Chemistry (Major, Minor)

Focuses on the structure and function of the fundamental unit of life, the cell. Examines basic biological molecules, membrane structure and function, basic metabolism, photosynthesis, cellular reproduction, evolution, genetics and introductory systematics. In weekly laboratory exercises, students design and conduct experiments to answer scenario-based questions. Includes independent small-group laboratory research project that culminates in a student research symposium. Three hours lecture and four hours laboratory. Designed for students with a strong high school background in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on the NDMU Placement Exam or BIO-110 with minimum grade of C, or permission or chair.  For STEM majors only. Fulfills general education requirement in natural sciences.  [4 credits]

Examines the world of microorganisms and their occurrence and roles in nature. Focuses on the study of structure, growth, pathogenicity and genetics of microbes as well as their interactions in microbiome and biofilm communities. In the laboratory, students will learn sterile technique, staining, and culture techniques required for the isolation, identification, and enumeration of microbes, microbial metabolism, microbial genetics and will investigate various factors affecting microbial growth, including antiseptics, disinfectant, and antimicrobial drugs. An independently designed and executed, small-group research project is completed in the laboratory and culminates in a student research symposium.  Three hours lecture and four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO-239 and CHM-111, each with a minimum grade of C or permission of the instructor.  [ 4 credits ] 

Examines the major evolutionary trends in structure and function of the vertebrates. Analyzes the anatomy of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals in the context of phylogeny, ecology and the physical and chemical environment. Laboratory exercises involve examination of commercially prepared specimens to develop the skills for dissection.  Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO-230 Unity and Diversity of Life with a minimum grade of C or permission of the instructor. [ 4 credits ]

Focuses on the comparative mechanisms by which a single cell gives rise to a complex, multicellular organism. Uses the perspective of classical embryology, modern cell biology and molecular genetics. Includes recent advances in developmental biology with emphasis on species comparisons and evolutionary relationships. Includes small student groups that independently design, implement, analyze and present a semester-long research project that culminates in an audiovisual presentation in a simulated symposium-style format. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO-239 Genetics, BIO-341 Vertebrate Anatomy and CHM-210, each with a minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [ 4 credits ]

Investigates how specific physiological functions and animal behavior have underlying biochemical, cellular and organ system structural designs. Focuses on comparative physiology in the context of how animal systems can be influenced by environmental conditions and how these have been modified through evolution. Includes small group projects in which students independently design, implement, analyze and present semester-long research projects in the form of a simulated symposium. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO-341 Vertebrate Anatomy and CHM-211, each with a minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Explores descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. High school algebra required. Satisfies the general education requirement in natural science. [4 credits]

Focuses on fundamental chemical concepts and principles with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Explores descriptive and quantitative aspects of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, basic thermodynamics, electrochemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, and kinetics. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture and emphasizes basic techniques such as titration, spectroscopy, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with inorganic synthesis and calculator-based experiments. Three lectures, one discussion period and one laboratory each week. High school algebra required. Prerequisites: CHM-110 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Chair. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in CHM-111 if the prerequisite CHM-110 was not fulfilled at Notre Dame. [ 4 credits ]

Focuses on functional group classification, nomenclature, synthesis, and reactions with a strong emphasis on reaction mechanisms of organic compounds. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture material and stresses basic techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography, along with organic synthesis using  macroscale applications.  Three lectures, one discussion and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: CHM-111 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Chair. [4 credits]

Focuses on functional group classification, nomenclature, synthesis, reactions, and spectroscopic analysis with a strong emphasis on reaction mechanisms of organic compounds. Laboratory is coordinated with lecture material and stresses basic techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, extraction, and chromatography, along with organic synthesis using  microscale applications. Laboratory also includes an introduction to organic structure determination using a variety of spectral methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Three lectures, one discussion and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites for: CHM-210 with a minimum grade of C or permission of Chair. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in CHM-211 if the prerequisite CHM-210 was not fulfilled at Notre Dame. [4 credits]

Provides a detailed view and in-depth analysis of the following topics: physicochemical properties of matter in the gaseous, liquid, and solid states; kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions; behavior of solutions; phase equilibria; electrochemistry; introductory-level quantum mechanics; computational chemistry; atomic and molecular structure; and spectroscopy. The relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic behavior of matter is explored in laboratory activities and characterized in mathematical terms. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-211, MAT-211 and 212 with minimum grade of C. Permission of instructor if prerequisites are not satisfied. [4 credits]

Provides a detailed view and in-depth analysis of the following topics: physicochemical properties of matter in the gaseous, liquid, and solid states; kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions; behavior of solutions; phase equilibria; electrochemistry; introductory-level quantum mechanics; computational chemistry; atomic and molecular structure; and spectroscopy. The relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic behavior of matter is explored in laboratory activities and characterized in mathematical terms. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-301 with minimum grade of C. Permission of instructor if prerequisites are not satisfied. [4 credits]

Examines principles and practices of quantitative analysis as applied to gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical and instrumental methods. Emphasizes acid-base, precipitation, redox and complexation chemistry. Statistical methods are used to evaluate the precision and accuracy of data and results. Covers laboratory determinations of representative chemical compounds and use of proper techniques and laboratory practices. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisite: CHM-110, 111 or equivalent with a minimum of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

Examines principles and practices of analytical chemistry using instrumentation. Includes spectroscopic, chromatographic and electrometric techniques. Topics covered include visible, ultraviolet, infrared and atomic spectroscopies; gas and liquid chromatographies; potentiometric, voltammetric and polarographic methods; nuclear magnetic and mass spectrometries; and computer simulations. Analysis of data and presentation of results in journal article format are important features of the course. (Analysis graphics and spreadsheet software are used for this activity.) Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-211 and CHM-303 with a minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

Provides an overview of biochemistry. Includes the study of proteins, enzymatic mechanisms and kinetics, energy production, and basic metabolic pathways. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: CHM-211 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [ 4 credits ]

Designed to familiarize the student with technical writings, peer-review of publications, the major reference works and journals of chemistry, and to develop skills in effective use of the literature. The course covers effective use of chemistry reference works, databases, abstracts and journals; strategies for online searches; construction and use of bibliographies; proficient use of computer technology and software; analysis and evaluation of chemistry literature. Students use online searching of Chemical Abstracts and other electronic databases via computer and engage in information retrieval using a variety of sources and the Internet. One meeting per week; significant number of out-of-class task-oriented assignments. Co-requisite: 300- or 400-level CHM course or permission of instructor. [1 credit]

Explores a variety of topics within the chemical sciences and related interdisciplinary subjects. New/rapidly emerging areas of chemistry are studied and other important topics that emerge in other chemistry courses are explored in more detail and integrated into new areas. Topics may include heterocyclic chemistry, green chemistry, atomic probe microscopy and nanoscience, materials chemistry and nanotechnology, interface analysis and surface science, chemistry and art, molecular modeling, and bioanalytical chemistry. Group activities promote interpretation and synthesis of complex chemical topics. Three meetings and one discussion session per week; laboratory activities are included. Prerequisite: A 300-level CHM lab course with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

Conducts original laboratory research investigating a topic in the chemical sciences. Includes preliminary literature study, design and execution of experimental work along with presentation of results in written and oral formats. Includes a significant amount of laboratory work each week (six to eight hours), written progress reports and weekly conferences. Junior/senior standing in the major. Admission by permission of faculty member and department chair. Course may not be used for the liberal arts major or for a chemistry minor. [2-4 credits]

Focuses on biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, the biochemistry of energy production, nucleic acids, and a description of basic metabolic pathways and their integration in functioning organisms. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Prerequisites: BIO-111, CHM-211 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

Focuses on biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, the biochemistry of energy production, nucleic acids, and a description of basic metabolic pathways and their integration in functioning organisms. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory each week. Prerequisites: CHM-425 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

Includes presentations about internship experiences, laboratory research and literature findings of current topics in chemistry. In this capstone course, students learn to develop professional communication skills through a research paper, peer review, and presentations. Students attend chemistry seminars or professional meetings given at area institutions as part of this course. Evaluations and summaries of talks are required. Students give a formal presentation to faculty, guests and students during the department's Spring Seminar Series. Two meetings per week. Prerequisite: chemistry major; CHM-350. [2 credits]

Emphasis is on individual study of a specified chemistry topic under the direction of a faculty member. Choice of topic is made in consultation with the student's major advisor and is selected to meet a specific programmatic need. Topics may include medicinal or pharmaceutical chemistry, forensic chemistry or industrial chemistry. Includes significant literature review and study. Laboratory work may be required. Presentation of findings in written and oral formats. Includes significant work each week, written progress reports and weekly conferences. Permission of department chair required. May not be used to satisfy the liberal arts major. [Variable credits (1-4) with typically 3-4]

Introduces object-oriented programming including objects, classes, inheritance and polymorphism. Includes high-level structures such as pointers and arrays as well as data structures with stacks and queues. Prerequisite: CST-171 or MAT-211. Satisfies the technological competency requirement. [3 credits]

Introduces functions, limits, continuity, differential calculus of polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, as well as basic integration techniques. Applications are considered throughout the course with an emphasis on the life sciences. Weekly laboratory is an integral part of the course. Graphing calculators used to explore topics covered. Fulfills the General Education Requirement in Mathematics Prerequisite: Placement in MAT 211 or successful completion of MAT-107.  [4 credits]

Studies trigonometric functions, integration by parts and tables, improper integrals, functions of two variables, partial derivatives, double integrals, differential equations, geometric and power series, basic convergence tests, Taylor polynomials and series, and Fourier polynomials and series. Applications are considered throughout the course with an emphasis on the life sciences. Weekly laboratory is an integral part of the course. Graphing calculator is used to explore topics covered. Prerequisite: Calculus I or placement into MAT-212. [4 credits]

Covers visualization of functions of two variables, contour graphs, vector geometry, partial derivatives, gradient vector, directional derivatives, constrained optimization, double integral in rectangular and polar coordinates, triple integrals in rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Applications are considered throughout the course. Mathematica is used to explore topics covered. Prerequisite: Calculus II or placement into MAT-213. [3 credits]

Introduces the solution, applications and theory of ordinary differential equations. Topics include: solutions of differential equations, initial value problems, boundary value problems, Laplace transforms and series solutions. Prerequisite: MAT-212. [3 credits]

Studies the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Course provides a knowledge base for study in all areas of science and mathematics. Topics include kinematics, dynamics of motion, Newton's laws, rotational mechanics and conservation of energy and momentum. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. [4 credits]

Continues studies of the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Topics include classical wave motion, acoustics, optics, electricity and magnetism. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. [4 credits]

Traces the development of ideas and theories that have shaped physics in the last 100 years. Topics include relativity, quantum theory, atomic and nuclear structure, particle physics and cosmology. Course can be used to fulfill minor in physics. Prerequisites: PHY-102 and MAT-212. [3 credits]