Chemistry (B.A.)

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Chemistry Department
Loyola Caron, Staff Assistant
Acklie Hall, Rm 326
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-2257
lmc [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (lmc[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)

Chemistry (B.A.)

The Bachelor of Arts degree is for those who want a core of chemistry courses with a broader background in the liberal arts.

Students interested in chemical engineering can participate in the Engineering Dual-Degree Program. Chemical Engineering students complete a B.A. degree in Chemistry at NWU and any remaining engineering program requirements at one of our participating schools of engineering.

For students interested in studying pre-health, a program of study emphasizing a strong background in chemistry is available for students planning a future in medicine.

Core Courses 30 hours
Chemistry Major (B.A.**, 31-32 hours)
CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and
CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and
CHEM 1120L Chemical Principles II Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I and
CHEM 2100L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms and
CHEM 2110L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 3090 Organic Chemistry III: Intermediate Organic Chemistry 2 hours
CHEM 3510 Physical Chemistry I, Thermodynamics and Kinetics and
CHEM 3510L Physical Chemistry Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 3440 Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis 4 hours
One upper-level (3000-4990) chemistry course 3 hours
CHEM 4980 Chemistry Seminar 1 hour
Capstone 1-2 hours

CHEM 4950 Independent Study or
CHEM 4960 Special Projects or
CHEM 4800 Advanced Research

1-2 hours

An approved supporting program of 20 hours is required and may include one or more minors. PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I or PHYS 2000 General Physics I and PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II and MATH 1600 Calculus I are required, and MATH 1610 Calculus II is strongly recommended.

*This Chemistry major earns a B.A. degree. However, if a student has a first major that is associated with a different baccalaureate degree, the Chemistry major may serve as a second major for the degree associated with the first major (B.FA., B.M., B.S.N.). Note that if the first major is associated with a B.S. degree, then the Chemistry major requirements for a B.S. degree must be met, or the student must earn two degrees.

CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I (3 hours)

A study of fundamental principles of chemistry including structures of atoms and molecules, periodicity, stoichiometry, reactions, solutions, gases, and thermochemistry.
Three classes per week.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory
CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory (1 hour)

Laboratory supporting CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I.
One three-hour lab per week.
Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory
CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II (3 hours)

A continuation of CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I.  Topics include reaction kinetics, aqueous equilibria, thermodynamics (Entropy and Gibbs Free Energy), electrochemistry, colligative properties, nuclear and coordination chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory with grades of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

CHEM 1120L Chemical Principles II Laboratory (1 hour)

A laboratory supporting CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I (3 hours)

A survey of the structure and reactions of carbon-containing molecules.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I with a grade of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

CHEM 2100L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1 hour)

A laboratory supporting CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
One 3-hour lab per week.
One 1-hour pre-lab lecture per week.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory with grade of "C-" or better.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms (3 hours)

A continuation of CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I. A study of reactions of importance in the synthesis and biosynthesis of carbon compounds, including reaction mechanisms and spectroscopic methods for the determination of structures.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I with grade of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

CHEM 2110L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (1 hour)

A laboratory supporting CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms.
One 3-hour lab per week.
One 1-hour pre-lab lecture per week.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2100L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory with grade of "C-" or better.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

CHEM 3090 Organic Chemistry III: Intermediate Organic Chemistry (2 hours)

The application of infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry to molecular structure determination are presented. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of spectra to determine structures of organic molecules. The laboratory involves the use of the spectrometers, and problem solving with discussion groups.
One lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms with a grade of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

CHEM 3440 Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis (4 hours)

The course will cover the principles and applications of chemical equilibrium and chemical analysis, data acquisition and analysis, as well as the theory and practice of instrumental methods of chemical analysis.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and CHEM 1120L Chemical Principles II Laboratory with grades of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

CHEM 3510 Physical Chemistry I, Thermodynamics and Kinetics (3 hours)

An introduction to physical chemistry consisting of fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics, chemical and physical equilibrium, and chemical kinetics presented using a calculus-based mathematical treatment.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms, CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and MATH 1600 Calculus I.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

CHEM 3510L Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1 hour)

Laboratory exercises in the measurement of physical and chemical properties of chemical systems. This course is designed to accompany CHEM 3510.
One three-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 3510 Physical Chemistry I, Thermodynamics and Kinetics.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive
CHEM 4800 Advanced Research (2 hours)

A hands-on research course in which you will actively explore an independent research project. Weekly lectures will provide training on assessing primary literature, experimental design, and scientific communication to support your project and a greater understanding of the rewards and challenges of laboratory research. Work will culminate in a formal summary of your discoveries in the form of a scientific paper and formal presentation. One 3-hour lab and one 1-hour lecture per week.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms with grade of C or better.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive
CHEM 4950 Independent Study (1-2 hours)

Individual laboratory project in chemistry of biochemistry. Independent Study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Experiential Learning: Intensive
CHEM 4960 Special Projects (1-2 hours)

Supervised work on an approved project involving subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. Projects are normally developed individually but may be arranged for organized groups. Registration should designate the area of work.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chair.

CHEM 4980 Chemistry Seminar (1 hour)

Reading, study, and discussion of one or more major topics in chemistry with significant implications for the broader society. Students will search the chemical literature, and will make both oral and written presentations.
One lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): Upper-division standing and a major declared in the natural and health sciences division or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Writing Instructive
Archway Curriculum: Essential Connections: Speaking Instructive
MATH 1600 Calculus I (5 hours)

An introduction to calculus of a single variable. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, and beginning integration with applications. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Math ACT score of at least 27, or a grade of "C" or better in MATH 1470 Trigonometry or MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Mathematical Problem Solving
MATH 1610 Calculus II (5 hours)

A continuation of MATH 1600 Calculus I. Topics studied include integration techniques and applications, differential equations, numerical approximations, sequences and series, and vectors. Assignments are given that help build proficiency in the use of a computer algebra system.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair or grade of "C" or better in MATH 1600 Calculus I.
(Normally offered each semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Mathematical Problem Solving
PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I (4 hours)

The principles of classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in the natural and health sciences. Algebra and trigonometry will be used in descriptions and problems.Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1600 and PHYS 2000 General Physics I.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in MATH 1470 Trigonometry or MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus or MATH 1600 Calculus I or a MATH ACT score of 27 or permission of the instructor.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory
PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II (4 hours)

A continuation of PHYS 1600 with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1700 and PHYS 2100 General Physics II.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory
PHYS 2000 General Physics I (4 hours)

An introduction to classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in physics, mathematics, and closely related sciences. Elements of calculus will be used in descriptions and problems.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I and PHYS 2000.
Pre or Corequisite(s): MATH 1500 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory
PHYS 2100 General Physics II (4 hours)

A continuation of PHYS 2000 with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II and PHYS 2100.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2000 General Physics I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Natural Science Laboratory