College of Science

Chemistry

Test tubeswww.chem.vt.edu/

L. T. Taylor, Chair
University Distinguished Professor: D.G.Kingston
Ethyl Corporation Professor: J. E. McGrath
Harvey W. Peters Professor: Neal Castagnoli, Jr.
Adhesive and Sealant Council Professor: T. C. Ward
Professors: J. G. Dillard; H. C. Dorn; W. Ducker; R. D. Gandour; H. W. Gibson; B. E. Hanson; T. Long; H. Marand; J. E. Merola; J. S. Riffle; J. M. Tanko; L. T. Taylor
Associate Professors: M. R. Anderson; K. J. Brewer; P. Carlier; P. A. Deck; F. Etzkorn; G. L. Long; B. M. Tissue; J. W. Viers; G. Yee
Assistant Professors: T. D. Crawford; A.R. Esker; J.R. Morris
Instructors: P. G. Amateis; T. E. Bell; M. Bump; B. Bunn; J. E. Eddleton; C. Slebodnick; K. Trivedi
Career Advisor: P.A. Deck (231-3493)


Overview

  • Two undergraduate programs are administered by the department. One leads to the B.S.; the other leads to the B.A. The B.S. curriculum provides the theoretical and practical instruction in chemistry and allied fields necessary for a pursuit of graduate study in chemistry or for a career as a professional chemist in the chemical industry. The B.A. is designed to allow for more elective courses than the B.S. A student who wishes to pursue a double major will find the B.A. an attractive option. It also is well suited for students interested in professional school, high school teaching, or business. In both programs, degree options are available in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, environmental chemistry, and adhesive and sealant science. Students pursuing one of these options will replace senior-level electives shown in the programs below with courses specific to the option. Undergraduate research and the Cooperative Education Program are strongly supported by the department. The department is accredited by the American Chemical Society through its committee on Professional training.

Graduate Program

  • The department offers graduate degree programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. in many areas of chemistry. (See the Graduate Catalog for further information.)

Bachelor of Science

First Year
First Semester
CHEM 1035: General Chemistry (3)
CHEM 1045: General Chemistry Lab (1)
ENGL 1105: Freshman English (3)
MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra (2)
MATH 1205: Calculus (3)
Electives1 (3)
Credits
(15)
Second Semester
CHEM 1036: General Chemistry (3)
CHEM 1046: General Chemistry Lab (1)
ENGL 1106: Freshman English (3)
MATH 1206: Calculus (3)
MATH 1224: Vector Geometry (2)
Electives1 (3)
Credits
(15)
Second Year
First Semester
CHEM 2114: Analytical Chemistry (4)
CHEM 2565: Principles of Organic Chemistry (3)
MATH 2214: Int. to Differential Equations (3)
PHYS 2305: Foundations of Physics (4)
Electives1 (3)
Credits (17)
Second Semester
CHEM 2566: Principles of Organic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 2555: Organic Synthesis & Techniques Lab (2)
MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus (3)
PHYS 2306: Foundations of Physics (4)
Computer Science or Statistics elective (3)
Credits
(15)
Third Year
First Semester
CHEM 3615: Physical Chemistry (3)
CHEM 2556: Organic Synthesis & Techniques Lab (2)
CHEM 4014: Survey of Chemical Literature (1)
CHEM 4424: Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3)
Electives1 (6)
Credits
(15)
Second Semester
CHEM 3616: Physical Chemistry (3)
CHEM 3625: Physical Chemistry Lab (1)
CHEM 4404: Physical Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 4414: Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (2)
Electives1 (6)
Credits
(15)
Fourth Year
First Semester
CHEM 4114: Instrumental Analysis (4)
CHEM 3626: Physical Chemistry Lab (1)
BCHM 3114 or 4115: Biochemistry (3)
Electives1 (10)
Credits
(15)
Second Semester
Electives1 (14)
Credits
(14)
1 Electives must include 3 hours of upper-level chemistry courses, as well as college and university core requirements.

Bachelor of Arts

First Year
CHEM 1035-1036: General Chemistry (3)
CHEM 1045-1046: General Chemistry Lab (1)
ENGL 1105,1106: Freshman English (3)
MATH 1015,1016: Elementary Calculus I (3)
Electives1 (6)
Credits (each semester)
(16)
Second Year
First Semester
CHEM 2565: Principles of Organic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 2545: Organic Chemistry Lab (1)
MATH 2015: Elementary Calculus II (3)
PHYS 2205: General Physics (3)
PHYS 2215: Physics Lab (1)
Electives1 (3)
Credits
(14)
Second Semester
CHEM 2566: Principles of Organic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 2546: Organic Chemistry Lab (1)
MATH 2016: Elementary Calculus II (3)
PHYS 2206: General Physics (3)
PHYS 2216: Physics Lab (1)
Electives1 (3)
Credits
(14)
Third Year
First Semester
CHEM 3114: Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3)
CHEM 3124: Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences Lab (1)
CHEM 4615: Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3)
CHEM 4014: Survey Chemical Literature (1)
CHEM 4424: Descriptive Inorganic
Chemistry2 (3)
Computer Science or Statistics elective (3)
Credits (14)
Second Semester
CHEM 4616: Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3)
CHEM 3625: Physical Chemistry Lab (1)
Electives1 (12)
Credits (16)
Fourth Year
Electives1 (30)
1 College and university core requirements must be met. Also, electives must include six hours of chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering at the 3000, or higher, level.
2 Chem 4404 may be substituted.

Minor in Chemistry

A.
CHEM 1035 & 1045: General Chemistry + Lab (4)
CHEM 1036 & 1046: General Chemistry + Lab,
or CHEM 2114 & 2124: Analytical Chemistry + Lab
(4)
B. Plus at least 10 credits from the list below
1. 2535: Organic Chemistry
or 2514: Survey of Organic Chemistry
(3)
2. 2536: Organic Chemistry (3)
3. 2545, 2546: Organic Chemistry Lab (1-2)
4. 4404: Physical Inorganic Chemistry (3)
5. 4424: Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3)
6. 2114: Analytical Chemistry
or 3114: Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences*
(3)
7. 2124: Analytical Chemistry Lab
or 3124: Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences Lab*
(1)
8. 3615: Physical Chemistry
or 4615: Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences
(3)
9. 3616: Physical Chemistry
or 4616: Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences
(3)
10. 3625, 3626: Physical Chemistry Lab (1-2)
C. An additional 3 credits from all chemistry courses 3100 and higher, except 4014 and 4024.
*Items 6 and 7 are not available to students taking 2114 and 2124 to fulfill requirement A.

Satisfactory Progress

  • University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the University Core (see "Academics" chapter in this catalog), toward the Arts and Sciences College Core (see first part of this chapter), and toward the degree in chemistry.
  • Satisfactory progress toward the degree in chemistry requires that:

B.S. in Chemistry

1) Upon having attempted 72 semester credits (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, credit by examination, freshman rule), students must have completed:
CHEM 1035: General Chemistry 3
CHEM 1045: General Chemistry Lab 1
CHEM 1064: Chemical Computation 1
CHEM 2565, 2566: Principles of Organic Chemistry 6
CHEM 2555, 2556: Org. Syn. & Tech Lab 4
CHEM 2114: Analytical Chemistry 4
CHEM 3615: Physical Chemistry 3
MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra 2
MATH 1224: Vector Geometry 2
MATH 1205, 1206: Calculus 6
MATH 2214: Differential Equations 3
MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus 3
PHYS 2305, 2306: Foundations of Phys. 8
Total Credits
(46)

B.A. in Chemistry

CHEM 1035, 1036: General Chemistry 6
CHEM 1045, 1046: General Chemistry Lab 2
CHEM 2565, 2566:Principles of Organic Chemistry 6
CHEM 2545, 2546: Organic Chemistry Lab 2
CHEM 3114: Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences 3
CHEM 3124: Analytical Chem Lab for Life Sciences 1
MATH 1015, 1016: Elem. Calc I w/ Trig. 6
MATH 2015, 2016: Elem. Calc. II w/ Trig 6
PHYS 2205, 2206: General Physics 6
PHYS 2215, 2216: Physics Lab 2
Total Credits
(40)
2) Upon having attempted 96 semester credits, students must have an in-major grade point average of 2.0 or above.

Undergraduate Courses (CHEM)

1015-1016: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
For students enrolled in curricula other than science or engineering. Chemical principles applied to material, environmental, and life sciences. (Duplicates 1035-1036.) (3H,3C) 1015: I,II; 1016: II,III.

1025-1026: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Accompanies 1015-1016, where lab work is required in a student's curriculum. Must be taken concurrently and in phase with lecture sequence, 1015-1016. In both semesters, experiments illustrate principles covered in lecture. (Duplicates 1045-1046.) Co: 1015 for 1025; 1016 for 1026. (3L,1C) 1025: I,II; 1026: II,III.

1035-1036-1036H: GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Principles of the science, character of the elements and their more important compounds, solution of chemical problems, and important applications. (Duplicates 1015-1016.) (3H,3C) 1035: I,II,III; 1036H: II,III,IV.

1035H,1036,1036H: GENERAL CHEMISTRY
More in-depth treatment of the principles of the science, character of the elements and their more important compounds, solution of chemical problems, and important applications. (Duplicates 1015-1016) (3H,3C) 1035H: I,II.; 1036H: II,III,IV.

1045-1046: GENERAL CHEMISTRY LAB
Accompanies 1035-1036. Selected experiments illustrate principles taught in lecture. (Duplicates 1025-1026). Co: 1035 for 1045; 1036 for 1046. (3L,1C) 1045: I,II,III; 1046: II,III,IV.

1055-1056: GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS
In depth treatment of chemical bonding, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, reaction kinetics, descriptive chemistry of the elements, acid-base chemistry, chemistry of gases, liquids and solids, and other topics. This class is restricted to chemistry majors. Co: 1065 for 1055; 1066 for 1056. (4H,4C)

1064: CHEMICAL COMPUTATION
An introduction to the concepts and methods for the computation, manipulation and graphical presentation of chemical relations. Pre: 1035. Co: 1036. (3L,1C) II.

1065-1066: GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS LAB
Accompanies 1055-1056. Selected experiments illustrate principles taught in lecture. This class is restricted to chemistry majors. Co: 1055 for 1065; 1056 for 1066. (3L,1C)

1074: GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS
A one-semester survey course for students majoring in engineering. Designed to serve as the only college chemistry course for most engineering students. Five major areas are discussed: Chemical Fundamentals, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Thermodynamics, and Chemical Equilibrium, the Properties of Matter, and Applied Chemistry. Teaching emphasis on problem solving. Partially duplicates 1035 and 1036. (3H,3C)

1074H: CHEM FOR ENGINEERS
More in-depth treatment of a one-semester survey course for students majoring in engineering. Designed to serve as the only college chemistry course for most engineering students. Five major areas are discussed: Chemical Fundamentals, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Thermodynamics, and Chemical Equilibrium, the Properties of Matter, and Applied Chemistry. Teaching emphasis on problem solving. Partially duplicates 1035 and 1036; cannot substitute for either 1035 or 1036. (3H,3C) I,II..

1084: GENERAL CHEMISTRY LAB FOR ENGINEERS
A one-semester survey course for students majoring in engineering. Major topics are: Understanding the Basis of Authority in Chemistry, Scientific Measurements and Units, Drawing Conclusions from Experimental Results, Report Writing, and Problem Solving. Partially duplicates 1045 and 1046. Co: 1074. (2L,1C)

2114: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
A first course in analytical chemistry. Topics covered include volumetric and gravimetric analysis, and elementary spectroscopy. Pre: 1036, 1046. Co: 2124. (3H,3C) II.

2124: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICE
Practical introduction to wet methods of quantitative chemical analysis based on fundamental chemical principles. CHEM 2124 may be substituted for CHEM 3124. Pre: 1036, 1046. Co: 2114. (3L,1C) II..

2514: SURVEY OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Short course in fundamentals of organic chemistry with emphasis on nomenclature, isomerism, and properties of organic compounds. Compounds of importance to biology and biochemistry stressed. (Prior credit for 2535 precludes credit for this course.) One year of Chemistry required. (3H,3C) I,II,III.

2535-2536: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Structure, stereochemistry, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. Pre: One year of chemistry, including lab. (3H,3C) 2535: I,II,III; 2536: II,III,IV.

2545-2546: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
The laboratory accompanies lectures in organic chemistry 2535 and 2536. Co: 2535 for 2545; 2536 for 2546. (3L,1C) 2545: I,II,III; 2546: II,III,IV.

2555-2556: ORGANIC SYNTHESIS AND TECHNIQUES LAB
Synthesis and characterization of organic compounds using modern laboratory techniques. Pre: 2535 for 2555; 2555, 2536 for 2556. (6L,2C) 2555: II; 2556: I.

2565-2566-2566H: PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Organic chemistry for chemistry majors. Structure and reactions of organic compounds, with emphasis on fundamental principles, theories, synthesis, and reaction mechanisms. The subject matter partially duplicates that of 2535-2536; no credit will be given for the duplicated courses. Pre: 1036, 1046. (3H,3C) 2565: I,II; 2566H: I,II..

2565H-2566-2566H: PRINCIPLES ORG CHEM
More in-depth treatment of organic chemistry for chemistry majors. Structure and reactions of organic compounds, with emphasis on fundamental principles, theories, synthesis, and reaction mechanisms. The subject matter partially duplicates that of 2535-2536; no credit will be given for the duplicated courses. (3H,3C) I,II..

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3114: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR LIFE SCIENCES
Introduction to methods of quantitative analysis for students in life sciences curricula. Topics include classical wet methods of gravimetry and titrimetry (acid-base, redox, and complexametric), and instrumental methods of electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and chromatography. Also included are sampling theory and statistical treatment of data. Partially duplicates 2114. Pre: 1036, 1046. (3H,3C) I,II,III.

3124: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY FOR LIFE SCIENCES
Accompanies 3114. Laboratory stresses use of wet methods and instrumental techniques for quantitative chemical analysis. CHEM 3124 may be substituted for CHEM 2124. Pre: 1036, 1046. Co: 3114. (3L,1C) I,II,III.

3615-3616: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics applied to chemical equilibria, reactivity, and structure. Partly duplicates 4615, cannot receive credit for both 3615 and 4615. Pre: 1036, (PHYS 2306 or PHYS 2176). (3H,3C) I,II,III.

3625-3626: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Laboratory study of selected physico-chemical principles and methods. Data acquisition, data analysis, and report writing are stressed. Pre: 3615 or 4615 for 3625; 3616 or 4616 for 3626. (3L,1C) 3625: I,II; 3626: I.

4014: SURVEY OF CHEMICAL LITERATURE
Use of the chemical literature as an aid to professional activities. Pre: Junior Major Standing. (1H,1C) I,II.

4024: CAREER PLANNING FOR THE CHEMICAL PROFESSIONS
Career options in industry, government or academia will be presented, along with the elements essential to obtaining and retaining a target professional position. Exposure to skills in communication, finances, and group interrelationships, as well as an understanding of the duties, responsibilities and development pathways associated with the various positions will be emphasized. Evaluation will be by a term paper on a subject of the student's choice with instructor's approval of area and scope. Credits may not be used to fulfill graduation requirements. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1L,1C) I.

4074 (MSE 4544): LABORATORY IN POLYMER SCIENCE
Experimental techniques used in the synthesis of various linear polymers, copolymers, and crosslinked networks. Determination of polymer molecular weights and molecular weight distribution. Methods used in the thermal, mechanical, and morphological characterization of polymeric systems. Graduate students in chemistry, P/F only. Pre: 3616, 4534. (1H,3L,2C) I.

4114: INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
Principles of instrumental methods including data analysis, phase equilibrium, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. Applications of modern instrumentation to chemical analyses using chromatography, electrophoresis, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, potentiometry, and voltammetry. Note: Graduate students will not be expected to take the corequisite lab 4124. Pre: 3616. Co: 4124. (3H,3C)

4124: INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS LABORATORY
Hands-on experience with modern instrumental methods of analysis. Experiments use spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and separations. Pre: . Co: 4114. (3L,1C)

4404: PHYSICAL INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
A study of spectroscopic, bonding, and structural properties of inorganic compounds. Co: 3616. (3H,3C) I.

4414: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB
Synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds using modern laboratory techniques. Pre: 3615. Co: 3616, 4424. (6L,2C) II.

4424: DESCRIPTIVE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Application of fundamental principles in a systematic study of bonding and reactivity of the elements and their compounds. Pre: 1035, 1036, 1045, 1046. (3H,3C) II.

4524: IDENTIFICATION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Structure determination of organic compounds by spectroscopic methods, with an emphasis on mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Course will emphasize problem-solving skills. Pre: (2536 or 2566), (3616 or 4616). (3H,3C) I.

4534: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY OF POLYMERS
Structure, synthesis, and basic characteristics of the major classes of polymerization reactions including step-growth (condensation) and chain growth (addition), free radical, and ionic mechanisms. Pre: 2536. (3H,3C) I.

4554: DRUG CHEMISTRY
Structure, synthesis, and physiological effects of major classes of pharmaceutical agents including CNS depressants and stimulants, analgesics, anesthetics, cardiovascular agents, chemotherapeutic drugs, and oral contraceptives. Pre: 2536. (3H,3C) II.

4615-4616: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES
Principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and chemical bonding for students in the life sciences. 4615: Laws and applications of thermodynamics. 4616: Chemical kinetics and chemical bonding including spectroscopy. Partly duplicates 3615, cannot receive credit for 3615 and 4615. Pre: One year of chemistry, physics, and calculus. I,II. (3H,3C)

4634 (MSE 4534): POLYMER AND SURFACE CHEMISTRY
Physical chemical fundamentals of polymers and surfaces including adhesives and sealants. Pre: 3615 or 4615. (3H,3C) II.

4654: ADHESIVE AND SEALANT SCIENCE
Introduction to the fundamental and practical aspects of adhesives and sealants. Emphasis on synthesis of polymeric adhesive and sealant molecules, determination of physical properties of adhesives and sealants, chemical and physical characteristics of adherend surfaces, and mechanical behavior and durability of bonded systems - including metals, composites, polymers, and wood. Pre: (3615 or 4615). (3H,3C) I.

4734 (CSES 4734) (ENSC 4734): ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL CHEMISTRY
Chemistry of inorganic and organic soil components with emphasis on environmental significance of soil solution-solid phase equilibria, sorption phenomena, ion exchange processes, reaction kinetics, redox reactions, and acidity and salinity processes. Pre: CSES 3114, CSES 3124, CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535, CHEM 3114, MATH 2015. (3H,3C) I.

4754 (CSES 4754) (ENSC 4754): INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSES FOR AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Theory and principles of common analytical instruments and their applications to agriculture and environmental science research. Topics include atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy, spectrophotometric methods (UV, visible, luminescence, and automation), chromatography, ion-selective electrodes, and microwave digestion. Infrared spectroscopy, atomic ratio and molecular mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance will also be included. Provide hands-on experience with modern analytical instruments. Prerequisites or graduate standing required. (3H, 3L, 4C).

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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