Academic Catalog

Department of Chemistry

Bachelor of Science

Andrew Torelli, Associate Professor and Chairperson
 

The Department of Chemistry is housed in the Center for Natural Sciences, a 125,000-square-foot building that features lab space dedicated for student/faculty collaborative research, labs for instruction, and space for an array of modern chemical instrumentation.

Our faculty are currently investigating such research topics as battery chemistries suitable for storing solar- and wind-generated electricity, catalysts to make compostable plastics, synthesis and characterization of ionic liquids, atmospheric chemistry, protein biochemistry, materials chemistry, and the design of antibacterial and anticancer drugs. The Chemistry Department has been awarded multiple grants from the National Science Foundation, the Research Corporation, and the American Chemical Society to support our research activity with students.

Curriculum and Interdisciplinary Programs

The chemistry curriculum is approved and fully certified by the American Chemical Society and provides an exceptionally strong foundation for a wide range of career opportunities or further training at the graduate level. Our graduates have found work in such fields as medicine, dentistry, education, and the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. On average, more than 60% of our graduates in Chemistry and Biochemistry have continued immediately to Ph.D., M.D., and other professional/graduate programs nationwide and abroad. They've gone on to the nation’s best Ph.D. programs in chemistry.

Student-faculty collaborative research is an integral and central part of our chemistry curriculum. This experience of a one-on-one interaction between student and mentor, as well as being a member of a research team, distinguishes our graduates, who typically continue onto successful careers in graduate programs or in industry. We often hear comments that our students stand out from their peers in graduate schools precisely because they already possess an internal understanding of the research process, not typical among the cohort of fresh B.S. chemistry graduates. With close individual attention and unwavering support received by the students in our program, they can realize themselves to fullest potential with truly inspiring results. In addition, our students take part in presenting their own work in multiple local, regional, and national science conferences, typically with registration, airfare, and hotel accommodations funded by the department and endowed alumni funds. 

Many of our chemistry and biochemistry graduates have benefitted from direct connections to IC alumni – for high-level graduate school placement, competitive internships, and valuable employment opportunities. Because of rich substantial research experience and training that our graduates receive, they are sought after by highly competitive graduate school programs and summer research internship programs throughout their time at Ithaca College.

CHEM 10100 Chemistry and Your Body (LA)

A course designed for students who have chosen to major in areas other than science. An introduction to the basic ideas of chemistry, the nature and structure of chemical compounds, and the meaning of chemical symbols. An application of these ideas and understandings to the chemistry of the body, with specific discussion of food, drugs, cosmetics, and other health-related topics. Three hours of lecture and/or discussion per week. Not open to students who have taken CHEM 12100 or CHEM 12300. (F,Y)
Attributes: SC
3 Credits

CHEM 10200 Contemporary Chemical Issues (LA)

A description and discussion of new compounds and materials made by the chemical industry during the past 100 years that have properties superior to those of naturally occuring products. Many of these advances have significantly improved modern living; however, byproducts of some of these advances have also decreased the overall quality of life. After an introduction to the language and symbols of chemistry, topics related to contemporary problems and examples follow some compounds from research curiosities to industrial products. Three hours of lecture and/or discussion per week. Not open to students who have taken CHEM 12100 or CHEM 12300. (IRR)
3 Credits

CHEM 10400 Chemistry and Everyday Human Experience from Ancient to Contemporary Times (LA)

Explores how chemistry has addressed core human needs—for water, food, shelter, health, and fuel—while improving quality of life throughout human history. It also highlights the role of materials chemistry in art. Designed for a general audience, the course requires no prior chemistry knowledge and provides an engaging introduction to the world of chemistry and its applications. It can also serve as a useful preparatory course for students planning to take the core CHEM 12100/23200 sequence required by their major (outside of chemistry/biochemistry major). This course does not fulfill chemistry requirements for students seeking admission to postgraduate health or medical programs. (IRR,U,W)
Attributes: SC
3 Credits

CHEM 10800 Introduction to Technology (LA)

A course for non-science students, with an emphasis on the applications rather than the theories of science. This course examines those technologies, primarily nuclear technology (civilian and military) and biotechnology, that will significantly affect our lives in the years to come. Three hours of lecture and/or discussion per week. (IRR)
3 Credits

CHEM 11000 General Chemistry (LA)

General chemistry for occupational therapy majors. Topics from inorganic, organic, and biological chemistry, including the electronic structure of atoms, stoichiometry, equilibria, acids and bases, thermodynamics, kinetics, nomenclature, structure, and reactions of organic compounds and biochemicals. Required for occupational therapy majors. Prerequisites: High school chemistry. (S,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 11200 Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (LA)

Introduction to general theories and principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry. The naming and structure of organic compounds, reactivities of the various functional groups in both aliphatic and aromatic compounds, and an introduction to the organic chemistry of biologically important systems. Three hours of lecture per week, with a fourth hour scheduled for review session and exams. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12200. (S,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 11400 Chemistry Laboratory (LA)

Designed to complement the CHEM 12100-11200 sequence. Deals with organic reactions. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12200 or CHEM 12300; CHEM 11200 prior or concurrent. (S, Y)
1 Credit

CHEM 12100 Principles of Chemistry (LA)

Introduction to general theories and principles of chemistry stressing underlying correlations. Systematic study of the periodic table, with an emphasis on bonding and the quantitative relationships among the elements. Three hours of lecture per week. Intended for students who have completed high school chemistry with minimum grade of C. Students cannot receive credit for both CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12300. Co-requisite: CHEM 12200. Prerequisites: Math placement in group 3 or higher, math placement assessment score of 46 or higher. (F,S,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 12200 Principles of Chemistry Laboratory (LA)

Introduction to basic chemistry laboratory practice and techniques. The experiments reinforce the concepts covered in CHEM 12100. Prerequisites: Math placement in Group 3 or higher, math placement assessment score of 46 or higher. Co-requisite: CHEM 12100. (F,S,Y)
1 Credit

CHEM 12400 Experimental Chemistry I (LA)

Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis, organic synthesis, and modern instrumental techniques, such as ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrophotometry. One lecture and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12200, or CHEM 12300; and CHEM 22100 (may be taken concurrently). (S,Y)
2 Credits

CHEM 16000 Natural World by the Numbers (LA)

Practical application of precollege level mathematics to natural phenomena. Practice evaluating the interpretation and presentation of data. Cross-listed with BIOL 16000. Prerequisites: Passing score on math competency exam. (IRR)
3 Credits

CHEM 17100-17200 Undergraduate Instruction in Chemistry (NLA)

Qualified undergraduates are given opportunities to participate in the department's instructional program, serving as laboratory assistants and/or tutors. Prerequisites: Permission of department. Pass/fail only.
1 Credit

CHEM 19100-19200 Research in Chemistry (LA)

After consultation with the faculty of the Department of Chemistry, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of one or more faculty members. Prerequisites: Permission of department.
1-3 Credits

CHEM 20500 Chemistry and Art (LA)

Investigates, through lecture and laboratory activities, the scientific basis of such topics as paints and pigments, metalworking and sculpture, dyes and fabrics, polymeric materials, and chemical hazards in art. Introduces students to basic chemical concepts and laboratory techniques, as well as modern analytical instruments. Lectures on the material history of art establish the context for the study of these chemical and analytical concepts. Students may enroll for ARTH 20500 or CHEM 20500, but not both. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; permission of instructor. (S,O)
Attributes: CA, SC
4 Credits

CHEM 22100 Organic Chemistry I (LA)

Introduction to the structure and reactivity of carbon compounds. Topics include bonding, isomerism, stereochemistry and the reactions of alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides with emphasis on reaction mechanisms. Analytical methods to study organic molecules; particularly infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are also covered. The use of scientific and logical thought patterns is stressed in problem solving. Three hours of lecture per week. Co-requisite: CHEM 22300. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12200. (F,S,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 22200 Organic Chemistry II (LA)

Continuation of CHEM 22100. Course covers the chemistry and reactivity of carbonyl functional groups, including aldehydes, ketones, esters, and amides. Aromaticity and select topics in biological chemistry are also covered. The use of scientific and logical thought patterns is stressed in problem solving. Three hours of lecture per week. Co-Requisite: CHEM 22400. Prerequisites: CHEM 22100 and CHEM 22300 (with a grade of C- or better). (F,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 22300 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (LA)

Emphasizes basic techniques of experimental organic chemistry, including reactions, purification of mixtures, and determination of structure. Experiments reinforce concepts covered in CHEM 22100. Co-requisite: CHEM 22100. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12200. (F,S)
1 Credit

CHEM 22400 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (LA)

Emphasizes more advanced techniques of experimental organic chemistry, including reactions, purification of mixtures, and determination of structure. Experiments reinforce concepts covered in CHEM 22200. Co-Requisite: CHEM 22200. Prerequisites: CHEM 22100 and CHEM 22300. (F,S)
1 Credit

CHEM 23200 Quantitative Chemistry (LA)

Foundations for advanced work in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and related subjects. Quantitative approach to chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12200; Math Placement in Group 2 or higher, math placement assessment score of 54 or greater. Co-requisite: CHEM 23300. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: ENRE
3 Credits

CHEM 23300 Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory (LA)

Continued study of general and inorganic chemistry laboratory practices and techniques. The experiments reinforce the concepts covered in CHEM 23200. Co-requisite: CHEM 23200. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100 and CHEM 12200; Math placement in Group 2 or higher, math placement assessment score of 54 or greater. (F,S,Y)
Attributes: ENRE
1 Credit

CHEM 27100-27200 Undergraduate Instruction in Chemistry (NLA)

Qualified undergraduates are given opportunities to participate in the department's instructional program, serving as laboratory assistants and/or tutors. Prerequisites: Permission of department. Pass/fail only.
1 Credit

CHEM 28100-28200 Selected Topics: Chemistry (LA)

Course content depends on interests of the registrants and may include informed discussions, outside reading, and either library or laboratory projects. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (IRR)
1-3 Credits

CHEM 29000-29200 Research in Chemistry (LA)

After consultation with the faculty of the Department of Chemistry, the student undertakes a research problem in the lab under the guidance of one or more faculty members. Course is repeatable up to 18 credits. Prerequisites: CHEM 12100. (F,S,Y)
1-3 Credits

CHEM 32500 Experimental Chemistry IV (LA)

Part four of the unified sequence. Project-oriented experiments to deal with concepts normally found in instrumental analysis, physical, organic, and inorganic laboratory courses. Emphasis is placed on using synthetic techniques, modern analysis by instrumentation, and studies of the physical properties of chemical systems. One lecture and two laboratories per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 32400 (with a grade of C- or better); CHEM 34200 (may be taken concurrently). 4 credits. (S,Y)
Attributes: ENRE, WI
4 Credits

CHEM 33100 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (LA)

A theoretical interpretation of nature from the macroscopic viewpoint. Includes an introduction to thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 23200; MATH 10800 or MATH 11100; PHYS 10100 or PHYS 12200 may be taken concurrently. (F,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 33200 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (LA)

A theoretical interpretation of nature from the microscopic viewpoint. Includes an introduction to the kinetic molecular theory of gases, quantum chemistry, and spectroscopy. Prerequisites: CHEM 23200; MATH 10800 or MATH 11100; MATH 11200 or MATH 14500 or MATH 21600; PHYS 10100 or PHYS 12200 may be taken concurrently. (S,O)
3 Credits

CHEM 34200 Inorganic Chemistry (LA)

This course provides chemistry, biochemistry and other interested science majors with an understanding of the field of inorganic chemistry and also provides a foundation for advanced work in inorganic chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, and related subjects. The major topics are atomic structure, simple bonding theory, symmetry and group theory, acid-base chemistry, the crystalline solid state, coordination chemistry and organometallic chemistry. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 23200 and CHEM 23300. (F,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 34300 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (LA)

Emphasizes basic techniques of experimental inorganic and organometallic chemistry, including synthetic methods, reaction progress monitoring and product characterization by spectroscopic methods. Experiments reinforce and expand concepts covered in CHEM 34200. The course involves a significant writing component with experimental reports that adhere to the publication standards of scientific journals. Prerequisites: CHEM 23200 and CHEM 23300; CHEM 34200; Math Placement Group of 2 or higher, math placement assessment score of 54 or greater. (S,Y)
2 Credits

CHEM 35300 Modern Instrumental Methods (LA)

This course introduces modern analytical methods used in the fields of chemistry, biology, environmental science, geology, materials science, and physics. Explores an ‘analytical toolbox’ of instrumentation and techniques, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Emphasis is placed both on fundamental principles (i.e. the workings and mechanics of each technique), which is critical for validating data and troubleshooting, and hands-on experience of each method. Prerequisites: CHEM 23200 and CHEM 23300. (S,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 35400 Polymer Chemistry (LA)

Study of the synthesis, structure, and properties of polymers, with a special emphasis on practical applications in the chemical industry. Topics include sources of chemical raw materials, plastics, fibers, drugs, surface coatings, food chemicals, dyes, and pigments. Specific examples illustrate the scientific basis for the performance of familiar, everyday materials. Prerequisites: CHEM 22200. (IRR, B)
1.5 Credits

CHEM 35600 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LA)

Study of nuclear magnetic resonance and its application in organic and inorganic chemistry. Topics include, instrumentation, chemical shift, spin-spin coupling, C-13 spectra, and modern pulse FT techniques. Emphasis on spectral interpretations and practical applications. Includes experiments using multi-pulse techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 22200. (IRR, B)
1.5 Credits

CHEM 37100-37200 Undergraduate Instruction in Chemistry (NLA)

Qualified undergraduates are given opportunities to participate in the department's instructional program, serving as laboratory assistants and/or tutors. Prerequisites: Permission of department. Pass/fail only.
1 Credit

CHEM 38101-38102 Chemistry Advanced Elective (LA)

Course content is chosen by instructor to deepen understanding of chemical principles through complex, inquiry-based investigations of exciting topics in chemistry and biochemistry. May include informed discussions, outside reading, and either literature or laboratory projects. This course may be repeated for credit when/if this course number is used to cover different subjects. Prerequisites: CHEM 22200; CHEM 23200. (IRR)
Attributes: ENRE
1.5 Credits

CHEM 38103-38116 Selected Topics in Chemistry (LA)

Course content depends on interests of the registrants and may include informed discussions, outside reading, and either library or laboratory projects. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (IRR)
Attributes: ENRE
1-3 Credits

CHEM 39100-39200 Research in Chemistry (LA)

After consultation with the faculty of the Department of Chemistry, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of one or more faculty members. May be repeated up to a total of nine credits. Permission of department required. (F,S,Y)
1-3 Credits

CHEM 43200 Bio-Organic Chemistry (LA)

Covers the modern interface of chemistry and biology, as well as an examination of current developments in biotechnology. Topics include combinatorial chemistry and modern synthetic methods, protein engineering, innovative approaches to drug design, enzyme mimics, and in vitro evolution of functional biopolymers. Prerequisites: CHEM 32400. (IRR)
3 Credits

CHEM 44000 Inquiry and the Nature of Science for the Science Teacher (LA)

Considers issues pertaining to the nature and practice of science, especially as they relate to science education. Explores aspects that distinguish scientific inquiry from other forms of inquiry. Examines safety issues of teaching science in a classroom, and teaching science in the context of the community. Cross-listed with CHEM 44000 and PHYS 44000. Students can receive credit for only one of: BIOL 44000, PHYS 44000, CHEM 44000. Prerequisites: EDUC 34000 and junior standing. (IRR)
3 Credits

CHEM 44400 Chemical Applications of Group Theory (LA)

The chemical applications of symmetry and group theory, with a special emphasis placed on chemical bonding and spectroscopy. The necessary mathematical underpinnings for this course, including vectors, matrix algebra, and group theory, are presented largely in terms of symmetry operations and related properties of molecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 34200 and CHEM 33100. (IRR)
3 Credits

CHEM 45200 Instrumental Analysis (LA)

Familiarizes students with the principles and applications of modern analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis through hands-on experience with a wide variety of instrumental techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 32400; PHYS 10200 or PHYS 11800. (IRR).
3 Credits

CHEM 47100-47200 Undergraduate Instruction in Chemistry (NLA)

Qualified undergraduates are given opportunities to participate in the department's instructional program, serving as laboratory assistants and/or tutors. Prerequisites: Permission of department. Pass/fail only.
1 Credit

CHEM 48100-48110 Selected Topics in Chemistry (LA)

Course content depends on interests of the registrants and may include informed discussions, outside reading, and either library or laboratory projects. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (IRR)
Attributes: ENRE
1-3 Credits

CHEM 48600 Chemistry Capstone: Senior Research Experience (LA)

After consultation with the faculty of the Department of Chemistry, the student undertakes a research problem under the guidance of one or more faculty members. Permission of Instructor is required. (F,Y)
3 Credits

CHEM 48700 Chemistry Seminar (LA)

Series of lectures dealing with current research topics in chemistry and biochemistry presented by the faculty, visitors, and students. One meeting per week. Pass/Fail only. Permission of department required.
1 Credit

CHEM 48800 Chemistry Capstone: Senior Thesis (LA)

Students prepare a written thesis and an oral presentation describing their senior chemistry research experience (CHEM 48600) or literature search under the guidance of their research advisor. Ethics in science is addressed. Seminars will also be given by guest speakers. Explores the relationships between the various components of the integrative core curriculum (ICC), the chemistry major, other learning experiences at the College, and future goals. Reflection on the role of a liberal arts education. Prerequisites: Senior standing and major in Chemistry. (S,Y)
Attributes: CP, NS, WI
3 Credits