DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Chemistry Major | Chemistry Minor | Course Descriptions | Chemistry/Chemical Engineering Dual Degree | Forensic Chemistry

CHAIR: Rick C. White

FACULTY: Arney, Chasteen, DeShazo, Loeffler, Plishker

Everything around you is composed of chemicals. We live in a world of chemicals and life would not be possible without them. An understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry is important for everyone in today’s society. Professional chemists are working to enhance our quality of life by improvements in food, medicine, clothing, building supplies, products for recreation, and a whole range of consumer products.

 Virtually every industry or business that makes or sells a product is involved in chemistry. It is no wonder that the various areas of chemical and biochemical technology offer the largest field of employment in the physical sciences. Chemists are employed in fields such as environmental analysis, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, waste management, energy production and forensic science. Chemistry graduates will find many applications for their training in the fields of education, business, industry, law, government and medicine.

The Department of Chemistry, which is certified by the American Chemical Society, offers a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Biotechnology that prepares students for careers in of hi-tech companies in the Houston area and across the state and nation. The growing interest in Forensic Science has prompted the Department of Chemistry to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Chemistry. Students completing this degree can pursue opportunities in various forensic labs across the country, or can continue their education in the graduate program in Forensic Science.

Chemistry majors may pursue the Bachelor of Science for professional chemists that leads to American Chemical Society certification and prepares students for graduate studies. Students interested in professional schools, chemistry associated industries, or secondary education may pursue the Bachelor of Science for other technicalcareers. The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry is designed to preparestudents for interested in careers combining a knowledge of chemistry and the legal system.

Chemistry students learn how to critically examine and analyze observations, to use chemical understanding to propose solutions to problems of a quantitative or qualitative nature that may arise in industry, in academia or in various careers associated with chemistry. Students majoring in Chemistry have the opportunity for hands-on experience in working with atomic absorption, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, 60 MHz and 300 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and other standard instrumentation in chemistry. The Department has a study abroad program in Germany in which students carry out summer undergraduate research in a German University and can experience the culture and approach to chemical education in Europe. The Chemistry Club is an active organization which encourages student interactions in a social atmosphere and which supports student travel to professional meetings.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available from the Department in Chemistry and from the University to support students’ studies. For further information, contact the Chair, Department of Chemistry or visit the Department of Chemistry Home Page. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website or by calling (936) 294-1672. Department of Chemistry Website

REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR

Curriculum: Major in Chemistry

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

For Professional Chemists

NOTE: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Other Technical Careers

NOTE: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

* CHM 368, 433, 348, 339, and 441, are recommended.

** A minor requires six semesters of course work, a minimum of 18 credits (six advanced) in an approved field.

Emphasis in Biochemistry - Biotechnology

Students seeking a background that will prepare them for the emerging technologies in biochemistry and biotechnology can select advanced courses that will lead to a major in chemistry and a minor in biology.

Emphasis in Forensic Science

Students seeking a background that will prepare them for careers in Forensic Science can select advanced courses that lead to a major in chemistry and a minor in Criminal Justice and/or Biology.

Major in Forensic Chemistry

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Students seeking background and training in the area of forensic science can get a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry with a Criminal Justice minor. This degree option educates students for careers in forensic chemistry in both private and government arenas and also prepares students to enter graduate schools in forensic science.

SECONDARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Science take courses leading to the Bachelor of Science in Composite Science with an emphasis in Chemistry.

*Teacher Certification

Students seeking certification at the secondary level should use their 14 elective hours and an additional 10 hours to satisfy the certification requirements (SED 383,394, 464, 480, 496, and 497; RDG 392; SED 374 or PSY 374). Those students not seeking certification should use their elective hours to fulfill university requirements for advanced hours.

Curriculum: MINOR IN CHEMISTRY

A minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of six semesters of course work and shall include CHM 138/118, 139/119, 238/218, 239/219, 241, and six semester hours of advanced chemistry including one advanced laboratory course. For students majoring in Food Science and Nutrition, the minor consists of CHM 138/118, 139/119, 238/218, 239/219, 348, and 339.

NOTE: THEA requirements for mathematics courses listed as prerequisites for chemistry courses are published in the current schedule of classes. These requirements are in addition to any prerequisites listed below.

CHEMISTRY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CHM 115 INORGANIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY. [CHEM 1105] Laboratory for CHM 135. Concurrent enrollment in CHM 135 is recommended. Credit 1.

CHM 116 ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY. [CHEM 1107] Laboratory for CHM 136. Concurrent enrollment in CHM 136 is recommended. Credit. 1.

CHM 118 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I: LABORATORY. [CHEM 1111] Laboratory for CHM 138. Concurrent enrollment in CHM 138 is strongly recommended. Credit 1.

CHM 119 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II: LABORATORY. [CHEM 1112] Laboratory for CHM 139. Prerequisite: CHM 118. Concurrent enrollment in CHM 139 is strongly recommended. Credit 1.

CHM 135 INORGANIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LECTURE. [CHEM 1305] The elements and their compounds are considered from a non-technical standpoint with emphasis placed on more familiar materials. This course is for non-science majors. Credit 3.

CHM 136 INTRODUCTORY ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY LECTURE. [CHEM 1307] An orientation in organic chemistry is given in the first part of the course to allow treatment of the chemistry of nutrition and other biochemical aspects given in the last part. This course is for non-science majors. Prerequisite: CHM 135,138 or completion of a high school chemistry course. Credit 3.

CHM 138 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I: LECTURE. [CHEM 1311] The following topics are studied: chemical changes and laws governing them; the gas laws; reactions involving oxygen, hydrogen, acids, bases, and salts; ionization; metathesis; the periodic classification, and the atomic structure. This course is for chemistry and other science majors. Fall, Spring, Summer. Prerequisite MTH 170 or concurrent enrollment. Credit 3.

CHM 139 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II: LECTURE. [CHEM 1312] Descriptive chemistry, equilibria, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and oxidation-reduction reactions are presented. Prerequisite: Minimum grades of C in CHM 138, and MTH 170. Fall, Spring, Summer II. Credit 3.

CHM 238 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I: LECTURE. [CHEM 2323] A study of chemical bonding and structure of organic molecules is made. Functional group reactions and syntheses are emphasized. Reaction mechanisms, nomenclature and isomerism are studied. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 138/118, 139/119. Fall, Summer I. Credit 3.

CHM 218 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I: LABORATORY. [CHEM 2123] Laboratory for CHM 238. Concurrent or prior enrollment in CHM 238 is required. Prerequisite: CHM 119. Credit 1.

CHM 239 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II: LECTURE. [CHEM 2325] The general plan of CHM 238 is continued. Spring, Summer II. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 238. Credit 3.

CHM 219 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II: LABORATORY. [CHEM 2125] Laboratory for CHM 239. Concurrent or prior enrollment in CHM 239 is required. Prerequisite: CHM 218 Credit 1.

CHM 241 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS. The fundamental principles of quantitative analysis are emphasized. Acid-base, complexometric, precipitation, and redox titrations, solution equilibria and spectrophotometric analysis are discussed. Laboratory exercises involve all types of volumetric procedures and colorimetric analysis. Four-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 139. Fall, Spring. Credit 4.

CHM 339 METABOLISM. This course is a study of the bioenergetics associated with the metabolic pathways and processes. The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; the interrelationship of the metabolic pathways; and the regulation of metabolism are emphasized. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in CHM 239, and 348. Spring odd years. Credit 3.

CHM 348 INTRODUCTORY BIOCHEMISTRY. The chemistry and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids and vitamins; enzyme kinetics; the processes of and mechanisms of digestion and absorption; and biological buffers are studied. Four-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in CHM 239. Fall. Credit 4.

CHM 367 INTRODUCTORY INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. General principles of inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on descriptive and practical rather than mathematical approach. Periodic relationships of elements and bonding, reactions and synthesis of inorganic compounds, acid-base chemistry are studied. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 238. Fall. Credit 3

CHM 368 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY. The chemical principles underlying the effects of air, water, and soil pollution are covered. Specific attention is paid to gas
phase radical reactions, light absorption characteristics of atmospheric components, solution chemistry of fresh and salt water systems, and the mobility and chemistry of metal components of soil systems. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in CHM, 241, 238 and 239 (or concurrent enrollment in CHM 239). Spring. Credit 3.

CHM 410 CHEMICAL LITERATURE SEMINAR. Methods of searching the literature in chemistry are presented. Emphasis is placed on the use of Chemical Abstracts, Beilstein, chemical patent literature, journals, and reference collections in the several specialties of chemistry. Prerequisite: Junior standing in chemistry. Spring. Credit 1.

CHM 426 ADVANCED INTEGRATED LABORATORY. This course will involve in-depth experiments that require the use of sophisticated synthetic and analytical procedures in the areas of organic, inorganic or analytical chemistry. A minimum grade of C in CHM 448. Spring. Credit 2.

CHM 440 INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. Spectrophotometry, separation techniques and mass spectrometry are discussed. Specific topics include the computer’s use in the modern laboratory, ultraviolet and visible absorption, atomic absorption, flame emission, and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, infrared absorption, and gas and liquid chromatography. Instruments for these techniques are used in the laboratory work. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in CHM 238, and 239 and a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment in CHM 448. Four-hour laboratory. Fall. Credit 4.

CHM 441 METHODS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL ANALYSES. This course covers the philosophy of modern instrumental methods used for environmental and industrial analyses. The topics to be covered include quality control and quality assurance good laboratory practices, waste minimization and elimination, safe laboratory operation, ISO standards, EPA methodology, and statistical data analysis. Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in CHM, 241, 238 and 239, and CHM 368. Spring. Credit 4.

CHM 442 AIR QUALITY. (Also listed as ESC 440.) An in-depth study of the sources of air pollution is made. Sampling procedures and the chemical analyses required for identification of pollutants are studied. Control methods for the restriction of air pollution are outlined. Four-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in CHM, 241, 238 and 239. Credit 4.

CHM 448 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I. A comprehensive first course in physical chemistry is given with emphasis on the mathematical approach. Thermochemistry, the laws of thermodynamics and phase equilibria are considered. Laboratory experiments are designed to illustrate principles and to enable students to master physico-chemical techniques. Four-hour laboratory. Prerequisites:, A minimum grade of C in CHM 239, MTH 143 and one year of physics. Fall. Credit 4.

CHM 449 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II. Electrochemistry, colloids, kinetic theory, reaction kinetics, and statistical mechanics are studied. Laboratory emphasis is on electrical measurements and kinetic studies. Four-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 448. Spring odd years. Credit 4.

CHM 467 ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Properties of atoms and ions, bonding theory and structure, acid-base theory, reactions of inorganic compounds, nonaqueous solvents, and coordination chemistry are studied. Emphasis is on the underlying theoretical concepts involved. Prerequisite: CHM 448 or concurrent enrollment. Spring even years. Credit 3.

CHM 480 FORENSIC CHEMISTRY. This is a one semester course focused on surveying important aspects of chemistry to forensic inquiries. Focus will be on the validity of results. Techniques and methods for selecting proper techniques to answer various questions will be discussed. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 239, 440 and 467; MTH 142, CS 143. Spring. Credit 3.

CHM 495 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY. This course acquaints the senior student with techniques used in simple research problems. Prerequisites: student must have a minimum of 20 semester hours in chemistry and consent of the Department Chair. May be repeated for an additional three semester hours by those students having a definite project to complete. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Credit 3.

Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

A Dual Degree Plan for Concurrent Bachelor of Science Degrees

from Sam Houston State University and Universities with Recognized Accredited Chemical Engineering Degree Programs

In this plan the student completes three years in Chemistry at Sam Houston State University and two years in Chemical Engineering at a university with a recognized accredited chemical engineering degree program. On successful completion of the curriculum shown below and the chemical engineering curriculum at a university with a recognized accredited degree program in chemical engineering, the student will receive two Bachelor of Science degrees, a Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the university with the recognized accredited chemical engineering degree program.