Chemistry
The chemistry minor undertakes to stimulate the acquisition of knowledge necessary to understand theories and principles governing the behavior of matter. Concepts, laboratory techniques, and skills in evaluating and reporting data are equally emphasized in introducing students to the scientific discipline; in preparing students for pre-professional programs such as pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary science; and students in the medical laboratory science major with foundation coursework.
Major
The Chemistry minor is a valuable addition to many majors offered at Mount Mercy including Biology .
Minor
(30.5-31.5 hours with a minimum of 27.5 semester hours in chemistry courses):
| CH 111 | General Chemistry I | 4.5 |
| CH 112 | General Chemistry II | 4.5 |
| CH 211 | Organic Chemistry I | 4.5 |
| CH 212 | Organic Chemistry II | 4.5 |
| CH 251 | Analytical Chemistry | 5 |
| Select one of the following: | 4.5 | |
| Biochemistry | ||
| Instrumental Analysis | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Pre-Calculus | ||
| Mathematics Modeling | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Total Hours | 30.5 | |
Academic Requirements
A grade of C or above (C- does not count) in each required course for the minor. To count toward the minor, required chemistry courses must have been taken within the last five (5) years. Alternatively a student may elect to take standard examinations for specific courses provided by the ACS Division of Chemical Education and pass with a minimum 60% of the total score.
Students planning to pursue teacher education should follow the program guidelines within the Education section of this Catalog and contact an advisor in the education division for assistance.
Courses
CH 110 Introduction to General Chemistry: 4.5 semester hours
This course is intended to provide an overview of fundamental concepts in chemistry, including: atomic and molecular structure, the nature of chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry, nomenclature, basic knowledge of thermodynamics and equilibrium, acids/bases, basic organic chemical nomenclature and reactivity. This course meets the needs of students not planning to take chemistry courses beyond CH 113. Students with minimal mathematical skills can use CH 110 as a preparatory course for CH 111 General Chemistry I. Pre-nursing students must concurrently enroll in CH 110L. Three hours of lecture per week. Typically offered each fall and spring semester.
CH 111 General Chemistry I: 4.5 semester hours
An introduction to the field of chemistry, providing an understanding of the structures of atoms, molecules and ions and their interactions, and a foundation for the further study of chemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour lab weekly. Prerequisite: A Mathematics Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra Enhanced ACT subscore of 16 or higher; or a Mathematics score of 16 or higher on the former ACT; or completion of MA 008 with a grade of C or higher.
CH 112 General Chemistry II: 4.5 semester hours
Continuation of CH 111. Topics covered are: chemical kinetics; equilibrium and thermodynamics; acids and bases; electrochemistry; survey of metals, nonmetals, and transition metals; complexes; nuclear chemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour lab weekley. Prerequisite: CH 111.
CH 113 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry: 4.5 semester hours
Designed for nursing and non-science majors. A terminal course, not to be used as a prerequisite to further courses in chemistry, except CH 203. Basic structure, formulas, nomenclature, and reactions of organic compounds. Fundamental concepts of biochemistry and metabolism of major molecules and their roll in biological processes. Three lectures and one two-hour lab weekly. Prerequisite: high school chemistry.
CH 203 Nutritional Biochemistry: 3 semester hours
The study of nutrients, their metabolic roles and biochemical effects on various tissues and organs of the body; role of the diet in promoting optimal health and performance. Prerequisite: CH 111, CH 112.
CH 207 Inorganic Qualitative Analysis: 3 semester hours
The course emphasizes descriptive inorganic chemistry (properties, structures, and reactions) of common elements and their compounds. Through the process of learning descriptive chemistry in the format of a scheme of analysis in the laboratory, students are challenged to bring to bear their manipulative and observational skills as the basis for indentifying substances. Theoretical and practical aspects of qualitative analysis are covered. Prerequistie: CH 111, CH 112.
CH 211 Organic Chemistry I: 4.5 semester hours
An introduction to organic chemistry; an integrated presentation with emphasis on the theoretical aspects and mechanisms of reactions. Detailed discussion of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and stereochemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour lab weekly. Prerequisite: CH 111, CH 112.
CH 212 Organic Chemistry II: 4.5 semester hours
A continuation of CH 211. Functional groups discussed in detail. Introduction to absorption spectroscopy and qualitative identification of organic compounds; aromatic and heterocyclic compounds; macromolecules. Three lectures and one three-hour lab weekly. Prerequisite: CH 111, CH 112, CH 211.
CH 251 Analytical Chemistry: 5 semester hours
Theory and application of basic methods in quantitative analysis: titrimetric, gravimetric, chromatographic, potentiometric, and spectrophotometric determinations. Three lectures and one four-hour lab weekly. Prerequisites: CH 111, CH 112, MA 142 or MA 164.
CH 302 Biochemistry: 5 semester hours
Study of life at the molecular level. The course examines chemical reactions in living cells; central metabolic pathways; energy transformations, signal-transduction pathways; transmission of hereditary characteristics; molecular basis of certain diseases and other biological phenomena. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: CH 111, CH 112, CH 211, CH 212.
CH 334 Instrumental Analysis: 4.5 semester hours
The course teaches the underlying principles and practical aspects of using modern instruments in chemical analysis. Students will understand the chemistry relevant to sampling, sample preparation, and the chemical processes occurring in each instrument - such as electron transfer, electron emission, light scattering and absorption, gas and liquid phase equilibria. Prerequisites: CH 111, CH 112, CH 211, CH 212, CH 251.