Chemistry Degrees Online

CHEM 350 Environmental Chemistry 4
A laboratory intensive course with two lectures and two three-hour labs each week. Will include sampling, statistics and techniques involved in determining the level of contaminants in the environment. Although some instrumental theory will be discussed, the course will emphasize experimental technique. Students will gain hands-on experience collecting authentic environmental samples and using modern instrumentation and methods for detecting the presence of a variety of inorganic and organic compounds. Instruments used in the laboratory will include AA, HPLC, GC and GC-MS as well as standard commercial test kits. The students will gain experience using EPA methods for determining the level of contaminants in their samples. Prerequisite: Chem 111-112 and Chem 303.

CHEM 400 Advanced Preparations 1 (1-2)
Projects involving advanced laboratory techniques.

CHEM 409 Chemistry Internship 3 (0-3)
Designed to give the student practical experience in chemistry. May involve work in a chemical industrial laboratory or production facility or an academic research activity. Students may also propose their own projects. 120 hours of work expeirence is required.

CHEM 410 Senior Seminar 3
(Cross-listed from Phys 410) An exploration of the relations between the natural sciences and other broad areas with special emphasis on ethical and theological concerns. Discussion, lectures, preparation and presentation of papers. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

CHEM 415 Inorganic Chemistry 4
Emphasis on models of structure and bonding as related to chemical and physical properties. Discussions will include descriptive chemistry of the elements, coordination and organometallic compounds and solid state materials. The laboratory component emphasizes synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: Chem 200, Chem 303-304, Chem 312.

CHEM 430 Biochemistry 4
Introduction to the chemical processes of living organisms. This course (which complements Biol 307) focuses primarily on proteins (including enzymes) and metabolism, with introductions to carbohydrates, lipids, and cell membranes. Students planning to continue on to graduate programs in medicine, biochemistry, or related fields should take both Chem 430 and Biol 307 to get a solid background in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: Chem 303-304, Organic Chemistry.

CHEM 450 Introduction to Research Problems 1 (1-3)
Laboratory and conference. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

CHEM 100 Chemical World 3
An introduction to chemistry in our society for non-science majors. The course is a hands-on laboratory course based on important and intriguing problems from the world around us. Topics may include forensics, biochemical, environmental, household, medicinal and nuclear chemistry. Modern instruments and analysis will be used to collect and discuss data. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: one year of high school algebra.

CHEM 101 Chemistry & Physics of Life 3
Designed for non-chemistry majors. Chem 101 gives students a condensed foundation of chemistry principles. Students who have taken at least two semesters of high school chemistry with grades of B- or higher may enroll in Chem 102 without taking 101. Lectures and laboratory.

CHEM 102 Chemistry & Physics of Life 4
Designed for non-chemistry majors. Chem 102 focuses on organic and biochemistry. Students who have taken at least two semesters of high school chemistry with grades of B- or higher may enroll in Chem 102 without taking 101. Prerequisite: Chem 101 or consent of the instructor or at least two semesters of high school chemistry with grades of B- or higher.

CHEM 111 General Chemistry 4
An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, radiochemistry and thermodynamics are included. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: Chem 100 or high school chemistry (grade C or better) and adequate pre-calculus math.

CHEM 112 General Chemistry 4
An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, radiochemistry and thermodynamics are included. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: Chem 111.

CHEM 200 Analytical Chemistry 4
Quantitative analysis using traditional and instrumental methods. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisite: General Chemistry, Chem 111-112 or consent of instructor.

CHEM 220 Human Nutrition 3
A study of the nutritive needs of the body in normal stages of growth and development, food sources of nutrients, nutrient functions and factors affecting nutrient utilization. Current U.S. and global nutritional problems are explored. Prerequisite: Chem 101 or 111 (Biol 203 and 204 recommended).

CHEM 303 Introduction to Organic Chemistry 4
Covering structure, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and principal reactions for the major functional groups of organic chemistry, this is a one-semester survey course that gives an overview of the field. Laboratory exercises introduce basic purification techniques. This can be a stand-alone course for students majoring in biology and not continuing to medical school, veterinary school, or other graduate programs in biology and chemistry-related fields. For students with graduate school plans, this is the first in a two-course sequence in organic chemistry. Prerequistie: Chem 111-112.

CHEM 304 Intermediate Organic Chemistry 4
Using Chem 303 as a foundation, this course presents additional reactions (with an increased emphasis on mechanisms) and material on stereochemistry, as well as introducing spectroscopy (IR, NMR, GC-MS and UV-Vis). Together, the Chem 303-304 sequence covers all topics traditionally covered in two-semester organic chemistry courses. Laboratory experiments teach techniques for organic syntheses, instruments (GC/MS, FT-IR, FT-NMR), and chemical information retrieval. Prerequisite: Chem 303.

CHEM 310 Thermodynamics 4
A study of classical thermodynamics in the formulation of Gibbs. Thermodynamic potentials, characteristic variables, stability, homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, chemical kinetics are treated. An introduction to statistical mechanics is presented. Applications include studies of material properties and engineering systems. Lectures and laboratories. Prerequisites: Phys 203-204, Chem 111-112, Math 212 or consent of the instructor.

CHEM 312 Quantum Mechanics I 4
Principles of quantum mechanics are discussed beginning with a hydrogen atom and concluding with many atom molecules. The material is examined using the physical evidences that support the theory of quantum mechanics, particularly spectroscopy. The course also discusses symmetry of molecules, theory of NMR, and X-ray diffraction. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: Phys 203-204, Chem 111-112, Math 212 or consent of the instructor

Chem 111-112, General Chemistry 8
Chem 200, Analytical Chemistry 4
Chem 303-304, Organic Chemistry 8
Chem 310, Thermodynamics 4
Chem 312, Quantum Mechanics I 4
Chem 409, Chemistry Internship 0-3
Chem 410, Senior Seminar 3
Chem 415, Inorganic Chemistry 4
Math 211-212, Calculus I & II 8
Phys 203-204, General Physics I & II 8
Planning guide – option AFirst year General education
General Chemistry
Calculus I, II
Calculus III recommended (May)
Second year General education
Organic Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
SST (summer)
Third year General education
General Physics
Quantum Mechanics I
Inorganic Chemistry
Fourth year Balance of general education
Biochemistry (recommended)
Thermodynamics
Internship
Senior Seminar

Planning guide – option BFirst year General education
General Chemistry
Calculus I, II
Calculus III recommended (May)
Second year General education
Organic Chemistry
General Physics
SST (summer)
Third year General education
Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry (recommended)
Thermodynamics
SST (fall or summer)
Fourth year Balance of general education
Quantum Mechanics I
Inorganic Chemistry (May)
Internship
Senior Seminar

The chemistry department at GC offers a major in chemistry. Aspects that make our chemistry program hard to beat include:
top-notch faculty
small class sizes
hands-on access to sophisticated
instrumentation in state-of-the-art labs and
an innovative approach to undergraduate research and practical experience
The life of a chemistry major at Goshen College is filled with new encounters. Chemistry majors learn not only in the lecture hall and lab, but in on-the-job experiences in industrial laboratories and school classrooms. Goshen students work with professionals who are using chemistry to solve problems, create new products and illuminate young minds.

Accomplished faculty members teach and direct students in hands-on laboratory experiences. Students are introduced to ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and atomic absorption spectrophotometers. Students use gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs and computer-controlled data stations. This experience, reserved for graduate students at many universities, puts students a step ahead toward future work with the same instruments in grad school or on the job.

Use the link to the right to bring you to a page from the American Chemical Society (ACS) where you can read brief descriptions about some careers in chemistry. The careers covered include:
Agricultural Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Catalysis
Chemical Education
Chmical Engineering
Chemical Information Specialists
Chemical Sales
Chemical Technology
Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Consulting
Consumer Product Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Food and Flavor Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
Geochemistry
Hazardous Waste Management
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Oil and Petroleum
Physical Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry
Pulp and Paper Chemistry
R&D Management
Science Writing
Textile Chemistry
Water Chemistry
A chemistry degree is great start for a variety of careers.Anesthesiologist
Assayer
Astrophysicist
Ballistics Expert
Biochemist
Cardiologist
Chemical Analyst
Chemist
Chemist, Analytical
Chemist, Clinical
Chemist, Food
Chemist, Industrial
Chemist, Inorganic
Chemist, Organic
Chemist, Pharmaceutical
Chemist, Physical
Chemist, Police
Chemist, Pollution Control
Chemist, Polymer
Chemist, Production
Chemist, Quality Control
Chemist, Quality Assurance
Chemist, Research
Crime Lab Analyst
Criminologist
Dentist
Dermatologist
Dialysis Technician
Environmental Engineer
Food and Drug Inspector
Food Technologist
Genetic Engineer
Geologist
Gynecologist
Hydrographer
Industrial Hygienist
Instrument Designer
Laboratory Assistant
Lawyer, Patent
Microbiologist
Neurologist
Nanotechnologist
Obstetrician
Opthalmologist
Osteopathic Physician
Otolaryngologist Patent Examiner
Pathologist
Pediatrician
Perfumer
Pharmacist
Pharmaceutical Retailer
Pharmacologist
Physicist
Physician
Physician, General Practice
Physician’s Assistant
Proctologist
Professor
Quality Control Supervisor
Quality Assurance Manager
Researcher
Sales, Retail
Sales, Wholesale
Sanitarian
Sanitation Inspector
Soil Scientist
Spectroscopist
Supervisor, Publications
Surgeon Systems Analyst
Teacher
Technical Sales
Technical Writer
Technician, Chemical Laboratory
Technician, Dialysis
Technician, Fingerprint
Technician, Histologic
Technician, Instrument Repair
Technician, Medical
Technician, Ophthalmic Laboratory
Technician, Optical Laboratory
Technician, Quality Control
Technician, X-ray
Technologist, Food
Technologist, Forest Products
Technologist, Hematology
Technologist, Medical
Technologist, X-ray
Translator, Scientific Documents
Toxicologist
Urologist
Water Resources Specialist

NSM216 Introduction to Geology (4)
Core physical science nonlab option. See divisional course descriptions.

*NSM218 Newton to Einstein (4)
Core physical science lab option. See divisional course descriptions.

*CHE111 Principles of Chemistry I (4)
Presents fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry: stoichiometry; atomic structure; thermochemistry; elementary quantum theory; chemical periodicity; chemical bonding; molecular structure and geometry; properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions; kinetic theory; and phase equilibria. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative measurement and develops investigative techniques and ability to interpret results. Previous high school or introductory college chemistry course strongly recommended. Core physical science lab option. Lab fee.

CHE112 Principles of Chemistry II (4)
Continues presentation of fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry: chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, elementary thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative measurement and develops investigative techniques and ability to interpret results. Prerequisite: CHE111 or equivalent. Lab fee.

*CH201 Forensic Science: Chemistry and Investigations (4)
Explores nature of forensic investigations and how chemical, physical and biological techniques and instrumental tools are used in helping solve crime or provide clues to a mystery. Selected topics include trace analysis, toxicology, pharmacology, molecular genetics, fingerprinting and legal implications. Uses forensic science as framework for studying basic concepts of general and analytical chemistry. Core physical science lab option. Lab fee.

CHE211 Organic Chemistry I (4)
Considers importance of carbon chemistry in our lives and world, and emphasizes the application of principles of green chemistry in this field. Surveys representative organic compounds; discusses alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, and structure, properties, synthesis and reactions of these molecules. Laboratory focuses on development of basic macro and micro techniques common to organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE112. Lab fee.

CHE212 Organic Chemistry II (4)
Continues discussion of classes of organic molecules including aromatic and organometallic compounds, alcohols, ethers, amines and carbonyl compounds, with continued emphasis on applying principles of green chemistry in organic chemistry. Emphasizes elucidation of molecular structure via instrumental techniques such as IR and NMR. Laboratory builds upon techniques with additional preparative chemistry and with classification and identification of unknown compounds. Prerequisite: CHE211. Lab fee.

CHE311 Quantitative Analysis (4)
Surveys classical analytical applications of statistics, chemical equilibria and electrochemistry. Laboratory includes acid-base, precipitation, redox, potentiometry and complexation methods along with use of computer software to collect and analyze data. Prerequisite: CHE112. Lab fee.

CHE312 Instrumental Analysis (4)
Introduces instrumental methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis, including chromatography (gas and liquid), spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, FTIR, AA, mass) and associated hyphenated techniques (gas chromatography mass spectrometry). Laboratory emphasizes environmental and bioanalytical applications. Prerequisite: CHE311, or CHE112 and permission of instructor. Lab fee.

CHE315 Physical Chemistry I (4)
Examines thermodynamics and kinetics. Thermodynamics topics: gas equations of state and kinetic theory of gases; laws of thermodynamics; entropy; free energy; chemical equilibrium; and phase equilibrium of one- and two-component systems. Kinetics topics: empirical chemical kinetics and reaction rate theory. Laboratory involves experiments in calorimetry and empirical kinetics. Prerequisites: CHE112 and PHY122. Lab fee. (Alternate years. Offered 2008-09.)

CHE316 Physical Chemistry II (4)
Considers quantum chemistry and spectroscopy. Topics include postulates of quantum mechanics, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator and vibrational spectra, rigid rotor and rotational spectra, vibration-rotation spectra, hydrogen atom, many-electron atoms, and atomic spectra. Laboratory demonstrates application of spectroscopic theory to actual molecular spectra. Prerequisites: CHE112 and PHY122. Lab fee. (Alternate years. Offered 2008-09.)

CHE341/BIO341 Biochemistry (4)
See BY341 course description. Lab fee.

CHE371, 372 Selected Topics in Chemistry I, II (2, 2)
Examines topics of instructor’s choice not covered elsewhere in curriculum. Examples of such topics include computational organic chemistry, advanced organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, bioinorganic chemistry, transition-metal reaction mechanisms, theory of molecular electronic structure, and statistical mechanics. Students may enroll more than once if topic is different.

CHE391, 392 Junior Seminar I, II (0, 0)
Explores theological, philosophical and ethical issues related to chemistry and physics. Also considers opportunities for postbaccalaureate education and employment.

CHE411 Inorganic Chemistry (4)
Advanced course emphasizing coordination chemistry of the transition metal elements. Topics include symmetry and group theory; vibrational spectroscopy; molecular orbital theory; structures, bonding, electronic spectra, reactions and mechanisms of coordination complexes; and structures and reactions of organometallic compounds. Prerequisite: CHE112.

CHE471, 472 Research I, II (1-4, 1-4)
Research under supervision of faculty member in chemistry or related science. Library searches, laboratory investigation, and written and oral reports may be required.

CHE473, 474, 475, 476 Research III, IV, V, VI (all 1-4)
Ongoing research under supervision of faculty member in chemistry or related science.

CHE491, 492 Senior Seminar I, II (1, 1)
Explores theological, philosophical and ethical issues related to chemistry and physics. Also considers opportunities for postbaccalaureate education and employment. Requires students to prepare and deliver oral presentations using presentation software.

* Fulfills Core Curriculum requirement.

To earn honors in chemistry a student will complete the professional concentration, including CHE471, 472 Research I, II as the electives, along with 12 credits of coursework from one of the three honors tracks listed below. In addition, the student will write an honors thesis based on work done in CHE471, 472 and make a formal oral presentation of this work. The minimum GPA for honors candidates is 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall. See department faculty for details.

To earn the major in chemistry a student will complete one of the two concentrations below while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 within the major. Students double-majoring in chemistry and another science major such as biology or physics should consult with the Chemistry Department chair for specific requirements since some courses taken in one major program may satisfy requirements in the other major.

Professional Concentration
Requirements for the professional concentration include:CHE111, 112 Principles of Chemistry I, II
CHE211, 212 Organic Chemistry I, II
*CHE311,*312 Quantitative Analysis, Instrumental Analysis
*CHE315,*316 Physical Chemistry I, II
CHE391, 392 Junior Seminar I, II
CHE411 Inorganic Chemistry
CHE491, 492 Senior Seminar I, II
MAT141, 142 Calculus I, II
*MAT223 Calculus III
PHY121,122 Introductory Physics I, II

Our department emphasizes green chemistry — a commitment to practice chemistry in a manner that is intentionally safer for human health and the environment. We believe that the green chemistry movement resonates with the character and commitments of Gordon College. Our mission statement describes Gordon as “a Christian community of the liberal arts, dedicated to the historic, evangelical, biblical faith.” As such, this academic community looks to the Bible as our authoritative guide for Christian faith and practice, and one important theme we see in the Bible regarding the practice of Christian faith is its clear calling for Christians to be good stewards of all that God has given us. We also affirm the clear biblical teaching that God created the physical world, pronounced His creation good, and placed it under the care of humankind. Accordingly, we believe that the broad biblical calling to Christian stewardship entails the responsibility to practice wise stewardship of the physical world. The green chemistry movement seeks to promote chemistry that is by design environmentally benign, and as chemistry faculty members at Gordon College, we see this green chemistry imperative (as embodied, for example, by the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry) as completely concordant with our Christian calling to care for the environment as God’s good stewards. We find that our students share this vision of green chemistry as an outworking of their call to Christian stewardship, and they are enthusiastic about the opportunity provided by the ideas of green chemistry to see their study and practice of chemistry as directly connected to the practice of their faith.
As a founding member of the Green Chemistry Education Network, we are working at the forefront of the movement to make chemistry green by engaging in education and outreach activities that bring the principles of green chemistry to students, faculty and the general public in New England and beyond. At Gordon you will have the opportunity to learn more about green chemistry and to join us in our efforts to make the practice of chemistry “benign by design.

The Chemistry Department provides you with the opportunity to learn about what the science community refers to as “the central science.” As Christian scholars, we encourage you to gain an understanding of the field of chemistry and its relationship to society and societal issues in the context of a Christian worldview.