Chemistry
Chemistry is an experimental science. Preparation for a career in chemistry requires extensive laboratory experience as well as classroom work. Students who plan for a career in the sciences by taking mathematics and science courses in high school find chemistry particularly rewarding. As a central science, chemistry is applicable to other scientific areas. Therefore, many students choose a chemistry major as preparation for interdisciplinary careers such as environmental science, medicine, forensic chemistry, and toxicology. Graduate study is a frequent choice of chemistry graduates.
Department of Chemistry Faculty Listing
Academic Programs
Chemistry - BA Chemistry - BS Chemistry Minor Pre-Pharmacy CertificateCourses
A beginning chemistry course for students who need an introduction to chemistry before enrolling in Chemistry 120. Students completing this course will have three credit hours added to the minimum degree requirements.
An introduction to the major concepts of scientific thought as exemplified by the discipline of chemistry. Concepts include the scientific method of inquiry, the structure of matter, and the major natural laws with application to current issues. The course utilizes an approach of quantitative reasoning that requires a minimum of mathematical skill. A student receiving credit for graduation in this course may not also receive credit toward graduation in CHEM 112 or CHEM 120.
Entering chemistry majors are introduced to the career options that are available to the Chemistry graduate through field trips, presentations, and readings. Discussions will also include university and departmental requirements and resources as well as techniques for becoming a successful chemistry student.
An introductory laboratory course designed to accompany CHEM 100. This laboratory course is designed to provide a series of experiences with the tools and methods of chemistry corresponding to topics presented in CHEM 100. Activities include experimental design, data collection, data presentation, data reduction, and the drawing of conclusions. One three-hour meeting per week. May be taken concurrent with or after the completion of CHEM 100. Not acceptable for a science major. A student receiving credit for graduation in this course may not also receive credit toward graduation in CHEM 112L or CHEM 120L.
Biochemically oriented topics related to aspects of daily living with emphasis for humans and especially health professionals. Development of knowledge and skills for understanding bioscience information in news media and the Internet. Selected biochemical concepts with applications to humans, such as: chemical principles and biomolecules, nutrition/diets, growth and aging, disease, fermentation, drug action, medical diagnostics and forensics, genetics, and bioethics.
A survey of the principles of inorganic chemistry with strong emphasis on those fundamentals of chemistry which are essential to the understanding of organic and biological chemistry. For students who need a broad introduction to the field of inorganic chemistry. Not for science majors. A student receiving credit for graduation in this course may not receive credit toward graduation in CHEM 100 or CHEM 120.
Meets two hours per week.
A survey of the principles of organic and biological chemistry for students who need a broad introduction to these fields. Not for science majors. Two recitations per week.
Meets two hours per week.
Meets four hours per week. Includes problem session. F-S
Fundamental principles of chemistry for majors in chemistry, biology, and geology. Also for preengineering, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, and pre-medical science students. A student receiving credit for graduation in this course may not also receive credit toward graduation in Chemistry 100 or Chemistry 112.
Meets four hours per week. Includes problem session. F-S
A continuation of CHEM 120 in study of principles of chemistry. Three recitations per week. F-S
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
This course has been designed to provide physical science education majors with observational and participatory experiences in their area of specialization. Students will be placed in a school situation so that they may be introduced to the classroom environment and teaching experience. F-S
Chemistry subject matter not covered in regular course offerings, may be specifically in chemistry or interdisciplinary. The name of the selected study will be shown on the student's record. A topic may involve class, lab, or library assignments. D
A survey of organic chemisty. Adapted to needs of students of agriculture and veterinary medicine. Not for majors. Three recitations per week. F-S
Meets four hours per week. Includes problem session. F-S
Meets five hours per week. Includes problem session.
The first of a two-semester sequence of a thorough study of organic chemistry. For majors in chemistry, biology and medical science. Three recitations per week plus lab and problem session.
Meets five hours per week. Includes problem session. S
A continuation of chem 340 with emphasis on organic synthesis and applications of principles. Three recitations per week. S
Principles and practice of volumetric and gravimetric analysis. Modern methods of instrumentation are introduced. Three recitations per week.
The principles of chemistry and related sciences are applied to the study of natural systems. Major processes ocurring in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere are described. The effect of sources, sinks, impact, and control of pollutants in each of these systems is discussed.
The laboratory to accompany CHEM 352. Laboratory experiments include both wet and instrumental methods of environmental analysis. Established protocols and procedures are emphasized. Meets four hours per week. Includes problem session.
A study of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins: their digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Also includes vitamins, enzymes, biological oxidations and the chemistry of tissues and body fluids. Three recitations per week. S
Meets four hours per week. Includes problem session. S
The course is an introduction to the application of standard scientific analytical procedures in the area of forensic science. It is designed for chemistry majors, preprofessional students (premedical, prepharmacy, pre-engineering, etc.) and those planning to enter the field of forensic science.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.
Lab study of materials and techniques of glassworking. Lab glassware will be designed and constructed. D
Fundamental principles of chemistry for the nonscience student are presented and illustrated by the topics of radiation, food, drugs, pesticides, pollution, and energy. S
Meets four hours per week. Includes problem sessions. F
Elementary physical chemistry for biological science and prospective teaching students. Includes states of matter, solution, thermodynamics, kinetics, elementary quantum chemistry, and spectroscopy. Three recitations per week.
Course is designed to provide practical experience in teaching and administration in chemistry. F-S-SU
An introduction to the skills required in teaching physical and life science labs. Emphasis is on the methods of teaching, prevention of accidents, and legal aspects of laboratory instruction. Topics will include safe use, storage, and disposal of reagents; issues relating to electricity and radiation safety; and dealing safely with live animals and field trips. One recitation per week. An independent project is required for two hours of credit.
Typical inorganic and organic compounds are prepared and characterized. A wide variety of preparative techniques will be discussed and utilized. One recitation and six hours of lab per week. D
Typical inorganic and organic compounds are prepared and characterized. A wide variety of preparative techniques will be discussed and utilized. One recitation and six hours of lab per week. D
A rigorous treatment of states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Three recitations per week.
Meets four hours per week. Includes problem session. S
Meets four hours per week. Includes problem session. S
A rigorous treatment of states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Three recitations per week.
A study of atomic and molecular structure, kinetics and quantum chemistry. Three recitations per week.
Integrated laboratory combining inorganic synthesis with physical chemistry techniques to study inorganic compounds.
Integrated laboratory combining inorganic synthesis with physical chemistry techniques to study inorganic compounds.
A study of atomic and molecular structure, kinetics and quantum chemistry. Three recitations per week.
Advanced mathmatical treatment is made of the three laws of thermodynamics with applications to chemical systems.
Advanced mathmatical treatment is made of the three laws of thermodynamics with applications to chemical systems.
This is a graduate level course about the determination of the structure of organic molecules using modern spectroscopic techniques. This course will cover: NMR, IR, MS, UV-Vis, and X-ray diffraction. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate their mastery of the course material by successfully solving advanced spectroscopic unknowns.
Laboratory practice of systematic organic analysis. Major stress on qualitative organic analysis. Meets six hours per week.
Laboratory practice of systematic organic analysis. Major stress on qualitative organic analysis. Meets six hours per week.
This course focuses upon the determination of the structure of organic molecules using modern spectroscopic techniques. This course will cover: NMR, IR, MS, UV-Vis, and X-ray diffraction. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate their mastery of the course material by successfully solving advanced spectroscopic unknowns.
Theories of chemical structure and mechanisms of organic reactions are studied. Three recitations per week.
Theories of chemical structure and mechanisms of organic reactions are studied. Three recitaions per week.
Fundamentals and practice of chemical analysis by means of electrical instrumentation. Techniques covered include spectroscopy, electroanalytical methods and chemical seperations. Three recitations per week.
Fundamentals and practice of chemical analysis by means of electrical instrumentation. Techniques covered include spectroscopy, electroanalytical methods and chemical seperations. Three recitations per week.
An integrated laboratory course combining instrumental methods of analysis with experimental physical chemistry principles.
An integrated laboratory course combining instrumental methods of analysis with experimental physical chemistry principles.
A study of the chemical and physical properties of biologically important molecules. Topics will include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and enzymes. Three recitations per week.
A study of the chemical and physical properties of biologically important molecules. Topics will include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and enzymes. Three recitations per week.
Meets five hours per week. Includes problem session. F
Meets five hours per week. Includes problem session. F
A study of the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between metabolism, the utilization of energy, and the biosynthesis of molecules. Three recitations per week.
A study of the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between metabolism, the utilization of energy, and the biosynthesis of molecules. Three recitations per week.
Meets five hours per week. Includes problem session. S
Meets five hours per week. Includes problem session. S
A study of the theory and compounds of inorganic chemistry. Emphasis will be given to the structures, bonding, spectroscopy, and reactions of transition metal coordination complexes.
A study of the theory and compounds of inorganic chemistry. Emphasis will be given to the structures, bonding, spectroscopy, and reactions of transition metal coordination complexes.
Newer ideas of chemistry of special interest to teachers will be presented. Lab experience may be provided. SU
Newer ideas of chemistry of special interest to teachers will be presented. Lab experience may be provided. SU
Selected materials from chemical literature. Special emphasis on written reports. F-s-su
Selected materials from chemical literature. Special emphasis on written reports. F-s-su
An individual investigation chosen by the student and carried out under supervision. Includes both library and lab work.
An individual investigation chosen by the student and carried out under supervision. Includes both library and lab work.
Graduate level students participate in presenting and discussing recent developments selected from the chemical literature.
Upperclass majors participate in presenting and discussing recent developments selected from the chemical literature.
Special studies of current interest outside the regular courses are presented. The topics may be specifically in chemistry or interdisciplinary. The name of a specific topic will be shown on the student's record. A topic may involve class, lab, and library assignments.
Special studies of current interest outside the regular courses are presented. The topics may be specifically in chemistry or interdisciplinary. The name of a specific topic will be shown on the student's record. A topic may involve class, lab, and library assignments.
An introduction to graduate studies in chemistry and chemistry education. Topics include survey of recent developments in the chemistry profession and the roles and scopes of various chemistry Master's degree progams. This course also cultivates critical skills for succeeding in the chemistry profession including understanding of scientific ethics and the science-technologysociety (STS) relationship, scientific writing, literature searching, preparation and delivery of written reports and oral presentations, and assessment and compliance of safety in the laboratory.
Introduction to advanced research methods in chemistry. Candidates receive extensive training in advanced laboratory techniques and instrumentation in the candidate's research area(s). Other topics may include major advances in the principle sub-fields within chemistry (Excluding chemistry education), introduction to research conducted by the faculty of the chemistry department in these sub-fields, strategies to remain current in research literature, the use of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Style Guide in scientific reporting, and writing of major grant proposals.
This course examines the major developments and trends in the field of chemistry education, focusing on how chemistry can be taught more effectively in the classroom and laboratory as described in the research literature. Chemistry Education Research (CER) is introduced as a specific area of Discipline-based Education Research (DBER) that aims to address contemporary challenges in the broader field of science education. Students are guided to explore and complete a literature review on the contributions of CER toward a specific topic related to chemistry teaching, and to identify how this research contributes to: (1) advancing K-16 chemistry education within the new Framework for Science Education, and (2) meeting national teaching expectations. Based on this analysis students design, practice and reflect on teaching chemistry in a classroom setting. This course is designed to increase awareness among graduate students of current issues and research in chemistry education including procedures for appropriate involvement of human subjects, encourage transfer of research findings into classroom practice, and provide graduate students an opportunity to engage in professional activities by critiquing and discussing own and colleagues’ work.
Selected topics within analytical, inorganic, physical, organic, or biochemistry subdisciplines. D
Research under staff supervision on projects selected by students and staff. F-S-SU
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
785-628-FHSU (3478)