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Course Descriptions

CHEMISTRY (CH)


CH 100 Chemistry Essentials (3)

Chemistry CH 100 is a one semester, online course in Chemistry. The online laboratory counterpart (CH100L) must be taken concurrently. The course will provide an introductory overview of the elements that compose the matter of the Universe, from the stars in galaxies to the molecules within the human body. The course will provide a basic understanding of how mathematics can be used for solving chemical related processes that occur in our everyday lives. The course will culminate in the introduction of interesting chemical reactions that occur within our own cells.
Prerequisite: MA 100

CH 100L Chemistry Essentials Laboratory (1)

Laboratory section accompanying CH 100. Concurrent registration in CH 100 is required.
Prerequisite: MA 100

CH 102 Chemistry for the Concerned World Citizen (3)

This is an introductory course presenting many different branches of chemistry. In contrast to other courses in the discipline, there is a significant qualitative component, where impact to environment, and how chemical knowledge can contribute to one’s overall awareness are among the topics discussed. The quantitative part of the course is especially designed to be non-intimidating when covering concepts such as atomic theory, formulas, equations, thermochemistry, gases, and stoichiometry. Non-science majors, who wish to relate general principles of chemistry to socioeconomic and environmental issues, as well  as science majors, who feel the need for a refresher course, are encouraged to enroll. Corequisite: CH 102L

CH 102L Chemistry for the Concerned World Citizen Laboratory (1)

The general theme for this lab course is to demonstrate that chemistry is everywhere. A great majority of the experiments  will be carried out using household supplies and equipment. During the last few weeks a transition to using conventional lab equipment is aimed to help students understand the logic of experimental design. One three hour laboratory period per week to accompany CH 102.
Corequisite: CH 102

CH 103 College Chemistry (3)

A one semester introduction to chemistry for students who wish to strengthen their understanding of basic concepts in chemistry before beginning the general chemistry sequence or for students working towards associate degrees. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving. Topics covered will include: chemical measurements, properties of atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, chemical calculations, acids and bases, properties of gases and thermochemistry.
Corequisite: CH 103L

CH 103L College Chemistry Laboratory (1)

Laboratory experiments designed to reflect the topics presented in CH 103.
Corequisite: CH 103

CH 203 General Chemistry I (3)

A study of the general concepts and basic principles of chemistry: properties of matter, atomic and molecular structure, theories of bonding, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, equilibria, and ions in aqueous solution.
Prerequisites: MA 103
Corequisite: CH 203L

CH 203L General Chemistry I Laboratory (1)

Inorganic qualitative and quantitative analysis with emphasis on gravimetric, volumetric, and spectrophotometric techniques. One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany CH 203.
Corequisite: CH 203

CH 204 General Chemistry II (3)

Continuation of CH 203. Acids and bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, additional aspects of chemical equilibria, descriptive chemistry.
Prerequisites: MA 110 (can be taken concurrently), and CH 203, CH 203L
Corequisite: CH 204L

CH 204L General Chemistry II Laboratory (1)

One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany CH 204.
Corequisite: CH 204

CH 250 Biological Chemistry for Nurses (3)

A nursing-centered approach will be used in studying the concepts in General, Organic and Biological Chemistry that are foundational to an understanding of normal cellular processes. Topics that will be covered include measurements, atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, properties of gases and liquids, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, pH, buffers, nuclear chemistry, nomenclature and properties of the main organic functional groups, and the structures and function of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
Prerequisites: One year of high school general chemistry or its equivalent, BI152, BI 152L, MA107, nursing majors only

CH 254 Survey of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry for Nursing (3)

An introductory course with a focus on biological systems from a molecular point of view.
Prerequisites: CH 201 or consent of instructor, BI 151, BI 151L, BI 152, BI 152L, MA 100 or equivalent with grade of C or better
Corequisite: CH 254L

CH 254L Survey of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry for Nursing Laboratory (1)

Laboratory to accompany CH 254. One three-hour laboratory per week will include introduction to the fundamental principles and models of chemistry and related exercises and experimentation.
Prerequisites: BI 151L , BI 152L
Corequisite: CH 254

CH 323 Organic Chemistry I (4)

Chemistry of carbon compounds is investigated according to the functional group classification. A full understanding of organic reaction mechanisms is emphasized in order to guide the students through numerous reactions. Three dimensionality of carbon compounds is introduced and referred to in the context of relevant reactions.
Prerequisites: CH 204, CH 204L
Corequisite: CH 323L

CH 323L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1)

Separation and purification techniques such as distillation, recrystallization, and liquid-liquid extraction are introduced. Having performed several functional inter-conversion reactions, students are competent enough to carry out multistep syntheses by the end of the semester. Materials intensive fee applies.
Corequisite: CH 323

CH 324 Organic Chemistry II (4)

Spectroscopic methods such as IR, NMR, MS, and UV/VIS are introduced to solve structural identifications of the different classes of compounds studies in the first semester. The chemistry of carbonyl compounds is investigated in detail and principles of multi-step syntheses are introduced. Biologically relevant molecules such as saccharides, amino acids, peptides, and nucleic acids are studies with the strong implication that structural features and principal chemical behaviors of these molecules are related to their biological functions.
Prerequisites: CH 323, CH 323L
Corequisite: CH 324L

CH 324L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (1)

Students are trained to carry out more complex reactions using sensitive reagents. Most of the semester is used to learn to determine partial and full structures of organic compounds utilizing qualitative chemical and spectroscopic analyses. Hands- on training with the actual instruments and with computerized simulations is offered. Students are also introduced to micro- scale reaction techniques and apparatus. Materials intensive fee applies.
Prerequisite: CH 323, CH 323L
Corequisite: CH 324

CH 334 Analytical Chemistry (3)

A one-semester course in analytical chemistry where separation techniques and quantitative identifications of chemical entities are discussed. The quantitative techniques include gravimetric, volumetric, and spectrophotometric analyses. Sampling techniques and the statistical treatment of data are also discussed.
Prerequisites: CH 204, CH 323 
Corequisite: CH 334L

CH 334L Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1)

One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany CH 334. Materials intensive fee applies.
Corequisite: CH 334

CH 360 Biochemistry I (3)

This is the first part of a year-long course where the vast knowledge of biochemistry is filtered through a rational perspective guided by general chemical and biological principles. Following a survey and review of common classes of biologically significant metabolites such as peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, as well as equally important smaller molecules, the emphasis is shifted to biological thermodynamics and enzyme mechanisms. During the latter part of the course the broad spectrum of principles studies is utilized to cover individual metabolic pathways in detail. Prerequisites: CH 324, CH 324L
Corequisite: CH 360L required

CH 360L Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)

Students gain experience in the isolation, purification, identification, and quantification of biologically important molecules. Spectroscopic, chromatographic, as well as chemical modification techniques are used in identifying peptides and proteins. Enzyme kinetic studies are carried out for quantification purposes. Materials intensive fee applies.
Prerequisites: CH 324, CH324L
Corequisite: CH 360

CH 362 Biochemistry II (3)

This is the second part of the year-long biochemistry course, which starts with photosynthesis giving students a chance to review topics discussed during the previous semester such as oxidative phosphorylation and carbohydrate metabolisms. Continuing with individual metabolic pathways, lipids and amino acids are explored. The second half of the semester is mostly dedicated to nucleic acids, starting with nucleotide metabolism followed by a detailed study of information flow involving DNA and RNA. The course will conclude with a discussion of some contemporary techniques used in recombinant DNA technology.
Prerequisite: CH 360, CH 360L

CH 362L Biochemistry II Laboratory (1)

Contemporary experiments and simulations involving DNA and other nucleic acid metabolites. Materials intensive fee applies.
Prerequisite: CH 360, CH 360L
Corequisites: CH 362

CH 403 Inorganic Chemistry (3)

Inorganic systems including bonding theories, structure, acid-base phenomena, and coordination compounds. Prerequisite: CH 324

CH 420 Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (3)

A one semester course covering thermodynamics, chemical equilibria and kinetics, quantum theory and applications to chemical bonding and spectroscopy.
Prerequisites: MA 211, CH 324, CH 360, PHY 252

CH 422 Physical Chemistry I (3)

Thermodynamics, chemic equilibria, solutions and electrochemistry.
Prerequisites: MA 211, CH 324, CH 360, PHY 252

CH 423 Physical Chemistry II (3)

Second semester Physical Chemistry for Chemistry majors. Kinetics, quantum theory and applications to chemical bonding and spectroscopy.
Prerequisites: MA 211, CH 324, CH 360, CH 422, PHY 252
Corequisites: CH 423, CH 423L

CH 423L Physical Chemistry II Laboratory (1)

Accompanying laboratory section to CH 423.
Prerequisites: MA 211, CH 324, CH 360, CH 422, and PHY 252
Corequisites: CH 423, CH 423L

CH 430L Instrumental Analysis (1)

This is a lab course during which students are expected to get hands-on experience with modern instrumentation, including but not limited to UV/VIS, FT IR, LC-MS, GC-MS, Following a discussion on the basic principles of each instruments, students will perform specific experiments and gather data from each instrument. This is a 1 credit laboratory course corresponding to 6 contact hours per week of the semester. Materials intensive fee applies.
Prerequisites: CH 324, CH 324L, CH 334, CH 334L

CH 440 Natural Product Chemistry (3)

The vast number of naturally occurring substances will be classified in terms of the biosynthetic-biogenetic pathways of their productions. Polyketides, terpenes, alkaloids, as well as compounds with other and mixed biogenetic origins will be studies using mechanistic predictions introduced at the beginning of the course rather than a traditional descriptive approach. Secondary metabolites that are not emphasized in biochemistry courses will be highlighted with a view to understand their ecological significance, particularly in the field of chemical communication. Some interesting novel molecules isolated from marine organisms will be discussed.
Prerequisite: CH 362, CH 362L
Corequisite: CH 440L

CH 440L Natural Product Chemistry Laboratory (1)

The emphasis in this lab course will be on isolation and identification methods. Students will be introduced to various chromatographic techniques, from manual to automated, which they will apply to separation of particular natural products out of a crude mixture. Experiments using different methods such as normal/reversed phase, size exclusion, will enable students to select the best route for any specific purpose. During the second half of the course each student will be assigned to a mini-project. Where students will be expected to learn how to use advanced instruments, such LC-MS, and evaluate the data for structure determination purposes. Materials intensive fee applies.
Prerequisite: CH 362, CH 362L
Corequisite: CH 440

CH 447 Pharmacology (3)

Therapeutic actions of drugs at the cellular, tissue and organism level are discussed in areas of cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular, and endocrine related diseases. Preclinical and clinical results of each drug or drug class are discussed with respect to therapeutic effectiveness. Included in the discussion are pharmacokinetics and toxicology. The course will be reading and writing intensive involving scientific literature research. The student will demonstrate an understanding of small and large molecule drug discovery and their therapeutics.
Prerequisite: BI 308, BI 308L, CH 360, CH 360L

CH 480 Special Topics in Chemistry (1 to 3)

Advanced and specialized chemistry topics.
Prerequisites: CH 324, CH 324L

CH 490 Chemistry Seminar (2)

Special topics in organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, or biochemistry. Reading and discussion of current topics as well as expertise in modern library searching and retrieval methods to obtain information. One oral presentation by each participant required. This is a 2 credit laboratory course corresponding to 2 contact hours per week of the semester. Prerequisites: CH 360, CH 360L

CH 495 Research (3)

Research project (approximately 10 hours per week) performed in Chaminade or other research laboratory under supervision of a practicing research scientist. Materials intensive fee applies.
Prerequisites: CH 360, CH 360L