Chemistry and Biochemistry
Mission Statement and Departmental Guidelines
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has two primary goals, which in practice are tightly interrelated. First, we seek to promote a level of scientific literacy and chemical understanding among all students taking courses in the department that will contribute to the University’s fundamental mission “to inspire and educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society.” Secondly, we provide a rigorous and comprehensive program in chemistry and biochemistry suitable for those students pursuing careers in science and technology.
In its courses, the department seeks to progressively develop skills in building qualitative and quantitative interpretations of chemical phenomena, in experimental analysis and design, and in written and oral communication of scientific ideas. Graduates of this program, grounded in a well-developed molecular worldview, are able to understand and explain the behavior of chemical and biochemical systems based on physical models. The department is also deeply committed to sustaining a vigorous and diverse range of collaborative student-faculty research. A community of mutual support among students, faculty, and staff is a vital element in achieving our goals.
The Chemistry and Biochemistry curriculum provides courses that are designed to enable students, as contributing professionals and engaged citizens, to deal effectively with a world increasingly dominated by the ideas and methods of modern science. Majors are qualified for immediate employment in industry, although many elect to pursue graduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, or related areas, or choose to attend schools of medicine, dentistry, or engineering. The department is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS) to grant an ACS-certified bachelor's degree to students who complete specific course and/or research requirements.
Associate Professor Peter Kuhlman, Chair
Professor Joseph J. Reczek; Associate Professors Annabel M. Edwards, Jordan L. Fantini, Jordan E. Katz, Peter Kuhlman, Rachel Mitton-Fry, Kimberly Musa Specht, Lauren Waters; Assistant Professors Timothy L. Atallah, Cassandra Zaremba.
Academic Administrative Assistant
Yadi Collins
Chemical Instrumentation Specialist
Quintin Cheek
Stockroom Manager and Chemical Hygiene Officer
Jody Chapman
Requirements for Chemistry & Biochemistry Majors
The department offers three options for degrees in Chemistry & Biochemistry: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs in Chemistry and in Biochemistry that provide a rigorous course of study in preparation for professional careers, graduate work in chemistry/biochemistry or related fields, or professional schools (medical, dental, pharmacology, veterinary); and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Chemistry for students intending to pursue fields such as dentistry, medicine, secondary school teaching or other areas requiring a strong chemistry background. Earning a B.A. degree does not preclude a professional scientific career, although an additional year of undergraduate study may be required for admission to some graduate programs. The department also offers a minor in Chemistry.
Our program requires courses at the introductory (100), intermediate (200 and 300), and advanced (400) levels. We expect that majors will complete at least two of the required 300-level courses by the end of their junior year. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recommends strongly that students earn a C or better in each of the core courses, CHEM 131 - Atoms and Molecules: Structure and Dynamics, CHEM 132 - Organic Structure and Reactivity, CHEM 251 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry and CHEM 258 - Intermediate Biochemistry, before proceeding to 300-level courses. 400-level courses, to be counted toward the major, need to be taken after the prerequisites. Any request to waive this requirement must come prior to taking the course. In order to successfully complete the required courses for a B.S. in Chemistry or in Biochemistry, students are strongly encouraged to start CHEM 131 in the first semester of their first year. Additionally, we recommend that all majors have an academic advisor within the department.
Students pursuing any of the three majors are required to complete the following eight common courses plus the additional courses listed for each program:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Two introductory courses in the principles of chemistry: | |
| Atoms and Molecules: Structure and Dynamics | |
| Organic Structure and Reactivity | |
| Three required intermediate courses: | |
| Intermediate Organic Chemistry | |
| Intermediate Biochemistry | |
| Intermediate Physical Chemistry | |
| The following three additional science division courses: | |
| Molecular Biology and Unicellular Life | |
| Single Variable Calculus 1 | |
| General Physics I | |
All Chemistry and Biochemistry majors must also satisfactorily complete two zero-credit courses used for program assessment, CHEM 300 - Chemistry & Biochemistry Assessment I and CHEM 400 - Chemistry & Biochemistry Assessment II.
1Note: Students who based on high school coursework and placement scores receive a zero-credit waiver for MATH 135 are required to take MATH 145 (or equivalent) to satisfy this requirement.
BA in Chemistry
A student may graduate with a B.A. degree in Chemistry on fulfillment of G.E. requirements and the successful completion of the following 11 courses:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| The eight common courses listed above | |
| One additional four-credit 300-level CHEM course | |
| One additional four-credit 300- or 400-level CHEM course 1 | |
| One additional four-credit 400-level CHEM course 1 | |
1Note: CHEM 451 or 452 will not satisfy this requirement
BS in Chemistry
A student may graduate with a B.S. degree in Chemistry on fulfillment of G.E. requirements and the successful completion of the following 16 courses:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| The eight common courses listed above | |
| CHEM 317 | Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry |
| CHEM 331 | Intermediate Analytical Chemistry |
| One additional four-credit 300- or 400-level CHEM course | |
| Three additional four-credit 400-level CHEM courses | |
| PHYS 122 | General Physics II |
| One additional calculus-based MATH course (MATH 145, 213 or higher) or CS 105 or CS 145. 1 | |
1Example two-course sequence in MATH / CS. One of the following combinations: MATH 135 and MATH 145, or MATH 135 and CS 105 or CS 145; If zero-credit waiver for MATH 135 received: MATH 145 and MATH 213, or MATH 145 and CS 105 or CS 145.
BS in Biochemistry
A student may graduate with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry on fulfillment of G.E. requirements and the successful completion of the following 16 courses:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| The eight common courses listed above | |
| CHEM 331 | Intermediate Analytical Chemistry |
| One four-credit 300-level or 400-level CHEM course | |
| One advanced Biochemistry course (CHEM 44X) | |
| BIOL 220 | Multicellular Life |
| One four-credit 300-level BIOL course 1 | |
| One additional 300-level BIOL course or 400-level CHEM course 1 | |
| PHYS 122 | General Physics II |
| One additional MATH course (MATH 120, MATH 145 or higher) or CS 105 or CS 145. 2 | |
1Note: Some 300-level Biology courses have a prerequisite of BIOL 230, which the Biochemistry major does not require. Students can either take BIOL 230 or must obtain permission from the instructor before registering for those courses.
2Example two-course sequence in MATH / CS. One of the following combinations: MATH 135 and MATH 120, or MATH 135 and MATH 145, or MATH 135 and CS 105 or CS 145; If zero-credit waiver for MATH 135 received: MATH 145 and MATH 120, or MATH 145 and MATH 213, or MATH 145 and CS 105 or CS 145.
Minor in Chemistry
A student may graduate with a minor in chemistry on successful completion of the following six courses:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Two introductory courses in the principles of chemistry: | |
| Atoms and Molecules: Structure and Dynamics | |
| Organic Structure and Reactivity | |
| Two required intermediate courses | |
| Intermediate Organic Chemistry | |
| Intermediate Biochemistry | |
| One additional four-credit 300-level CHEM course | |
| One additional four-credit 300- or 400-level CHEM course | |
Research and ACS Certification
For students pursuing the B.S. degree in either Chemistry or Biochemistry, two semesters of Senior Research (or a summer research experience at Denison followed by one semester of Senior Research in the same laboratory, with prior approval from research advisor and department chair) may be counted as one 400-level elective.
The B.S. Chemistry major who takes CHEM 325 - Polymer Chemistry as part of the degree requirements will earn a degree certified to the American Chemical Society. The B.S. Biochemistry major who completes CHEM 317 - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry and CHEM 325 - Polymer Chemistry as part of the degree requirements will earn a degree certified to the American Chemical Society.
Majors are encouraged to participate in one or more of the numerous on-going research projects in the department. A wide variety of research opportunities are available in the department during the academic year as well as in the summer.
Additional Points of Interest
Students interested in teaching should consult with faculty in the Department of Education. Faculty and staff in the Department of Education assist students in creating individually designed plans for obtaining licensure through a range of programs after graduation. Students interested in pursuing a B.A. degree in Chemistry before pursuing a teaching career are encouraged to take at least three of the 300-level chemistry course offerings.
The required chemistry courses at the intermediate or advanced level must all be taken at Denison, with the one exception. Because the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recognizes the valuable contribution that off-campus study can provide to a broad liberal arts education, one course in the major or minor at the 300-level or higher may be taken at another institution, providing that prior approval is received from the chair of the department. Students considering study off-campus are strongly encouraged to discuss these plans with an academic advisor in the department well in advance of their planned off-campus study. The department understands that transfer students, students who adopt a chemistry or biochemistry major after the first year, and students who study off-campus may have unique needs; we encourage them to contact us so that we can work together to help them achieve their academic objectives.
Courses
CHEM 131 - Atoms and Molecules: Structure and Dynamics (4 Credit Hours)
This course is an introduction to the study of chemical phenomena using an "atoms-first" approach -- starting with atoms and building up to more complex molecules. Students will explore principles of atomic structure, molecular bonding and structure, electronic properties, intermolecular forces in all phases of matter, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics. Core concepts will be taught through active learning, and laboratory investigation will develop skills in foundational quantitative analysis (measurement, stoichiometry, error analysis) and spectroscopy. Cognitive skills in graphical and written presentation of chemistry developed in this course will be built on in subsequent courses. This course satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning (Q) requirement. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
CHEM 132 - Organic Structure and Reactivity (4 Credit Hours)
This course builds on the foundation of molecular structural and electronic properties developed in CHEM 131. Students will be introduced to chemical reactions of inorganic and organic compounds, including acid/base reactions, precipitation reactions and substitution and elimination reactions. In-depth analysis of reaction chemistry will encompass aspects of equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. The principles of conformation and stereochemistry of organic and inorganic molecules, and organic reaction mechanisms will be emphasized. Skills in presentation of scientific data, and experimental design and analysis will be developed and built on in subsequent courses. This course satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning (Q) requirement. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 131.
CHEM 251 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)
This course expands upon concepts in molecular structure and behavior presented in CHEM 131 and CHEM 132 and applies them to the systematic investigation of the reactivity of organic molecules. Students will explore the transformation and reaction chemistry of organic functional groups, including alcohols, aromatics, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives. Reactions are explored with an emphasis on the mechanism of reactivity, and in the context of organic synthesis with a focus on the art of retrosynthetic analysis for complex targets. Laboratory experiments are selected to introduce techniques for the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic compounds discussed in class. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 132.
CHEM 258 - Intermediate Biochemistry (4 Credit Hours)
A study of the major chemical processes and molecular species that characterize living organisms. Principles of molecular structure and chemical reactivity from CHEM 131, CHEM 132, and CHEM 251 will be developed in greater quantitative detail and applied to investigation of the molecular interactions that underlie cellular life. Primary emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationship between the structures of biological macromolecules (particularly proteins) and their functions. Laboratory work will consist of a series of multi-week experiments focused on the isolation and subsequent characterization of active biological macromolecules from living organisms. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
CHEM 300 - Chemistry & Biochemistry Assessment I (0 Credit Hours)
A satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) course used to track all chemistry and biochemistry majors' completion of the required third-year departmental assessment. Earning the required S in this course entails completion of the assessment with a satisfactory score as designated by the department. Required of all majors in the fall semester after completion of CHEM 258 course.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258.
CHEM 317 - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)
This course in inorganic chemistry investigates the structural and bonding models of molecules using concepts of symmetry and molecular orbitals. Investigation of reactions and intermolecular forces is done in the context of inorganic substances. The classroom portion includes introduction to and an oral presentation on the primary literature of the discipline while the laboratory portion includes synthesis of molecules and measurement of their properties. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 or consent.
CHEM 325 - Polymer Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)
This course will explore the synthesis, structure, composition and function of the polymers (“plastics”) that surround us. We will learn how fundamental chemical and physical properties of polymeric materials are characterized, measured, controlled and utilized in the clothes, cars, smartphones and medical devices ever present in our modern life. The topics covered integrate many fundamental concepts in chemistry in a course with practical relevance for majors and minors interested in basic or applied science, sustainability, health, engineering, and emerging technologies. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 or consent.
CHEM 331 - Intermediate Analytical Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)
A course in quantitative analytical chemistry, based on principles of chemical equilibrium and thermodynamics. The laboratory includes exposure to a range of gravimetric and volumetric methods along with spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques for analysis. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 or consent.
CHEM 343 - Intermediate Physical Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)
An examination of the physical properties of chemical systems from both macroscopic and microscopic points of view. Topics include thermodynamics, structure and bonding from a quantum mechanical point of view, an introduction to spectroscopy, and chemical kinetics. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258, MATH 135 or MATH 145, and PHYS 121 or PHYS 126, or consent.
CHEM 361 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
Laboratory, computational, or literature research, in consultation with a member of the chemistry faculty. Hours arranged.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of faculty mentor.
CHEM 362 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
Laboratory, computational, or literature research, in consultation with a member of the chemistry faculty. Hours arranged.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of faculty mentor.
CHEM 363 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)
Independent Study engages a student in the pursuit of clearly defined goals. In this effort a student may employ skills and information developed in previous course experiences or may develop some mastery of new knowledge or skills. A proposal for an Independent Study project must be approved in advance by the faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor. Note: Independent Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of faculty mentor.
CHEM 400 - Chemistry & Biochemistry Assessment II (0 Credit Hours)
A satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) course used to track all chemistry and biochemistry majors' completion of the required senior assessment. Earning the required S in this course entails completing the senior assessment in good faith. Students not doing so will be required to retake the assessment. Required of all senior majors in their final semester at Denison.
CHEM 411 - Materials Chemistry: Principles and Devices Driving Innovation (4 Credit Hours)
This course explores how materials underpin current and emerging technologies - from solar cells and biochemical sensors to next-generation optoelectronics. Lectures survey structural, electronic, and photonic properties and how they apply to semiconducting and photonic devices across electronics, sustainable energy, and sensing. Student-led mini-lectures on selected special topics drawn from the primary literature will deepen the class’s engagement with contemporary applications and research. The laboratory component emphasizes synthesis and characterization using Denison’s state-of-the-art instrumentation for electrical, optical, and structural measurements. In the second half of the semester, students will propose and carry out an independent research project, culminating in a final oral report. This course fulfills the Oral Communication (R) GE requirement. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317, or CHEM 325, or CHEM 331, or CHEM 343, or PHYS 200 and PHYS 311 or PHYS 312, or consent.
CHEM 416 - Chemistry in 2D: Surface Chemistry and its applications (4 Credit Hours)
This course will explore the chemistry and physics behind monolayers and the interfacial phenomena that control the behavior of these single molecule thick films. We will connect what we know about 3D or bulk systems (such as the thermodynamics, intermolecular interactions, and phase behavior) to a 2D surface environment. This course thus reviews and builds on the topics presented in physical chemistry. Our discussion of monolayers and surfaces will also include common measurement techniques. The second part of this course will discuss modern applications of and the use of monolayers (and bilayers) as models to study topics in biophysics and materials science. The specific applications covered will vary with student interest. This course fulfills the Writing (W) GE requirement. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 418 - The Chemistry and Materials of Sustainable Energy (4 Credit Hours)
This course will explore chemical processes and materials science underlying energy conversion processes, with a focus on sustainable approaches. After an overview of the science of climate change and an analysis of current energy practices, the course will focus on renewable sources of electricity, energy storage, and sustainable production of chemical fuels. Throughout, the emphasis will be on the thermodynamics, materials science, catalysis, and (photo) electrochemical processes central to energy use and production. The course will include a semester-long research project that will require students to engage with the primary literature from a variety of sub-disciplines. This course fulfills the Writing (W) GE requirement. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 422 - Organometallic Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)
This course explores the structure and reactivity of organometallic compounds. Organometallic compounds contain one or more covalent bonds between carbon and a metal. The course focuses on compounds of the transition (d-block) metals, a broad family of species which are featured prominently in modern organic synthesis, including pharmaceutical and polymer synthesis. Organotransition metal compounds exhibit modes of reactivity and structure types beyond those encountered in introductory organic chemistry. The use of modern instrumentation to characterize these compounds and their reactivity will be investigated in the classroom and laboratory. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 423 - Medicinal Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)
This course will explore the interface between organic chemistry and the discovery, development, and biological analysis of pharmaceutical targets. Topics will include isolation and optimization of drug candidates; the total synthesis of candidates from discovery to production; analysis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; ethical aspects of drug development and intellectual property; and other topics from current literature. Additional topics may vary depending upon student interest. We will use these topics to further our critical thinking skills towards advanced organic synthesis and method development in application to the pharmaceutical industry. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 427 - Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Designing Molecules and Materials (4 Credit Hours)
This course will explore the art of modern organic synthesis. This includes learning the chemistry behind current organic techniques and reactions, as well as gaining an understanding of design strategies to achieve complex molecules and functional materials. Students will engage with the synthesis strategies of several key pharmaceutical targets and the motivations for their exploration (drugs design). This class will also explore the fundamental principles governing the properties of modern organic materials, from compostable plastics to flat screen TVs. In addition, throughout this course students will engage in the process of proposal writing, from idea development to finished proposal. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 430 - Special Topics in Chemistry (1-4 Credit Hours)
This advanced course in Chemistry and Biochemistry will explore current topics in the field.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 443 - Advanced Topics in Biochemistry: Diet, Metabolism, and Disease (4 Credit Hours)
This advanced biochemistry course will explore the metabolic fates of food molecules and how these molecules affect an individual's health and predisposition towards a range of diseases. We will consider concepts of health, diet, and fitness as presented in popular culture as well as investigating their biochemical bases. The class will include a semester-long research project focusing on the interplay of diet, metabolism, and disease and will require students to become conversant with current primary research literature in the field. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 258 and at least one CHEM or BIOL class at the 300-level, or consent.
CHEM 447 - Advanced Topics in Biochemistry: Mechanisms of Cellular Regulation (4 Credit Hours)
In order to survive, cells must sense their environment and mount biochemical responses to changing conditions. This involves regulating intracellular processes that control RNA and protein expression, activity, and localization. Since these processes can be misregulated by disease-causing mutations or hijacked by pathogens, understanding cellular regulation is key to developing new therapies. In this course, we will delve into intricate regulatory mechanisms to understand how cells respond to environmental changes. We will read primary literature as well as technical information from the biotechnology industry to connect basic science with applications such as medicine, agriculture, and the environment. An emphasis will be on critical thinking, experimental design, and understanding key molecular techniques used in research, diagnostics, and developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Topics will vary but may include regulation of the cell cycle, gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels (e.g., microRNAs), regulated proteolysis, and subcellular localization. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 449 - Advanced Topics in Biochemistry: Nucleic acids (4 Credit Hours)
An in-depth exploration of modern topics in the field of nucleic acids. A focus will be on macromolecular structure and intermolecular interactions between proteins and nucleic acids, and the effects of these on biological systems and scientific research. Topics will vary, but may include restriction enzymes, RNA silencing, RNA-directed prokaryotic immunity, riboswitches, and other topics from the current scientific literature. The class will include a semester-long research project and will require students to engage with current primary research literature in the field. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory weekly.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 317 or CHEM 325 or CHEM 331 or CHEM 343 or consent.
CHEM 451 - Senior Research (4 Credit Hours)
Laboratory or computational research for qualified seniors working under faculty supervision. Hours arranged.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of faculty mentor.
CHEM 452 - Senior Research (4 Credit Hours)
Laboratory or computational research for qualified seniors working under faculty supervision. Hours arranged.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of faculty mentor.