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Course Listings

Chemistry

A major and a minor in Chemistry are available. See also the major in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry.

Major in Chemistry

51 credit hours

Student learning outcomes

Graduates in Chemistry will:

  1. Possess broad knowledge of fundamental principles from organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry and use this knowledge for solving problems.
  2. Demonstrate key laboratory skills for designing, executing, analyzing, recording and reporting laboratory experiments.
  3. Use effectively a broad range of modern scientific instruments.
  4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication.
  5. Practice safe handling of chemicals.
  6. Use modern library tools to access chemical information.
  7. Successfully achieve career objectives for either employment or advanced education in graduate/professional programs.

Planning guide

Options A & B

YearOption AOption B
First YearGoshen Core
General Chemistry
Calculus I
Goshen Core
General Chemistry
Calculus I
Second YearGoshen Core
Organic Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Multivariate Calculus
SST (summer)
Goshen Core
Organic Chemistry
General Physics
Multivariate Calculus
SST (summer)
Third YearGoshen Core
General Physics
Quantum Mechanics
Inorganic Chemistry
Goshen Core
Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry (recommended)
Thermodynamics
SST (fall or summer)
Fourth YearBalance of Goshen Core
Biochemistry (recommended)
Thermodynamics
Internship
Senior Seminar
Balance of Goshen Core
Quantum Mechanics
Inorganic Chemistry
Internship
Senior Seminar

Planning and advising notes

Fundamental computer competency is expected. Chem 409, Chemistry Internship or an equivalent noncredit experience is required. Two planning guides are given because some courses are offered only in alternate years. Additional recommended courses for chemistry majors: Chem 350, Chem 430, Biochemistry; Chem 450, Introductory Research Problems.

Teacher education is available for grades 5-12. In addition to the chemistry major, 36 credit hours of education courses are required, including a semester of student teaching.
The first education class, Educ 201, should be taken in May term of the first year or fall of the second year. For more details, see secondary education information.

Minor in Chemistry

24 credit hours

Student learning outcomes

Graduates with a minor in Chemistry will:

  1. Possess knowledge of fundamental principles from organic, analytical, physical chemistry and one advanced field (options include biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics), and use this knowledge for solving problems.
  2. Demonstrate key laboratory skills for designing, executing, analyzing, recording and reporting laboratory experiments.
  3. Effectively use a broad range of modern scientific instruments and interpret their data.
  4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication.
  5. Practice safe handling of chemicals.
  6. Use modern library tools to access chemical information.

Course descriptions

  • CHEM 111 General Chemistry

    An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory,...

  • CHEM 112 General Chemistry

    An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory,...

  • CHEM 200 Analytical Chemistry

    Quantitative analysis using traditional and instrumental methods. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: General Chemistry, Chem 111-112 (C or better) or consent of instructor. Offered every other year.

  • CHEM 303 Introduction to Organic Chemistry

    Covering structure, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and principal reactions for the major functional groups of organic chemistry, this is a one-semester survey course that gives an overview of the field. Laboratory exercises introduce basic purification techniques. This can be a stand-alone course...

  • CHEM 304 Intermediate Organic Chemistry

    Using Chem 303 as a foundation, this course presents additional reactions (with an increased emphasis on mechanisms) and material on stereochemistry, as well as introducing spectroscopy (IR, NMR, GC-MS and UV-Vis). Together, the Chem 303-304 sequence covers all topics traditionally...

  • CHEM 310 Thermodynamics

    A study of classical thermodynamics in the formulation of Gibbs. Thermodynamic potentials, characteristic variables, stability, homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, chemical kinetics are treated. An introduction to statistical mechanics is presented. Applications include studies of material properties and engineering systems. Lectures...

  • CHEM 312 Quantum Mechanics

    Principles of quantum mechanics are discussed beginning with a hydrogen atom and concluding with many atom molecules. The material is examined using the physical evidences that support the theory of quantum mechanics, particularly spectroscopy. The course also discusses symmetry of...

  • CHEM 409 Chemistry Internship

    Designed to give the student practical experience in chemistry. May involve work in a chemical industrial laboratory or production facility or an academic research activity. Students may also propose their own projects. 120 hours of work experience is required. Prerequisite:...

  • CHEM 410 Senior Seminar

    (Cross-listed from Phys 410) An exploration of the relations between the natural sciences and other broad areas with special emphasis on ethical and theological concerns. Discussion, lectures, preparation and presentation of papers. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

  • CHEM 415 Inorganic Chemistry

    Emphasis on models of structure and bonding as related to chemical and physical properties. Discussions will include descriptive chemistry of the elements, coordination and organometallic compounds and solid state materials. The laboratory component emphasizes synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds....

  • MATH 211 Calculus I

    Concepts of calculus emphasizing applications in the natural and social sciences. Topics include differential calculus of one and two variables and integration. Prerequisites: three and one-half units of high school mathematics including trigonometry, Math 170, or a minimum ALEKS score...

  • MATH 213 Multivariate Calculus

    Differentiation and integration of functions of two and three variables and an introduction to vector calculus. Topics include optimization, vector fields, line and surface integrals, and Green’s Theorem. Prerequisite: Math 211.

  • PHYS 203 General Physics

    A calculus and vector treatment of basic physics. This is the first semester, which includes mechanics of motion, vibration and sound. Required of physics majors. Offered every fall. Prerequisite or Concurrent: Math 211.

  • PHYS 204 General Physics

    A calculus and vector treatment of basic physics. This is the second semester, which includes electric and magnetic fields, light and optics. Required of physics majors. Offered every spring. Prerequisites: Math 211, Phys 203.

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