College of Science

Chemistry

Test tubeswww.chem.vt.edu/

J. S. Merola, Chair
B. E. Hanson, Associate Chair
University Distinguished Professor: D.G.I. Kingston
University Distinguished Professor and Ethyl Corporation Chair: J. E. McGrath
Professors: K. J. Brewer; J. G. Dillard; H. C. Dorn; W. Ducker; R. D. Gandour; H. W. Gibson; B. E. Hanson; T. E. Long; H. Marand; J. S. Merola; J. S. Riffle; J. M. Tanko; S. R. Turner
Associate Professors: P. G. Amateis; P. Carlier; T. D. Crawford; P. A. Deck;
A. R. Esker; F. A. Etzkorn; G. L. Long; J. R. Morris; B. M. Tissue; G. T. Yee
Assistant Professors: D. G. S. Capelluto; L. A. Madsen; W. L. Santos; D. Troya; E. F. Valeev; S. Wi
Instructors: M. A. Berg; M. Bump; K. Castagnoli; J. E. Eddleton; V. K. Long; C. Santos;
C. Slebodnick
Career Advisor: see http://www.chem.vt.edu/undergrad/advising.html
Director of Graduate Studies: P. A. Deck
Graduate Program Assistant: A. Miller
Undergraduate Program Assistant: A. Hawthorne
Director of General Chemistry: P. G. Amateis


Overview

    The Chemistry Department offers two undergraduate programs: the B.S. in Chemistry and the B.A. in Chemistry. The B.S. curriculum provides the breadth and depth to give graduates a wide choice of career options, including further graduate studies. The Chemistry Department is approved by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training and the B.S. degree meets the guidelines for an ACS-certified degree. The B.A. program has fewer required chemistry courses, allowing students to design a chemistry program with more electives to meet a wider set of career goals. The B.A. is often chosen by students who wish to pursue a double major or to take other courses to prepare for professional school, law, or business. Either the B.S. or the B.A. degree is suitable to prepare for high school teaching. The Chemistry Department supports and encourages all chemistry majors to pursue undergraduate research sometime during their degree program.

Graduate Program

    The Department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with specializations in many areas of chemistry. (See the Graduate Catalog for further information.)

Bachelor of Science

First Year
First Semester
CHEM 1055: General Chemistry for Majors (4)
CHEM 1065: General Chemistry for Majors Lab (1)
ENGL 1105: Freshman English (3)
MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra (2)
MATH 1205: Calculus (3)
Electives1 (3)
Credits
(16)
Second Semester
CHEM 1056: General Chemistry for Majors (4)
CHEM 1066: General Chemistry for Majors Lab (1)
ENGL 1106: Freshman English (3)
MATH 1206: Calculus (3)
MATH 1224: Vector Geometry (2)
Electives1 (3)
Credits
(16)
Second Year
First Semester
CHEM 2154: Analytical Chemistry for Chemistry Majors (3)
CHEM 2164: Analytical Chemistry Lab for Chemistry Majors (1)
CHEM 2565: Principles of Organic Chemistry (3)
MATH 2214: Introduction to Differential Equations (3)
PHYS 2305: Foundations of Physics (4)
Credits
(14)
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)
CHEM 2424: Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (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)
Electives1 (9)
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 3626: Physical Chemistry Lab (1)
CHEM 4114: Instrumental Analysis (3)
CHEM 4124: Instrumental Analysis Lab (1)
BCHM 3114 or 4115: Biochemistry (3)
Electives1 (6)
Credits
(14)
Second Semester
Electives1 (14)
Credits
(14)
1 Electives must include 3 hours of upper-level chemistry courses, as well as College and Curriculum for Liberal Education requirements.

Bachelor of Arts

First Year
First Semester
CHEM 1055: General Chemistry for Majors (4)
CHEM 1065: General Chemistry for Majors Lab (1)
ENGL 1105: Freshman English (3)
MATH 1015: Elementary Calculus with Trigonometry I (3)
Electives1 (4)
Credits
(15)
Second Semester
CHEM 1056: General Chemistry (4)
CHEM 1066: General Chemistry Lab (1)
ENGL 1106: Freshman English (3)
MATH 1016: Elementary Calculus with Trigonometry I (3)
Electives1 (4)
Credits
(15)
Second Year
First Semester
CHEM 2565: Principles of Organic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 2545: Organic Chemistry Lab (1)
MATH 2015: Elementary Calculus with Trigonometry 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)
CHEM 4014: Survey Chemical Literature (1)
CHEM 2424: Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry (3)
MATH 2016: Elementary Calculus with Trigonometry II (3)
PHYS 2206: General Physics (3)
PHYS 2216: Physics Lab (1)
Credits
(15)
Third Year
First Semester
CHEM 2154: Analytical Chemistry for Chemistry Majors (3)
CHEM 2164: Analytical Chemistry for Chemistry Majors (1)
CHEM 4615: Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3)
Computer Science or Statistics elective (3)
Electives1 (3)
Credits
(13)
Second Semester
CHEM 4616: Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences (3)
CHEM 3625: Physical Chemistry Lab (1)
Electives1 (10)
Credits
(14)
Fourth Year
Electives1 (30)
1 Electives must include 6 hours of chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering at the 3000-level or higher, 3 hours of computer science or statistics, and College and Curriculum for Liberal Education requirements.

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, excluding 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 Curriculum for Liberal Education (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:

    1) Upon having attempted 72 semester credits (including transfer,advanced placement, advanced standing, credit-by-examination), students must have completed:

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 1055, 1056: General Chemistry for Majors 8
CHEM 1065, 1066: General Chemistry for Majors Lab 2
CHEM 2565, 2566: Principles of Organic Chemistry 6
CHEM 2555, 2556: Org. Syn. & Tech Lab 4
CHEM 2114: Analytical Chemistry 3
CHEM 2124: Analytical Chemistry Lab 1
CHEM 3615: Physical Chemistry 3
MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra 2
MATH 1224: Vector Geometry 2
MATH 1205, 1206: Calculus 6
MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus 3
PHYS 2305: Foundations of Physics 4
Credits
(44)

B.A. in Chemistry

CHEM 1055, 1056: General Chemistry for Majors 8
CHEM 1065, 1066: General Chemistry for Majors 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
(42)

2) Upon having attempted 96 semester credits, students must have an in-major grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

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)

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)

1035-1036: 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)

1035H,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)

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)

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, 1066 for 1056. (4H,4C)

1055H-1056H: HONORS GENERAL CHEM FOR MAJORS
Co: 1065 for 1055H; 1066, 1066 for 1056H. (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)

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)

2114: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
A first course in analytical chemistry. Topics covered include volumetric and gravimetric analysis, and elementary spectroscopy. Pre: 1036 or 1056. Co: 2124. (3H,3C)

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: (1046 or 1066), 2114. Co: 2114. (3L,1C)

2154: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS
A one-semester course in analytical chemistry emphasizing the principles of equilibrium with examples from acid-base, complexation, solubility, and redox chemistry. The course also introduces the principles of spectroscopic, electrochemical, and chromatographic instrumentation. Pre: 1036 or 1036H or 1056 or 1056H. Co: 2164. 4H,4C)

2164: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS LAB
A one-semester laboratory course in analytical chemistry that provides practical training in wet chemical methods, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and separations. Pre: 1046 or 1066. Co: 2154. (3L,1C)

2424: DESCRIPTIVE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Application of fundamental principles in a systematic study of bonding and reactivity of the elements and their compounds. Pre: 1036 or 1056. (3H,3C)

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)

2535-2536: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Structure, stereochemistry, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. Pre: 1036 or 1056 for 2535; 2535 or 2565 for 2536. (3H,3C)

2545-2546: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
The laboratory accompanies lectures in organic chemistry 2535 and 2536. Pre: 1046 or 1066 for 2545; 2545, (2536 or 2566) for 2546. Co: 2535 or 2565 for 2545; 2536 for 2546. (3L,1C)

2555-2556: ORGANIC SYNTHESIS AND TECHNIQUES LAB
Synthesis and characterization of organic compounds using modern laboratory techniques. II Pre: 2566 for 2555; 2555 for 2556. (6L,2C)

2565-2566: 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 or 1056 for 2565; 2565 for 2566. (3H,3C)

2565H-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)

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)

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)

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. I,II,III. Pre: (1036 or 1056), PHYS 2306, MATH 2224 for 3615; 3615, 1036, MATH 2214, (PHYS 2306 or PHYS 2176) for 3616. (3H,3C)

3615H-3616H: HONORS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics applied to chemical equilibria, reactivity, and structure. Partially duplicates 4615, cannot receive credit for both 3615H and 4615. 3615H requires additional work; consult the instructor. I,II,III Pre: 1036, (PHYS 2306 or PHYS 2176) for 3615H; 3615, 1036, MATH 2214, (PHYS 2306 or PHYS 2176) for 3616H. (3H,3C)

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

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

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)

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)

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. Experiements use spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and separations. Co: 4114. (3L,1C)

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

4414: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB
Synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds using modern laboratory techniques. II Pre: 4404. Co: 4424, 3616. (6L,2C)

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. I. Pre: (2536 or 2566), (3616 or 4616). (3H,3C)

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 or 2566. (3H,3C)

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. II Pre: 2536 or 2566. (3H,3C)

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. II Pre: 3615 or 4615. (3H,3C)

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 charactersistics of adherend surfaces, and mechanical behavior and durability of bonded systems – including metals, composites, polymers, and wood. I Pre: (3615 or 4615). (3H,3C)

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 ANALYSIS 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. Provides hands-on experience with modern analytical instruments. Prerequisites or graduate standing required. II Pre: (3114, 3124) or (CSES 3114, CSES 3124). (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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