Chemistry
Mission Statement:
LaGrange College's Chemistry program exists to support student learning through studies in the field of chemistry, the application of the organized discipline knowledge they gain to solving complex problems and in communicating those solutions. Additional purposes of the program are to provide support to the College and the profession of chemistry through activity in faculty governance functions, professional organizations and scholarship. The program provides majors to prepare students for employment in a chemical field or for further studies in professional or graduate school. Courses provided by the department fulfill the General Education lab science requirement, are cognates for other majors, and meet admission requirements for many professional programs.
Introduction
Chemistry is often referred to as “the central science,” because chemical concepts are used throughout the other sciences. Therefore, in addition to being a major in its own right, the study of chemistry is a part of many curricula. The Department of Chemistry focuses its introductory Chemistry course as an element in a liberal education, a service to other departments, and the beginning of a comprehensive study of chemistry. The department offers B.A. and B.S. majors as well as a minor, which can lead to a variety of future occupations. Students with a major in Chemistry have gone on to traditional pursuits such as graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry, pharmacy, medical school, and law school (patent law and corporate law), as well as becoming laboratory technicians and salespersons in the chemical and related industries.
The B.A. degrees offer a broad background in chemistry or biochemistry while allowing ample time for extensive coursework in other fields. The B.A. is appropriate for those interested in one of the medical or law-related professions, teaching, or for students desiring the broadest possible education with an emphasis in natural science. The B.S. programs are designed for those going on to graduate school in a chemically-related field (chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical physics, environmental science, or forensics) or those seeking employment as chemists after graduation. The B.S. degrees are generally more highly valued at professional schools. While the B.S. degree is more demanding of a student’s time, there is sufficient time for electives outside the sciences.
Regardless of the degree pursued in the program, majors are expected to achieve an appropriate level of competency in four major objectives during their undergraduate studies: core topics in chemistry, the language of chemistry, laboratory skills and advanced studies. Each degree has specific outcomes under each of these objectives appropriate to that degree.
Declaration of Major
Before declaring a major in chemistry or biochemistry, a student must have completed the introductory sequence (CHEM 1101, 1102) at LaGrange College with a C or better in each course or demonstrated proficiency by achieving 40th percentile of higher on the ACS Standardized Examination in General Chemistry or the ACS Standardized Examination in Organic Chemistry.
Awards
The CRC Freshman Chemistry Award is awarded annually on Honors Day to the student with the most outstanding achievement in the CHEM 1101-1102 General Chemistry sequence.
The A.M. Hicks Award for outstanding achievement in organic chemistry is awarded annually on Honors Day to the student taking organic chemistry who has attained the most outstanding record. The award is made in honor of Dr. A. M. Hicks, who was a long-time faculty member and chair of the department.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.S. in Chemistry B.A. in Chemistry Minor in ChemistryCourses
Selected topics in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry are studied during this one semester course. Topics will include chemical equations, stoichiometry, chemical nomenclature, functional groups, and classification of biological molecules with a focus on enzymes. The course is appropriate for exercise science or allied health students where no further chemical study is anticipated.
A study of the foundations of chemistry, including stoichiometry, atomic structure and periodicity, molecular structure and bonding models, and thermochemistry.
A continuation of CHEM 1101; a study of the gas, liquid, and solid phases, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, general equilibria, acid/base equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry.
A study of the theory and practice of quantitative analysis. This course will cover methods that include gravimetric, titrimetric, compleximetric and redox methods for analysis of samples. It will also include topics on sampling, standardization and statistical treatment of data and error. A special emphasis will be placed on aqueous equilibria and acid-base methods. Laboratory exercises complimentary to these topics will be included.
A study of the fundamentals of organic chemistry with respect to the bonding, structure, nomenclature, and reactivity of various classes of organic compounds, including aromatic compounds.
A continuation of CHEM 3201, including spectroscopy, synthesis, carbonyls, and biomolecules.
A study of the basic principles of physical chemistry, including the properties of gases, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, changes of state, phase rules, electrochemistry, and chemical kinetics.
The study of basic principles of physical chemistry, focusing on gas kinetics, chemical dynamics, quantum mechanics, and atomic and molecular spectroscopy.
An overview of thermodynamics, chemical dynamics, and quantum chemistry taught at the algebra level and including applications to biological systems.
An in-depth examination of atomic and molecular structure with a focus on inorganic molecules and complexes. Point Group Symmetry concepts will be introduced and applied.
A course that acquaints the student with the chemical literature as well as presentation and discussion of scientific data and information. In addition, students explore career opportunities, prepare a portfolio, and develop career plans.
CHEM4201 is an extension of the study of organic chemistry as begun in the CHEM3201-3202 series, with the addition of special topics of interest for organic chemists not covered in that series.
An introductory course in the principles of biochemistry, with emphasis on the structure and function of biomolecules, membrane structure and function, and an introduction to metabolism and bioenergetics.
A continuation of CHEM 4421, with emphasis on cellular metabolism, fundamentals of molecular genetics, and current topics in biochemistry.
A study of the basic instrumentation used for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of organic and inorganic compounds. This course examines the major instrument types used for this purpose, highlighting instrument design and operation, sampling and the interpretation of output.
A capstone course that is thematic. Emphasis is on integration of the student’s experience in chemistry and the presentation of chemical literature in seminar and written form.
A “special topic” course that may be designed to provide the student with exposure to topics and concepts not covered in the regular course offerings.
This course can vary and may be used to satisfy the research requirement for the B.S. major and provide research experience for B.A. majors.
