Teaching Associates: Kara Cetto Bales, Mary Hlywa-Sears, Cynthia K. Sood
Academic Safety Officer: Loretta Greenholtz
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.
Recommendations and Advice
Chemistry faculty strongly encourage those majors who plan to pursue
graduate studies in chemistry or biochemistry Ph.D. programs to obtain
significant research experience through the CH371, 372 Capstone in
Chemistry: Student-Faculty Collaborative Research courses, and/or
summer research experiences at Skidmore or through other programs.
CH371 and 372 are required for departmental Honors (see below).
Students considering medical school and/or graduate school are also
encouraged to take chemistry electives beyond the requirements for the
major and should consult their faculty mentor for advice.
THE CHEMISTRY MAJOR: Students majoring in chemistry are required
to:
MA111,
113, or
MA108,
109, and
113
(students should consult the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science to determine their placement in MA111 or MA108, 109 sequence); and
THE CHEMISTRY MAJOR WITH BIOCHEMISTRY CONCENTRATION:
Students choosing the biochemistry concentration within the chemistry major are required to:
Fulfill the general College requirements.
Complete the following:
a core curriculum consisting of
CH105,
105H, or
107H;
106,
106H, or
207H;
221,
222,
330 or
332,
341,
342,
377,
378,
and two 300-level electives, one of which must be in chemistry and one in either chemistry or biology;
MA111,
113, or
MA108,
109, and
113
(students should consult the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science to
determine their placement in MA111 or MA108, 109 sequence); and
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.
HONORS: To be recommended for departmental honors, a student must
maintain a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in the major. Students must
complete a research project in CH371 and 372, submit an honors thesis
to be read by the faculty mentor and a second reader, and give an oral
presentation of the research to the department. In order for a student
to stand for honors, the advisor and second reader must assess the
thesis to be excellent and of honors caliber. The department will
consider the recommendations of the advisor and second reader in
addition to the oral presentation and overall record of the student in
the determination of honors.
THE CHEMISTRY MINOR: Students who wish to minor in Chemistry are required to take six courses
from among those offered by the department. At least two of these courses
must be at the 300 level, excluding CH337 and 378.
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.) The Department
CH 105. CHEMICAL
PRINCIPLES I 4
First of a two-course sequence in which students learn fundamental
principles of chemistry; appropriate for students who intend to major
in the natural sciences. Topics include atomic and molecular
structure, chemical reactions, periodic relationships, mass
relationships, introductory thermodynamics, and properties of gases.
Laboratory experiments serve to illustrate concepts learned in the
classroom. Prerequisites: two years of high school algebra, one year
of high-school chemistry or
CH103, and QR1. Three hours of lecture-discussion and one
three-hour lab per week. (Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences
requirements.) S. Frey, M. Frey, R. Nagarajan, K. Frederick
CH 105H. CHEMICAL
PRINCIPLES 4
First of a two-course sequence that offers highly motivated students
with strong backgrounds in chemistry the opportunity to study
fundamental principles of chemistry in greater depth and breadth than
in CH105. Students interested in taking this course should register
for CH105. All students enrolled in CH105 will take a readiness exam on
the first day of classes to assist the department in advising them for
which course, CH105 or CH105H, they are best prepared. Following the
exam, students eligible to enroll in CH105H will be given the
opportunity to do so. Topics include those listed under CH105 plus
emphasis on chemical bonding theories. Laboratory experiments serve to
illustrate concepts learned in the classroom. Prerequisites: two years of high school algebra, one year of high school chemistry or CH103, and QR1; successful com pletion of the readiness exam. Three hours of
lecture-discussion and one three-hour lab per week. (Fulfills QR2 and
natural sciences requirements.) S. Frey, M. Frey, R. Nagarajan, K. Frederick
CH 106. CHEMICAL
PRINCIPLES II 4
Continuation of CH 105. Students continue to learn fundamental
principles of chemistry that describe the properties of solutions,
kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and
thermodynamics. Laboratory experiments serve to illustrate concepts
learned in the classroom. Prerequisites: CH105 or 105H.
Three hours of lecture-discussion and one three-hours
lab per week. S. Frey, M. Frey, R. Nagarajan, K. Frederick
CH 106H. CHEMICAL
PRINCIPLES II 4
Continuation of CH105H; offers highly motivated students with strong
chemistry backgrounds the continued opportunity to explore fundamental
principles of chemistry in greater depth and breadth than is possible
in CH106. Topics include those listed under CH106 and an introduction
to the instructor's area of expertise. Laboratory experiments serve to
illustrate concepts learned in the classroom. Prerequisites: CH105 or 105H.
Three hours of lecture-discussion and one three-hour lab per
week. S. Frey, M. Frey, R. Nagarajan, K. Frederick
CH 107H. INTENSIVE
GENERAL CHEMISTRY HONORS 4
Study of the fundamental concepts of chemistry for motivated students
who have a strong background in chemistry and intend to major in the
natural sciences. Topics include atomic theory, chemical equilibria,
acids and bases, electrochemistry, kinetics and bonding theories.
Emphasis is placed on active student participation and class
discussion of course material. In addition, students are required to
carry out an honors project (e.g., a written paper or poster) that
involves library research on a topic in chemistry, proper citation of
sources, and formal presentation to chemistry faculty and students.
Laboratory experiments emphasize modern research techniques and
instrumentation and prepare students for exploratory lab projects at
the honors level that students complete during the last two weeks of
the semester. Training in scientific writing will be an integral part
of the laboratory experiences. Three hours of lecture-discussion and
three hours of laboratory a week. Prerequisites: Consent of the
department based on an online diagnostic exam administered during the
summer, and QR1 results. Prepares students for CH207H and CH221.
(Fulfills the natural science and QR2 requirements.) S. Frey, R. Nagarajan, K. Frederick
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; fulfills QR2 requirement.) The Department
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, J. Halstead
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. Prerequisites: QR1.
(Fulfills QR2 and natural sciences requirements.) S. Frey, J. Halstead
CH 207H. INTERMEDIATE
TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY 4
Intermediate-level, topic-based, honors courses that offer highly
motivated students the opportunity to refine their critical thinking
and quantitative problem-solving skills while examining an area of
special interest in the field of chemistry. Specific topics may vary
from year to year. The topic offered during a given semester is listed
in master schedule. Descriptions of the various topics can be found on
the Chemistry Department's Web site. Three hours of lecture-discussion
and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: CH107 or permission of the department. The Department
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, 106H, or 107H.
Three hours of lecture-discussion, and four hours of lab a week. R. Giguere, K. Cetto
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, K. Cetto
CH 251. TOPICS
IN CHEMISTRY 4
Topically organized course based on a subfield of chemistry at
the intermediate level. The specific topic examined may differ
from year to year. In the laboratory section, students will
learn basic methods of experimentation and instrumental
analysis specific to the subfield. 3 hours of
lecture-discussion and 3 hours of lab a week. Prerequisite:CH106 or 106H. The Department
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. The Department
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. The Department
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. The Department, K. Frederick
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 or 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 or permission of the instructor. S. Frey
CH 323. ADVANCED
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 3
A study of the advanced synthetic methodology and mechanistic theory
of organic chemistry. Three hours of lecture-discussion a week. Prerequisite:CH222. R. Giguere
CH 324. ADVANCED
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY WITH LAB 5
A study of the advanced synthetic methodology and mechanistic theory
of organic chemistry. Students in the lab learn to work on projects in
organic synthesis using modern instrumentation techniques. Three hours
of lecture-discussion and 4 hours of lab per week. Prerequisite:CH222. R. Giguere
CH 330. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I 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 chemistry major with biochemistry concentration 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. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II 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:CH330 or 332 or permission of the department. J. Halstead
CH 332. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
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. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II 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:CH330 or 332 or permission of the department. J. Halstead
CH 340. BIOCHEMISTRY:
MACROMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 3
A study of the organic, physical, and biological chemistry of
proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzymes.
Structure-function relationships are explored at the molecular level using
structural geometry and chemical reactivity concepts. Prerequisite:CH222.
Three hours of lecture-discussion a week. M. Frey, R. Nagarajan
CH 341. BIOCHEMISTRY:
MACROMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION WITH LAB 5
A study of the organic, physical, and biological chemistry
of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzymes.
Structure-function relationships are explored at the molecular
level using structural geometry and chemical reactivity concepts.
The lab includes modern techniques for the purification, characterization, and
identification of biomolecules. Prerequisite:CH222.
Three hours of lecture-discussion and four hours of lab a
week. M. Frey, R. Nagarajan
CH 342. BIOCHEMISTRY:
INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM 3
Intermediary metabolism, bioenergetics, and the nature of
enzyme-catalyzed reactions are discussed. Prerequisite:CH340 or 341.
Three hours of lecture-discussion a week. M. Frey, R. Nagarajan
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 that are not
covered in the regular course offerings. Prerequisite:CH222 and permission of the department. 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. The Department
CH 355. PEER-TUTORING
IN CHEMISTRY LABORATORY 2
A course designed to introduce students to techniques of laboratory instruction and management. Students will participate
in teaching laboratory sessions of first- and second-year chemistry courses and will receive training in preparation and
delivery of pre-lab lectures, interaction with students in a supervisory role, safety issues in laboratory management, and
assessment of experimental and written works by students. Open to seniors majoring in chemistry or chemistry with biochemistry
concentration. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. The Department
CH 371, 372. CAPSTONE IN CHEMISTRY:
STUDENT-FACULTY COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH 3, 3
An elective course offered to upper level students who are interested
in pursuing chemical research. Students work in collaboration with
their faculty mentors to learn advanced techniques and protocols
specific to their research fields. Students develop a research project
in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Students who intend to seek
advanced degrees are particularly encouraged to take this course.
CH371 and 372 are required for consideration for Honors in Chemistry. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. 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. The Department
CH 377, 378. SENIOR
SEMINAR IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 1,1
One-credit seminar courses designed to teach communication skills
relating to scientific research. The courses include presentations by
students, faculty, and guest speakers as well as discussion of current
chemical literature. Both courses are required of all senior chemistry
majors. Offered on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Each of
these courses may be repeated once for credit. The Department
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. The Department
