Chemistry
Associate Professor: Irosha Nawarathne
The chemistry major is designed to guide students toward understanding the principles underlying the composition, structure, and properties of substances—both natural and man-made—and the transformations they
undergo. The program emphasizes helping students become knowledgeable observers and independent, imaginative problem-solvers, using state-of-the-art equipment in a laboratory setting.
The chemistry program offers three degrees of Bachelor of Science with the emphases listed below:
- B.S. Major in Chemistry with Chemical Careers Emphasis
- B.S. Major in Chemistry with Health Sciences Emphasis
- B.S. Major in Chemistry with Material Science Emphasis
The B.S. in Chemistry with Chemical Careers Emphasis is designed primarily for students who wish to pursue graduate studies within the chemical sciences or seek employment in chemistry-related fields. Students planning to enter health-allied professional schools may choose a B.S. in Chemistry with Health Sciences Emphasis or B.S. in Chemistry with Material Science Emphasis degree. Further information and course requirements are listed under each emphasis.
- Students may take CHM 105, CHM 110, MTH 210, and PHY 240/241 to satisfy core requirements.
- CHM 105 is not required for students who enter Lyon College with a score of 25 or better on the ACT mathematics section (or equivalent SAT score) and a grade of "C" or better in high school chemistry.
NOTE: To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Lyon College, students must successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours comprising of our required Core curriculum (44-48 hours), the requirements of at least one major (credit hours vary per major), and a selection of our Liberal Arts electives. They must also earn at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average for all work taken at Lyon College and a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in their major, minor, and concentration.
Degrees
-
Chemistry Major with Chemical Careers Emphasis (BS) -
Chemistry Major with Health Sciences Emphasis (BS) -
Chemistry Major with Material Science Emphasis (BS) -
Chemistry Minor
Courses
CHM 105: Introduction to Chemistry *
Class Program
An introductory course for students with little or no background in chemistry who wish to pursue further study in the sciences. Topics focus on basic mathematical skills, estimation, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, acids and bases, and data analysis. Students will exercise their problem-solving skills throughout the course. Course consists of lecture and laboratory components.
Within the Biology and Chemistry Majors and Minors, * CHM 105 is not required for students who enter Lyon College with a score of 25 or better on the ACT mathematics section (or equivalent SAT score) and a grade of "C" or better in high school chemistry.
Corequisites
MTH 101 or MTH 103
CHM 110: General Chemistry I
Class Program
Fundamental concepts of chemistry, including stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic properties, energetics, chemical reactivity, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisites
MTH 101/103 or a 25 or better on the ACT mathematics section (or equivalent SAT score) and a “C” or better in high school chemistry, or a grade of “C” or better in CHM 105
CHM 120: General Chemistry II
Class Program
Fundamental concepts of chemistry, including the behavior of matter, solutions, acids and bases, molecular and ionic equilibria, electrochemistry, and kinetics. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisites
“C” or better in CHM 110
CHM 182: Topics in Chemistry
Exploration of the modern aspects of classical chemistry, including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry and biochemistry. Appropriate for all students. Elective credit. May be taken more than once for credit with permission of instructor.
CHM 210: Organic Chemistry I
Class Program
Study of carbon compounds with emphasis on fundamental types of aliphatic and aromatic compounds and their structure, nomenclature, preparations, reactions, and practical applications. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisite Courses
CHM 220: Organic Chemistry II
Class Program
Continuation of CHM 210 with emphasis on aliphatic and aromatic compounds and their structure, nomenclature, preparations, reactions, and practical applications. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisite Courses
CHM 224: Quantitative Analysis
Class Program
Exploration of the physical principles of analytical chemistry that further develop the classical (non- instrumental) methods of chemical analyses. Course consists of lecture on possibly a few hands-on experiences, if any. Topics include basic data handling, statistics, error propagation, acids and bases, redox chemistry, and chemical equilibrium as they apply to the methods to be treated in the laboratory setting using case studies. Students will examine applications of volumetric analysis, redox titrimetry, potentiometry, and gravimetry and complete qualitative analysis.
Prerequisite Courses
CHM 280: Introduction to Chemical Research
An introduction to independent research, including literature searches, experimental methods, and proper recording and reporting of experimental results.
Prerequisites
CHM 110 and permission of instructor.
CHM 302: Instrumental Analysis
Class Program
Theory, operation, and application of various instruments used in a laboratory. Topics include infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, spectrophotofluorometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisites
CHM 220 or permission of instructor.
CHM 304: Environmental Chemistry
Class Program
Study of chemistry and the environment. Topics include toxicology, common pollutants, sampling for pollutants in air and water, and techniques used in analysis. Course consists of lectures, demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and field work.
Prerequisite Courses
CHM 355: Physical Chemistry I
Class Program
An introduction to the basic principles of physical chemistry with emphasis on the kinetics and molecular dynamics of chemical reactions and the laws of thermodynamics and their relationship to equilibria in chemistry. Students will analyze experimental data using case studies, solve complex problems, and develop scientific data reporting skills. Course consists of lecture on possibly a few hands-on experiences, if any.
Prerequisites
CHM 120, MTH 210, and either PHY 210 or PHY 240
CHM 356: Biochemistry
Class Program
Study of the chemical basis of life with emphasis on the major biomolecules–proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids–and their reactions and roles in living cells. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisites
CHM 220 or permission of instructor. (Same as BIO 356)
CHM 365: Physical Chemistry II
Class Program
Introduction to the physical chemistry principles that concern the structure of individual atoms and molecules, concentrating on quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. This course will examine how the viewpoints of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics are brought together to discuss statistical thermodynamics with emphasis on the analysis of complex problems and experimental data using case studies, and the improvement of scientific communication skills. Course consists of lecture on possibly a few hands-on experiences, if any.
CHM 370: Junior Seminar
Class Program
The junior seminar allows students to develop their research and oral skills by reading and presenting information from current primary chemical literature. Each student must deliver a series of oral presentations on topics from the literature. Attendance at weekly departmental seminars and discussions is required.
Prerequisites
Junior standing or permission of instructor.
CHM 390: Internship in Chemistry
Practical experience in chemistry or a related field of the student’s choosing, with supervision by professionals. Offered every semester and in the summer as an elective for upper-class students who are interested in sampling a particular field of chemistry as a career opportunity.
Prerequisites
Junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
CHM 399: Chemistry International Studies Course: Variable Topics
Class Program
Study of varying topics in chemistry. Includes a two-week Nichols trip. Prerequisites will vary.
CHM 413: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Class Program
Examination of quantum theory, symmetry and group theory, electronic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table and periodic properties, crystalline structure, coordination chemistry, and some descriptive chemistry of the transition elements. Course consists of lecture on possibly a few hands-on experiences, if any.
Prerequisites
CHM 365 or permission of instructor.
CHM 425: Advanced Biochemistry
Class Program
In-depth study of selected biochemical reactions and pathways of major biological and physiological significance. Topics include synthesis and breakdown of important biomolecules, cell signaling pathways, and second messengers. Course consists of both lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisites
CHM 356 or BIO 356. (Same as BIO 425)
CHM 450: Directed Study
Individual work on special topics in chemistry.
CHM 480: Directed Research
Independent research to acquaint students with the methods and techniques of chemical research.
Prerequisite Courses
CHM 482: Topics in Chemistry
Class Program
Exploration of the modern aspects of classical chemistry, including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and biochemistry.
Prerequisites
Junior standing or permission of instructor.
CHM 490: Senior Seminar
Class Program
Taken in the final semester of the senior year, this course is designed to review the competency of each student in chemistry. Students will deliver a formal presentation consisting of an oral lecture and a written paper. Seminar topics for the presentation are chosen by the students in consultation with the faculty. All presentations are to be prepared under the supervision of a faculty member. Attendance at weekly departmental seminars and discussions is required.
Prerequisites
CHM 370 and senior standing.