. Prerequisites: BIOL/GEOL 181 or GEOG/PHYS 182, BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 381, and EDS 301 (all with C- grade or better). Corequisite: EDS 303.

469 Pre-Licensure Clearance. (0) Students pursuing teacher licensure are required to take this course in the semester they student teach. Students must meet criteria established by the department in order to be recommended for licensure. Prerequisite: departmental clearance to student teach. Corequisite: Student Teaching (STCH). Graded S/U

480 Student Teaching. See STCH 480.