approved by the American Chemical Society
Chair: Richard (Rick) E. Norman (936)294-1527; norman@shsu.edu
Faculty: Benny Arney, Tom Chasteen, Mary Lynn DeShazo, Paul Loeffler, Ilona Petrikovics, Rick White, Darren Williams, Jorn Chi Chung Yu
Website: www.shsu.edu/~chemistry/
The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing an educational environment conducive to scholarship, intellectual development, and the acquisition of a foundation of knowledge and techniques required of professional chemists. This goal requires the effective representation of the fundamental areas of chemistry, a dedicated and creative faculty, and support for the many functions of the department.
The Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society. Chemistry majors may pursue the Bachelor of Science for professional chemists that leads to American Chemical Society certification and prepares students for graduate studies in traditional chemical fields. Students interested in professional schools, chemistry associated industries, or secondary education may pursue the Bachelor of Science for other technical careers. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry-Biotechnology prepares students for careers in 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 of Science in Forensic Chemistry that is designed to prepare students for careers combining a knowledge of chemistry and the legal system. Students completing this degree can pursue opportunities in various forensic labs across the country, or can continue their education either in the graduate program in Forensic Science, or in graduate programs that are more traditional.
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:
Chemistry graduates will find many applications for their training in the fields of education, business, industry, law, government and medicine.
A variety of minors can complement a major in chemistry. Some of the more popular minors in recent years have been biology, criminal justice and general business. Others have included education, mathematics, political science, and psychology.
Chemistry Club - The Chemistry Club is an active organization which encourages student interactions in a social atmosphere and which supports student travel to professional meetings.
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 at www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or telephone (936) 294-1672.
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.
Required courses are CHM 138/119, 139/119, 238/218, 239/219, 241, 410, 440, 448, 467 32 hrs.
Students will select one of the following tracks:
BS for Professional Chemists: CHM 348, 426, 449, 495, CHM (3 hrs. Advanced) 16 hrs.
BS for Other Technical Careers: CHM 426, 495, CHM (3 hrs. Advanced) 8 hrs.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | CHM 238/218, 239/219, 241 | 12 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | PHY 138/118, 139/119 | 8 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature or PHL) | 3 |
| MTH 142, 143 | 8 | Elective | 3 |
| SAM 136 or elective | 3 | Minor* | 4 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | 30 | |
| 32 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| CHM 448, 449, 348 | 12 | CHM 410, 440, 467, 426, | 10 |
| POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 | CHM 495, CHM (Advanced*) | 6 |
| Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 | Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 |
| ENG 330 | 3 | Component Area 5 | 3 |
| Minor* (Advanced) | 3 | Minor* (Advanced) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective (Advanced) | 3 |
| 30 | 28 |
* A minor requires six semesters of coursework, a minimum of 18 credits (six advanced) in an
approved field.
Note: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | CHM 238/218, 239/219, 241 | 12 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | PHY 138/118, 139/119 | 8 |
| MTH 142, 143 | 8 | Component Area 4 (Literature or PHL) | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | Minor** | 4 |
| SAM 136 or elevtive | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 3 | 28 | |
| 32 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| CHM 448 | 4 | CHM 410, 440 | 5 |
| CHM (Advanced*) | 3 | CHM 467, 436 | 5 |
| POL 216, POL (200-level) | 6 | CHM 495 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 | Elective (Advanced) | 6 |
| ENG 330 | 3 | Minor** (Advanced) | 3 |
| Minor** (Advnaced) | 3 | Component Area 5 | 3 |
| Elective (Advanced) | 8 | Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 |
| 30 | 28 |
Note: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.
* CHM 368, 348, 339, 441, and 443 are recommended.
** A minor requires six semesters of coursework, a minimum of 18 credits (six advanced) in an
approved field.
Teacher Certification
Students seeking a background that will prepare them to teach chemistry at the secondary level
should pursue a major in chemistry with a minor in secondary education.
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.
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.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | CHM 238/218, 239/119, 241 | 12 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | PHY 138/118, 139/119 | 8 |
| MTH 142, 143 | 8 | BIO 244 | 4 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | CJ 261, 262 | 6 |
| BIO 161/111, 162/112 | 8 | Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 |
| 31 | 33 | ||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| CHM 348, 448 | 8 | CHM 410, 467, 440, 480 | 11 |
| BIO 345 | 4 | POL (200-level) | 3 |
| CJ 264, 465 | 6 | CJ 436, 478 | 6 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ENG 330 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 | Component Area 5 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 | Elective (Advanced) | 7 |
| POL 261 | 3 | 33 | |
| 33 |
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.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | CHM 241, 238/218, 239/219 | 12 |
| PHY 141 | 4 | PHY 245, 142 | 8 |
| MTH 142, 143 | 8 | MTH 244 | 4 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | POL 261 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 | Component Area 4 (Literature or PHL) | 3 |
| Component Area 5 | 3 | ENG 330 | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | 33 | |
| 33 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| CHM 448, 410, 449, 426 | 11 | University with Recognized | |
| Advanced CHM | 3 | Accredited Chemical Engineering | |
| MTH 376 | 3 | Degree Program | |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ||
| IT 161 | 3 | ||
| POL (200-level) | 3 | ||
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 | ||
| 32 | |||
A minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of six semesters of coursework 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.
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. Prerequisite: Prior credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHM 138. Credit 1.
CHM 119 General Chemistry II: Laboratory. [CHEM 1112] Laboratory for CHM 139. Prerequisite: CHM 118 and prior credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHM 139. 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: Minimum grade of C in MTH 163, MTH 170, MTH 199 or MTH 284 (or equivalent), or a minimum Math score of 250 on the THEA (or equivalent). Credit 3.
CHM 139 General Chemistry II: Lecture. [CHEM 1312] Descriptive chemistry, equilibria, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and oxidation-reduction reactions are presented. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 138. 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. Prerequisite: CHM 119, and prior credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHM 238. 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. Prerequisite: CHM 218, and prior credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHM 239. 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. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in CHM 239. Fall. Credit 4.
CHM 367 Introductory Inorganic Chemistry. General principles of inorganic chemistry are presented with a 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisites: 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. Writing Enhanced. 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 Analysis. 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: A minimum grade of C 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: A minimum grade of C in CHM 241, 238 and 239. Spring odd years. Credit 4.
CHM 443 Structural Spectroscopic Methods. A survey of the spectroscopic and spectrometric methods for elucidation of structural information for chemical compounds with emphasis on the structural identification of unknowns. The methods of ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and both one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be covered. The relative strengths, complementary nature, and utility will be discussed. The focus will be the determination of chemical structures by spectroscopic/spectrometric methods. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in CHM 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. Writing Enhanced. 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. Writing Enhanced. 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.