Chemistry
The Wabash College Chemistry Department believes in a challenging curriculum, which thoroughly investigates all areas of modern chemistry, and in a significant hands-on laboratory experience in which students become progressively more independent as they proceed through the curriculum. We believe that such an education prepares chemistry majors for a variety of career outcomes, including those in research, medicine, teaching, and industry. In recent years, three-fourths of our majors have gone to graduate school in chemistry/biochemistry or to medical school following graduation. Others have chosen to take jobs as chemists or high school teachers or to attend other professional schools (business, law, and physical therapy). We strive to provide chemistry minors and pre-medical students with the knowledge base they need to succeed in their chosen fields. We seek to involve all Wabash students in the study of chemistry through non-majors courses such as CHE-101 Survey of Chemistry and CHE-106 Survey of Biochemistry. We attempt to teach all chemistry students about the relationship between chemistry and the world around them.
Faculty Advisors
Majors are strongly urged to select an advisor from the Chemistry Department when they declare their major.
ACS Certified Degree
To meet the certification requirements formulated by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training (CPT) as a chemist and for adequate preparation for graduate school, additional classroom and laboratory work beyond the minimum nine-course major is required. The student should consult with the Chair of the Chemistry Department concerning ways in which the remaining requirements may be fulfilled.
Advanced Placement
Please refer to the Credit by Examination and Advanced Placement Credit guidelines under Academic Policies - Transfer Credit. Potential chemistry majors and minors who wish to claim advanced placement credit should discuss placement options with the Department Chair. A placement examination will determine if students are eligible to being coursework beyond CHE-111 General Chemistry.
Student Learning Goals
Students will acquire a broad-based knowledge of general, organic, physical, analytical, inorganic, and biochemistry, and understand how these areas are interconnected.
Students will be able to connect theory with experimental work, including being able to design, execute, and analyze experiments, and to present their results effectively. Students will develop confidence and precision in their laboratory technique.
Students will have the ability to identify, comprehend, evaluate, and discuss primary, secondary, and general chemical literature.
Students will be able to effectively communicate chemical concepts to chemists, scientists, and the general public.
Students will develop as scientists through research, internships, and in-depth course experiences.
Students will engage the chemical and biochemical communities at Wabash and beyond, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Requirements for the Chemistry Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | 7.5 | |
| General Chemistry | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Integrative Chemistry | ||
| Electives | 1.5 | |
| Select 1.5 credits from the following: | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry 1 | ||
| Advanced Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 1 | ||
| Advanced Physical Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Biochemistry 1 | ||
| Biochemistry II | ||
| Advanced Topics in Chemistry 1 | ||
| Independent Study 2 | ||
| Undergraduate Research Methods 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral Requirements | ||
| MAT-111 | Calculus I | 1 |
| MAT-112 | Calculus II | 1 |
| PHY-111 | Physics I - Calculus | 1 |
| or PHY-109 | Physics I - Algebra | |
| Select one course from the following: PHY-110, PHY-112, CSC-111, MAT-223 | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
- 1
May be repeated when the topics change
- 2
No more than one-half course credit of independent study may be used to construct the minimum nine-course major.
CHE-101 Survey of Chemistry, CHE-102 Topics in Chemistry, and CHE-106 Survey of Biochemistry do not count toward the major or minor.
The mathematics courses are best taken in the freshman year (e.g. MAT-100 and MAT-111 or MAT-111 Calculus I and MAT-112 Calculus II), and the physics sequence are best taken in the sophomore year. Chemistry majors who intend to pursue a graduate degree are strongly encouraged to take the collateral requirements: PHY-111 and PHY-112.
Suggested order of courses for the chemistry major
| Freshman | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHE-111 | General Chemistry | 1 |
| MAT-111 | Calculus I | 1 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE-241 | Inorganic Chemistry | 1 |
| MAT-112 | Calculus II | 1 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Complete collateral requirement when offered: PHY-110, PHY-112, CSC-111, or MAT-223 | 1 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHE-221 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| PHY-111 or PHY-109 |
Physics I - Calculus or Physics I - Algebra |
1 |
| We recommend that students pursuing a graduate degree take PHY-111 this semester. | ||
| Credits | 2 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE-321 | Organic Chemistry II | 1 |
| We recommend that students pursuing a graduate degree take PHY-112 this semester. | ||
| Credits | 1 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHE-351 | Physical Chemistry | 1 |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE-331 | Analytical Chemistry | 1 |
| CHE-361 | Biochemistry | 1 |
| Credits | 2 | |
| Senior | ||
| Plus 1.5 additional elective credits taken in the junior or senior year | 1.5 | |
| Credits | 1.5 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHE-491 | Integrative Chemistry | 0.5 |
| Credits | 0.5 | |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Strongly Recommended Supporting Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-111 | General Biology I | 1 |
| BIO-112 | General Biology II | 1 |
| CSC-111 | Intro to Programming | 1 |
| More Mathematics, particularly: | ||
| MAT-223 | Linear Algebra | 1 |
| MAT-224 | Differential Equations | 1 |
| MAT-225 | Multivariable Calculus | 1 |
| More Physics, particularly: | ||
| PHY-210 | Intro Quantum Theory & Apps | 1 |
| PHY-310 | Classical Mechanics | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Chemistry majors who wish to transfer chemistry credits from another institution as part of their major must have prior approval of the Department Chair to do so.
Comprehensive Exams
The written comprehensive examination for senior majors emphasizes both knowledge of basic chemical concepts and the ability to apply these concepts to new problems. The exam includes written questions over material from the seven core chemistry courses, a laboratory practical, and a primary literature component. Students that fail to complete their seven core chemistry courses by the time of the written examination must petition the Department Chair for a special exam no later than the fall prior to their comprehensive examination.
Requirements for the Chemistry Minor
The following courses are required for the chemistry minor:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE-111 | General Chemistry | 1 |
| CHE-241 | Inorganic Chemistry | 1 |
| CHE-221 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| Select one course from the following: | 1 | |
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Select one other course credit from the departmental offerings numbered above CHE-221 | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 5 | |
No more than one-half course credit of independent study (CHE-487 Independent Study, CHE-488 Undergraduate Research Methods) may be used to construct the minimum five-course minor. Chemistry minors who wish to transfer a chemistry course credit from another institution as part of their minor must have prior approval of the Department Chair to do so; no more than one course credit of transfer credit from another institution may count as part of their minor.
Students who major in Biochemistry are not permitted to minor in Chemistry.
CHE-101 Survey of Chemistry
A survey course designed for non-science
concentrators, which considers the historical and
philosophical developments in chemistry, as well
as the application of chemical principles to
physical phenomena and social issues. Topics
include the development of the atomic theory of
matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding,
thermodynamics, the chemistry of life (organic
and biochemistry), and nuclear energy. Some
elementary mathematics will be used. Three
lectures and one laboratory each week. Partially
fulfills the College laboratory science
requirement, but cannot be combined with CHE-111
to complete the laboratory science requirement.
This course does not satisfy requirements for the
chemistry major or minor. Only CHE-101 or CHE-111,
not both, may be counted toward the total
number of credits required for graduation.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: CHE-101L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
CHE-102 Topics in Chemistry
An introductory survey course for non-science
concentrators that explores chemical principles
via a unifying theme. Topics will vary with each
scheduled offering. Although presented in the
context of a focused application, common
fundamentals covered include the scientific method
of inquiry, quantitative measurement and
calculations, structure and reactivity,
applications of chemical principles, and
presenting and evaluating scientific evidence.
Some elementary mathematics will be used. Class
meetings are complemented by a required laboratory
activity each week. Partially fulfills the College
laboratory science requirement, but cannot be
combined with CHE-101 or CHE-111 to complete this
distribution requirement. This course does not
satisfy major or minor requirements for chemistry
or those for the biochemistry major. Only one
course from CHE-101, CHE-102, or CHE-111 may be
counted toward the total number of credits
required for graduation.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: CHE-102L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Quantitative Literacy, Science Lab
CHE-106 Survey of Biochemistry
Foods, medical treatments, and biotechnological
applications are important aspects of daily life,
both for the individual and society as a whole.
This course will focus on the biochemistry of the
fundamental building blocks of life: proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. It will
include a broad overview of general and organic
chemistry in the context of biomolecules.
Emphases will include structure-function
relationships, energy, human health, and societal
issues. This course applies toward the lab science
requirement, but does not count towards the
chemistry, biochemistry, or biology majors or
minors.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: CHE-106L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab
CHE-111 General Chemistry
This is the introductory course for science
concentrators. Topics include atomic theory,
stoichiometry, thermo chemistry, equilibrium, gas
laws, states of matter, solutions, atomic
structure, and acid/base chemistry. The
laboratory, which emphasizes the basic principles
discussed in lecture, includes significant
synthetic and analytical work. Three lectures and
one laboratory each week. This course is offered
in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: CHE-111L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
CHE-171 Special Topics
Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to
Student Planning's section information for
descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
CHE-201 Survey of Chemistry II
Enrollment in this course is reserved solely for
those students who took and passed CHE 101 and
desire to prepare for further study in chemistry,
such as organic chemistry. Topics include
chemical bonding, thermodynamics and kinetics,
chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. The
laboratory will feature experiments and
activities that reinforce and expand upon the
fundamental principles explored in lecture. Three
lectures and one laboratory each week. Partially
fulfills the College laboratory science
requirement. This course is offered in the spring
semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-101 and permission of instructor
Corequisites: CHE-201L
Credit: 1
CHE-221 Organic Chemistry I
A study of the structure and reactions of simple
organic compounds. Included as topics are
molecular conformations, stereochemistry, and a
discussion of some types of modern spectroscopic
techniques. The laboratory work emphasizes
techniques frequently used by the organic
chemist, including distillation, crystallization,
sublimation, chromatography, and spectroscopy.
Three lectures and one laboratory each week.
This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-111
Corequisites: CHE-221L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab
CHE-241 Inorganic Chemistry
A study of the bonding and reaction chemistry of
transition metal species, main group compounds,
and solid state materials. Topics include
coordination compounds, organometallic complexes,
reaction kinetics and thermodynamics,
molecular orbital theory, and a discussion of
modern characterization techniques. Investigative
work in the laboratory will feature a multi-week
project involving the synthesis and
characterization of a coordination compound, as
well as experiments in descriptive inorganic
chemistry, catalysis, and nanoscale structures.
Three lectures and one laboratory each week. This
course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-111
Corequisites: CHE-241L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
CHE-302 Electron Microscopy
Electron microscopes employ a focused beam of
highly energetic electrons to examine sample
morphology and topography on a very fine scale.
This information is essential to the
characterization of a wide range of biological
and inorganic specimens including microorganisms,
cells, crystals, metals, microelectronics, and
nanomaterials. The initial classroom portion of
this course focuses on fundamental topics in
instrument design, applications, limitations, and
sample preparation methods. Subsequent laboratory
work involves hands-on instrument training and a
substantial microscopy project.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
Equated Courses: PHY-302
CHE-321 Organic Chemistry II
Characteristic reactions and syntheses of organic
molecules will be covered in this course.
Spectroscopic techniques not covered in CHE 221
will also be surveyed. Emphasis is placed on the
utility of organic chemistry in today's world;
class discussions and laboratory work will
present many biologically interesting
illustrations. Also included is an introduction
to the use of the chemical literature. Three
lectures and one laboratory each week. This
course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-221
Corequisites: CHE-321L
Credit: 1
CHE-331 Analytical Chemistry
An integrated survey of the application of
instrumental methods (spectroscopy, mass
spectrometry, chromatography) and modern data
analysis methods to the analysis of chemical
systems. Electronics and statistical methods of
data analysis are also covered. The laboratory
emphasizes basic analytical technique, instrument
design and function, chemical characterization and
separation, and data analysis. Three lectures and
one laboratory each week. This course is offered
in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-241
Corequisites: CHE-331L
Credit: 1
CHE-351 Physical Chemistry
An introduction to quantum mechanics through the
study of exactly soluble models of chemical
significance is followed by a statistical
mechanical development of chemical
thermodynamics. Topics include the postulates of
quantum mechanics, the Schrodinger equation, the
Heisenberg uncertainty principle, equations of
state, partition functions, laws of
thermodynamics, and the thermodynamics of ideal
and non-ideal solutions. The laboratory applies
concepts studied in lecture and emphasizes
laboratory report writing skills. Three lectures
and one laboratory each week. This course is
offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-241 and MAT-112 (must be completed prior to taking this
course.
Corequisites: CHE-351L (must be taken at the same time as this course)
Credit: 1
CHE-361 Biochemistry
Basic chemical concepts such as intermolecular
forces, equilibria, energetics, and reaction
mechanisms will be used to study biological
systems. The class will be divided into three
major foci: biomolecular structures, metabolism,
and information transfer. The laboratory will
familiarize students with common biochemical
techniques and will integrate current areas of
biochemical research. Three lectures and one
laboratory each week. This course is offered in
the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-211, CHE-241, or CHE-321, or permission of instructor
Corequisites: CHE-361L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
CHE-371 Advanced Chemical Instrumentation
Developments in modern instrumentation enable
advanced exploration into fundamental and applied
research in chemistry. This courser engages
students with an in-depth and hands-on approach to
a major instrument associated with one of the
traditional subdisciplines of chemistry. The
classroom portion of this course focuses on
fundamental topics specific to instrument design,
applications, limitations, and sample preparation
methods. Subsequent laboratory work involves
hands-on instrumentation and a substantial
independent project. Topics vary from year to year
and are announced prior to registration for each
semester. Refer to Student Planning for topics and
descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: CHE-331 (must be completed prior to taking this course)
Credits: 0.5-1
CHE-388 Special Problems
The content for this course varies from semester
to semester. It may be repeated for credit upon
the instructor's approval. Topics vary with each
scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's
section information for descriptions of individual
offerings, and applicability to distribution
requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
CHE-421 Advanced Organic Chemistry
Topics covered vary from year to year. Examples
of recent topics include advanced synthesis,
medicinal chemistry, and the chemistry of dyes.
Refer to Student Planning for topics and
descriptions of current offerings. This course is
offered either in the fall or spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-321
Credits: 0.5
CHE-431 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
A laboratory-based, research-focused exploration
of advanced topics in instrument design, function,
and data analysis. Experiments dealing with basic
analog and digital electronics will stress
measurement techniques and data acquisition
figures of merit. The use of computers and
programming will be considered, with emphasis on
data collection (interfacing) and manipulation.
These topics will be integrated into discussion
and experiments dealing with instrumental
analysis. Individual research projects will
involve the construction/characterization of
instruments and techniques. This course is offered
on an occasional basis.
Prerequisites: CHE-331
Credits: 0.5
CHE-441 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
An advanced study of inorganic chemistry topics
beyond those explored in CHE-241, including group
theory, molecular spectroscopy, and advanced
concepts in organometallics, catalysis, and
nanomaterials. This course is important for
students interested in attending graduate school
in chemistry or materials engineering.
Prerequisites: CHE-241
Credits: 0.5
CHE-451 Advanced Physical Chemistry
This course offers further study of special topics
in physical chemistry beyond the topics covered in
CHE-351. Examples of recent topics include
time-dependent quantum mechanics and laser-based
spectroscopies. This course is typically offered
in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-351 (must be completed prior to taking this course)
Credits: 0.5
CHE-461 Advanced Biochemistry
Topics vary from year to year. Examples of recent
topics include the chemistry of cancer,
determining structures of biomolecules, the RNA
world, fermentation and brewing, and the
mechanisms of enzyme action. Refer to Student
Planning and the Course Descriptions document on
the Registrar's webpage for topics and
descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: CHE-361
Credits: 0.5
CHE-462 Biochemistry II
This capstone course for the biochemistry major
will use primary literature to examine DNA
replication, transcription, and translation on a
molecular level, and will include a primary
literature research project. This course is
offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: CHE-361
Credits: 0.5
CHE-471 Advanced Topics in Chemistry
This in-depth experience builds technical
expertise, provides a more sophisticated view of
chemical concepts, fosters critical thinking,
promotes skill development, and gives the student
an opportunity for the intellectual growth and
rigorous thinking that comes from engaging in
topics at a high level. An in-depth study of
topics selected from the areas of analytical,
physical, inorganic, organic, and biochemistry.
Focused study of modern research areas of current
interest for advanced students; topics vary from
year to year and are announced prior to
registration for each semester. Refer to Student
Planning for topics and descriptions of current
offerings.
Prerequisites: CHE-241 (must be completed prior to taking this course)
Credits: 0.5-1
CHE-487 Independent Study
Individual library, coding, or fabrication
projects under the supervision of faculty on
selected problems for qualified students.
Independent projects related to this course do not
typically involve significant laboratory research
activities. Enrolled students are committed to a
minimum 60 hours of work related to their project
(0.5 credit earned via ~4 hours a week) and will
produce a final report documenting their
accomplishments. Topics vary and are determined in
collaboration with a faculty member in the
chemistry department prior to registration.
Instructor permission is required for enrollment.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
CHE-488 Undergraduate Research Methods
Individual laboratory research projects under the
supervision of individual faculty on selected
problems for qualified students. Projects in this
course involve significant laboratory work and are
intended to provide opportunities for students to
become involved in ongoing research projects with
chemistry faculty. Enrolled students are committed
to a minimum 60 hours of laboratory work (0.5
credit earned via ~4 hours a week) and will
produce a final research report documenting their
accomplishments. Topics vary and are determined in
collaboration with a faculty member in the
chemistry department prior to registration.
Instructor permission is required for enrollment.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
CHE-491 Integrative Chemistry
The study of chemistry builds upon a progressive
investigation of the field's traditional
subdisciplines. While a strong preparation in
these areas is established through rigorous
foundation level coursework, many of the most
significant and innovative topics in modern
research emerge through meaningful integration of
several subdisciplines. This half-semester course
focuses on an advanced research field that
challenges students to apply knowledge from a
combination of foundational courses within the
major. While topics may vary each offering,
critical engagement with the primary literature,
small- group discussion, guided inquiry, and
diverse modes of oral and written presentation
will be emphasized. This course is required of all
majors and is offered during the first half of the
fall semester. Instructor permission is required
for enrollment.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5