815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs,
New York, 12866
SKIDMORE PHONE
518-580-5000
Chemistry
Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics: Vasantha
Narasimhan
Chemistry Faculty:
Professors: Raymond J. Giguere, Vasantha Narasimhan
Associate Professor: Judith A. Halstead
Assistant Professors: Steven T. Frey, David Weis
Senior Teaching Associates: Janis S. Ritorto, Anne M. Wagner
Chemistry is often characterized
as "the central science" because of its interaction
with physics and mathematics on one hand, and with biology,
medicine, environmental sciences, and business and commerce
on the other. Modern chemistry is a vast field with potential
for numerous professional applications. Training in chemistry
is required for a wide variety of positions in academia, industry,
and health care, ranging from research and development to
management and administration. The undergraduate preparation
in chemistry at Skidmore College provides students with a
broad framework upon which they can build further toward graduate
studies and specific career goals.
The department offers both a major and a minor in chemistry,
and a major in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration.
The requirements are listed below. The department also offers
an interdisciplinary biology-chemistry major in collaboration
with the Biology Department.
THE CHEMISTRY MAJOR: Students majoring in chemistry are required
to:
THE CHEMISTRY MAJOR WITH BIOCHEMISTRY
CONCENTRATION: Students choosing the biochemistry concentration
within the chemistry major are required to:
1. Fulfill the general College
requirements.
2. Complete the following: a.
a core curriculum consisting of CH105, 106 (or 107 and 214*),
221, 222, 330 or 332, 341, 342, 377, 378; 371 or 372;
and one 300-level elective.
b. BI190 and two additional biology courses
at or above the 200 level.
c. MA111, 113.
d. PY207, 208.
*Students with advanced preparation in high school chemistry
may enter the CH107, 214 sequence rather than the CH105, 106
sequence. Students planning
to pursue graduate work should also take MA202. American
Chemical Society certification is available for both of the
above courses of study.Interested students should consult
the department chair concerning any additional requirements.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL MAJOR: In conjunction with the Biology Department,
the department offers a biology-chemistry major. See Interdepartmental
Majors. The majors lead to a bachelor of
arts degree.
THE CHEMISTRY MINOR: Students minoring in chemistry are required
to complete seven courses in the department including: CH105,
106 (or 107 and 214*), 303 and four from among 221, 222, 315,
332, 333, 341 and 342. The four elected courses must be approved
by the student's chemistry advisor before they can be counted
toward the minor program. ES 105. FIELD STUDIES
IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
See environmental studies major for description. CH 101. FUNDAMENTALS
OF CHEMISTRY 3
An introductory course for students with little or no background
in chemistry. It will emphasize the "language of chemistry"
and will develop an ability to visualize processes on an atomic
and molecular level. The problem sessions will further the
students' skills in solving algebraic problems. While the
course is primarily designed for those who wish to continue
in science, it would also be appropriate for those who wish
a one-semester survey of the subject. May not be used to satisfy
major or minor requirements in chemistry or biology-chemistry.
Prerequisite: QR1. (Fulfills QR2 requirement.) CH 103. FUNDAMENTALS
OF CHEMISTRY WITH LAB 4
This course supplements the lectures of Chemistry 101 with
a lab experience. Experiments are performed which illustrate
the concepts presented in the lecture and problem sessions.
May not be used to satisfy major or minor requirements in
chemistry or biology-chemistry. Prerequisite: QR1.
(Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences requirements.)
CH 105. CHEMICAL
PRINCIPLES I 4
Fundamental concepts of chemistry are presented. Emphasis
is placed upon atomic and molecular structure, physical and
chemical properties related to structure, periodic relationships,
mass relationships, thermochemistry, and properties of solutions.
The lab experiments provide applications of the principles.
Students will take a general chemistry readiness exam the
first day of class to assist the department in advising them
for which course, CH105 or 105H, they are best prepared. Prerequisite:
high-school algebra (two years), chemistry (one year) or CH101
or 103, and QR1. Three hours of lecture-discussion and one
three-hour lab per week. (Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences
requirements.) S. Frey, D. Weis CH 105H. CHEMICAL
PRINCIPLES 4
Offers highly motivated students with strong chemistry backgrounds
the opportunity to study fundamental concepts of chemistry
in greater depth and breadth. Students will take a general
chemistry readiness exam the first day of class to assist
the department in advising them for which course, CH 105 or
105H, they are best prepared. Emphasis is placed upon atomic
and molecular structure, physical and chemical properties
related to molecular structure, orbital hybridization, periodic
relationships, and introductory thermodynamics. Experiments
are performed that illustrate the concepts presented in the
lecture and problem sessions. Prerequisites: high school
algebra (two years), chemistry (one year), and QR1. Three
hours of lecture-discussion and one three-hour lab per week.
(Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences requirements.) S.
Frey, D. Weis CH 106. CHEMICAL
PRINCIPLES II 4
Both theoretical and descriptive aspects of the chemistry
of electrolytic solutions will be explored. The lecture material
will be applied in the lab to the problems of inorganic synthesis,
quantitative chemistry, and analytical separations. Prerequisite:
CH105. Three hours of lecture-discussion and three hours of
lab a week. CH 107H. INTENSIVE
GENERAL CHEMISTRY 4 Basic concepts of chemistry will
be presented with emphasis on atomic and molecular structures,
periodicity of properties, structure-property relationship,
basic principles and laws governing solid, liquid, gas phase
as well as solution reactions, chemical kinetics, and equilibria.
The lab experiments provide practical applications of the
basic principles of chemistry.Three hours of lecture-discussion
and three hours of lab a week. Prerequisites: two years
of high-school chemistry and QR1. (This is an Honors course.
It fulfills QR2 and natural sciences requirements.) CH 109. CHEMISTRY
OF FOODS AND FLAVORS 3
A study of the chemical makeup of food and nutrients, and
their biochemical functions. Different food processing techniques
and their effects on the chemical, physical, and biological
properties of food will be discussed. The chemical basis of
flavor, composition of some common flavor ingredients, and
the role of flavor in nutrient assimilation will be explored.
Prerequisite: QR1. V. Narasimhan
CH 110. CHEMISTRY
OF FOODS AND FLAVORS WITH LAB 4
A study of the chemical makeup of food and nutrients, and
their biochemical functions. Different food processing techniques
and their effects on the chemical, physical, and biological
properties of food will be discussed. The chemical basis of
flavor, composition of some common flavor ingredients, and
the role of flavor in nutrient assimilation will be explored.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite:
QR1. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.) V.
Narasimhan CH 111. ENVIRONMENTAL
CHEMISTRY 3
A study of fundamental chemical principles as they relate
to environmental issues such as air pollution, acid rain,
global warming, destruction of the ozone layer, the production
and consumption of energy, and water pollution. A basic understanding
of chemical principles and practices is necessary to fully
appreciate the scope and complexity of current global environmental
issues. Specific examples of international environmental problems
are presented as case studies to reinforce the course material.
Chemical concepts such as atomic structure, bonding, themodynamics,
nuclear chemistry, and chemical reactivity are introduced
as they pertain to particular environmental issues. Prerequisite:
QR1. (Fulfills QR2 requirement.) S.
Frey CH 112. ENVIRONMENTAL
CHEMISTRY WITH LAB 4
A study of fundamental chemical principles as they relate
to environmental issues such as air pollution, acid rain,
global warming, destruction of the ozone layer, the production
and consumption of energy, and water pollution. A basic understanding
of chemical principles and practices is necessary to fully
appreciate the scope and complexity of current global environmental
issues. Specific examples of international environmental problems
are presented as case studies to reinforce the course material.
Chemical concepts such as atomic structure, bonding, themodynamics,
nuclear chemistry, and chemical reactivity are introduced
as they pertain to particular environmental issues. Laboratory
exercises that relate to the environmental issues presented
in lectures serve to reinforce students' understanding of
the underlying chemical principles. Prerequisite: QR1.
(Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences requirements.) S.
Frey CH 214. DESCRIPTIVE
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 4
A systematic study of the chemical and physical properties
of the elements. Emphasis will be on structural and electronic
correlations as predictors. The role of metal atoms in systems
of industrial and biological significance will be discussed.
Three hours of lecture-discussion per week and three hours
of lab. Prerequisite: CH106 or 107 or permission of
the instructor. S. Frey CH 221. ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY I 5
The structures, physical properties, reactivity, and reaction
mechanisms of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons are investigated.
The lab introduces the student to synthesis, purification,
and chemical and spectroscopic methods of characterizing organic
compounds. Prerequisite: CH106 or 107. Three hours
of lecture-discussion, and four hours of lab a week. R.
Giguere, J. Ritorto CH 222. ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY II 5
The structure, physical properties, reactivity, and reaction
mechanisms of important organic functional groups are investigated.
The lab work focuses on structure determination and synthesis
projects. Prerequisite: CH221. Three hours of lecture-discussion
and four hours of lab a week. R. Giguere,
J. Ritorto CH 299. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN CHEMISTRY 3
Internship opportunity for students whose curricular foundations
and cocurricular experience have prepared them for professional
work related to the major field. With faculty sponsorship
and departmental approval, students may extend their educational
experience into such areas as chemical research, environmental
or material science, or chemical engineering. Prerequisite:
complete CH106 or 214. CH 301. POLYMER
CHEMISTRY 3
Introduction to all types of polymers with emphasis on organic
polymers. Mechanisms of polymerization reactions, the characterization
of products, and the technological application of polymers
will be discussed. Additionally, the student will be introduced
systematically to the historical and current literature in
the field. Prerequisite: CH222. V.
Narasimhan CH 303. MODERN
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 5
This course describes modern analytical chemistry techniques
for the separation, identification, and quantitation of chemical
entities with an emphasis on instrumental methods. Sampling
techniques and statistical treatment of data are also discussed.
Prerequisites: CH221. Three hours of lecture-discussion
and four hours of lab a week. D. Weis CH 313. INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY 3
A study of the modern theories of atomic structure and chemical
bonding as they pertain to inorganic systems. Topics include
symmetry and group theory, bonding in ionic, covalent, and
metallic substances, acid-base concepts, and coordination
chemistry. Prerequisites: CH330 or 332 and permission
of the instructor. S. Frey CH 314. INORGANIC
CHEMISTRY WITH LAB 5
A study of the modern theories of atomic structure and chemical
bonding as they pertain to inorganic systems. Topics include
symmetry and group theory, bonding in ionic, covalent, and
metallic substances, acid-base concepts, and coordination
chemistry. Prerequisites: CH330 or 332 and permission
of the instructor. S. Frey CH 315. ADVANCED
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY 3
Selected topics of current research in inorganic chemistry.
Modern theories of atomic structure and chemical bonding are
applied to examine these topics in depth. Extensive discussion
of the experimental techniques and instrumentation used in
current inorganic research is presented. Prerequisites:
CH313 or 314. Three hours of lecture per week. S.
Frey CH 324. ADVANCED
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 5
Advanced synthetic methodology and mechanistic theory of organic
chemistry will be studied. Prerequisite: CH222. Three
hours of lecture and four hours of lab a week. R.
Giguere CH 330. THERMODYNAMICS 3
The fundamental principles and concepts of equilibrium thermodynamics
including entropy, energy, temperature, heat, work, and chemical
potential. Applications include chemical reactions, phase
changes, environmental science, and biochemical systems. Three
hours of lecture-discussion per week. This nonlab course may
be used to satisfy a requirement for the biochemistry major
but may not be used to satisfy any requirements for the chemistry
major. CH330 is the same as the lecture-discussion component
of CH332. Prerequisites:CH106, MA113, PY208. J.
Halstead CH 331. MOLECULAR
DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE 3
The fundamental principles of kinetic theory, reaction kinetics,
statistical thermodynamics, chemical application of quantum
mechanics, bonding, molecular spectroscopy and structure.
Three hours of lecture-discussion a week.Prerequisite:
CH332 or permission of the department. J.
Halstead CH 332. THERMODYNAMICS
WITH LAB 5
The fundamental principles and concepts of equilibrium thermodynamics
including entropy, energy, temperature, heat, work, and chemical
potential. Applications include chemical reactions, phase
changes, environmental science, and biochemical systems. Lab
experiments provide opportunities for quantitative experimental
investigation of thermodynamic systems, including studies
of heat exchange, chemical equilibrium, and phase equilibrium.
Three hours of lecture-discussion and four hours of lab a
week. Prerequisites:CH222 or 303, MA113, PY208.
J. Halstead CH 333. MOLECULAR
DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE WITH LAB 5
The fundamental principles of kinetic theory, reaction kinetics,
statistical thermodynamics, chemical application of quantum
mechanics, bonding, molecular spectroscopy and structure.
Lab and computer based experiments provide an opportunity
for quantitative experimental investigation of phenomena such
as reaction rates, transport properties, bonding, and spectroscopy.
Three hours of lecture-discussion, four hours of lab a week.Prerequisite:
CH332 or permission of the department. J.
Halstead CH 341. BIOCHEMISTRY:
MACROMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 5
A study of the organic, physical, and biological chemistry
of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzymes.
The biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins is also discussed.
The lab includes modern techniques for the purification and
identification of biomolecules. Prerequisite: CH222.
Three hours of lecture-discussion and four hours of lab a
week. V. Narasimhan CH 342. BIOCHEMISTRY:
INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM 3
Intermediary metabolism, bioenergetics, and the nature of
enzyme-catalyzed reactions are discussed. Prerequisite:
CH341. Three hours of lecture-discussion a week. V.
Narasimhan CH 351, 352. SPECIAL
TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY 3, 3
Advanced topics in chemistry will be offered to either small
groups of students or on an individual basis, allowing the
student to study in depth areas of the science which are not
covered in the regular course offerings. Prerequisite:
CH222
and permission of the department. CH 353. TOPICS
IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 3
An advanced study of selected global, national, and local
topics in environmental chemistry. Possible topics include
stratospheric ozone cycle, global climate changes, tropospheric
smog, acid deposition, nutrient cycling, alkalinity, eutrophication,
water treatment, and hazardous wastes. Prerequisite:
CH221.
Three hours of lecture-discussion per week. D.
Weis CH 371, 372. RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY 3,
3
An opportunity for qualified students to pursue research in
any field of chemistry under the supervision of a member of
the department. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
CH 375. LITERATURE
INVESTIGATION IN CHEMISTRY 3
Students prepare an in-depth written report on a current topic
in chemistry or biochemistry. The chemical literature is investigated
by both traditional methods and modern computer-based techniques.
Individual and group conferences throughout the semester,
as well as oral presentations are required. Prerequisite:
Permission of the department. CH 377, 378. SENIOR
SEMINAR IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 1,1
Seminar courses designed to teach communication skills relating
to scientific research. The courses include presentations
by guest speakers, faculty and students, as well as discussions
of the current chemical literature. These courses are offered
on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only and are required
of all senior chemistry majors. Each of these courses may
be repeated once for credit. CH 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN CHEMISTRY 3 or 6 Professional experience at an
advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic
and cocurricular experience in the major field. With faculty
sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their
educational experience into such areas as chemical research,
environmental or material science, or chemical engineering.
Only three semester hours may count toward the major. Prerequisites:
CH303 and one additional 300-level course in chemistry.
