Chemistry is the central science and an important component of a liberal arts education. The program emphasizes a molecular view of matter and reactions, a view that combines the intrigue of theories and the power of practical applications. Our own bodies, the clothes we wear, the medicines we take, the food we eat, and the fuel we pump into our vehicles – all are various combinations of incredibly tiny particles called molecules, which are themselves composed of atoms. The knowledge of substances and chemical reactions is essential to the practice of the other physical and health sciences. Our program teaches the fundamentals of general chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry with a consideration of the other sciences and applications to societal issues and everyday life. In addition, our students develop critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skills, both desirable attributes for graduates.

Chemistry is an experimental science, and laboratory work is a key component to many of the courses in our program. Students are trained to propose hypotheses, test them both qualitatively and quantitatively, and draw conclusions from experimental data. In addition to learning classical laboratory techniques, our students also obtain hands-on experience in operating a variety of modern chemical instruments that are used by professionals in the field.

The chemistry program prepares students for a variety of post-graduate pathways. Graduates with a chemistry degree have entered careers in chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. For students wishing to further their education, the program also prepares them for acceptance into graduate programs in chemistry, as well as professional programs such as medical school, pharmacy school, and law school.

Major Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a major in chemistry will be able to:

1. Integrate and apply concepts from the five traditional subdisciplines of chemistry to solve problems and critically evaluate information;
2. Design and carry out scientific experiments to explore a chemical question;
3. Interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions from these results;
4. Effectively communicate scientific ideas and the results of scientific inquiry orally, through figures, and in writing;
5. Properly use chemical instrumentation to conduct chemical inquiries in composition, structure, and reactivity.

Major in Chemistry

A minimum of 37 semester hours in chemistry is required, plus 16 hours in other disciplines, including:
CHM 101: General Chemistry I
CHM 102: General Chemistry II
CHM 251: Organic Chemistry I
CHM 252: Organic Chemistry II
CHM 338: Analytical Chemistry
CHM 365: Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 372: Communication in Chemistry
CHM 401: Physical Chemistry I
CHM 452: Biochemistry
CHM 472: Integrated Chemistry Lab I
CHM 473: Integrated Chemistry Lab II

In addition:
MAT 175: Calculus I
MAT 176: Calculus II
PHS 201: General Physics I
PHS 202: General Physics II

All 200-level and higher chemistry courses that are not part of the major may be counted as electives, excluding CHM 220. PHS 321 (Quantum Theory) will also be accepted as a chemistry elective. Internship credits do not count toward the 37 chemistry semester hours required in the major.

Major in Science Broadfield Education Chemistry

This major serves those who desire to teach the several sciences necessary in American schools. A minimum of 18 semester hours in chemistry is required, plus 43 hours in other disciplines. In addition, students must complete the professional education program for secondary teaching as described in the “Education” section of the catalog.

The following courses are required:
Chemistry: A minimum of 18 semester hours in chemistry courses is required, including:
CHM 101: General Chemistry I
CHM 102: General Chemistry II

Choose one of the following:
CHM 220: Fundamental Organic Chemistry
CHM 251: Organic Chemistry I

Choose two of the following:
CHM 252: Organic Chemistry II
CHM 338: Analytical Chemistry
CHM 365: Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 401: Physical Chemistry I

Mathematics:
MAT 175: Calculus I
MAT 176: Calculus II
MAT 210: Probability and Statistics

Biology:
BIO 120: Principles of Biology
BIO 203: Genetics
BIO 306: Evolution

Physics:
PHS 201: General Physics I
PHS 202: General Physics II
PHS 225: Modern Physics

Geology:
GEO 101: Fundamentals of Geology
GEO 104: Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory

Environmental Science:
ESC 105: Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities
ESC 106: Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory

Also required:
IDS 422: Methods and Materials: Teaching Natural Science in the Secondary School

Minor Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a minor in chemistry will be able to:

1. Apply concepts from two or more traditional subdisciplines of chemistry to solve problems and critically evaluate information;
2. Interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions from these results.

Minor in Chemistry

A minimum of 22 semester hours in chemistry is required, including:
CHM 101: General Chemistry I
CHM 102: General Chemistry II
CHM 251: Organic Chemistry I

Choose electives to bring the credit total in CHM courses to at least 22:
All electives must be 200-level and higher chemistry courses, excluding CHM 220. A minimum of one elective course must have a laboratory component. Internship credits do not count toward the 22 chemistry semester hours required in the minor. A minimum of 6 upper-division hours is required to complete a minor.

CHM 100 – Chemistry of Everyday Life

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

An introductory course for students interested in learning about the major role that chemistry plays in our modern society and in our daily lives. Emphasis will be on how chemical principles relate to topics such as diet and nutrition, food additives, pharmaceutical compounds, household chemicals, natural and synthetic fibers, pesticides, batteries, and alternative energy sources. This course is a lab science elective for non-science majors but does not count as credit toward a chemistry major or minor. A previous background in science or college-level mathematics is not required for enrollment. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

CHM 101 – General Chemistry I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course introduces students to the science of chemistry. The concepts of atoms, molecules, bonding, and energy successfully explain the properties of matter and how reactions happen. Goals of this course include introducing students to representative materials and reactions, to important models and theories of the science, and to the symbols and language of chemists. The laboratory will involve observations of elements, compounds and their reactions (including synthesis), and quantitative measurements of properties or amounts of matter. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory session, and one hour of recitation per week.

Prerequisite: MAT 100 with a grade of C- or higher, or placement into higher mathematics course

CHM 102 – General Chemistry II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

This course builds upon the principles introduced in CHM 101 to introduce topics of thermodynamics, solution-phase chemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The laboratory experiments for this course will emphasize quantitative data collection and analysis. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory session, and one hour of recitation per week.

Prerequisite: CHM 101 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 210 – Materials Science

Semester: Spring; Even years
Semester hours: 3

Materials science is a growing field at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering. In this course, students will explore how the atomic and microscale structures of solids affect the properties of those materials that we can observe on a macroscale. These properties will be explored for familiar classes of solids, with an emphasis on metals and alloys, ceramics, and polymers. No prior coursework in chemistry or physics required. This course counts as a non-laboratory science course for the core curriculum.

Prerequisite: MAT100

CHM 220 – Fundamental Organic Chemistry

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is a one-semester introduction to carbon-containing compounds, including their structure, bonding, properties, and reactivity. The different functional groups are introduced, including the key reactions and mechanisms of these groups. This course is designed to serve as a prerequisite for biochemistry. Four lecture hours per week. This course will not count as an elective toward the chemistry major or minor.

Prerequisite: CHM 102 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 251 – Organic Chemistry I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is an introduction to the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, concentrating on the structures, properties, and reactions of some of the important families of organic compounds. Considerable emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry. The laboratory experiments introduce techniques for the isolation and preparation of compounds. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: CHM 102 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 252 – Organic Chemistry II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

This course, a continuation of CHM 251, concentrates on the chemistry of additional important families of organic compounds, emphasizing reaction mechanisms, synthesis, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy. The laboratory experiments include the synthesis and analysis of compounds with biological and industrial importance and qualitative analysis. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: CHM 251 with a grade of C- or higher. CHM 220 will not be accepted as a prerequisite for this course.

CHM 260 – History of Chemistry: Chemical Connections

Semester: Offered at discretion of department; Even years
Semester hours: 3

Considering history as a web of related events, rather than as a series of unrelated timelines, allows interesting connections between seemingly unrelated historical events. This course looks at how seemingly unrelated events in history are connected to various chemical discoveries and also how these chemical discoveries led to unforeseen future results. Although chemistry will be the recurring thread throughout the connections made in the course, the discussions of chemical concepts and discoveries will be at a level easily understandable by students with just a basic background in chemistry and science. This course is a non-laboratory science elective for non-science majors and does not count toward a chemistry major or minor.

CHM 299 – Directed Reading

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-3

This course allows a student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.

CHM 316 – Geochemistry

Semester: Spring; Even years
Semester hours: 4

Scientific literature and other resources will be used to illustrate the current ideas about the mechanisms that control water quality and chemistry in aqueous systems. Lecture topics will include hydrogeology, acid-base and reduction-oxidation reactions in natural systems, the geochemistry of metals, stable isotope geochemistry, and case studies of contaminated sites in Montana and throughout the West. Laboratory exercises will include basic sample collection, measurement of major ion concentration, and geochemical modeling with several field exercises. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. This course is cross-listed with ESC 316 and GEO 316.

Prerequisite: CHM 101; GEO 101 is recommended.

CHM 338 – Analytical Chemistry

Semester: Fall; Even years
Semester hours: 4

This course examines the techniques and concepts used for quantitative analysis in chemistry. Expanding upon the concepts learned in the general chemistry sequence, this course focuses on four key topics for chemical analysis: the reliability of measured values, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, and instrumental analysis. Laboratory experiments will include a variety of classical and instrumental techniques, and students will gain experience with data analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: CHM 102 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 365 – Inorganic Chemistry

Semester: Fall; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

Inorganic chemistry is one of the four main branches of chemistry, covering a broad range of topics related to the structure and reactivity of non-hydrocarbon compounds. Inorganic chemistry is applicable in a variety of fields including industrial processes, biological systems, and the alternative energy sector. In this course, we will explore the relationship between molecular geometry and electronic properties of transition metal compounds, with a focus on bonding and reactivity. Other topics that may be addressed include photochemistry and properties of solid-state materials.

Prerequisite: CHM 252 with a grade of C- or higher or permission of the instructor

CHM 372 – Communication in Chemistry

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 1

The ability to communicate concepts and the results of scientific inquiry are essential skills for a chemist. In this course, students will learn how to read and analyze journal articles and develop skills in scientific communication. Students will learn how to write an abstract and will give short oral presentations on articles they have read. Students will also learn how to use citation software and search the literature for relevant references.

Prerequisite: CHM 252 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 401 – Physical Chemistry I

Semester: Spring; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

Students will explore the properties of matter (gases, solids, liquids, solutions, and mixtures) using classical thermodynamics enriched with themolecular insight from chemistry. State functions such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy will be explored and used for predicting the spontaneous direction of physical transformations and chemical reactions. Students will also explore a complementary view of chemistry from kinetics. The use of rate laws to discern the mechanism of reactions will be explained, as well as the importance of catalysis to life and industry.

Prerequisite: PHS 201 with a grade of C- or higher; CHM 338 with a grade of C- or higher or permission of instructor

CHM 402 – Physical Chemistry II

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 4

The experimental behavior of tiny, nanoscopic objects like electrons and atoms are best explained by quantum theory developed in the early 20th century. This course will give the historical overview and an introduction to applying quantum theory to simple systems like a particle confined in a box. The use of wave functions, operators, and Schrödinger’s equation will be explained. Students will explore systems like electrons in conjugated bonds, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, multi-electron atoms, and molecules. Since spectroscopy probes the quantized energy levels in chemical species, the basics of modern molecular spectroscopy will also be discussed and will be the focus of laboratory experiments. There will also be exercises in computational modeling of molecules. Three lectures per week and one three-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite: CHM 401 with a grade of C- or higher; previous or concurrent enrollment in PHS 202 is advised.

CHM 432 – Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Sciences

Semester: Spring; Even years
Semester hours: 3

Understanding how drugs cause biochemical and physiological effects stems from an analysis of the structure of drugs and the interactions that occur at their target sites. Chemical properties such as ionization, solubility, partition coefficients, and diffusion coefficients provide a basis for understanding how drugs get from the point of administration to their targets. The chemistry of drug distribution, metabolism, elimination, and the mechanism of action of specific classes of drugs will be discussed, along with toxicology (the potential adverse effects of drugs), drug discovery, and the FDA approval process.

Prerequisite: CHM 220 or CHM 252 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 450 – Internship

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-12

This course is a guided work experience in an already established place of business. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with a chemistry advisor and the Office of Career Services. The internship should relate to the student’s major or minor area of study. Contract is required. Pass/no pass grading.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing

CHM 452 – Biochemistry

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 5

Biochemistry focuses on the study of the molecules and chemical reactions of life, bringing together principles learned in biology and chemistry. After an introduction to the chemistry and structure of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, discussions of enzyme structure and kinetics set the stage for a detailed exploration of metabolism and its regulation. The laboratory component of this course involves a several projects that focus on proteins including kinetics, isolation, purification, and characterization. These projects incorporate different types of instrumentation, including low pressure chromatography, electrophoresis, UV-visible spectroscopy, and ultrafiltration. Three lecture hours plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Significant time working independently in the laboratory is required.

Prerequisite: CHM 102, and either CHM 220 or both CHM 251 and CHM 252. In addition: BIO 312 (preferred) or BIO 350 or permission of the instructor. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. Junior or senior standing is required.

CHM 460 – Biochemistry II

Semester: Offered at discretion of department; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

An introduction to the chemistry and structure of nucleotides and nucleic acids is followed by a detailed study of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis, and the regulation of these processes. Bioethics, an important and interesting topic, is covered as an extension to the scientific content. This course covers topics in more depth and with a different emphasis than genetics.

Prerequisite: CHM 220 or CHM 252 with a grade of C- or higher and junior or senior status required. BIO 120 and BIO/CHM 452 recommended.

CHM 472 – Integrated Chemistry Lab I

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2

This lab course serves as a companion to the upper-division courses required for the chemistry major. During the course of the semester, students will carry out experiments that tie together concepts from four traditional branches of chemistry (inorganic, physical, organic, and analytical), with potential applications to other fields of study. Students will complete two instructor-guided experimental modules, as well as design and carry out a set of experiments to research a problem of their choice.

Prerequisite: CHM 252 with a grade of C- or higher; CHM 372

CHM 473 – Integrated Chemistry Lab II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2

This lab course serves as a companion to the upper-division courses required for the chemistry major. During the course of the semester, students will carry out experiments that tie together concepts from four traditional branches of chemistry (inorganic, physical, organic, and analytical), with potential applications to other fields of study. Students will complete two instructor-guided experimental modules, as well as design and carry out a set of experiments to research a problem of their choice.

Prerequisite: CHM 472

CHM 490 – Seminar

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 1-3

This course is a discussion of a specialized area in chemistry. The subject matter and requirements of the course will vary semester to semester and by instructor. Students should see the instructor of that semester’s seminar for information about the course description and the prerequisites. Students may take this course up to three times for credit; a maximum of three credit hours can count toward the major or minor.

CHM 499 – Directed Reading

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-3

This course allows a student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing

BIO 120 – Principles of Biology

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 4

An introductory survey course that covers cell structure and metabolism, patterns of inheritance, molecular genetics, evolutionary mechanisms, and diversity. The weekly laboratory sessions teach basic laboratory skills, experimental design, application of statistics, and communication of results via laboratory reports. This course is appropriate for both major and non-majors. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period per week.

BIO 203 – Genetics

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

The course provides a detailed overview of the mechanisms of heredity. Topics include Mendelian, quantitative, and molecular genetics. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 120

BIO 306 – Evolution

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3

A broad but detailed discussion of the genetic, ontogenetic, and morphologic changes inherent in populations. Topics include population genetics, molecular evolution, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, speciation, phylogenetics, and coevolution. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 120

ESC 105 – Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3

An introductory course designed for students entering the environmental sciences and studies program and for other students who would like to take an ecology course. Topics address the central concepts of ecology including the physical environment in which life exists. Students will explore the properties and processes of populations and communities, ecosystem dynamics, biogeography and biodiversity, as well as issues in conservation and restoration ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. This course may fulfill a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with ESC 106.

ESC 106 – Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1

In the laboratory, students will apply environmental science concepts to ecological studies in the natural environment and learn how to present their results in a scientific report. One two-hour laboratory session per week.

Corequisite: ESC 105

GEO 101 – Fundamentals of Geology

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3

This course provides an introduction to the science of earth materials, earth systems, and earth history, including the study of minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, rock deformation and metamorphism, weathering, and erosion within the modern paradigm of plate tectonics. Special emphasis is placed on interpreting the geologic landscape and history of the Rocky Mountains through an understanding of Earth processes. Three hours of lecture and one recommended two-hour laboratory per week, plus field trips. This course fulfills a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with GEO 104.

GEO 104 – Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1

Focus on description of the earth materials and earth systems within the framework of plate tectonic theory. Introduction to identification of minerals, rocks, geologic maps, and structures.

Corequisite: GEO 101 or GEO 218

IDS 422 – Methods And Materials: Teaching Natural Science In The Secondary School

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2

This course emphasizes the teaching of biology or chemistry at the secondary 5-12 level. Methods of teaching these subjects, including incorporation of active hands-on experiences, reviewing texts for content appropriate to various grade levels, and the use of technology in the classroom, constitute major parts of the course. Particular attention will be paid to thinking, reading, listening, writing, and speaking instruction. Teaching diverse and at-risk student populations will also be discussed. This course is the capstone course for the biology or chemistry education major.

Corequisite: EDC 320

MAT 175 – Calculus I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is a study of the functions of one real variable and includes a brief review of circular functions. The ideas of limit, continuity, and differentiation are explained and applied to physical problems. Topics include the use of approximations and problem solving. The use of graphing calculators is required.

Prerequisite: satisfactory score on a placement exam or MAT 110

MAT 176 – Calculus II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

Continuing the study of the functions of one real variable, the idea of integration is applied to physical problems. This course is an introduction to sequences and series. The use of graphing calculators is required.

Prerequisite: MAT 175

MAT 210 – Probability and Statistics

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 3

This course provides a non-calculus-based study of discrete probability theory and its statistical applications. Distribution theory and its applications in hypothesis testing and setting confidence intervals are discussed.

Prerequisite: MAT 100 or satisfactory score on a placement exam

PHS 201 – General Physics I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is a calculus-based introduction to the laws and phenomena of classical physics, including force and motion, energy and momentum, their conservation laws, and their oscillations. This sequence is required for chemistry majors and engineering students and is recommended for mathematics, biology, and geology students. Three lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Corequisite: MAT 175

PHS 202 – General Physics II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

This course is a calculus-based introduction to the laws and phenomena of classical physics, including mechanics, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism. This sequence is required for chemistry majors and engineering students and is recommended for mathematics, biology, and geology students. Three lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: PHS 201
Corequisite: MAT 176

PHS 225 – Modern Physics

Semester: Fall; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

This course covers selected concepts from early 20th century physics. Topics covered include special relativity, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and the wave nature of particles.

Prerequisite: PHS 202 or permission from the instructor

• John Barbaro, Professor
• Cristi H. Hunnes, Professor
• Ivy Fortmeyer, Associate Professor
• Chip Lowery, Instructor