Chemistry
Chair: J. M. Tanko
Associate Chair: H. Marand
University Distinguished Professor: D.G.I. Kingston
Ethyl Corporation Chaired Professor: T. D. Crawford
Professors: P. Carlier, H. C. Dorn, A. R. Esker, F. A. Etzkorn, R. D. Gandour, H. W. Gibson, T. E. Long, H. Marand, J. S. Merola, R. B. Moore, J. R. Morris, J. S. Riffle, J. M. Tanko, and E. F. Valeev
Associate Professors: P. G. Amateis, P. A. Deck, G. L. Long, L. A. Madsen, A. J. Morris, W. L. Santos, B. M. Tissue, D. Troya, and G. T. Yee
Assistant Professors: T. Z. Grove, J. S. Josan, F. Lin, G. G. Liu, J. B. Matson, N. Mayhall and M. Shulz
Senior Instructor: M. B. Bump
Advanced Instructors: S. M. Arachchige, M. A. Berg, and J. E. Eddleton
Instructors: P. L. Durrill, V. K. Long, K. Neidigh, C. Santos, and C. Slebodnick
Director of Graduate Programs: J. R. Morris
Graduate Program Coordinator: J. Huynh
Director of Undergraduate Programs: P. G. Amateis
Undergraduate Program Coordinator: A. Hawthorne
Director of General Chemistry: P. G. Amateis
Web: www.chem.vt.edu
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.)
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://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Minor Requirements
The requirements to earn a minor in Chemistry can be found on the specific checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.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.
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://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (CHEM)
1004: FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE IN CHEMISTRY
Orientation to the Chemistry Department and to the
discipline of chemistry for chemistry majors and for
individuals considering CHEM as a major, including transfer
students. Resources for success, both generally as a
college student and specifically as a chemistry major.
Opportunities for mentoring, individual research and
community involvement across the university and within
the Chemistry Department. Exploration of career pathways
for chemistry majors. Interconnections among professional
practice, disciplinary progress, accepted standards for
ethical use of information, principles of diversity and
inclusionk, and individual or personal value systems.
Scientific communication, professional networking, and
chemistry in the public eye.
(1H,1C)
1015,1016: CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT
Survey of chemistry across areas of specialization for
students enrolled in curricula other than science and
engineering. History and fundamental concepts and theories
of chemistry, including the consequences of changes in
parameters on chemical systems. Impact of chemistry in the
context of areas of public concern and policy, including
best practices for sustainability, rational decision-making,
ethical use of scientific information, product and process
stewardship. Chemistry as a basis for decision-making in
the context of individual values and beliefs, and the roles
of values and beliefs in the progress of chemistry as a
human endeavor. The foregoing to be based on the concepts
of chemistry as follows: 1015: Periodicity and atomic
structure; nuclear chemistry; chemical bonding and
reactivity; organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and
medicinal chemistry. 1016: Chemical stoichiometry
including conservation of matter and energy; acid-base and
oxidation-reduction chemistry of solutions; stoichiometry
and thermodynamics, agricultural and environmental
chemistry, chemistry of household and personal care products
(3H,3C)
1025,1026: INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Virtual laboratory exercies and reading and writing
assignments designed to accompany 1015 and 1016,
as applicable. Illustrates and elaborates on principles
addressed in lecture, including history and fundamental
concepts, theories, contexts, with an emphasis on
sustainability issues and ethical consequences of decision-
making in chemistry. Students will identify foundational
concepts in chemistry, enumerate paramaters likely to
influence the outcome of an experiment, analyze the ways
that values and beliefs influence progress in the discipline
and communicate chemical concepts to a lay audience.
(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.
Co: MATH 1025 or 1225 and CHEM 1065 for 1055.
Co: 1065 for 1055; 1066, 1066 for 1056.
(4H,4C)
1055H-1056H: HONORS GENERAL CHEM FOR 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.
Co: MATH 1025 or 1225 and CHEM 1065 for 1055.
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).
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; MATH 2214, (CHEM 3615 or CHEM 3615H), (CHEM 3615, MATH 2214 or CHEM 3615H) 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; MATH 2214, (CHEM 3615 or CHEM 3615H), (CHEM 3615, MATH 2214 or CHEM 3615H) 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 4615 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)
4424 (SBIO 4424): POLYSACCHARIDE CHEMISTRY Structure, properties, and applications of natural polysaccharides. Natural sources and methods of isolation. Synthetic chemistry and important polysaccharide derivatives. Relation of structure and properties to performance in critical applications including pharmaceuticals, coatings, plastics, rheology control, and films. Conversion by chemical and biochemical methods of polysaccharide biomass to fuels and materials. Pre: 2536 or 2566. (3H,3C)
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)
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.