Chemistry

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Major (57-65 Credits)

All students majoring in chemistry must complete the following schedule of core courses (except students with AP credit, who should consult with the department chair) and one of the options listed below.

I. Core Courses (57 Credits)

• CHEM 6 or 6A/Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II (4)
• CHEM 25, 26/Organic Chemistry I, II (4, 4)
• CHEM 27/Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)
• CHEM 103/Physical Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 106/Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 107/Advanced Analytical Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 117/Biochemistry I (4)
• CHEM 120/Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (1)
• CHEM 129/Research in Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 130/Senior Seminar (1)
• MATH 7, 8 (or 16)/Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, II (4, 4)
• PHYS 11, 12/University Physics I, II with laboratory (4,4)

II. Options

A. Basic Major Option (57 total credits)
Note: PHYS 1, 2/Introductory Physics I, II (8) may be substituted in place of PHYS 11, 12 with approval of the Chemistry Department.

B. ACS Option-Chemistry Traditional (65 total credits, 8 additional credits)
8 credits chosen from the following – at least one of which must include lab:

• CHEM 103/Physical Chemistry II (4)
• CHEM 116/Advanced Organic Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 119/ Biochemistry II (4)
• CHEM 124/Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 129/Research in Chemistry (8)

C. Teacher Certification Curriculum in Chemistry Education courses are offered through an exchange program with the College of Saint Elizabeth
Students taking this option complete the same courses and number of credits (57) as they would under the Basic Major Option, with additional courses in education.

Chemistry Courses Taken at Drew

• CHEM 6 or 6A/Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II (4)
• CHEM 25, 26/Organic Chemistry I, II (4, 4)
• CHEM 27/Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)
• CHEM 103, 105/Physical Chemistry I, II (4, 4)
• CHEM 106/Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 107/Advanced Analytical Chemistry (4)
• CHEM 120/Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (1)
• CHEM 129/Research in Chemistry (4)

Other courses taken at Drew:

• MATH 7, 8/Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, II (4, 4)
• PHYS 11, 12/University Physics I, II with laboratory (8)

Education courses taken at St. Elizabeth:

• ED 253C/Behavior Observation and the Assessment Process in Curriculum Development (3)
• ED 353/Language and Learning Across the Curriculum, K-12 (3)
• ED 359/Using Integrated Language to Improve Learning, K-12 (3)
• ED 461/School Organization and Curriculum Design (3)
• ED 465C/Senior Practicum (3)
• ED 467C/Student Teaching (6)
• ED 471C/Student Teaching Seminar (2)
• ID 273/American Culture Studies (3)
• PSY 241/Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3)
• PSY 251/Educational Psychology (3)

D. Co-op Option (66 total credits, 13 additional credits)
Admission to this program requires a grade point average of at least 3.0. Application to be made in the fall semester of the sophomore year; job interviews in January of that academic year. Final admission contingent on job placement. Student spends the summer between the sophomore and junior years and the following summer and first semester of the senior year in full-time employment.

• CHEM 30/Co-op Work I, taken in summer (4)
• CHEM 112/Co-op Work II, taken June to December of senior year (8)
• CHEM 135/Co-op Seminar, taken January of senior year (1)

E. Three-Two (3/2) Chemical EngineeringOption (credits vary, depending on courses taken at engineering school)
Admission to this program requires a grade point average of at least 3.0. Interested students may need to take elective Summer Term courses. They should see the department chair soon after entering Drew to plan their schedules.

• CHEM 105/Physical Chemistry II, may be taken at either Drew or the engineering school. For more information, go to our dual-degree program in Engineering and Science page.
• CHEM 129/Research in Chemistry (4)
• CSCI 6/Introduction to Computer Science: Functions and Simple Variables (2)
• CSCI 9/Introduction to Computer Science: Compound Variables and Sequences (2)
• MATH 17/Calculus and Analytic Geometry III (4)
• MATH 103/Linear Algebra (4)
• MATH 104/Differential Equations (4)

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (23 credits)

I. Required Courses (8 credits)

• CHEM 6 or 6A/Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II (4)

II. Electives (15 credits)
Students must complete at least 15 credits in chemistry at the intermediate and upper level, including at least one upper level laboratory, selected in consultation with the department.

Students with an interest in biochemistry and a background in biology should see the description of the Biochemistry minor.

Faculty

Faculty

• Professors: Juliette Lantz (chair), Mary-Ann Pearsall, Alan Rosan
• Associate Professors: Adam Cassano, Ryan Hinrichs
• Assistant Professors: Molly Crowther, Jane Liu
• RISE Fellows: Ronald Doll, Vince Gullo, James Miller, Barbara Petrack

Courses

Courses Offered

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CHEM 101 - Formerly 3 - Chemistry and the Environment (4)

A non-major course designed to address environmental issues from a chemical perspective and to achieve a chemical literacy necessary to critique such issues. Prior background in chemistry is not required.
Meets: Four hours class Offered fall semester.

CHEM 104 - Formerly 4 - Toxic Chemicals: Great Challenges in Environ. Science (4)

This introductory course will research and discuss the challenges associated with detecting, evaluating and remediating the pollution of toxic chemicals in our environment. We will address these environmental challenges from a chemical perspective to understand the risks of water and air pollution, and to evaluate remediation strategies. This course includes a hands-on field/laboratory research project to gain proficiency designing, conducting and communicating scientific research.
Prior background in chemistry is not required. Meets: One hour class and three hour lab. Offered alternate spring semesters. Same as: ESS 104 - Formerly 4 -
Fulfills: BNS, Q

CHEM 103 - Formerly 5 - Turning Green: An Intro. to Green Materials & Alternatives (4)

This introductory course focused on the challenges involved with manufacturing and using materials and chemicals in the modern world. Substances ranging from adhesives to asphalt, fibers to food, cars to clothes, carpets to cosmetics, diapers to drugs, inks to insecticides, perfumes to pesticides, pharmaceuticals to plastics, wood to water treatment chemicals and many others are based on the synthesis, processing, formulation, use and eventual disposal or recycling of chemical entities. Thus an understanding of the basis for the environmentally sound production of diverse chemicals and materials as well as emerging alternative processes is vital for the sustainable and safe use of items made from chemicals. In this course we will explore, describe and evaluate the myriad ways in which selected, important chemicals and materials are made and used as we ask, how can these processes and products become benign by design, eco-effective and "green"?
Prior background in chemistry is not required. Meets: Four hours. Offered Fall Semester alternate years.
Fulfills: BNS

CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - Principles of Chemistry I (4)

An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry as a quantitative science, including inorganic reactions, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, thermochemistry, atomic theory, and nuclear chemistry. Appropriate for those with little or no background in chemistry.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

CHEM 151 - Formerly 6A - Principles of Chemistry I, Advanced Section (4)

A special section of CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - for students who have the ability and necessary background to work at an advanced level. Covers topics in CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - as necessary but in more depth and adds some enrichment topics. All students, regardless of background and without testing at Drew, enter CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - . Placement in CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - A is determined on basis of placement test and in consultation with instructor of course.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Signature of instructor required for registration. Corequisite: CHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - ALüCHEM 150A - Formerly 6 - L Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - Principles of Chemistry II (4)

A continuation of CHEM 6/6A covering the structure of solids, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, and the principles of descriptive inorganic chemistry, including the transition metals.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 6/6A Corequisite: CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - LüCHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - AL Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q

CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - Organic Chemistry I (4)

A systematic survey of structure, nomenclature, and reactions of common functional groups and carbon compounds. Topics include stereochemistry, chirality, stereoisomerism, nucleophilic substitution and elimination, insertions, radical processes, oxidation-reduction and acid-base equilibria. Includes spectroscopic analysis. Discusses applications to systems of biological significance.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 160A - Formerly 7 - or permission of instructor Offered fall semester.

CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - Organic Chemistry II (4)

A continuing systematic study of organic reactions organized on the basis of reaction mechanisms. Topics include aromaticity, carbonyls, carboxyls, amines, orbital symmetry controlled processes, and organic synthesis. Includes spectroscopic analysis. Discusses classes of compounds of biological significance.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - Offered spring semester.

CHEM 340 - Formerly 27 - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)

A systematic study of modern inorganic chemistry beginning with the chemistry of the main group elements. Topics include periodic trends and chemical relationships and unusual bonding interactions. Focuses on the chemistry of the transition elements, including stereochemistry and isomerism, bonding (crystal and ligand field theory), magnetic and spectroscopic properties, metal-metal bonds, metal clusters, organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - Offered fall semester.

CHEM 290 - Formerly 29 - FOUNDATIONS OF CHEMISTRY/ BIOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH (2)

Foundations of Chemistry/Biochemistry Research (2 credits) This laboratory/studio course introduces declared and potential science majors to the research methods and programs of faculty in the department of chemistry. Topics include literature searches, strategies for reading research articles, and analytical and instrumental techniques for laboratory research. Students will spend the majority of time participating in two of the following research projects: synthesis and characterization of osmium carbonyl clusters, interactions between metal ions and nucleic acid models, chemistry of model atmospheric aerosols with ozone, and molecular mechanisms of gene silencing.
Enrollment priority: Enrollment priority will be given to sophomore and first-year students who intend to pursue science degrees, especially in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science or physics. Prerequisite: CHEM 250A - Formerly 25 - , or CHEM 6/6A with a grade of B or better, or instructor's signature . (This course may be substituted for CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - as the prerequisite for Chemistry Research, CHEM 395 - Formerly 129 - .)

CHEM 291 - Formerly 30 - Co-op Work I (4)

Each student is located in a chemical or pharmaceutical company under the direct supervision of an industrial "mentor" for a minimum of 10 weeks. The exact projects vary but are usually at the technician level. Precise objectives are arranged in each individual case by the mentor and the co-op director. Final reports and evaluations are required. At least one on-site visit is made by the co-op director.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: Admission to the co-op program Offered in summer.

CHEM 330 - Formerly 103 - Physical Chemistry I (4)

A study of the basic principles of quantum mechanics, atomic spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, and structure. Topics include quantum mechanics of translation, vibration, and rotation, application of quantum mechanics to atomic spectra and atomic structure, molecular orbital theory of diatomics and conjugated polyatomics, electronic spectroscopy of diatomics and conjugate systems, vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and elementary nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Laboratory experiments emphasize the use of the above mentioned spectroscopies in the determination of molecular structure.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - and MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - and PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - Offered fall semester.

CHEM 331 - Formerly 105 - Physical Chemistry II (4)

A study of the principles of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Topics include the first and second laws of thermodynamics describing the state functions-internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, physical and chemical equilibria, statistical thermodynamics, rate laws and their determination, theories of reaction rates, reaction mechanism and catalysis. Laboratory experiments seek to determine the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of systems using spectroscopic techniques as far as possible.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 330 - Formerly 103 - Corequisite or Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - , MATH 151 - Formerly 8 - , and PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - . Offered spring semester.

CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (4)

A study of the principles of quantitative analytical chemistry, including error analysis and statistics, multiple equilibrium, electrochemistry, and introduction to spectroscopic methods, and an advanced study of acids and bases in aqueous solutions. Laboratory includes titrimetry, spectrophotometry, and electroanalytical methods.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - and PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - Offered fall semester.

CHEM 321 - Formerly 107 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry (4)

A study of the principles of instrumental analysis, including signal/noise ratios, and the fundamentals of spectroscopy and chromatography. The components of a wide variety of instruments are examined in detail. Laboratory provides hands-on experience with modern analytical instrumentation, including gas and liquid chromatography, absorption and fluorescence, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, Fourier Transform infrared and Fourier Transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

CHEM 391 - Formerly 112 - Co-op Work II (8)

A continuation of CHEM 291 - Formerly 30 - but at a more advanced level. Normally a student is located in the same company as in CHEM 291 - Formerly 30 - and has the same mentor. The work is more specialized and includes a project in such areas as research, computing, technical library work, marketing, production, or personnel. The exact project and objectives are determined before work begins. Emphasizes safety, use of the chemical literature, and reporting (oral and written). At least one on-site visit is made by the co-op director.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: CHEM 291 - Formerly 30 - Offered from June to December.

CHEM 351 - Formerly 116 - Advanced Organic Chemistry (4)

An advanced treatment of organic chemical reactions and processes pertaining to the design, syntheses, and analysis of various types of compounds, including biologically important medicinal and pharmaceutical agents, industrial and specialty chemicals and molecules of theoretical significance. The laboratory segment involves multistep organic synthesis, qualitative instrumental and advanced spectroscopic analysis.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.

CHEM 360L - Formerly 117 - Biochemistry I (4)

A study of the fundamental principles of protein biochemistry with an introduction to metabolism. Topics include chemistry of amino acids, relationship between protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, regulation of enzymatic activity. The laboratory focuses on the application of biochemical principles to the solving of biological problems in living systems. Laboratory experimental methods include protein and nucleic acid characterization, purification of enzymes, enzyme kinetic measurements, and forensic biochemistry.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Recommended: BIOL 22. Prerequisite: CHEM 350A - Formerly 26 - Corequisite: Offered fall semester.

CHEM 361 - Formerly 119 - Biochemistry II (4)

A thorough study of the chemistry, regulation, and integration of our human metabolic pathways. Topics involving human metabolism include bioenergetics, the biosynthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and a study of various metabolic diseases (i.e. diabetes). Additional topics include chemistry of nucleic acids, gene expression, signal transduction pathways, and photosynthesis.
Meets: Four hours class Prerequisite: CHEM 360L - Formerly 117 - Offered spring semester.

CHEM 342 - Formerly 120 - Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (1)

A study of advanced inorganic synthesis and characterization techniques, including magnetic susceptibility, non-aqueous solvents, the preparation and resolution of chiral coordination complexes, synthesis of organotransition metal compounds, and inorganic polymers.
Meets: Three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 340 - Formerly 27 - , 106 Offered spring semester.

CHEM 362 - Formerly 121 - Chemical Biology (4)

This upper-level course, open to all chemistry and biochemistry majors, as well as other students with a strong background in chemistry and molecular biology, will address the following questions: (1) What is chemical biology and (2) What can chemical biology do to advance science and human health? In this course, students will consider varying definitions of "chemical biology" and explore examples of each of these views. Topics may include small molecule screens to decipher biological networks, genetic control with small molecules, directed evolution, self-replication, and approaches towards next-generation antimicrobials.
Enrollment priority: Senior and Junior Majors and Minors in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 360L - Formerly 117 - .

CHEM 341 - Formerly 124 - Advanced Topics in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry (4)

A study of advanced topics in both physical and inorganic chemistry. Topics in physical chemistry include molecular symmetry and group theory and their application to electronic and vibrational spectra of molecules, Fourier Transform nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, Mossbauer and photoelectron spectroscopies. Topics in inorganic chemistry include coordination and organometallic chemistry. Builds on CHEM 340 - Formerly 27 - and CHEM 330 - Formerly 103 - to consider theoretical spectroscopic perspectives of coordination compounds. Topics in organometallic chemistry include the Effective Atomic Number Rule, reactions and catalysis, and transition metal clusters.
Prerequisite: CHEM 340 - Formerly 27 - and CHEM 330 - Formerly 103 - Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.

CHEM 395 - Formerly 129 - Research in Chemistry (4)

An opportunity for upper-level students to receive credit for independent and/or original work, which may lead to candidacy for honors. A one-hour weekly research seminar meeting plus a minimum of six hours laboratory per week working under the supervision of either chemistry or RISE faculty. Independent library work is also expected. Research seminar includes discussion of research results, online chemical database searching and current topics in chemistry. Attendance at department colloquia is also required. Credit for research is awarded on satisfactory completion of a research paper. Registration is accepted only after a student has selected a project following consultation with at least two possible research advisers. May be taken for a second semester but total credits may not exceed eight credits.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: CHEM 320 - Formerly 106 - Offered every semester.
Fulfills: WM

CHEM 400 - Formerly 130 - Senior Seminar (1)

Open only to senior chemistry majors. Required for graduation and involves a formal presentation of the student research project completed in 129/Research in Chemistry, and a pass in the departmental comprehensive oral exam.
[CAP] Capstone Prerequisite: CHEM 395 - Formerly 129 - Offered spring semester.

CHEM 401 - Formerly 135 - Co-op Seminar (1)

Final reports are presented by co-op seniors. Held on campus with industrial mentors in attendance. Final discussion and evaluation of projects.
Graded Pass/Unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: CHEM 391 - Formerly 112 -

AP Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

A student receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the chemistry examination should consult with the department about the possibility of course exemption. Such determinations are made on an individual basis because of the varying content of AP chemistry courses. Approval of the department is required for credit and exemption related to any course included in the Chemistry major.

Students with scores of 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry examination can receive four credits toward the general education requirements of the College. If credit is not granted for CHEM 6 or 7, AP credits are considered the equivalent of CHEM 3/Chemistry and the Environment. See pages 15-16 for further information about AP credits.