2020-2021 Undergraduate Course Catalog

Nov 26, 2024

2020-2021 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry, BA

Chair:

Mathew M. Maye, 1-014 Center for Science and Technology, 315-443-2146, mmmaye@syr.edu

Faculty

Mark S. Braiman, Carlos A. Castañeda, Joseph Chaiken, Arindam Chakraborty, John D. Chisholm, Robert P. Doyle, John M. Franck, James L. Hougland, Ivan V. Korendovych, Timothy M. Korter, Yan-Yeung Luk, Olga V. Makhlynets, Mathew M. Maye, Davoud Mozhdehi, Karin Ruhlandt, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler, Rachel Steinhardt, Nancy I. Totah, Weiwei Zheng, Jon Zubieta

Chemistry, the science concerned with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic, elemental, and molecular systems, is taught through courses in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and through direct participation in original research. Undergraduate majors in chemistry may elect one of four programs, two leading to a B.A. degree, with an emphasis in either chemistry or biological chemistry, and two leading to the B.S. degree with an emphasis in either chemistry or medical chemistry Either B.A. degree program requires fewer credits in chemistry than the B.S. option, and yet provides a foundation in the discipline adequate for either immediate professional engagements or for graduate studies. Students studying for a B.S. degree in chemistry gain a more extensive background as they fulfill a broader range of requirements; they must file a petition with the department chair indicating their intent to secure the B.S. degree before it can be awarded.

Students interested in a B.S. degree in biochemistry should see the biochemistry section here .

For information about certification to teach chemistry at the secondary school level, see Education/Arts and Sciences (dual program) in this section of the catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Develop problem solving skills

2. Perform accurate and precise quantitative measurements

3. Use modern instruments for chemical separation and analysis

4. Interpret experimental results and draw reasonable conclusions

5. Analyze data statistically and assess reliability of results

6. Anticipate recognize, and respond properly to hazards of chemical manipulations

7. Design experiments

8. Search and use scholarly chemical literature and databases

9. Communicate effectively through oral and written reports

10. Work effectively in small groups

11. Perform laboratory research

12. Adhere to ethical behavior

13. Learn content of sub-discipline: analytical chemistry

14. Learn content of sub-discipline: inorganic chemistry

15. Learn content of sub-discipline: organic chemistry

16. Learn content of sub-discipline of: physical chemistry

17. Learn content of sub-discipline: biochemistry

18. Develop laboratory skills in synthesis and characterization of chemical compounds

19. Develop laboratory skills in chemical and instrumental methods of analysis

20. Develop laboratory skills in physical chemistry

21. Develop laboratory skills in biochemistry

22. Learn about the impact of chemistry on society

B.A. Degree Requirements

To declare a B.A. major in Chemistry (including Biological Chemistry track), a student must satisfy either of the following two requirements:

1) Earn a grade of C+ or better in General Chemistry lecture and laboratory courses (CHE106/107/116/117 or honors equivalents, or AP credit for CHE106/107/116/117) AND earn a grade of C or better in CHE 275;

-OR-

2) Earn a grade of A- or better in a General Chemistry lecture course (CHE106/116/109/119) taken at Syracuse University.

(Chemistry Track)

To declare a B.S. or B.A. major in Chemistry (including Medicinal Chemistry and Biological Chemistry tracks), a student must satisfy either of the following two requirements:

1. Earn a grade of C+ or better in General Chemistry lecture and labroratory courses (CHE 106/107/116/117 or honors equivalents, or AP credit for CHE 106/107/116/117) AND earn a grade of C or better in CHE 275;

2. Earn a grade of A- or better in General Chemistry lecture course (CHE 106/116/109/119) taken at Syracuse University

Requirements include 36 credits in chemistry core courses, 32 of which are taken in specific courses. Each student’s course of study includes the following:

Group 1

Group 2

At least 4 credits chosen from

Group 3

One year of calculus and physics

Additional Information

Students are encouraged to gain some research experience by enrolling in CHE 450 , which may be substituted for a 3-credit course listed in (2) above by petitioning the department.

(Biological Chemistry Track)

To declare a B.S. or B.A. major in Chemistry (including Medicinal Chemistry and Biological Chemistry tracks), a student must satisfy either of the following two requirements:

1. Earn a grade of C+ or better in General Chemistry lecture and laboratory courses (CHE 106/107/116/117 or honors equivalents, or AP credit for CHE 106/107/116/117) AND earn a grade of C or better in CH2 275;

2. Earn a grade of A- or better in General Chemistry lecture course (CE 106/116/109/119) taken at Syracuse University

Requirements include 21 credits from chemistry core courses, 6 credits from the list, (2) below, of approved biology/biochemistry core courses, and 9 additional credits from an approved list for a total of 36 required credits.

Each student’s course of study must include the following:

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

At least 9 credits chosen from

Group 4

One year of calculus and physics

Additional Information

Students are strongly encouraged to take BIO 326 - Genetics and BIO 327 - Cell Biology . Students are also encouraged to take BIO 465 - Molecular Biology Laboratory .

Students may also gain some research experience by enrolling in CHE 450 , which may be substituted for a 3-credit course listed in (3) above, by petitioning the department.

Degree with Distinction

Distinction in Chemistry is awarded by the chemistry department upon completion of the chemistry major and a high-quality chemistry thesis. The thesis will be evaluated and judged by a committee consisting of the research advisor and two other chemistry faculty members. Other requirements include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 by the end of the senior year, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in chemistry department courses. See Professor Totah for additional requirements.