Resources for Non-Majors. All Wesleyan students are welcome to include some chemistry courses in their curricula of study. CHM 101 may be used to satisfy the general education requirements category. In addition, CHM 101 and 102 provide the necessary background for advancement to additional coursework within the chemistry program. Non-majors can elect to take additional coursework in chemistry within the prerequisite structure. Undergraduate Research Opportunities. Research is a highly desirable component of the curriculum for chemistry majors. All majors are exposed to the research environment in CHM 206. This experience is furthered by research components in many upper-level chemistry courses. Independent research experience is strongly encouraged as a prelude to a career in chemistry or to post-graduate study. Chemistry faculty welcome the opportunity to support and direct the research efforts of students enrolled in CHM 451, 452, and 499, and to have students participate as research assistants in ongoing faculty research programs. Students in this program receive academic credit and usually do not require additional semesters in order to complete degree requirements. Students are also welcome to participate in other internships through the College’s internship program.
Chemistry (CHM) Gen. Ed. Course Descriptions 101-101L: General Chemistry I. Goal: To explore the nature of matter. To examine qualitatively and quantitatively the principles which govern the physical and chemical changes of matter. To encourage critical thinking, logical derivation, and creativity, through solving problems. To develop an understanding of the composition and operation of the material universe and an appreciation of the greater environment. To prepare students for further studies in science. Content: A comprehensive introduction to chemistry including stoichiometry, chemical reactions, properties of gases, thermochemistry, acid-base theory, and atomic structure. Taught: Fall. Prerequisites: MAT 130 or placement at MAT 140 or higher. Gen. Ed. Category: Laboratory science. Credit: 4 hours (3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab per week).
Chemistry (CHM) Other Course Descriptions 102-102L: General Chemistry II. Goal: To explore the nature of matter. To examine qualitatively and quantitatively the principles which govern the physical and chemical changes of matter. To encourage critical thinking, logical derivation, and creativity, through solving problems. To develop an understanding of the composition and operation of the material universe and an appreciation of the greater environment. To prepare students for further studies in science. Content: A comprehensive introduction to chemical bonding, molecular structure, properties of liquids and solids, reaction kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Taught: Spring. Prerequisites: CHM 101. Credit: 4 hours (3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab per week). 206: Research Methods in Chemistry.
Goal: To learn basic methods and techniques of research in chemistry. To become proficient in the conduct of science and presentation of scientific information. To explore practical, philosophical, and ethical aspects of science.
Content: A “hands-on” introduction to all aspects of the scientific method and scientific research. Students conduct experimental practica and self-designed research projects, including initial formulation of hypotheses, experimental design and instrumentation, data analysis, and preparation of results for presentation. Students prepare critical reviews of published papers, formal written research reports, and presentations of original research designs and results in written, graphical, and oral formats. Taught: Fall. Prerequisites: CHM 101, 102, or permission of program director. Credit: 4 hours; S-course. 221, 222: Organic Chemistry I and II.
Goal: To examine the structure and the physical and chemical properties of hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives. To apply the mechanistic approach to understanding the basic nature of organic reactions. To encourage critical thinking, logical derivation, and creativity, using organic synthesis as a vehicle. To apply laboratory techniques used in determining structures of organic molecules. Content: An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds including their structures, physical and spectral properties, chemical reactivity, and synthesis. Laboratory work includes the isolation, purification, and identification used in determination of structures of organic molecules, as well as determination of physical and spectral properties. Taught: CHM 221, Fall; CHM 222, Spring. Prerequisites: CHM 102; CHM 221 for CHM 222. Credit: 4, 4 hours.
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