Chemistry Minor

Overview for Chemistry Minor

Chemistry is intrinsically a part of our society from the fuels we use, the air we breathe, and the water we drink to the complex chemical behaviors of our own bodies. Chemistry is involved in the development of myriad materials such as computer chips, packaging materials, and alternative fuels. Increasing numbers of policy and ethical choices facing the global community involve issues where chemistry plays a pivotal role. This minor provides students with the opportunity to study chemistry in order to build a secondary area of expertise in support of their major or as an additional area of interest.

Notes about this minor:

  • This minor is closed to students majoring in biochemistry and chemistry.
  • Posting of the minor on the student's academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.
  • Notations may appear in the curriculum chart below outlining pre-requisites, co-requisites, and other curriculum requirements (see footnotes).
  • At least nine semester credit hours of the minor must consist of specific courses not required by the student’s degree program.

The plan code for Chemistry Minor is CHEM-MN.

Featured Work and Profiles

Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Chemistry Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Course
Prerequisites
CHMG-141
General & Analytical Chemistry I
This is a general chemistry course for students in the life and physical sciences. College chemistry is presented as a science based on empirical evidence that is placed into the context of conceptual, visual, and mathematical models. Students will learn the concepts, symbolism, and fundamental tools of chemistry necessary to carry on a discourse in the language of chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the transformation of these bonds through chemical reactions. The fundamentals of organic chemistry are introduced throughout the course to emphasize the connection between chemistry and the other sciences. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
CHMG-145
General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab
The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-141 lecture material. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques and data analysis skills. Topics include: gravimetric, volumetric, thermal, titration and spectrophotometric analyses, and the use of these techniques to analyze chemical reactions. (Corequisite: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
CHMG-142
General & Analytical Chemistry II
The course covers the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical reactions. The relationship between energy and entropy change as the driving force of chemical processes is emphasized through the study of aqueous solutions. Specifically, the course takes a quantitative look at: 1) solubility equilibrium, 2) acid-base equilibrium, 3) oxidation-reduction reactions and 4) chemical kinetics. (Prerequisites: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
CHMG-146
General & Analytical Chemistry II Lab
The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-142 lecture material. The course emphasizes the use of experiments as a tool for chemical analysis and the reporting of results in formal lab reports. Topics include the quantitative analysis of a multicomponent mixture using complexation and double endpoint titration, pH measurement, buffers and pH indicators, the kinetic study of a redox reaction, and the electrochemical analysis of oxidation reduction reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMG-131 or CHMG-141 or equivalent course. Corequisites: CHMG-142 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
or
CHMG-131
General Chemistry for Engineers
This rigorous course is primarily for, but not limited to, engineering students. Topics include an introduction to some basic concepts in chemistry, stoichiometry, First Law of Thermodynamics, thermochemistry, electronic theory of composition and structure, and chemical bonding. The lecture is supported by workshop-style problem sessions. Offered in traditional and online format. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
CHMG-145
General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab
The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-141 lecture material. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques and data analysis skills. Topics include: gravimetric, volumetric, thermal, titration and spectrophotometric analyses, and the use of these techniques to analyze chemical reactions. (Corequisite: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
or
CHEM-151
General Chemistry
An accelerated entry-level course designed for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Topics include measurement, atomic theory, chemical bonding and structure, stoichiometry, equilibrium and acid-base chemistry. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to CHEM-BS or BIOCHEM-BS Major students. Co-requisite: CHEM-155 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
CHEM-155
Chemistry Workshop
This course presents an introduction to working in a modern chemistry laboratory. Students will perform exercises that will aid in the understanding of general laboratory practices, atomic and molecular structure, and Lewis acid base theory. Students will also become familiar with keeping a scientific laboratory notebook and writing scientific abstracts. Students will also utilize modern chemical instrumentation to aid in the understanding of concepts. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to CHEM-BS or BIOCHEM-BS Major students. Co-requisite: CHEM-151 or equivalent course.) Lab 4 (Fall).
Required Courses
CHMO-231
Organic Chemistry I
This course is a study of the structure, nomenclature, reactions and synthesis of the following functional groups: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes. This course also introduces chemical bonding, IR and NMR spectroscopy, acid and base reactions, stereochemistry, nucleophilic substitution reactions, and alkene and alkyne reactions. In addition, the course provides an introduction to the use of mechanisms in describing and predicting organic reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMG-142 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course. Corequisites: CHMO-235 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
CHMO-232
Organic Chemistry II
This course is a continuation of the study of the structure, nomenclature, reactions and synthesis of the following functional groups: aromatic systems, alcohols, ethers, epoxides, and carbonyls. This course will introduce the use of mechanisms in describing and predicting organic reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMO-231 or CHMO-331 or equivalent course. Corequisites: CHMO-236 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
CHMO-235
Organic Chemistry Lab I
This course trains students to perform techniques important in an organic chemistry lab. The course also covers reactions from the accompanying lecture CHMO-231. (Corequisite: CHMO-231 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
CHMO-236
Organic Chemistry Lab II
This course teaches students to apply basic lab techniques to organic synthetic experiments reactions covered in the accompanying lecture COS-CHMO-232. This course will also help students to solidify the concepts taught in lecture. The course will continue to instruct students in maintaining a professional lab notebook. (Prerequisites: CHMO-235 or equivalent course. Corequisites: CHMO-232 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring).
Electives
Choose at least 9 credits from the following:
   CHEM-301
   Undergraduate Teaching Experience†
This course allows students to assist in a class or laboratory for which they have previously earned credit. The student will assist the instructor in the operation of the course. Assistance by the student may include fielding questions, helping in workshops, and assisting in review sessions. In the case of labs, students may also be asked to help with supervising safety practices, waste manifestation, and instrumentation. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Lab (Fall, Spring, Summer).
   CHEM-493
   Chemistry Research†
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research in chemistry that could be considered of an original nature. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Research (Fall, Spring, Summer).
   CHEM-495
   Advanced Chemistry Research†
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Research (Fall, Spring, Summer).
   CHMA-211
 Quantitative Analysis
This course will introduce students to quantitative methods. The course will cover gravimetric techniques, equilibria, statistical methods, and solution chemistry. In addition, equilibrium for polyprotic acids, electrochemistry and potentiometry will be discussed. (Prerequisites: (CHEM-172 and CHEM-176) or (CHMG-142 and CHMG-146) or (CHEM-151 and CHEM-155) or equivalent courses. Co-requisites: CHMA-215 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHMA-311
 Instrumental Analysis
This course presents a preliminary treatment of instrumental theory and technique. The course will cover the theory and implementation of spectroscopic, mass spectrometric, and chemical separations instrumentation and techniques. Instrumental techniques include: atomic and molecular emission and absorption and emission spectroscopies, atomic and molecular mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. (Prerequisites: CHMA-211 or CHMA-161 or CHMG-142 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: CHMA-315 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHMA-670
 Advanced Concepts of Environmental Chemistry
This course will build on previous chemistry courses to expand knowledge of biogeochemical cycles, environmental toxicology and applied methods of environmental analysis. The course will be conducted in a workshop format at the graduate level. (Prerequisites: CHMO-231 and CHMO-235 or CHMO-331 and CHMO-335 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CHMA-711
 Advanced Instrumental Analysis
The theory, applications, and limitations of selected instrumental methods in qualitative, quantitative and structural analysis will be discussed. This course is also intended to give an opportunity to develop writing and revising abilities, as well as communication skills. Library, literature, and textbook research will be required. (Prerequisite: CHMA-261 or equivalent course or graduate student standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHMB-402
 Biochemistry I
This course introduces the structure and function of biological macromolecules and their metabolic pathways. The relationship between the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their function in enzymatic catalysis will be examined. Membrane structure and the physical laws that apply to metabolic processes will also be discussed. (Prerequisite: CHMO-231 or CHMO-331 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
   CHMB-403
 Biochemistry II
This course will focus on advanced topics in biochemistry, using hands-on activities, in-class discussions, and review of relevant literature to explore the theory and applications behind current biochemical methods and concepts. (Prerequisites: CHMB-402 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   CHMB-460
 Infectious Diseases: Impact Society & Culture
This course investigates the mechanisms of pathogenesis of bacterial, viral, and other microbial infectious agents. This course also covers the historical, social, and cultural impact that these infectious diseases have had on society. Topics may include: antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, vaccines, gut microflora and health, foodborne illnesses, bioterrorism, HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and staph infections. (Prerequisites: CHMB-402 or BIOL-201. Students may not take and receive credit for BIOL-460 and CHMB-460. If you have earned credit for BIOL-460 or you are currently enrolled in BIOL-460 you will not be permitted to enroll in CHMB-460.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CHMB-493
   Biochemistry Research†
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research in biochemistry that could be considered of an original nature. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Research (Fall, Spring, Summer).
   CHMB-495
   Advanced Biochemistry Research†
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Research (Fall, Spring, Summer).
   CHMB-610
 Advanced Protein Biochemistry: Structure and Function
This course analyzes protein structure function relationships. Students will investigate how proteins function and how the structure relates to that function. The principles that explain enzyme rate enhancements and mechanistic enzymology will be examined. Additionally, protein superfamilies for phylogenetic relationships will be explored to enhance understanding of protein structure-function relationships. Students will read and discuss the current scientific literature and classic papers. (Prerequisites: CHMB-402 or equivalent course or degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CHMI-351
 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
This course covers descriptive inorganic reactions in terms of periodic trends. Topics will include nucleosynthesis and the birth of the universe, applications used in large-scale industrial processes and their environmental impacts, nanostructured materials, and bonding theory will also be discussed. A detailed study of solid-state chemistry and structure will also be addressed. (Prerequisite: CHMO-231 or CHMO-331 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
   CHMI-464
 Structural Inorganic Chemistry
This course will teach students how the properties of inorganic materials are explained by current theories including group theory, molecular orbital theory, acid-base chemistry and solid state chemistry. The topics discussed in this course include molecular structure, coordination nomenclature and isomerization, symmetry, molecular orbital theory, metallic bonding and ionic bonding. (Prerequisite: CHMP-341 and CHMP-342 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CHMI-664
 Modern Inorganic Chemistry
This course provides an advanced investigation into fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry. Topics covered include molecular symmetry, molecular orbital theory, solid state chemistry, ligand field theory, and the application of physical techniques used in inorganic chemistry. The course will begin with a discussion of symmetry elements and operations, followed by a detailed examination of point groups and their applications to molecular symmetry. The course will then cover molecular orbital theory, including the construction of molecular orbitals and their use in predicting the properties of molecules. The course will also cover solid state chemistry, including crystal structures, defects, and electronic properties of solids. Ligand field theory will be introduced, including the use of symmetry and group theory to understand the electronic structure of transition metal complexes. Finally, the course will cover physical techniques used in inorganic chemistry, including X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. (Prerequisites: CHMI-464 or equivalent course or graduate student standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHMO-636
 Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds
This course covers the theory and application of proton, carbon-13, and correlation nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and mass spectrometry for organic structure determination. (Prerequisites: CHMO-332 with a grade of C- or better or equivalent course or Graduate Standing in CHEM-MS.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHMO-637
 Advanced Organic Chemistry
This course will revisit many of the reactions covered in the first year of organic chemistry with an emphasis on stereochemical control. Students will be introduced to the technique of retrosynthesis. The course will introduce more reactions with an emphasis on current topics from the literature. Students will hone their skills in writing electron pushing mechanisms and the use of protecting groups while practicing the art of designing synthetic strategies for making natural products. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or CHMO-332 or CHMO-232 with a grade of B or better or equivalent course.Grad or CHMO-332 or CHMO) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHMO-710
 Literature Exploration of Organic Synthesis
This course will be a survey of the recent literature in organic chemistry with a focus on the chemistry concerning the synthesis of natural products and/or methodology towards synthesizing natural products. During each week of the course a student is selected to lead a discussion based on an article from a premier journal. This course may be repeated for credit. (Prerequisites: CHMO-637 or equivalent course.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
   CHMO-739
 Advanced Physical Organic Chemistry
This course covers topics in physical organic chemistry including: techniques for elucidation of mechanism (kinetic, and linear free energy relationships); isotope effects; molecular orbital theory; and electrocyclic reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMO-332 and CHMP-441 or equivalent course or Graduate Standing in CHEM-MS.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CHMO-750
 Survey of Organic Named Reactions
The course will explore a litany of named organic reactions with an emphasis on the reaction mechanisms. Learning the mechanism to the named reactions is a classical way to teach organic chemistry students the rules of mechanism writing. Having a dictionary type recall of the named reactions is a fundamental tool for success in organic chemistry. This course will introduce the students to new reagents and reactions by surveying named organic reactions with an emphasis on the reaction mechanisms. The goal of the course is to generate an understanding of the reaction mechanism and use that understanding to predict the reactivity of substrates in organic chemical reactions. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or CHMO-332 or CHMO-232 with a grade of B or better or equivalent course.Grad or CHMO-332 or CHMO) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
   CHMP-341
 Physical Chemistry I
This course provides fundamental concepts, and organizing principles, applied in all aspects of chemistry and related fields. A rigorous and detailed explanation of central, unifying concepts in thermodynamics and chemical kinetics will be developed. Mathematical models that provide quantitative predictions will be described for thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. These contain the mathematical underpinnings to concepts applied in analytical, inorganic, organic, and biochemistry courses, as well as more advanced topics in chemistry. The course will cover: gases, temperature, energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics, entropy and the Second and Third laws, Helmholtz and Gibbs free energies, criteria for equilibrium and spontaneity, chemical equilibrium, phase equilibrium, electrochemistry, kinetic molecular theory, chemical kinetics, and irreversible processes in solution. (Prerequisites: MATH-219 and PHYS-211 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 4 (Fall).
   CHMP-342
 Physical Chemistry II
This course provides fundamental concepts, and organizing principles of quantum chemistry, applied in all aspects of chemistry and related fields. A rigorous and detailed explanation of central, unifying concepts in quantum chemistry will be developed. Mathematical models will be described, which contain the underpinnings to concepts applied in analytical, inorganic, organic, and biochemistry courses, as well as more advanced topics in chemistry. The course will cover: Postulates and formulation of Schrödinger equations, Operators and matrix elements, Solutions for the particle-in-a-box, simple harmonic oscillators, the rigid rotor and angular momentum, the hydrogen atom; spin, the Pauli principle. Approximation methods will be described for the helium atom, the hydrogen molecule ion, the hydrogen molecule, Diatomic molecules. Linear combinations of atomic orbitals and computational chemistry will be introduced and quantum chemistry applications will be provided. In addition this course will cover standard thermodynamic functions expressed in partition functions and spectroscopy and light-matter interaction (Prerequisite: CHMP-341 or CHMP-441 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CHMP-752
 Molecular Photophysics and Photochemistry
This course provides a comprehensive and clear description of the concepts and principles of molecular photophysical processes and photochemistry. The practical methods required for associated photophysical characterization and measurement are presented along with important applications of molecular photonics in cutting-edge research. A review of quantum mechanics is given with the photochemist in mind such that the student is encouraged to make more use of quantum mechanical terms, quantities and concepts. The course covers the interaction of light with molecular orbitals to form an excited state, and its subsequent de-activation. Applications such as lasers, spectroscopy, photoinduced charge transfer in modern organic photovoltaics and photosynthesis are described. (Prerequisites: CHMP-442 or equivalent course or Graduate Standing in CHEM-MS.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CHMP-753
 Computational Chemistry
This course will introduce students to an in-depth investigation into the computational theories and applications used to model complex physical and chemical phenomena. Computational methods are used to provide synergy linking experiment with theory involving such chemical processes as reaction mechanisms, docking, energy transfer and conformational conversions. Predicting spectral and thermodynamic properties of molecular systems and ensembles will also be treated. (Prerequisites: CHMP-442 or equivalent course or Graduate Standing in CHEM-MS.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHPO-706
 Polymer Synthesis
This course is mainly about the chemistry applied to synthesize polymers. It includes initially the introduction on the naming and classification and some relevant properties of polymers. We will then discuss the two main methods of synthesizing polymers, namely step-growth polymerization and chain-addition polymerization. Among the step-growth polymerizations, syntheses of different types of polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes etc. including the reaction mechanisms will be covered. Under chain-addition polymerizations, those by four different initiators (radical, cationic, anionic or coordinative) will be explained. The mechanisms of these types of reactions will be discussed in more detail and, where feasible, effects of stereochemistry or regiochemistry will be included. In addition to the commodity polymers in each category, also the syntheses of some specialty step-growth and chain addition polymers will be included. A few examples of reactions to obtain more reactive monomers will be mentioned. Some specialty type of polymerizations, such as living free radical types, or ring-opening and cyclization polymerizations, will also be discussed. We will include examples of post-polymerization reactions. Finally, we will discuss methods to resolve environmental issues with polymers by developing more sustainable polymers. (Prerequisite: CHMG-201 or MTSE-602 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CHPO-707
 Polymer Chemistry II
This course further investigates the contemporary chemistry of high molecular weight polymers and macromolecules and the relationships between their structure, functionality, and utility. The course focuses on fundamental principles that govern swollen gels and soft matter. Mechanisms of the formation of polymers containing heteroatoms in their chains are examined in detail. Specific attention is given to the synthesis of polymers of controlled architecture and self-assembly, and of polymers and macromolecules. Dendrimers, hyper-branched polymers, functional polymers, polymeric reagents, polyelectrolytes, and biopolymers are also discussed. (Prerequisites: CHPO-706 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

† Students may use Undergraduate Teaching Experience (CHEM-301), Chemistry Research (CHEM-493), Advanced Chemistry Research (CHEM-495), Biochemistry Research (CHMB-493), and Advanced Undergraduate Research Experience (CHMB-495) to satisfy up to 3 of the 9 credit hours required for the elective courses. The remaining 6 credit hours must come from other courses on the electives list.