CHE 102 (3 credits) Physical Science

Integrated course of chemistry, physics and earth science with application and experiments to demonstrate the forces of nature and its environment. Three lecture hours per week. Open to non-science majors. Satisfies lab science requirement in General Ed.
 

CHE 104 (3 credits) General Chemistry I

Study of basic principles and theories of chemistry including stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structures, the periodic law and its application, solutions, and gas laws. Problem solving is introduced. Three lecture hours per week. Reserved for majors in biology, biochemistry, clinical laboratory science, chemistry, forensic science, general science, environmental biochemistry, doctorate of physical therapy, athletic training, or permission of the instructor. Co-requisite: CHE 110 or 112.

CHE 105 (3 credits) General Chemistry II

Introductory thermodynamics, kinetics, acid bases, chemical equilibrium, electro-chemistry and fundamental descriptive chemistry. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 110 or 112; Co-requisite: CHE 111.

CHE 106 (3 credits) Fundamentals of Chemistry

Survey of basic concepts and principles related to general, organic and biochemistry. Open to science and non-science majors. Co-requisite: CHE 109.

CHE 107 (1 credit) Laboratory Safety

Basic study of all laboratory safety rules and regulations including fire hazards, chemical toxicity, waste control, explosive chemicals, emergency procedures, protective equipment, and laboratory equipment hazards. Required: Science majors.

CHE 109 (1 credit) Fundamental Laboratory Techniques

Survey of basic laboratory skills, techniques, and safety with emphasis on applying theoretical ideas in practical situations involving chemistry in everyday life. Two hours of laboratory per week. Open to science and non-science majors. Co-requisite: CHE 106.

CHE 110 (1 credit) General Chemistry Laboratory I

Laboratory techniques will be discussed and applied to the solution of typical chemical problems and the experimental nature of chemistry. Three hours of laboratory per week. Co-requisite: CHE 104.

CHE 111 (1 credit) General Chemistry Laboratory II

Laboratory techniques emphasizing qualitative analysis. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 110 or 112; Co-requisite: CHE 105.

CHE 112 (1 credit) Introduction to Forensic Lab

Survey of basic laboratory skills, techniques and safety, with emphasis on analysis performed in a forensic laboratory, an investigation of physical evidence through the use of scientific procedures will be studied. Open to science and non-science majors. Co-requisite: CHE 104.

CHE 118 (3 credits) Hands-on Science in the Elementary School

Through hands-on activities in the life, physical and earth sciences, elementary education students and teachers are given opportunities to acquire knowledge of science, increase their skills in using scientific processes, and develop positive attitudes toward science. Open only to elementary education majors.

CHE 201 (3 credits) Organic Chemistry I

Study of fundamental principles of organic chemistry emphasizing topics involving structure, reactivity, bonding, stereochemistry, acids and bases, electrophilic addition and nucleophilic substitution. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112; 111 Co-requisite: CHE 210.

CHE 202 (3 credits) Organic Chemistry II

Study of functional groups, reaction mechanisms and problems in synthesis. Three hours lecture per week. This course meets the Writing Enhanced requirement. Prerequisites: CHE 201, 210; Co-requisite: CHE 211.

CHE 210 (1 credit) Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

Study and practice in the basic techniques employed in an organic chemistry laboratory, including crystallization, melting point determination, extraction, chromatography, distillation and other techniques for the isolation and purification of organic compounds. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHE 104, 110 or 112, 105, 111; Co-requisite: CHE 201.

CHE 211 (1 credit) Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Focus is placed on the chemical synthesis of organic compounds using routine reactions including nucleophilic substitution and elimination, Williamson ether synthesis, Aldol and Claisen condensations, aromatic substitution, and condensation polymerization. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHE 201, 210. Co-requisite: CHE 202.

CHE 212 (4 credits) Analytical Chemistry

Quantitative study of gravimetric and volumetric methods of analysis with emphasis on problem solving. Other topics will include a survey on the use of instrumental methods of analysis. Attention will be directed primarily to practical aspects of solving analytical problems. Integrates laboratory and classroom work. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111.

CHE 221 (4 credits) Instrumental Analysis

Introduction to modern methods of chemical analysis involving the analytical instrumentation routinely employed in chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical and forensic science laboratories. Students will be introduced to UV-Vis, IR, GC-MS, AA, Raman, HPLC, and other types of instrumental analysis. This integrates laboratory and classroom rowk. Prerequisites; CHE 212.

CHE 230 (4 credits) The Forensics Profession

This course will address the current state of Forensics’ Professional in the workplace. Topics include introduction to forensic science, the legal system, courtroom testimony, ethics, quality assurance, profession practice, evidence (collection, processing, and identification, and a survey of forensic science. This does not fulfill the lab science requirement in the core.

CHE 301 (3 credits) Physical Chemistry I

Study of properties of gases, laws of thermodynamics and thermochemistry. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111. Co-requisite: CHE 310.

CHE 302 (3 credits) Physical Chemistry II

Emphasis on reaction kinetics, solution properties, electrochemistry and macromolecules. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHE 301. Co-requisite: CHE 311.

CHE 310 (1 credit) Physical Chemistry I Laboratory

Experimental investigation of physical forces acting on matter and various chemical properties. Examination of thermodynamics, kinetics, viscosity, and other physical-chemical phenomena is performed. Prerequisites: CHE 105 and 111. Co-requisite: CHE 301.

CHE 311 (1 credit) Physical Chemistry II Laboratory

A continuation of the experimental investigation of physical forces acting on matter and various chemical properties. Examination of spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, and other physical-chemical phenomena is performed. Prerequisite: CHE 301 and 310. Co-requisite: CHE 302.

CHE 315 (3 credits) Forensic Toxicology

Provides a broad exposure and understanding of the field of modern forensic toxicology. Methods and concepts including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, human performance, post mortem, and forensics drug testing will be addressed. Prerequisite: CHE 212 and 221.

CHE 320 (3 credits) Environmental Toxicology

Examines historical and recent toxicological issues facing our society. Topics will include a survey of the diverse chemical hazards encountered in the environment and a practical understanding of the complex effects on human health and the health of species occupying various ecosystems. Students will gain a basic understanding of the biochemical mechanisms for detoxifying xenobiotic compounds. Prerequisite: CHE 202.

CHE 401 (3 credits) Biochemistry

Study of proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids in relationship to biological and metabolic processes. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111, 201/210, 202/211. Co-requisite: CHE 410.

CHE 402 (2 credits) Seminar

Presentation/discussion of research papers prepared by students. Prescribed for seniors.

CHE 403 (3 credits) Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis

Theoretical approach to spectroscopic methods of analysis involving infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet and mass spectroscopy. Problem solving dealing with interpretation of data obtained from spectroscopic instruments will also be studied. Prerequisites: CHE 201/210, 202/211.

CHE 404 (3 credits) Advanced Organic Chemistry

Current theories of organic chemistry, stereochemistry and reaction mechanism or organic compounds. Three lectures per week with discussions. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111, 201/210, 202/211.

CHE 405 (4 credits) Forensic Chemistry

A study of chemistry as it pertains to law. Focus is on the many facets of forensic science, such as drug analysis, toxicology, trace analysis will be covered, analysis, and DNA/serology. Numerous methods of analyses will be covered, including gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectrometry (IR) and ultraviolet/visible spectrometry (UV/Vis). Integrates laboratory and classroom work. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 111, 112, 201, 202.

CHE 406 (3 credits) Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Study of the stereochemistry of the inorganic compounds and the oxidation states of individual elements, the coordination of compounds of the transition elements, and the theory of metal ligand bonding. Prerequisite: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111, 301, 302, 303.

CHE 410 (1 credit) Biochemistry Laboratory

Advanced studies in the isolation, purification and characterization of proteins and nucleic acids. An introduction to separation techniques like chromatography, electrophoresis and the evaluation of enzyme activity is provided, as well as an exploration into the basic techniques employed for the isolation, purification and manipulation of DNA. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111, 201/210, 202/211. Co-requisite: CHE 401.

CHE 430 (4 credits) Environmental Chemistry

Broadly focuses on issues of air, water and soil quality. Topics include SMOG, acid rain, Ozone and its depletion, indoor air pollution, and the greenhouse effect. Contamination of soil and ground water from industry and agriculture will be examined. The contribution of specific and inorganic chemicals to water pollution issues will be addressed. Integrates laboratory and classroom work. Prerequisite: CHE 221.

CHE 480 (6 credits) Chemistry Internship

Student must participate in 200 hours or more of chemistry-related activities at an off-campus site under the supervision of an internship sponsor. Internships may be procured at any business, academic, government or non-profit agency willing to engage interns in meaningful work or research activities. Prerequisites: junior status and a 2.5 GPA.

Student Perspective

"Forensic science goes beyond combining chemistry and biology; it requires critical thinking and a desire to challenge what the eyes see. At Alvernia, my professors taught me the true value of research and how the results can change how we see the world around us. In the 17 years I've been in school, I've never learned a more valuable lesson."

- Kelsey Schubert '16, PSU Graduate Student

Contact Information

Dr. Eric Recktenwald

Interim Science Department Chair

Bernardine Hall 120

610.796.8247

eric.recktenwald@alvernia.edu

 

Chemistry