CHEM Courses
GE Designates a course that fulfills all or part of a Core Curriculum requirement; see the Core Curriculum Program section of the catalog for more information.
CHEM 1011 Chemistry in our World (2 sh) GE
Fundamental concepts in chemistry are presented, with specific emphasis given to environmental issues, including the chemistries of air, water, climate, and energy sources, among other topics. Designed for non-physical science majors. Does not fulfill chemistry requirements for biology majors or the prerequisites for medical schools. Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.
CHEM 1021 Survey of Organic Chemistry (2 sh) GE
A survey of the major functional classes of organic compounds including structure, nomenclature, properties, and reactions. Includes an introduction to the classes of natural products.
Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Student must have completed one year of high school general chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 1011 or one year of high school general chemistry
CHEM 1031 Survey of Biochemistry (2 sh)
A survey of chemistry of cellular compounds. Introduction to the different classes of biochemicals. Introduction to bioenergetics and enzymology and to the major pathways of cellular chemical events. Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1021.
CHEM 1150 General Chemistry I (4 sh) GE
A presentation of the basic laws of chemistry with emphasis on stoichiometry, atomic and electronic structure, bonding, and the states of matter (gas, liquid, solid, and solution). Properties and reactions of some elements and simple compounds are used to exemplify the principles. Chemistry I and II form a year’s sequential study of the principles of chemistry with applications describing elements and compounds and their reactions. This sequence meets the needs of students majoring in the physical and biological sciences. Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MATH placement above 1010 or co-requisite MATH 1010.
CHEM 1160 General Chemistry II (4 sh)
Continuation of Chemistry I with emphasis on the energy changes associated with transformations of matter, kinetics of reactions, and the equilibrium considerations associated with reactions. General reactions of metals and non-metals and their compounds are also considered (includes an introduction to coordination compounds). Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1150.
CHEM 2110 Topics in Chemistry (2-4 sh)
Concentrated study of topics and areas of special interest to students and faculty. Prerequisite: General Chemistry II (CHEM 1160) or instructor approval.
CHEM 2160 Inorganic Chemistry (4 sh)
Concepts in structure and bonding, periodic properties, molecular symmetry and its relationship to spectroscopy, coordination chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of selected elements. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1160.
CHEM 2310 Organic Chemistry I (4 sh)
The chemistry of carbon compounds. Properties, synthesis, and reactions of saturated, unsaturated, and aromatic hydro- carbons, with emphasis on modern theoretical, mechanistic interpretations. Introduction to oxygen containing compounds. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in CHEM 1160.
CHEM 2320 Organic Chemistry II (4 sh)
Continuation of organic Chemistry I, emphasizing carbonyl and nitrogen containing compounds. Determination of molecular structure via IR, UV, NMR, and mass spectral methods. Introduction to the structure and properties of natural products and biomolecules. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2310.
CHEM 2340 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (2 sh)
Study of the interaction between drugs and their molecular targets, structure-activity relationships, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics. Students will learn about the general principles of drug discovery, design, and development. Special topics in modern medicinal chemistry will be covered through case studies and student presentations. A section on societal and ethical implications of the current prescription drug system is also included. Prerequisite: CHEM 2320.
CHEM 2350 Principles of Pharmacology (2 sh)
This course is designed to develop an understanding of the theoretical concepts surrounding basic pharmacology concepts, such as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. This course will survey general information concerning central and peripheral nervous system, sedatives/analgesics/anesthetics, cardiopulmonary, vascular, endocrine, cancer, and antimicrobial/ antiviral drug groups. With each group of drugs surveyed, their chemical structures will be analyzed, their mode of cellular and molecular action will be presented, and what medical conditions they can be used to treat will be discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 1031 and CHEM 1160; or CHEM 2320
CHEM 2410 Analytical Chemistry (4 sh)
A study of equilibrium with special emphasis on acid-base, oxidation-reduction, and heterogeneous ionic equilibria.
The laboratory is aimed primarily at developing quantitative laboratory skill. Three hours lecture and six hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1160.
CHEM 2510 Introductory Environmental Chemistry (4 sh) GE
A survey of the chemistry of the earth’s environment, including atmospheric chemistry, pollution and the greenhouse effect, renewable energy, hazardous and nuclear waste, and water pollution. The ethical and moral responsibilities of humans to the environment are also discussed. Four hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1160. Co-requisite: CHEM 1021 or CHEM 2310.
CHEM 3010 Chemistry Ethics, Skills & Professional Practices (2 sh) GE
A seminar designed to help students acquire: 1) essential chemistry information technology skills, including use of electronic databases and mastery of chemistry-related software; 2) an understanding of how chemistry research is funded, conducted, and published; and 3) an appreciation of the ethics, responsibilities, and expectations of professional chemists in a global society. Prerequisite: CHEM 2310.
CHEM 3250 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (4 sh) GE
Kinetic theory of gases and the elements of thermodynamics applied to physical and chemical systems, including solutions and reactions. Fundamentals of reactions kinetics, including the study of catalysis, reaction mechanisms, and transition state theory applied to unimolecular and bimolecular reactions. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1160 and MATH 1520.
CHEM 3260 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (4 sh) GE
A study of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics applied to atoms and molecules. Applications to spectroscopy, including the study of lasers. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 1160 and MATH 1520.
CHEM 3330 Biochemistry (4 sh) GE
A study of the chemistry of biological compounds. Structure and properties of all classes of biomolecules. Interaction of biomolecules via catabolic generation of phosphate bond energy, and the utilization of this energy in biosynthesis. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2320.
CHEM 3340 Advanced Biochemistry (4 sh)
Advanced topics in biochemistry, including lipid metabolism, photosynthesis, vitamins, nitrogen metabolism, protein synthesis, DNA and RNA metabolism, and chemistry of the storage, transmission and expression of genetic information. Modern biochemical problems will be explored through case studies, primary literature, and student presentations. The course emphasizes metabolic integration and nutrition. Prerequisite: CHEM 3330
CHEM 3410 Instrumental Analysis (4 sh)
Explore the theory and application of modern, widely used chemical instrumentation for the identification and classification of chemical samples. This course covers the fundamental physical and chemical principles behind the operation of analytical equipment, as well as thorough analysis of data and results. Students will gain marketable, hands-on experience which will provide the foundation to succeed in the workforce or in seeking an advanced degree. Lab is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 2320.
CHEM 3910 Topics in Chemistry (2-4 sh)
A study of selected topics in chemistry. Format may be an in-depth study of a selected area of chemistry or coursework off campus through Associated Colleges of Chicago Area (ACCA) chemistry cooperative courses. Laboratory work may be included, depending on topic. Student must be advanced standing in the department or have consent of instructor.
CHEM 4000 Departmental Honors in Chemistry (4 sh)
Honors study in chemistry. Students will complete a special project consisting of either 4 sh advanced research extending a previous CHEM 4930 project or 4 sh of an unique departmental service project that promotes chemistry to the North Park campus or local community. Requires submission of a formal, oral report at the annual North Park Undergraduate Research Symposium and/or a local or national chemistry conference. Prerequisite: A 3.50 grade point average and departmental approval. Prerequisite: CHEM 2320, 2410.
CHEM 4020 Chemistry Seminar Series (0 sh)
A series of seminars by chemical professionals, faculty, and students participating in undergraduate research. Provides students with exposure to current research topics in chemistry. One hour biweekly seminar, repeatable. Pass/fail. Cannot be used as a major elective course. Prerequisite: CHEM 1160.
CHEM 4930 Directed Research (2-4 sh)
An introduction to chemical research. Student will work under the direction of a faculty mentor on a novel research project. Permission of the faculty mentor is required prior to enrollment in this course. Course may be repeated.
CHEM 4970 Internship in Chemistry (1-4 sh)
An on-site experience in industry. Recommended for BS Chemistry students interested in obtaining placement in the field after graduation.