College of Science

Chemistry

Overview

The Chemistry Department offers two undergraduate programs: the B.S. in Chemistry and the B.A. in Chemistry. The B.S. curriculum provides the breadth and depth to give graduates a wide choice of career options, including further graduate studies. The Chemistry Department is accredited by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training and the B.S. degree meets the guidelines for an ACS-certified degree. The B.A. program has fewer required chemistry courses, allowing students to design a chemistry program with more electives to meet a wider set of career goals. The B.A. is often chosen by students who wish to pursue a double major or to take other courses to prepare for professional school, law, or business. Either the B.S. or the B.A. degree is suitable to prepare for high school teaching. The Chemistry Department supports and encourages all chemistry majors to pursue undergraduate research sometime during their degree program.

Graduate Program

The Department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with specializations in many areas of chemistry. (See the Graduate Catalog for further information.)

Bachelor of Science

Degree Requirements:

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Bachelor of Arts

Degree Requirements:

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Minor in Chemistry

The requirements to earn a minor in Chemistry can be found on the specific checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in Chemistry.

Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.A. and B.S. in Chemistry can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html.

Undergraduate Courses (CHEM)

1015-1016: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY
For students enrolled in curricula other than science or engineering. Chemical principles applied to material, environmental, and life sciences. (Duplicates 1035-1036.) (3H,3C)

1025-1026: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Accompanies 1015-1016, where lab work is required in a student's curriculum. Must be taken concurrently and in phase with lecture sequence, 1015-1016. In both semesters, experiments illustrate principles covered in lecture. (Duplicates 1045-1046.) Co: 1015 for 1025; 1016 for 1026. (3L,1C)

1035-1036: GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Principles of the science, character of the elements and their more important compounds, solution of chemical problems, and important applications. (Duplicates 1015-1016.) Co: MATH 1025 or MATH 1225. Pre: 1035 or 1055 or 1055H for 1036. (3H,3C)

1045-1046: GENERAL CHEMISTRY LAB
Accompanies 1035-1036. Selected experiments illustrate principles taught in lecture. Prior credit for OR concurrent registration of lecture is required for lab. (Duplicates 1025-1026). Co: 1035 for 1045; 1036 for 1046. (3L,1C)

1055-1056: GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS
In depth treatment of chemical bonding, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, reaction kinetics, descriptive chemistry of the elements, acid-base chemistry, chemistry of gases, liquids and solids, and other topics. This class is restricted to chemistry and biochemistry majors. Other students may request consent of instructor. Pre: MATH 1025 or MATH 1225 for 1055; 1055 for 1056. Co: 1065 for 1055; 1066, 1066 for 1056. (4H,4C)

1055H-1056H: HONORS GENERAL CHEM FOR MAJORS
Co: 1065 for 1055H; 1066, 1066 for 1056H. (4H,4C)

1065-1066: GENERAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS LAB
Accompanies 1055-1056. Selected experiments illustrate principles taught in lecture. This class is restricted to chemistry and biochemistry majors. Other students may request consent of instructor. Co: 1055 for 1065; 1056 for 1066. (3L,1C)

2114: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
A first course in analytical chemistry. Topics covered include volumetric and gravimetric analysis, and elementary spectroscopy. Pre: 1036 or 1056 or 1056H. Co: 2124. (3H,3C)

2124: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICE
Practical introduction to wet methods of quantitative chemical analysis based on fundamental chemical principles. Prior credit for OR concurrent registration of 2114 lecture is required for 2124 lab. Pre: (1046 or 1066), 2114. Co: 2114. (3L,1C)

2154: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS
A one-semester course in analytical chemistry emphasizing the principles of equilibrium with examples from acid-base, complexation, solubility, and redox chemistry. The course also introduces the principles of spectroscopic, electrochemical, and chromatographic instrumentation. Pre: 1036 or 1056 or 1056H. Co: 2164. (4H,4C)

2164: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS LAB
A one-semester laboratory course in analytical chemistry that provides practical training in wet chemical methods, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and separations. Pre: 1046 or 1066. Co: 2154. (3L,1C)

2424: DESCRIPTIVE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Application of fundamental principles in a systematic study of bonding and reactivity of the elements and their compounds. Pre: 1036 or 1056. (3H,3C)

2514: SURVEY OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Short course in fundamentals of organic chemistry with emphasis on nomenclature, isomerism, and properties of organic compounds. Compounds of importance to biology and biochemistry stressed. (Prior credit for 2535 precludes credit for this course.) One year of Chemistry required. Pre: (1035 or 1055 or 1055H), (1036 or 1056 or 1056H), (1045 or 1065), (1046 or 1066). (3H,3C)

2535-2536: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Structure, stereochemistry, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. Pre: 1036 or 1056 or 1056H or 1036H for 2535; 2535 or (2565 or 2565H) for 2536. (3H,3C)

2545-2546: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
The laboratory accompanies lectures in organic chemistry 2535 and 2536. Pre: 1046 or 1066 for 2545; 2545 for 2546. Co: 2565, 2535 for 2545; 2536 for 2546. (3L,1C)

2555-2556: ORGANIC SYNTHESIS AND TECHNIQUES LAB
Synthesis and characterization of organic compounds using modern laboratory techniques. Pre: 2566 for 2555; 2555 for 2556. (6L,2C)

2565-2566: PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Organic chemistry for chemistry majors. Structure and reactions of organic compounds, with emphasis on fundamental principles, theories, synthesis, and reaction mechanisms. The subject matter partially duplicates that of 2535-2536; no credit will be given for the duplicated courses. Pre: 1036 or 1056 or 1036H or 1056H for 2565; 2565 for 2566. (3H,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section.
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3615-3616: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics applied to chemical equilibria, reactivity, and structure. Partly duplicates 4615, cannot receive credit for both 3615 and 4615. Pre: (1035 or 1055 or 1055H), (1036 or 1056 or 1056H), PHYS 2306, (MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H or MATH 2224) for 3615; (3615 or 3615H), MATH 2214 for 3616. (3H,3C)

3615H-3616H: HONORS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics applied to chemical equilibria, reactivity, and structure. Partially duplicates 4615, cannot receive credit for both 3615H and 4615. 3615H requires additional work; consult the instructor. Pre: (1035 or 1055 or 1055H), (1036 or 1056 or 1056H), PHYS 2306, (MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H or MATH 2224) for 3615H; (3615 or 3615H), MATH 2214 for 3616H. (3H,3C)

3625-3626: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Laboratory study of selected physico-chemical principles and methods. Data acquisition, data analysis, and report writing are stressed. Pre: 3615 or 3615H or 4614 for 3625; (3616 or 3616H or 4616), 3625, 4014 for 3626. (3L,1C)

4014: SURVEY OF CHEMICAL LITERATURE
Use of the chemical literature as an aid to professional activities. Pre: Junior Major Standing. (1H,1C)

4074 (MSE 4544): LABORATORY IN POLYMER SCIENCE
Experimental techniques used in the synthesis of various linear polymers, copolymers, and crosslinked networks. Determination of polymer molecular weights and molecular weight distribution. Methods used in the thermal, mechanical, and morphological characterization of polymeric systems. Pre: 3616, 4534. (1H,3L,2C)

4114: INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
Principles of instrumental methods including data analysis, phase equilibrium, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. Applications of modern instrumentation to chemical analyses using chromatography, electrophoresis, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, potentiometry, and voltammetry. Note: Graduate students will not be expected to take the corequisite lab 4124. Pre: (3615 or 3615H), 2154. Co: 4124. (3H,3C)

4114H: HONORS INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
Pre: (3615 or 3615H), 2154. Co: 4124. (3H,3C)

4124: INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS LABORATORY
Hands-on experience with modern instrumental methods of analysis. Experiments use spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and separations. Co: 4114. (3L,1C)

4404: PHYSICAL INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
A study of spectroscopic, bonding, and structural properties of inorganic compounds. Pre: (3616 or 3616H), 2424. (3H,3C)

4414: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB
Synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds using modern laboratory techniques. Pre: 2424, (3616 or 3616H), 4404. Co: 4424, 3616. (6L,2C)

4434: ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
Synthesis, structure, properties, and reactivity patterns of main-group and transitionmetal organometallic compounds. Applications of organometallic compounds in chemical synthesis and catalysis. Pre: 2424, 2565, 2566, 4404. (3H,3C)

4514: GREEN CHEMISTRY
Green chemistry applies the principles of prevention of toxic and hazardous waste, and energy efficiency to real world chemical products and processes. Emphasis is on case studies, problem solving, and life cycle analysis. Pre: 2536 or 2566. (3H,3C)

4524: IDENTIFICATION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Structure determination of organic compounds by spectroscopic methods, with an emphasis on mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Course will emphasize problem-solving skills.  I. Pre: (2536 or 2566), (3616 or 3616H or 4616). (3H,3C)

4534: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY OF POLYMERS
Structure, synthesis, and basic characteristics of the major classes of polymerization reactions including step-growth (condensation) and chain growth (addition), free radical, and ionic mechanisms. Pre: 2536 or 2566. (3H,3C)

4554: DRUG CHEMISTRY
Structure, synthesis, and physiological effects of major classes of pharmaceutical agents including CNS depressants and stimulants, analgesics, anesthetics, cardiovascular agents, chemotherapeutic drugs, and oral contraceptives. Pre: 2536 or 2566. (3H,3C)

4615-4616: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES
Principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and chemical bonding for students in the life sciences. 4615: Laws and applications of thermodynamics. 4616: Chemical kinetics and chemical bonding including spectroscopy. Partly duplicates 3615, cannot receive credit for 3615 and 4615. Pre: One year of chemistry, physics, and calculus. Pre: (1036 or 1056 or 1056H), (MATH 1026 or MATH 2015 or MATH 1226), (PHYS 2206 or PHYS 2306) for 4615; (1036 or 1056 or 1056H), (MATH 2016 or MATH 2024 or MATH 2224 or MATH 2204 or MATH 2204H or MATH 2214), (PHYS 2206 or PHYS 2306) for 4616. (3H,3C) 4634 (MSE 4534): POLYMER AND SURFACE CHEMISTRY Physical chemical fundamentals of polymers and surfaces including adhesives and sealants. Pre: 3615 or 4615. (3H,3C)

4734 (CSES 4734) (ENSC 4734): ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL CHEMISTRY
Chemistry of inorganic and organic soil components with emphasis on environmental significance of soil solution-solid phase equilibria, sorption phenomena, ion exchange processes, reaction kinetics, redox reactions, and acidity and salinity processes. Pre: CSES 3114, CSES 3124, (CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535), (CHEM 2114 or CHEM 2154), (MATH 2016 or MATH 1026 or MATH 1226). (3H,3C)

4754 (CSES 4754) (ENSC 4754): INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Theory and principles of common analytical instruments and their applications to agriculture and environmental science research. Topics include atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy, spectrophotometric methods (UV, visible, luminescence, and automation), chromatography, ion-selective electrodes, and microwave digestion. Infrared spectroscopy, atomic ratio and molecular mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance will also be included. Provides hands-on experience with modern analytical instruments. Prerequisites or graduate standing required. Pre: (3114, 3124) or (CSES 3114, CSES 3124). (3H,3L,4C)

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section.
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section.
Variable credit course.

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