Chemistry
Chairwoman and Associate Professor: COURTNEY E. MEYET
Professors: LEE ANN FISHER BARON, CHRISTOPHER S. HAMILTON, MARK A. NUSSBAUM, CHRISTOPHER A. VANORMAN, MATTHEW A. YOUNG
Associate Professor: KELLI N. KAZMIER
Assistant Professors: MARDI BILLMAN, IAN WALSH
Chemistry is the study of the physical world around us on a molecular and atomic level. It is the “central science” in that it bridges the foundational principles of physics with the large-scale structures and mechanisms of biological or geological processes. An understanding of chemical principles, appreciation of experimental methodology, and associated critical thinking skills are fundamental to a liberal education for all students, regardless of field of concentration. For those who intend to pursue scientific endeavors as a vocation, the Chemistry Department provides a rigorous and personal preparation for graduate studies, medical school, industrial employment, or teaching. The Chemistry Department offers a major or minor in chemistry and in biochemistry. Within each major, students may pursue either a standard or American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified degree.
The chemistry of biomolecules is the essence of biochemistry: a study of the structure, function, and role in biology of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. The biochemistry curriculum at Hillsdale College seeks to provide students with a strong background in chemistry and the cellular/molecular branch of biology. This curriculum provides the foundation necessary to understand the important advances that have occurred at the interface of chemistry and biology. The biochemistry major at Hillsdale is designed to prepare students for careers in biochemical and biotechnical research, graduate study in biochemistry, and for further education in professional schools of medicine, dentistry, and allied health fields. The courses for the major draw from both the Chemistry and Biology Departments. The required courses follow the recommendations of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Degrees
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Biochemistry, Major -
Biochemistry, Minor -
Chemistry, Major -
Chemistry, Minor
Courses of Instruction
CHM 101: Great Principles in Chemistry
Credits 3CHM 201: General Chemistry I
Credits 4CHM 202: General Chemistry II
Credits 4CHM 303: Organic Chemistry I
Credits 4CHM 304: Organic Chemistry II
Credits 4CHM 393: Topics in Chemistry
Credits 1 Max Credits 3CHM 403: Advanced Organic Chemistry
Credits 3CHM 406: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Credits 3CHM 415: Analytical Chemistry
Credits 4CHM 419: Analytical Separation Science
Credits 3CHM 452: Biochemistry
Credits 3Introduces an integrated analysis of the chemical structure, dynamic mechanisms, and cellular functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Topics will include enzymology, molecular biology, metabolism, and methodological theory. Prerequisites: CHM 304 and BIO 202.
CHM 453: Advanced Biochemistry
Credits 3CHM 454: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry
Credits 1CHM 470: Junior Seminar
Credits 1CHM 475: Junior Research
Credits 1CHM 501: Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences
Credits 3A study of thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular structure and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on biological applications. The concepts of energy, enthalpy, entropy, chemical equilibrium, kinetics of complex reactions, dynamics of microscopic systems, chemical bonding, non-covalent interactions, optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance will be covered in some detail, and the discussion will center on the importance of these concepts in the life sciences. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: CHM 452 and MTH 120.
CHM 502: Physical Chemistry I
Credits 4An advanced treatment of chemical principles. Topics include quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, origin of spectra, molecular orbital theory, computational chemistry, laser spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: PHY 102 or 202, CHM 304 and MTH 220
CHM 503: Physical Chemistry II
Credits 4CHM 504: Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
Credits 3CHM 522: Instrumental Analysis
Credits 4A course that includes lecture and laboratory work in basic electronics, flame atomic emission and absorption spectroscopy, UV-Vis and IR molecular absorption, luminescence methods, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrochemical analysis, and liquid and gas chromatography. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHM 415 and 501 or 502