(See also Joint Major in Chemistry and Biology)

Professors Van Ryswyk (Chair), Baker, Cave, Clements (2010-11), Daub, Haushalter, Johnson, Karukstis, Kubota (emeritus), Maloney, Myhre (emeritus), Van Hecke, and Vosburg.

The central program in chemistry provides instruction that prepares graduates for careers and advanced study in chemistry and related fields. Following the core courses in chemistry, the chemistry program consists of a set of intermediate lecture and laboratory courses that provide necessary breadth. The advanced courses and experimental research or project work in the senior year provide opportunities for in-depth study of selected areas.

A second program, administrated jointly by the departments of chemistry and biology, is the Joint Major in Chemistry and Biology. This joint major provides an opportunity for students interested in study at the interface between chemistry and biology. Students wishing to study such interdisciplinary areas as biochemistry, molecular biology, biological chemistry and chemical biology will find this program well tailored to their postgraduate plans. Details on this program are listed in the “Interdisciplinary Programs” section of the catalogue.

The chemistry faculty believe that research or project work on a significant chemical problem is an exceptionally valuable educational experience; all majors must participate in such a project. The department is particularly well equipped with the instrumentation necessary for this research work and has a strong record of research productivity.

Students completing the chemistry major have an exceedingly strong and broad background for immediate employment, professional school (business, law or medicine), or graduate work in chemistry or a wide range of allied fields. Our alumni work not only in chemistry, but in materials science, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, genetics, oceanography, teaching, publishing and viticulture. All chemistry graduates are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Students completing the Joint Major in Chemistry and Biology graduate with a clear view of the science in both disciplines. Such a degree will prepare the graduate for advanced study in molecular biology, biological chemistry, biochemistry or chemical biology. This degree is not an ACS certified chemistry major; students wishing to obtain ACS certification can do so by taking Chem 104.

CHEMISTRY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

A chemistry major must satisfactorily complete the following courses: Chemistry 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 103, 104, 105, 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, four to six hours of Chemistry 151-152, Chemistry 182 and four semesters of Chemistry 199.

The requirement for one semester of Chemistry 199 can be waived for students studying abroad in their junior or senior years.

Students can, in consultation with their advisor, build upon the chemistry degree by taking additional courses tailored to their interests. Sample programs supporting a broad array of career paths are listed:

Applied Chemistry or Graduate Study in Chemical Engineering: Chemistry 166, Engineering 82 (Chemical and Thermal Processes), Engineering 131 (Fluid Mechanics) or 132 (Heat Transfer), Engineering 136 (Mass Transfer and Separation Processes) and Engineering 133 (Chemical Reaction Engineering). Engineering 112-113 (Clinic) may be substituted for Chemistry 151-152.

Biological Chemistry: Chemistry 184, Biology 54 (Biology Laboratory), Biology 111 (Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory), Biology 113 (Molecular Biology), one biology elective or two courses selected from Chemistry 168B, Chemistry 189, JS Chemistry 172 (NMR Spectroscopy), JS Chemistry 118 (Bioinorganic Chemistry), JS Chemistry 119 (Natural Products Chemistry), JS Chemistry 134 (Introduction to Molecular Modeling), PO Chemistry 174 (Bio-Organic), PO Chemistry 175 (Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry with Computational Lab), or PO Chemistry 180 (Advanced Biochemistry).

Chemical Education: CGU Education 170G (Introduction to Public School Teaching) and Chemistry 197-198 as a 3-unit teaching internship under the supervision of a local K-12 teacher involving a minimum of 3 hours per week of classroom contact.

Chemical Physics: One additional physics course beyond the core, plus 6 credit hours of study selected from Chemistry 161 or Physics 117 (Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics), Chemistry 168, Physics 111 (Theoretical Mechanics), Physics 116 (Quantum Mechanics), Physics 151 (Electromagnetic Fields), Mathematics 115 (Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems), Mathematics 136 (Complex Variables and Integral Transforms), or other advanced courses in chemistry, physical chemistry or mathematics.

Computational Chemistry: Three courses selected from Chemistry 161 or Physics 117 (Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics), JS Chemistry 134 (Introduction to Molecular Modeling), Computer Science 60 (Principles of Computer Science), Mathematics 164 (Scientific Computing), Mathematics 167 (Complexity Theory), Physics 111 (Theoretical Mechanics), Physics 116 (Quantum Mechanics), or another advanced course in computer science, physics or chemistry.

Environmental Chemistry: JS Chemistry 139 (Environmental Chemistry), Engineering 138 (Introduction to Environmental Engineering), and two courses in environmental policy.

Graduate Study in Chemistry: Chemistry 161, a half-course emphasizing synthetic chemistry (Chemistry 165, 171 or 173), and a technical elective.

Geochemistry: PO Geology 20 (Introduction to Geology), PO Geology 120 (Introduction to Geochemistry), and PO Geo 127 (Mineralogy with Laboratory).

Materials Chemistry: Engineering 106 (Materials Engineering), Chemistry 193A, and Physics 162 (Solid State Physics).

Medical School: There is no specific premedical track at HMC. However, an excellent premedical preparation can be obtained at HMC. In fact, the College’s emphasis on the humanities and the social sciences is an asset for premedical studies. A premedical program can be arranged through any of the majors, if supplemented by appropriate biology and chemistry course work. Students should consult with the premedical advisor, Professor Karl Haushalter, for more information.

Students are encouraged to discuss professional options and opportunities with members of the chemistry department.

CHEMISTRY COURSES (Credit hours follow course title)

19. General Chemistry Intensive (0.5)
Johnson. Companion course to Chemistry 23 emphasizing chemistry fundamentals and problem-solving in a group setting. (Fall, first and second half semester)

23D. Dynamics (1.5)
Karukstis. Kinetics, equilibria, acid/base chemistry and electrochemistry. (Spring)

23E. Energetics (1.5)
Clements, Van Hecke. Phase behavior, equations of state, intermolecular forces, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. (Fall)

23S. Structure (1.5)
Maloney. Molecular and electronic structure, intermolecular forces, condensed phases, organic structure and properties and biopolymers. (Fall)

24. Chemistry Laboratory (1)
Staff. Applications of thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, structure/property relationships, synthesis, spectroscopy and chemistry in the service of society. (Fall and Spring)

51. Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (3)
Karukstis. Phase equilibria, thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: Chemistry 21-22 and 25-26. (Fall)

52. Physical Chemistry: Group Theory, Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (3)
Van Hecke. Introduction to quantum mechanics with application to atoms and molecules. Group theory. Survey of spectroscopic techniques. Prerequisites: Chemistry 21-22 and 25-26. (Spring)

53. Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2)
Clements, Karukstis, Van Hecke. Physical chemical measurements of molecular properties. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51 or taken concurrently. (Fall)

56. Carbon Compounds (3)
Maloney. A systematic study of the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, emphasizing synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and the relation of structure to observable physical and chemical properties. Prerequisites: Chemistry 21-22 and 25-26. (Spring)

58. Carbon Compounds Laboratory (1)
Daub, Johnson, Maloney, Vosburg. Laboratory taken concurrently with Chemistry 56. Prerequisite: one year of college chemistry. (Spring)

103. Chemical Analysis (3)
Van Ryswyk. Applications of chemical equilibria in qualitative and quantitative analysis with emphasis on inorganic systems. Introduction to electrochemistry. Prerequisites: Chemistry 21-22 and 25-26. Chemistry 109 should be taken concurrently. (Fall)

104. Inorganic Chemistry (3)
Johnson. Systematic study of the preparation, properties, structures, analysis and reactions of inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51, 52, 56 and 105, or equivalents or instructor approval. (Spring)

105. Organic Chemistry (3)
Vosburg. A continuation of the chemistry of carbon compounds. Prerequisite: Chemistry 56. Chemistry 111 should be taken concurrently. (Fall)

109. Chemical Analysis Laboratory (1)
Van Ryswyk. Chemical analysis. Prerequisites: Chemistry 103 or taken concurrently. (Fall)

110. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
Johnson. Synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: Chemistry 104 or taken concurrently. (Spring)

111. Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
Vosburg, Daub, Maloney. Synthesis, characterization and analysis of organic compounds. Prerequisites: Chemistry 58, Chemistry 105 or taken concurrently. (Fall)

112. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1)
Van Ryswyk. Instrumental methods of analysis. Prerequisites: Chemistry 114, or taken concurrently. (Spring)

114. Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3)
Van Ryswyk. Special topics in analytical chemistry including instrumental analysis, electrochemistry, and chemometrics. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51 and 103. (Spring)

151-152. Research Problems (2-3)
Staff. Two oral reports and a written thesis are required. 2 or 3 credit hours per semester. 
(2 credit hours equals a minimum of 6 hours of laboratory per week, 3 credit hours equals a minimum of 10 hours of laboratory per week: additional library time is required.) Topics in chemical literature will be covered in the first three weeks of the fall semester. (Fall and Spring)

161. Advanced Physical Chemistry (2)
Staff. Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics. Equilibrium thermodynamics with applications to chemistry. Prerequisites: Chemistry 51 or equivalent. (Offered alternate years)

165. Organometallic Chemistry (2)
Johnson. Study of the metal carbon bond: synthesis, structure, bonding, reactivity and 
catalysis. Prerequisite: Chemistry 105 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). (Fall)

166. Industrial Chemistry (2)
Van Hecke. Elements of chemical engineering for chemists. Organization and goals of industrial research. Readings, case studies and seminar discussions. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (Offered alternate years)

168A. Advanced Physical Chemistry (2)
Van Hecke. Lasers in chemistry. Introduction to the principles of the operation of lasers. Prerequisite: Chemistry 52 or equivalent. (Offered alternate years)

168B. Advanced Physical Chemistry (2)
Karukstis. Biophysical chemistry. Physical chemistry applied to answer questions involving the conformation, shape, structure, dynamics and interactions of biological macromolecules and complexes. Prerequisite: Chemistry 51 or equivalent. (Offered alternate years)

168D. Advanced Physical Chemistry (2)
Cave. Electronic structure theory. (Offered alternate years)

171. Advanced Organic Chemistry (2)
Vosburg. Organic synthesis. Prerequisite: one year of organic chemistry. (Offered alternate years)

173. Advanced Organic Chemistry (2)
Daub. Pericyclic reactions. Prerequisite: one year of organic chemistry. (Offered alternate years)

182. Chemistry in Living Systems (3)
Haushalter, Vosburg. Relation of molecular structure and energy flow to reactions in living systems. Prerequisite: Chemistry 105. (Spring)

184. Methods in Biochemistry (1)
Haushalter, Vosburg. Experiments in biochemistry. Prerequisite: Chemistry 182 or concurrently. (Spring)

187. HIV-AIDS: Science, Society and Service (3)
Haushalter. Integrative experience course that studies the molecular biology of HIV infection, the biochemistry of antiviral interventions, and the causes and impact of the global HIV-AIDS pandemic, including the interrelationships among HIV-AIDS, prejudice, race, and stigma. Students will complete a community service project in partnership with a local AIDS organization. Prerequisite: Biology 52. (Offered alternate years)

189. Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (3)
Haushalter. Advanced topics at the interface between chemistry and biology, taught in seminar format. Prerequisite: Biology 113 or instructor approval. (Fall)

193A. Special Topics (2)
Van Ryswyk. Materials science of energy conversion and storage. Prerequisite: Chemistry 52 and 104, or equivalent. (Offered alternate years)

197, 198. Chemistry (1-3)
Staff. Special readings in chemistry. Open to seniors only. 1-3 credit hours per semester. (Fall and Spring)

199. Seminar (0.5)
Staff. Discussions of contemporary research by students, faculty and visiting scientists. Attendance by majors is required. No more than 2.0 units of credit can be earned for departmental seminars/colloquia. Pass/No Credit grading. (Fall and Spring)

Available at the other Claremont Colleges:

JS 118. Bioinorganic Chemistry
JS 119. Natural Products Chemistry
JS 124. Bioanalytical Chemistry
JS 134. Introduction to Molecular Modeling
JS 136. Modern Molecular Photochemistry
JS 139. Environmental Chemistry
JS 172. NMR Spectroscopy
PO 106. Environmental Chemistry
PO 172. NMR Spectroscopy
PO 174. Bio-Organic Chemistry
PO 175. Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry with Computational Laboratory
PO 180. Advanced Biochemistry
PO 185. Soft Nanomaterials
PO 187. Proteins and Enzymes