Academic Catalog 2016–2017

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Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Overview

Chemistry is the “central discipline” of science programs such as science education, engineering, pharmacy, biology and all of health and medical sciences. The B.S in Chemistry at LAU provides students with a broad-based education, which includes exposure to the core areas of chemistry (analytical, physical, organic and inorganic), and recently emerging technologies in both a classroom setting and in the laboratory within the context of the liberal arts curriculum. The program encompasses the latest methodologies and applications in the study of chemistry and provides students with access to advanced instrumental techniques, particularly through the integration of information technology solutions for chemical applications.

While studying, students develop critical-thinking skills through problem-based learning as well as adequate oral and written communication skills for scientific information. Also, students will have the chance to acquire basic skills in research methodology, data analysis and interpretation through their coursework and the senior study project.

Ultimately, students will graduate as well-rounded individuals with a broad knowledge in the chemical field and hence will be well prepared for local, national and international job markets in the sectors of education, industry and health. Moreover, the program prepares students for postgraduate study in scientific fields such as chemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical sciences and medicine.

The B.S. in Chemistry satisfies the premedical requirements and is thus suitable for students wishing to apply for the MCAT exam to gain admission into medical school.

Mission

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry parallels the mission of the university in its commitment to academic excellence within the framework of the liberal arts tradition. In its design, the program challenges undergraduates intellectually, experimentally and interactively and in the latitude inherent to its chemistry curriculum, the program nurtures students into individuals prepared to embrace professional and ethical responsibilities.

Program Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry aims to

  1. prepare students to apply the scientific knowledge acquired to solve problems associated with the various disciplines of chemistry,
  2. prime students to face challenges in their future academic or professional careers with the ethical and safety standards fostered throughout the program,
  3. foster critical assessment and coherent articulation of chemical concepts through oral and written discourse, and
  4. coach students in the design and implementation of research methodologies using emerging technologies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.S. in Chemistry, students should be able to

  1. interpret the knowledge studied in Analytical, Organic, Inorganic, Physical, and interdisciplinary topics,
  2. investigate theoretical principles through proficient application of laboratory techniques—at the bench, instrumental and modeling levels,
  3. relate the contribution of chemistry to the advancement of science and technology,
  4. show the ability to use computers in empirical and theoretical chemical applications and demonstrations,
  5. apply problem-solving skills through the scientific methods in literature survey, research design, and implementation of experimental plan, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation,
  6. critically evaluate scientific information,
  7. transmit chemical concepts to a diversified audience through effective written and oral presentations,
  8. apply good laboratory practice,
  9. develop an understanding of ethical and professional responsibility as chemists and as members of society,
  10. value the importance of teamwork in performing a task collectively, and
  11. develop independent learning skills.

Curriculum

A total of 92 credits are required to graduate, as per the following:

  • Chemistry Core Requirements (34 cr)
  • Chemistry Elective Courses (6 cr)
  • Elective Laboratory Courses (2 cr)
  • Mathematics Requirements (6 cr) - 3 credits of which overlap with LAC
  • Physics Requirements (7 cr)
  • LAC Requirements (34 credits)
  • Free Electives (6 cr)

Chemistry Core Requirements (34 cr)

  • CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr)
  • CHM202 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr)
  • CHM203 Qualitative Analysis (2 cr)
  • CHM204 Quantitative Analysis (2 cr)
  • CHM311 Organic Chemistry I (3 cr)
  • CHM313 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr)
  • CHM312 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr)
  • CHM314 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr)
  • CHM330 Physical Chemistry I (4 cr)
  • CHM332 Physical Chemistry II (3 cr)
  • CHM334 Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr)
  • CHM420 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr)
  • CHM499 Senior Project (3 cr)

Chemistry Elective Courses (6 cr)

  • BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr)
  • PHA312 Medicinal Chemistry (I) (3 cr)
  • NUT312 Food Chemistry (3 cr)
  • CHM340 Environmental Chemistry (3 cr)
  • CHM401 Instrumental Analysis (3 cr)
  • CHM402 Chemistry of Materials (3 cr)
  • CHM403 Polymer Science (3 cr)
  • CHM404 Forensic Chemistry (3 cr)
  • CHM405 Statistical Mechanics (3 cr)

Elective Laboratory Course (2 cr)

  • CHM412 Synthesis and Identification of Organic Compounds (2 cr)
  • CHM423 Synthesis and Identification of Inorganic Compounds (2 cr)
  • CHM424 Synthesis and Identification of Nanomaterials (2 cr)
  • CHM425 Computational Chemistry (2 cr)

Mathematics Requirements (6 cr)

Choose one course (3 cr) from

  • MTH301 Linear Algebra (3 cr)
  • MTH303 Numerical Methods (3 cr)
  • MTH304 Differential Equation (3 cr)
  • MTH305 Probability and Statistics (3 cr)
  • STA205 Biostatistics (3 cr)

Physics Requirements (7 cr)

  • PHY201 Electricity and Magnetism (4 cr)

Choose one course (3 cr) from

  • CIE200 Statics (3 cr)
  • PHY321 Introduction to Modern Physics (3 cr)
  • PHY301 Classical Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr)

Free Electives (6 cr)

Recommended Three-Year Plan

Year One

Fall (15 cr)

  • CHM201 Chemical principles (3 cr)
  • CHM203 Qualitative Analysis (2 cr)
  • MTH201 Calculus III (3 cr)
  • CSC201 Computer Application (1 cr)
  • ENGxxx (3 cr)
  • LAC (3 cr)

Spring (15 cr)

  • CHM202 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr)
  • CHM204 Quantitative Analysis (2 cr)
  • PHY201 Electricity and Magnetism (4 cr)
  • ENGxxx (3 cr)
  • LAC (3 cr)

Year Two

Fall (16 cr)

  • CHM311 Organic Chemistry I (3 cr)
  • CHM313 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr)
  • CHM330 Physical Chemistry I (4 cr)
  • PED2xx Physical Education (1 cr)
  • HLT201 Basic Health (1 cr)
  • LAC (3 cr)


Spring (15 cr)

  • CHM312 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr)
  • CHM314 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr)
  • CHM332 Physical Chemistry II (3 cr)
  • CHM334 Physical Chemistry Lab (2 cr)
  • PHYxxx Elective (3 cr)
  • LAC (3 cr)

Year Three

Fall (16 cr)

  • CHM420 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr)
  • CHMxxx Chemistry Elective (3 cr)
  • CHM499 Senior Study Chemistry (3 cr)
  • LAC (3 cr )
  • Free Elective (3 cr)

Spring (15 cr)

  • CHMxxx Chemistry Elective (3 cr)
  • CHMxxx Chemistry Lab Elective (2 cr)
  • ETH201 Ethics and Moral Reasoning (1 cr)
  • LAC (3 cr)
  • LAC (3 cr)
  • Free Elective (3 cr)