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Chemistry
In the College of Sciences
Office: Chemistry/Geology 303
Telephone: (619) 594-5595
Accredited by the American Chemical Society.
Emeritus: Abbott, Hellberg, Isensee, Jensen, Jones, Joseph, Malik, Mathewson, O'Neal, Richardson, Ring, Rowe, Spangler, Stewart, Wadsworth, Walba
Chair: Roeder
Professors: Bennett, Cobble, Coffey, Dahms, Grubbs, Landis, Lebherz, Metzger, Roeder, Sharts, Stumph, Tong, Woodson
Associate Professors: Chatfield, Cole
Assistant Professors: Adams, Pullman, Smith, Walsh
Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry.
Master of Arts degree in chemistry.
Master of Science degree in chemistry.
Major in chemical physics with the B.S. degree in applied arts and sciences.
Major in chemistry with the B.S. degree in applied arts and sciences with the Certificate of the American Chemical Society.
Emphasis in biochemistry.
Major in chemistry with the B.A. degree in liberal arts and sciences, with or without the Certificate of the American Chemical Society.
Minor in chemistry.
Through the study of chemistry students can better understand their environment and develop new materials that provide for a higher quality of life. Chemists are involved in a wide range of careers in research, development and the production of new goods. Basic chemical research provides society with discoveries of new substances and the means to predict their chemical and physical properties. In developmental chemistry, professionals find ways to put them to use. There are careers in methods of production to provide these materials to society in a cost-effective way. In each of these areas, there are subspecialties in analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
The Department of Chemistry offers five degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Science degree, the Master of Arts degree, the Master of Science degree, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree (with the University of California, San Diego).
There are several options available in the undergraduate program for those wishing either a major or a minor in chemistry. A chemistry major with the Bachelor of Science degree and certificate of the American Chemical Society is designed to qualify students for many types of positions as chemists and for admission to graduate study.
The chemistry major with the Bachelor of Arts degree and certificate of the American Chemical Society is specifically designed to prepare students for careers and graduate work requiring a strong chemistry background. With an appropriate choice of electives, graduates can meet the requirements for admission to medical, dental and pharmaceutical schools. A minor in biology is recommended.
The use of chemistry electives allows a student to focus on a particular area in chemistry such as analytical chemistry, biochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, chemical physics, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, or physical chemistry.
All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Chemistry 200, 201, 231, 251; Mathematics 150, 151, 252; and Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (44 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 36 upper division units to include Chemistry 410A-410B, 417, 431, 457, 520A-520B, 550, 560A, one unit of 497, and nine units of upper division electives in chemistry. Six of the nine units may be in related subjects with the approval of the -department.
Preparation for the Major. Chemistry 200, 201, 231, 251; Biology 201, 202; Mathematics 150, 151, 252; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, and 197L. (52 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 36 upper division units to include Chemistry 410A-410B, 431, 457, 550, 560A-560B, 567; Biology 352*; one unit of Chemistry 497 or 498; and nine units selected from Chemistry 520A, 537, 551; Biology 350, 356, 549, 550, 551, 551L, 561, 561L, 563, 566, 567, 569, 570, 585, 590, 595. The addition of Chemistry 520A and 520B qualifies this program for ACS certification.
All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." No more than 48 units in chemistry courses can apply to the degree.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Chemistry 200, 201, 231, 251; Mathematics 150,151, 252; and Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (44 units)
Foreign Language Requirement. Competency (equivalent to that which is normally attained through three consecutive courses of college study) is required in one foreign language as part of the preparation for the major. Refer to section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 24 upper division units in chemistry to include Chemistry 410A-410B, 417, 431, 457, 520A-520B, 550; one unit of Chemistry 497.
NOTE: See following page for recommended sequence of courses for the B.S. and B.A. Degrees and Certificate.
OUTLINE FOR THE B.S. DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE
Units Units
1st 2nd 1st 2nd
Sem. Sem. Sem. Sem.
First year Second year
Chemistry 200 5 - Chemistry 231 4 -
Chemistry 201 - 5 Chemistry 251 - 5
Mathematics 150, 151 5 4 Chemistry 431 - 4
Physics 195, 195L - 4 Mathematics 252 4 -
Rhetoric and Writing Studies 100 3 - Physics 196, 196L 4 -
Rhetoric and Writing Studies 200 - 3 Physics 197, 197L 4
Communication 103 3 - General Education 3 3
16 16 15 16
Units Units
1st 2nd 1st 2nd
Sem. Sem. Sem. Sem.
Third year Fourth year
Chemistry 410A-410B 4 3 Chemistry 417 - 2
Chemistry 560A 3 - Chemistry 457 2 -
Chemistry Elective - 4 Chemistry 497 1 -
American Institutions 3 3 Chemistry 520A-520B 3 3
General Education 6 6 Chemistry 550 2 -
Chemistry Electives 3 2
General Electives - 6
General Education 6 3
16 16 17 16
Some students will be required to take Mathematics 104 or 140 or both in
their first semester because of failure to qualify on the mathematics
placement examination. The appropriate number of units should then be
subtracted from General Electives.
OUTLINE FOR THE B.A. DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE
Units Units
1st 2nd 1st 2nd
Sem. Sem. Sem. Sem.
First year Second year
Chemistry 200 5 - Chemistry 231 - 4
Chemistry 201 - 5 Chemistry 251 5 -
Math. 104, 140, 150 5 5 Mathematics 151, 252 4 4
Physics 195, 195L - 4 Physics 196, 196L 4 -
Rhetoric and Writing Studies
100 3 - Physics 197, 197L - 4
Communication 103 3 - General Education 3 3
General Education - 3
16 17 16 15
Units Units
1st 2nd 1st 2nd
Sem. Sem. Sem. Sem.
Third year Fourth year
Chemistry 410A-410B 4 3 Chemistry 417 - 2
Chemistry 431 4 - Chemistry 457 2 -
American Institutions 3 3 Chemistry 497 1 -
General Education 3 9 Chemistry 520A-520B 3 3
Chemistry 550 2 -
General Electives 4 5
General Education 3 6
14 15 15 16
Students eligible to take Mathematics 150 in their first semester should do
so and substitute for Mathematics 104 and/or 140 two to five units of
general electives.
All candidates for a degree in liberal arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." No more than 48 units in chemistry courses can apply to the degree.
Preparation for the Major. Chemistry 200, 201, 231; Biology 201, 202; Mathematics 104, 140, 150, 151, 252; and Physics 195, 195L, 196, 197, 197L. (52 units)
Foreign Language Requirement. Competency (equivalent to that which is normally attained through three consecutive courses of college study) is required in one foreign language as part of the preparation for the major. Refer to section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements."
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 24 upper division units in chemistry to include Chemistry 410A-410B, 417, 431, 457, 550, and seven units of -electives in chemistry. Chemistry 361A-361B or 560A-560B is recommended for all premedical students.
Minor. A minor in biology is expected for preprofessional students.
All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this -catalog on "Graduation Requirements." Individual master plans for each student are filed with the chemistry and physics undergraduate advisers and the Office of Admissions and Records.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Chemistry 200, 201, 231, 251; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (44 units)
Recommended: A course in computer programming.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 45 upper division units to include Chemistry 410A-410B, 431, 457, 520A, 550; Mathematics 342A-342B; Physics 311, 350, 354A-354B, 357, 400A-400B. Recommended: Mathematics 342C.
The following courses are prerequisite to the chemistry minor and do not count toward the 15 units required for the minor: Chemistry 200, 201. (10 units.)
The minor in chemistry consists of 15 units in chemistry to include Chemistry 231 and 251; and six units of upper division electives. Chemistry 410A-410B** are strongly recommended.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
A student desiring to graduate with Distinction in Chemistry must meet the university requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements" and in addition have completed four units of Chemistry 498 by the time of graduation and be recommended by the faculty member directing the Chemistry 498 project.
100. Introduction to General Chemistry with Laboratory (4) I, II
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Elementary principles of chemistry used to illustrate nature and development of modern scientific thought. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 105 or 200.
105. Preparation for General Chemistry (4) I, II
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Elemental principles of chemistry approached from problem-solving perspective necessary for success in Chemistry 200. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 100 or 200.
130. Elementary Organic Chemistry (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Chemistry 100, 105, or 200.
Introduction to compounds of carbon including both aliphatic and aromatic substances. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 230, 231, or 232.
160. Introductory Biochemistry (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Chemistry 130.
Fundamental principles of the chemistry of living processes. This course intended primarily for majors in nursing, nutrition, and related fields.
200. General Chemistry (5) I, II (CAN CHEM 2)
Three lectures and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: High school chemistry or a grade of "C" or better in
Chemistry 105, and two years of high school algebra.
General principles of chemistry with emphasis on inorganic materials. Students with credit for either Chemistry 100 or 105, and 200 will receive a total of five units of credit toward graduation.
201. General Chemistry (5) I, II (CAN CHEM 4)
Three lectures and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 200.
Continuation of Chemistry 200. General principles of chemistry with emphasis on inorganic materials and qualitative analysis. Duplicate credit will not be allowed for the corresponding course in Chemistry 202.
231. Organic Chemistry (4) I, II
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 201.
Properties and synthesis of organic compounds including reaction mechanisms. First half of a year course. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 230. Same course as Chemistry 232 with 232L.
232. Organic Chemistry (3) (Summer only)
Prerequisite: Chemistry 201.
Properties and synthesis of organic compounds including reaction mechanisms. First half of a one-year course. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 231.
232L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) (Summer only)
Three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 201.
Properties and synthesis of organic compounds including methods of separation and purification techniques. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 231.
251. Analytical Chemistry (5) I, II
Three lectures and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 201 and credit or concurrent registration
in Mathematics 122 or 150.
Introduction to the theory and practice of analytical chemistry including gravimetric, volumetric, and instrumental methods.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
299. Special Study (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual study. Maximum credit six units.
361A-361B. Fundamentals of Biochemistry (3-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Chemistry 231. Chemistry 361A is prerequisite to
Chemistry 361B.
The chemistry of intermediary metabolism and its regulation. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 560A-560B.
410A-410B. Physical Chemistry (4-3) I, II
410A: Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
410B: Three lectures.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 251 and 231; Mathematics 252; and
credit or concurrent registration in Physics 197 and 197L. Chemistry
410A is prerequisite to 410B.
Theoretical principles of chemistry with emphasis on mathematical relations. Theory and practice in acquisition and statistical analysis of physical measurements on chemical systems. (Students with credit in Chemistry 407 will receive only three units credit for 410A.)
417. Advanced Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2) II
Six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 410B, 457, and 550.
Experimental physical chemistry. Emphasis on interpretation and statistical evaluation of instrument-derived results, record keeping, report writing, and individual initiative in observing results.
431. Organic Chemistry (4) I, II
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 231.
Continuation of Chemistry 231.
457. Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory (2) I
Six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 431 and credit or concurrent registration
in Chemistry 410B; concurrent registration in Chemistry 550.
Application of instrumental methods of chemical separations and analysis frequently used in all subdisciplines of chemistry.
496. Selected Topics in Chemistry (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Selected topics in modern chemistry. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit six units.
497. Senior Laboratory Project (1-3) Cr/NC I, II, S
Three hours of laboratory per unit.
Prerequisite: Three one-year chemistry courses which have an
associated laboratory.
Individual laboratory investigation in analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry or in biochemistry using advanced laboratory techniques with a final written report of the investigation.
498. Senior Project (1-3) Cr/NC I, II
Prerequisite: Three one-year courses in chemistry.
An individual investigation and report on a problem. Maximum credit six units.
499. Special Study (1-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Open only to students who
have shown ability to do A or B work in chemistry.
Individual study. Maximum credit six units.
510. Advanced Physical Chemistry (3)
Prerequisite: Chemistry 410B.
Mathematical tools essential to solving problems in chemical -thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, chemical kinetics, quantum chemistry and molecular structure and spectroscopy, with applications.
520A-520B. Inorganic Chemistry (3-3) I, II
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Chemistry 410B.
Chemistry 520A is prerequisite to 520B.
Nature of chemical bond and an advanced systematic study of representative and transition elements and their compounds.
530. Theoretical Organic Chemistry (3)
Prerequisites: Chemistry 410A and 431. Recommended: Credit or
concurrent registration in Chemistry 410B.
Electronic and physical properties of organic molecules; structure-reactivity correlations: Electronic structure of molecules (qualitative molecular orbital theory); stereochemistry; and linear free energy -relationships.
537. Organic Qualitative Analysis (4)
Two lectures and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 431 and credit or concurrent registration
in Chemistry 410A. Recommended: Chemistry 417 and 457.
Chemical, physical, and spectral methods discussed and employed to determine structure of organic compounds. Purification and separation techniques stressed.
550. Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis (2) I
Prerequisites: Chemistry 431 and credit or concurrent registration
in Chemistry 410B; concurrent registration in Chemistry 457 for undergraduate students only.
Theory and application of those instrumental methods of chemical separation and analysis most frequently used in all subdisciplines of chemistry.
551. Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3) II
Prerequisite: Chemistry 550.
Expanded treatment of instrumental methods for separation and quantification not covered in Chemistry 550. Non-instrumental separations, quantitative organic microanalysis, sampling theory and techniques, reaction rate applications and interpretation of experimental data.
560A-560B. General Biochemistry (3-3)
Prerequisites: Chemistry 431 and credit or concurrent registration
in Chemistry 410A.
The structure, function, metabolism, and thermodynamic relationships of chemical entities in living systems. Not open to students with credit in Chemistry 361A-361B.
567. Biochemistry Laboratory (2)
One lecture and six hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 361A or 560A.
Theory and practice of procedures used in study of life at molecular level. Includes purification and characterization of enzymes, isolation of cell components, and use of radioactive tracer techniques.
571. Environmental Chemistry (3)
Prerequisites: Chemistry 231 and 251; consent of instructor for all
other majors.
Fundamentals of chemistry applied to environmental problems. Chemistry of ecosystems; analysis of natural constituents and pollutants; sampling methods; transport of contaminants; regulations and public policy.
596. Advanced Special Topics in Chemistry (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced selected topics in modern chemistry. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum combined credit of six units of 596 and 696 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
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