McMurry University Header
McMurry University - Cultivating Leadership, Excellence, and Virture...Every Student Every Day

Chemistry & Biochemisty Degrees and Courses


The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers:

Bachelor of Science (BS) Chemistry:
CHEM 1410, 1420 General Chemistry I & II
CHEM 2430 Quantitative Analysis
CHEM 3410, 3420 Organic Chemistry I & II
CHEM 3431, 3432 Physical Chemistry I & II
CHEM 3441
Biochemistry I
CHEM 4101 Literature Seminar
CHEM 4480 Inorganic Chemistry
   
any two from:  
CHEM 3350 Organic Structure Analysis

CHEM 3440

Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 3442 Biochemistry II
CHEM 4440 Instrumental Methods of Analysis
   
supporting courses:  
PHYS 1410, 1420
or PHYS 2510, 2520
General Physics I & II
or University Physics I & II
MATH 2421, 2322 Calculus I & II
MATH 3351 Statistics
   
Total hours: 62-65 (minor is NOT required)

Bachelor of Science (BS) Biochemistry:
CHEM 1410, 1420 General Chemistry I & II
CHEM 2430 Quantitative Analysis
CHEM 3410, 3420 Organic Chemistry I & II
CHEM 3441, 3442 Biochemistry I & II
CHEM 4101 Literature Seminar
   
any one from:  
CHEM 3360 Biophysical Chemistry
CHEM 3431 Physical Chemistry
   
any one from:  
CHEM 3350 Organic Structure Analysis
CHEM 3432 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 4440 Instrumental Methods of Analysis
CHEM 4480 Inorganic Chemistry
   
supporting courses:  
PHYS 1410, 1420
or PHYS 2510, 2520
General Physics I & II
or University Physics I & II
MATH 2421, 2322 Calculus I & II
BIOL 1301 Unicellular Organisms
BIOL 3460
Genetics
BIOL 4320 Molecular & Cellular Biology
BIMS 4120 Molecular & Cellular Lab
   
Total hours: 61-65 (minor is NOT required)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Chemistry:
(including for teaching fields grades 8-12)
CHEM 1410, 1420 General Chemistry I & II            
CHEM 3410, 3420 Organic Chemistry I & II
CHEM 3441
Biochemistry I
CHEM 4101 Literature Seminar
CHEM 4480 Inorganic Chemistry
   
any one from:
 
CHEM 3360
Biophysical Chemistry
CHEM 3431
Physical Chemistry I
   
any one from:
 
CHEM 2430
Quantitative Analysis
CHEM 3440
Environmental Chemistry
   
supporting courses:  
PHYS 1410, 1420
General Physics I & II
MATH 2421, 2322 Calculus I & II
   
Total hours: 47-48 (minor IS REQUIRED)

chemistry minor:
CHEM 1410, 1420 General Chemistry I & II
CHEM 2430 Quantitative Analysis
any two from:  
CHEM 3410, 3420 Organic Chemistry I & II
CHEM 3431, 3432 Physical Chemistry I & II
   
Total hours: 20

biochemistry minor:
CHEM 1410, 1420 General Chemistry I & II
CHEM 3410, 3420 Organic Chemistry I & II
CHEM 3441, 3442 Biochemistry I & II
   
Total hours: 24




Chemistry Course Descriptions:
(2011-2012 Catalog)

CHEM 1400
Chemistry in Society (3-3) No prerequisites. Designed as
a course for McMurry general education credit in Natural Science
for students who do not major or minor in science or engineering.
Students who have not had chemistry courses prior to
enrollment in the University should take this course before taking
any other chemistry course. A general introduction to concepts
that are fundamental to chemistry, such as atomic structure,
chemical bonding, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction,
and nuclear chemistry. Topics studied may vary depending
on the focus of the course (forensic chemistry, environmental
chemistry, etc.) (Spring) (TCCN CHEM 1405)


CHEM 1405
Survey of General and Organic Chemistry (3-3)
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or successful completion
of MATH 1311 or higher. A full year of high school chemistry
with laboratory or CHEM 1400 is strongly recommended.
Designed for students whose intended career is in one of the allied
health fi elds. This course, or CHEM 1410, is required for
Nursing and Life Science majors. This course does not satisfy
the requirements for other science majors or minors. Optional
for general education requirement in Natural Science. A study
of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic
structure, molecular bonding, chemical reactions and stoichiometry,
states of matter, solution chemistry (including acids, bases,
and buffers) and an introduction to the structure of organic
compounds. Topics emphasize biological chemistry. (Fall)
(TCCN CHEM 1406)


CHEM 1406
Survey of Organic and Biochemistry (3-3) Prerequisite:
CHEM 1405. A continuation of CHEM 1405. This course, or
CHEM 1420, is required for Nursing and Life Science majors.
This course does not meet the requirements for other science
majors or minors. A study of the structure and reactivity
of organic functional groups and the biochemistry of proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. (Spring)
(TCCN CHEM 1408)

CHEM 1410
General Chemistry I (3-3) Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment
in, or successful completion of, MATH 1311 or higher
required. Previous study of chemistry in high school or CHEM
1400 and concurrent enrollment in a math course higher than
MATH 1311 is strongly recommended. Designed for students
whose major or minor is in a fi eld of natural science, mathematics,
pre-professional health fi elds, or pre-engineering. Optional
for general education requirement in Natural Science. A study
of fundamental concepts, such as atomic and molecular
structure, chemical bonding, periodic properties, chemical reactions,
and intermolecular forces. Emphasis is placed on mathematical
relationships and problem solving. (Fall)
(TCCN CHEM 1411)


CHEM 1420
General Chemistry II (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 1410. A continuation
of CHEM 1410. Topics include, but are not limited to,
thermodynamics, equilibria, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry.
(Spring) (TCCN CHEM 1412)


CHEM 2430
Quantitative Analysis (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 1420. Chemistry
and Biochemistry majors are strongly encouraged to take
CHEM 2430 concurrently with CHEM 3410. The course is an
introduction to the quantitative analysis of various materials.
Emphasis is placed on sample acquisition, error analysis, and
the basic quantitative methods of titrimetry, gravimetry and visible
spectroscopy. Laboratory work includes the analysis of
materials encountered in everyday life. (Fall)
(TCCN CHEM 2401)


CHEM 3350
Organic Structure Analysis (2-4) Prerequisite: CHEM 3420.
An advanced study of techniques used in structure determination.
Topics include infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and
ultraviolet spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and optical rotation.
Laboratory work explores methods of separation and
purifi cation of organic compounds, as well as multistep synthesis
and the systematic analysis of isolated products. Selected
methods of computational chemistry are also examined.
(Fall odd years)


CHEM 3360
Physical Biochemistry (3-0) Prerequisites: CHEM 3441,
MATH 2322, and PHYS 1420 or PHYS 2520. Recommended
for students with an interest in the health sciences. This
course investigates the mathematical and physical descriptions
and governing laws of biological systems. Three general areas
include thermodynamics, kinetics and quantum mechanics.
Topics usually include biochemical and physical equilibria,
molecular transport, enzyme kinetics, molecular structure and
spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics. Mathematical
rigor and biological applications are emphasized.
(Spring odd years)


CHEM 3410
Organic Chemistry I (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 1420. Chemistry
and Biochemistry majors are strongly encouraged to take
CHEM 3410 concurrently with CHEM 2430. This course is the
fi rst semester of a two semester sequence focused on the
study of carbon compounds. It emphasizes the study of organic
molecule structures and their properties, nomenclature, stereochemistry,
isomerism, functional groups, organic chemical reactions
and mechanisms in organic molecule synthesis. Selected
experiments aid in the comprehension of the mechanism of
organic reactions and of the IR and NMR spectra of organic
molecules. (Fall)


CHEM 3420
Organic Chemistry II (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 3410. A continuation
of CHEM 3410. This course is focused on the study
of aliphatic and aromatic organic chemistry and emphasizes
conjugated and aromatic compounds, aldehydes and ketones,
carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, and macromolecules,
such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic
acids. Selected topics are incorporated into experiments in the
laboratory to aid in understanding the mechanisms of organic
reactions, followed by IR and NMR spectroscopic analysis of the
desired product. (Spring)


CHEM 3431
Physical Chemistry I (3-3) Prerequisites: CHEM 2430,
PHYS 1420 or 2520, MATH 2322, or permission of instructor
and junior standing. The course is the fi rst in a two semester
sequence which explores the theoretical principles underlying
chemical and physical transformations of matter. Emphasis is
placed on the thermodynamics of chemical systems. The laboratory
emphasizes the measurement of physical properties and
chemical changes, record keeping, data analysis, and report
writing. (Fall odd years)


CHEM 3432
Physical Chemistry II (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 3431,
MATH 3351. The course is a continuation of CHEM 3431, with
emphasis on chemical kinetics and quantum mechanics.
(Spring even years)


CHEM 3440
Environmental Chemistry (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 1420.
This course explores the chemistry of the Earth’s atmospheric,
hydrologic, and geologic systems. It includes a study of both
naturally functioning environments and degraded environments.
A variety of topics are investigated, including, but not limited
to, atmospheric chemistry, photochemical smog, ozone depletion,
greenhouse gases, aquatic chemistry, acid depostition, and
hazardous or toxic materials. The laboratory component involves
a class project in which a local natural area or urban
setting is studied. Through the project, sampling methods are
presented and a variety of air, water, or soil analyses are
conducted. (Spring even years)


CHEM 3441
Biochemistry I (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 3420. Recommended
for students with an interest in health sciences. This
course is the fi rst in a two semester sequence which explores
the molecules and chemical reactions of biological systems.
Topics include amino acids, protein structure and function,
enzyme kinetics, thermodynamics of biochemical systems, buffers,
carbohydrates, and biochemical laboratory techniques.
The laboratory teaches techniques unique to biochemistry and
that relate to the lecture material. (Fall)


CHEM 3442
Biochemistry II (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 3441. Recommended
for students with an interest in health sciences. This
course is the second in a two semester sequence which explores
the molecules and chemical reactions of biological systems.
Topics include metabolism, glycolysis and gluconeogeneses,
the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, fat metabolism,
regulation of metabolism, amino acid chemistry, and immunology.
The lab teaches techniques unique to biochemistry
and that relate to the lecture material. (Spring)


CHEM 4101
Literature Seminar (1-0) Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
This course is designed to develop written and oral communication
skills. Students select a current topic in the fi eld of
chemistry, conduct a literature search, submit a paper written in
scientifi c review format, and give an oral presentation to their
peers. Work is carried out under the guidance of a faculty
member. This is the capstone course for Chemistry and Biochemistry.
(Spring)


CHEM 4X20
Introduction to Research (variable credit) Prerequisites:
CHEM 1420 and consent of the instructor. A laboratory project
is selected by the student in consultation with a faculty member
who will direct the research. Students will submit a paper
incorporating their research work, written in the format of pub -
lished journal articles. The course may be repeated for credit
to continue the same research project or to start a new one.
(By arrangement)


CHEM 4440
Instrumental Methods of Analysis (3-3) Prerequisite:
CHEM 2430. The course is a survey of the instruments and
associated methods used in chemical analysis. The theory and
application of chromatographic, spectroscopic, and electroanalytical
methods are examined. Laboratory work provides an opportunity
to gain familiarity in the use of several instruments.
(Spring odd years)


CHEM 4480
Inorganic Chemistry (3-3) Prerequisite: CHEM 3420. A
systematic study of modern inorganic chemistry with major
emphasis on atomic and molecular structure, symmetry, chemical
bonding, crystal fi eld theory, acids and bases, and nonaqueous
solvents. The laboratory work emphasizes the microscale
synthesis of a variety of inorganic compounds and their
characterization by modern experimental methods.
(Fall even years)


CHEM 4X95

Independent Studies (variable credit) Prerequisite: permission
of instructor. A study program arranged between a student
and an instructor to provide intensive study in a particular area
of interest. The course includes a defi nition of goals appropriate
for the advanced student, methods of attaining these goals, a
schedule for frequent consultation, and a means of measuring
progress. (By arrangement)


CHEM 4X96*
Honors Tutorial (variable credit) Prerequisites: permission of
instructor. Designed for Chemistry or Biochemistry Honors
participants. This course provides opportunities for investigations
related to an approved upper level course (with concurrent
enrollment) or as a separate independent study. This
course may be repeated. (As needed)


CHEM 4X97*
Honors Research (variable credit) Prerequisite: permission of
instructor. Designed for Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors
participants. Students pursue a research topic under the direction
of a departmental faculty member, resulting in a fi nal paper
and oral presentation to an appropriate audience. (As needed)


CHEM 4X99
Special Topics (variable credit) Prerequisite: Permission of
instructor. A course of study offered occasionally to groups of
students to broaden the departmental curriculum, to meet student
demand, or to observe special events. May be repeated
for credit when topics vary. (By arrangement)


Home | Campus Calendar | Campus Map | Library | Search
Copyright © 1995-2010 McMurry University, All rights Reserved.
McMurry University - Abilene, Texas 79697 | Campus Operator 325-793-3800