Gannon University

WESLENE TALLMADGE, Ph.D., Chairperson

FACULTY: Professors: Michael Bucholtz, Carl Hultman, Francis A. Pelczar. Associate Professors: Timothy Laher, Weslene Tallmadge. Assistant Professors: Fred Beil, Betty Jo Chitester.

Aims and Objectives:

Chemistry is required for a wide range of careers as a result of the technology that permeates our society. Science personnel at all levels, from the technician to the creative researcher, rely heavily on the fundamental principles of chemistry. In addition, careers in the many biological and physical sciences require a background in chemistry. Consequently, students at Gannon University take chemistry courses for different reasons. Some are motivated to pursue careers in "chemistry" such as research, management and sales. Others take both basic and advanced courses in preparation for work in the medical, engineering, law, and environmental science fields to cite a few. For example, chemistry is one of the most commonly chosen majors nationally for students wishing to enter medical and health professional schools. Also, students with an interest in Forensic Science may take Criminal Justice courses as technical electives (see advisor).

Essentially a student at Gannon will follow a sequence of chemistry courses in line with his interests, abilities, and vocational goals. Students elect the B.S. in Chemistry and take the curriculum outlined in the catalog. There are several credit hours of elective courses in the chemistry degree program which allows the student to strengthen his background in allied sciences such as physics, biology, computer, and mathematics.

The department occupies the entire fourth floor of the Zurn Hall of Science. These spacious facilities — laboratories and classrooms — contain modern equipment typically found in industrial, academic, and research laboratories. The student, for example, uses the atomic absorption spectrometer, polarograph, refractometer, flame photometer, gas chromatograph, infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometers, PC's, nuclear magnetic resonance and two mass spectrometers. Chemistry students also have access to computers capable of extensive molecular modeling.

The department offers to its students the advantages of small classes, individual attention, and frequent contact with staff members. Upper level chemistry students are required to participate in independent research and study under the guidance of a faculty member.

Seniors must complete at least one credit of undergraduate research in each of two successive semesters. During the senior year, students must complete three credits of capstone coursework.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Courses numbered CHEM 001, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 166, 170, or 171 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a Chemistry major.

CHEM 001: Fundamentals of Chemistry
This course is designed for those students who have had no previous experience in chemistry or whose background in chemistry is weak. The purpose of the course is to prepare a student to later enroll in CHEM 103 or CHEM 111. Topics stressed are chemical calculations, atomic structure, the mole concept, nature of chemical reactions and bonding.
no credit, Fall

CHEM 102: Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
A one semester overview of organic chemistry and biochemistry for Occupational Therapy students only.
3 credits

CHEM 103, 106: Chemistry of Life I & II
These introductory chemistry courses are devoted to establishing the fundamental principles of general chemistry. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, types of reactions, equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Course enrollment is limited to nursing majors, physician assistant majors, and respiratory therapy majors.
Lecture: 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 103 for CHEM 106.
CHEM 103 3 credits, Fall CHEM 106 3 credits, Spring

CHEM 104, 107: Chemistry of Life Lab I & II
Emphasis is placed on analytical procedures, organic chemical synthesis, qualitative and quantitative experiments using unknowns, experimental properties of organic and biochemical compounds, acid-base chemistry using pH meters, chromatography and spectroscopy.
Laboratory: 4 hours per week.
CHEM 104 1 credit, Fall CHEM 107 1 credit, Spring

CHEM 105: Physiological Chemistry
The course provides an introduction to the structure and chemical reactivity of the major organic functional groups pertinent to the study of biological chemistry, structure and function of the major classes of biomolecules including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids and an overview of the underlying chemical principles and recurring themes of the major metabolic pathways.
Lecture: 3 hours per week.
3 credits, Fall

CHEM 108: Physiological Chemistry Lab
The course consists of twelve three-hour laboratory periods. Experiments complement the material covered in the lecture course CHEM 105 Physiological Chemistry.
Laboratory 4 hours per week.
1 credit

CHEM 111, 114: General Chemistry I & II
A study of the fundamental theories and general principles of chemistry. The structure of matter, its relation to chemical behavior, chemical equilibrium, energetics and kinetics are discussed.
Lecture: 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry and a good background in algebra is desirable for CHEM 111; CHEM 111 for CHEM 114
CHEM 111 3 credits, Fall CHEM 114 3 credits, Spring

CHEM 112, 115: General Chemistry Laboratory I & II
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of some common cations as well as acid base and oxidation-reduction reactions using pH meters and spectrophotometry.
Laboratories: Four hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 112 for CHEM 115
CHEM 112 1 credit, Fall CHEM 115 1 credit, Spring

CHEM 166: Issues in Science and Technology
Designed to present the principles of science, particularly chemistry, to enable one to better understand the world. It is also designed to not only improve the student’s ability to understand current problems, but also provide the basis for understanding future developments in the area of science and technology as they relate to the environment.
3 credits,

CHEM 170: Introduction to Criminalistics/Forensic Science
Designed to introduce the principles of scientific investigation to crime analysis. This course is designed for Criminal Justice majors and students with an interest in Forensic Science.
Lecture/discussion: 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 166 or Instructor’s permission
3 credits, Fall

CHEM 171: Criminalistics/Forensic Science Laboratory
Designed to introduce laboratory methods to crime scene analysis. Analysis of paint, arson accelerants, and fingerprinting are among the methods examined.
Laboratory: 3 1/2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 166 or Instructor’s permission
1 credit, Fall

CHEM 221, 224: Organic Chemistry I & II
A lecture discussion of the hydrocarbons and monofunctional compounds. Emphasis is placed upon the structures, properties, syntheses, reactions and uses of these compounds.
Lecture-discussion: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 114 for CHEM 221 3 credits, Fall,
CHEM 221 for CHEM 224, 3 credits, Spring

CHEM 222, 225: Organic Chem Laboratory I & II
An introduction to the laboratory methods and techniques of Organic Chemistry. Emphasis is placed upon the purification, characterization, identification and reaction of organic chemistry.
Laboratory: Four hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 115 for CHEM 222 1 credit, Fall
CHEM 222 for CHEM 225 1 credit, Spring
for CHEM 225 concurrent enrollment in or completed CHEM 224

CHEM 323: Organic Chemistry III
A continuation of Chemistry CHEM 224. A systematic study of the polyfunctional organic compounds. Emphasis is placed upon the structures, properties, syntheses, reactions and uses of these compounds.
Lectures: Two hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 224
2 credits, Fall

CHEM 324: Organic Chemistry Laboratory III
Quantitative and qualitative organic analysis with emphasis on both classical and modern methods of analysis.
Laboratory: Eight hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 225
2 credits, Fall

CHEM 331, 334: Physical Chemistry I & II
Introduction to the behavior of gases, kinetic-molecular theory, thermodynamics, quantum and statistical mechanics, phase equilibria, EMF, catalysis, and solution theory.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Math/MATH 131 for CHEM 331  3 credits, Fall 
CHEM 331 for CHEM 334 3 credits, Spring

CHEM 332, 335: Physical Chemistry Laboratory I & II
Experimental studies of glassblowing, thermodynamics of liquids, gases and solutions, calorimetry, electrochemistry chemical kinetics, spectroscopy and diffraction. Emphasis on developing report writing skills.
Laboratory: Four hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 222 for CHEM 332 1 credit, Fall
CHEM 332 for CHEM 335 1 credit, Spring

CHEM 336: Introduction to Modern Analytical Chemistry
Introduction to the methods of analysis in modern analytical chemistry. Application of general chemistry principles in the systematic analysis of materials. Classical methods of analysis examined include titrimetry and gravimetry. Instrumental methods include potentiometry, electrolytic deposition, spectrophotometry and chromatography.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 114
3 credits, Spring

CHEM 337: Modern Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Experimental studies utilizing techniques used in modern analytical chemistry laboratories. Emphasis in precise measurements and use of instrumental methods.
Laboratory: Eight hours per week.
2 credits, Spring

CHEM 356: Chemical Literature
Designed to acquaint the student with the various sources of literature available today including periodicals and the classical works of reference.
Lecture: One hour per week.
1 credit, Spring

CHEM 357: Organic Preparations
Preparations of organic compounds with emphasis placed on specialized and/or novel laboratory methods or techniques.
Laboratory: Four hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 324
1 credit, Fall

CHEM 360: Polymer Science
An overview of polymer science including synthesis, characterization, properties, nomenclature and industrial processing of polymers. Thermodynamics and kinetics will be utilized to describe certain aspects of polymers.
Prerequisites: MATH 130, and CHEM 224 or ME 334
3 credits, Spring

CHEM 361: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Presentation of the principles and theories behind phenomena dealt with in previous chemistry courses including bonding, reactivity, structure, chemical periodicity, properties of materials, wave, mechanics, coordination chemistry ligand field theory, and group theory.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 331 or concurrent enrollment
3 credits, Fall

CHEM 362: Advanced Inorganic Laboratory
Preparation techniques of inorganic chemistry.
Laboratory: Three hours per week.
1 credit, Fall

CHEM 364: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Introduction to the application of wave mechanics, chemical bonding and ligand field theory to inorganic compounds.
Lecture: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 361
3 credits, Spring

CHEM 365: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
Advanced preparative techniques for inorganic compounds and the application of instrumental methods for structure determination.
Laboratory: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 361
1 credit, Spring

CHEM 366: Structural Biochemistry
A systematic study of the biologically important compounds including the amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, carbohydrates and lipids. Emphasis is placed upon the structure, properties, syntheses, reactions and functions of these compounds.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 224 or permission of instructor
3 credits, Fall, Spring

CHEM 367: Biochemical Laboratory
An introduction to the laboratory methods and techniques utilized for the isolation, characterization and syntheses of the biologically important compounds.
Laboratory: Four hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 225
1 credit, Spring

CHEM 380, 381, 382: Undergraduate Research
Selected topics in the field of chemistry to be solved by the student with advice from the staff.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor
1-3 credits, Fall

CHEM 383, 384, 385: Undergraduate Research
Continuation of CHEM 380, 381, 382.
1-3 credits, Spring

CHEM 402: Advanced Organic Chemistry
A study of topics specialized or current interest in the area of Organic Chemistry.
Lecture: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 224
 3 credits, Fall

CHEM 408: Advanced Instrumental Analysis
An in-depth examination of the major instrumental methods used in analytical chemistry. Application of advanced chemical principles and fundamental instrumental concepts focusing on how they influence the precision and accuracy of the measurement aspect of analysis. Techniques examined include Spectrophotometry, Chromatography and Electrochemistry. The role computers play in modern instruments is examined.
Lecture: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: CHEM 336
 3 credits, Spring

CHEM 409: Advanced Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
Advanced experimental techniques utilizing modern chemical instrumentation. Emphasis is on verifying the chemical principles underlying the method and investigating factors influencing the validity of the analysis.
Laboratory: Four hours per week.
Prerequisite: Chem/CHEM 336
1 credit, Spring

CHEM 412: Industrial Internship
Selected students spend an extended period, usually 10-12 weeks during the summer, working in a chemistry laboratory under the direct supervision of a chemist. Where possible, a member of the Gannon faculty will meet regularly with the student and his supervisor to conduct a continuing evaluation of the student's work and progress. At the conclusion of the work period, the student is to write a paper on some phase of his project or experience for submission to his supervisor and faculty advisor and a presentation at a departmental seminar.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Chemistry Department and the cooperating laboratory
1-3 credits

CHEM 418, 419, 420: Special Topics in Chemistry
Topics of special and/or current interest in all areas of chemistry will be covered. Three topics will normally be covered in depth during the course of a semester. Typical topics include: organosulfur chemistry, organometallic chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, polymer chemistry, catalysis, chromatography, natural products, photochemistry, nuclear chemistry, clinical chemistry, etc.
1-3 credits

Back to Top

  Chemistry Curriculum

(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)

 *MATH 140, 141, 242 may be taken with 6 credits of science electives in place of MATH 111, and MATH 112.

**Upper level science (physics, biology, etc.), mathematics courses or computer science are recommended. German may also be an elective. Your advisor can assist in choice of electives.

In addition to the American Chemical Society (ACS) chemistry curriculum listed above, the department offers alternate interdisciplinary programs with special areas of emphasis that also lead to a chemistry major. The programs are as follows:
 

Chemistry/Biology Curriculum

*All chemistry majors must complete MATH 140 and 141. A student may need MATH 111 and/or MATH 112 before taking MATH 140. A student enrolling in MATH 140 and 141 as a freshman should take MATH 242 and/or a computer science course in the sophomore year.

**Electives should be chosen based upon the career intentions of the student. Generally these would follow one of two sets of courses.

• Microbiology and related courses (i.e., BIOL 345-346, 331-332, 334-335, 336-337, 338-339, 340-341, 342, 343, 373-374, 375-376, 490)
• Physiology/Cell Biology (i.e., BIOL 345-346, 361-362, 363, 373-374, 375-376, 490, 320-321)

Other biology courses at the 200 level or higher will also fulfill the requirements.

***Chemistry electives should be selected with help of your advisor.

****Electives in upper level science courses such as physics, biology, chemistry or mathematics (including computer course) are encouraged. Students should consult with their advisors.

Chemistry/Business Curriculum

*All chemistry majors must complete MATH 140 and 141. A student may need MATH 111 and/or MATH 112 before taking MATH 140. A student enrolling in MATH 140 and 141 as a freshman should take MATH 242 and/or a computer science course in the sophomore year.

Chemistry/Engineering Curriculum

Chemistry/Environment Curriculum

*All chemistry majors must complete MATH 140 and 141. A student may need MATH 111 and/or MATH 112 before taking MATH 140. A student enrolling in MATH 140 and 141 as a freshman should take MATH 242 and/or a computer science course in the sophomore year.

Chemistry/Forensic Curriculum

*All chemistry majors must complete MATH 140 and 141. A student may need MATH 111 and/or MATH 112 before taking MATH 140. A student enrolling in MATH 140 and 141 as a freshman should take MATH 242 and/or a computer science course in the sophomore year.
**Electives should be chosen based upon the career intentions of the student. Generally these would follow one of two sets of courses.
1. Microbiology and related courses (i.e., BIOL 345-346, 331-332, 334-335, 336-337, 338-339, 340-341, 342, 343, 373-374, 375-376, 490)
2. Physiology/Cell Biology (i.e., BIOL 345-346, 361-362, 363, 373-374, 375-376, 490, 320-321) Other biology courses at the 200 level or higher will also fulfill the requirements.
***Chemistry electives should be selected with help of your advisor.
****Electives in upper level science courses such as physics, biology, chemistry or mathematics (including computer course) are encouraged. Students should consult with their advisors.
*****Students may choose from CRJS 310, 312, 318, 321, or 325.

THE NEXT STEP

Baccalaureate Degree Program for Graduates of Two Year Colleges

Chemistry
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)

Students will be permitted to take other courses in substitution for any of the courses listed above which they have satisfactorily completed prior to admission to this program. Students are required to complete 18 credits in the Core of Discovery Program at Gannon.

Recommended: Calculus III

Prerequisites:

One year of General Chemistry.
One semester of Calculus

Back to Top