Dr. David Sammeth, Department Chair
Ivan Hilton Science Building,
Room HSCI 232
E-mail : d7sammeth@nmhu.edu
505-454-3100 FAX: 505-454-3244
- About
- Faculty
- Mission of the Chemistry Program
- Major in Chemistry (BA)
- Concentration in Biochemistry (BA)
- Major in Chemistry (ACS Approved BS)
- Minor in Chemistry
- Chemistry Course Descriptions
- Minor in Combined Science
- General Science Degree for Teachers
- Pre-Professional and Pre-Med Curriculum
- Resources and Laboratory Facilities
- Chemistry Department Faculty
About
The Chemistry Department offers both Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of ARTs (BA) degree programs. The BS degree, approved by the American Chemical Society, offers rigorous training in chemistry and Mathematics and is designed specifically for students who wish to pursue graduate studies or employment as chemists. The BA degree, a more versatile program, combines a solid foundation in chemistry with opportunity for breadth of study. It is offered with a biochemistry option, which provides study in the chemistry of life processes and offers the best preparation for medical school and other post-graduate health profession related programs. A recommended curriculum that includes a four-year plan of study is available for all degrees. For those interested in teaching science, there is a BA degree in general science for secondary school teachers (Grades 7 – 12) as well as a minor in general science for elementary school teachers (Grades K – 5), or even a combined science minor. Within any degree program, students gain a practical perspective on chemistry thorough involvement with research projects. The Chemistry Program is highly successful in placing its graduates in careers in industry and government or in continuing their studies in either a Masters or Doctoral program.
Faculty
Jiao Chen, Ph.D. (analytical, environmental, nanotechnology)
Shipra Gupta (organic)
David Sammeth, Ph.D. (physical chemistry, spectroscopy)
Jan Shepherd, Ph.D. (organic, biochemistry)
Tatiana Timofeeva, Ph.D. (physical, crystallography)
Mission of the Chemistry Program
The mission of the chemistry program is to offer a quality education to students whether they are fulfilling general education requirements, taking background courses for other science, pre-professional, or engineering programs, or following a course of study for a chemistry major or minor while incorporating carefully mentored, hands-on laboratory and research experiences.
The goal of the chemistry program is to effectively prepare chemistry graduates to enter the workforce with a B.S/B.A. degree or to handle the rigors of a more advanced M.S. or Ph.D. program of study. Also, course preparation and advisement are available for students who choose to enter a post graduate, licensed professional program of study for a career in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy or pharmacy.
Resources and Laboratory Facilities
The Ivan Hilton Science Center provides students with modern chemical laboratories and research facilities. Available for both student and faculty use is a wide assortment of state-of-the-art instrumentation: high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr), X-ray diffraction equipment, liquid chromatography, gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (gc/ms), IR/UV-visible spectrophotometer, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). Students who major in chemistry are expected to become fully proficient in the use of the instruments by the time they graduate.
Majors and Minors in Chemistry
No minor is required for a BS degree, but one is required for a BA degree. A minor, for example, in biology, Mathematics, combined science, or geology can be earned by thoughtful choices of electives. Consult your adviser early in your academic career to establish a degree plan.
Major in Chemistry (BA)
Required Courses: 31 credit hours
CHEM 1215 General Chemistry 1 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1215L General Chemistry Lab 1 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 1225 General Chemistry 2 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1225L General Chemistry Lab 2 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 3210 Quantitative Analysis (4)
CHEM 3410 Organic Chemistry 1 (4)
CHEM 3420 Organic Chemistry 2 (4)
CHEM 3710 Physical Chemistry 1 (3)
CHEM 4810 Biochemistry 1 (3)
CHEM 4950 Senior Chemistry Applications (3)
Electives: 6 credit hours
BA chemistry majors must choose a minimum of six elective credits of upper division courses (>3000) with the approval of the chemistry curriculum adviser:
Additional Requirements: 12-14 credits
MATH 1510 Calculus I (4)
Choose one set from the following:
PHYS 1230 Algebra-based Physics 1 (4)
PHYS 1240 Algebra-based Physics 2 (4)
OR
PHYS 1310 Calculus-based Physics 1 (5)
PHYS 1320 Calculus-based Physics 2 (5)
Major Total: 49-51 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
General Electives to 120 (if needed): 1 credit hours
Minor: 20 credit hours minimum
Total for degree: 120-127 credit hours*
* A minor is required. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. The University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Concentration in Biochemistry (BA)
Required Courses: 33 credit hours
CHEM 1215 General Chemistry 1 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1215L General Chemistry Lab 1 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 1225 General Chemistry 2 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1225L General Chemistry Lab 2 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 3210 Quantitative Analysis (4)
CHEM 3410 Organic Chemistry 1 (4)
CHEM 3420 Organic Chemistry 2 (4)
CHEM 3710 Physical Chemistry 1 (3)
CHEM 4810 Biochemistry 1 (3)
CHEM 4820 Biochemistry 2 (3)
CHEM 4830 Biochemistry Lab (2)
Electives: 6 credit hours
Biochemistry majors must choose a minimum of six elective credits of upper division courses (>3000) from either biology or chemistry with the approval of the chemistry curriculum adviser:
BIO/CHEM >3000 Electives (3)
BIO/CHEM >3000 Electives (3)
Additional requirements: 20-22 credit hours
BIOL 2120 General Biology 2 (4)
BIOL 3000 Genetics (4)
MATH 1510 Calculus 1 (4)
Choose one set from the following:
PHYS 1230 Algebra-based Physics 1 (4)
PHYS 1240 Algebra-based Physics 2 (4)
OR
PHYS 1310 Calculus-based Physics 1 (5)
PHYS 1320 Calculus-based Physics 2 (5)
Major total: 57-59 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
Minor: 20 credit hours minimum*
Total for degree: 127-135 credit hours*
* A minor is required. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. The University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Major in Chemistry (ACS Approved B.S.)
Required Courses: 46 credit hours
CHEM 1215 General Chemistry 1 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1215L General Chemistry Lab 1 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 1225 General Chemistry 2 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1225L General Chemistry Lab 2 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 3170 Physical Chemistry Lab (3)
CHEM 3210 Quantitative Analysis (4)
CHEM 3220 Instrumental Analysis (4)
CHEM 3410 Organic Chemistry1 (4)
CHEM 3420 Organic Chemistry 2 (4)
CHEM 3710 Physical Chemistry 1 (3)
CHEM 3720 Physical Chemistry 2 (3)
CHEM 4610 Inorganic Chemistry 1 (3)
CHEM 4810 Biochemistry 1 (3)
CHEM 4830 Biochemistry Lab (2)
CHEM 4950 Senior Chemistry Applications (3)
Electives: 3 credit hours
BS chemistry majors must choose a minimum of six elective credits of upper division courses (>3000) with the approval of the chemistry curriculum adviser.
Additional requirements: 25 credits
MATH 1510 Calculus 1 (4)
MATH 1440 Applications of Calculus 2 (4)
MATH 2530 Calculus 3 (4)
MATH 3200 Linear Algebra (3)
PHYS 1310 Calculus-based Physics 1 (5)
PHYS 1320 Calculus-based Physics 2 (5)
Major Total: 74 credit hours
Chemistry students may choose Mathematics, physics, or biology as an optional minor. The combined science minor is sometimes used as an alternative.
The student may also choose a non-ACS approved Bachelor of Science program. This program deletes CHEM 4610, MATH 2530, and MATH 3200 from the above list of required courses. If students choose this option, they must add nine more upper division credits in consultation with a chemistry adviser.
Minor in Chemistry
Required courses: 18 credit hours
Required courses: 18 credit hours
CHEM 1215 General Chemistry 1 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1215L General Chemistry Lab 1 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 1225 General Chemistry 2 for STEM Majors (3)
CHEM 1225L General Chemistry Lab 2 for STEM Majors (2)
CHEM 3210 Quantitative Analysis (4)
CHEM 3410 Organic Chemistry 1 (4)
Electives: 3-4 credit hours
Choose a minimum of one course from the following list:
CHEM 3220 Instrumental Analysis (4)
CHEM 3420 Organic Chemistry 2 (4)
CHEM 3710 Physical Chemistry 1 (3)
Minor Total: 21-22 credit hours
Minor Total: 21-22 credit hours
Chemistry (CHEM) Course Descriptions
CHEM 1110C. Chemistry in Our Community (4); 3, 2 Fa, Sp
This course will introduce nonscience majors to the basic chemistry required to understand topics of current interest affecting their communities, such as air and water quality, global climate change, use of fossil fuels, nuclear power, and alternative energy sources to illustrate chemical principles, acquaint students with scientific methods, and to critically evaluate scientific claims as presented in the media and in other communicative. Previous NMHU CHEM 100.
CHEM 1215. General Chemistry 1 for STEM Majors (3); Fa, Sp
This course is intended to serve as an introduction to General Chemistry for students enrolled in science, engineering, and certain preprofessional programs. Students will be introduced to several fundamental concepts, including mole, concentration, heat, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, bonding, physical states, stoichiometry, and reactions. Prerequisite: MATH 1215 with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: MATH 1215 and CHEM 1215L. Previous NMHU CHEM 211.
CHEM 1215L. General Chemistry Laboratory 1 for STEM Majors (2); 0, 3, 1 recitation; Fa, Sp
General Chemistry I Laboratory for Science Majors is the first semester laboratory course designed to complement the theory and concepts presented in General Chemistry I lecture. The laboratory component will introduce students to techniques for obtaining and analyzing experimental observations pertaining to chemistry using diverse methods and equipment. Corequisite: CHEM 1215. Previous NMHU CHEM 215.
CHEM 1225. General Chemistry 2 for STEM Majors (3); Fa, Sp
This course is intended to serve as a continuation of general chemistry principles for students enrolled in science, engineering, and certain preprofessional programs. The course includes, but is not limited to a theoretical and quantitative coverage of solutions and their properties, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, entropy and free energy, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Additional topics may include (as time permits) organic, polymer, atmospheric, and biochemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L. Corequisite: CHEM 1225 and MATH 1220. Previous NMHU CHEM 212.
CHEM 1225L. General Chemistry Laboratory 2 for STEM Majors (2); 0, 3, 1 recitation; Fa, Sp
General Chemistry II Laboratory for Science Majors is the second of a two-semester sequence of laboratory courses designed to complement the theory and concepts presented in General Chemistry II lecture. The laboratory component will introduce students to techniques for obtaining and analyzing experimental observations pertaining to chemistry using diverse methods and equipment. Corequisite: CHEM 1225. Previous NMHU CHEM 216.
CHEM 1350 – 4350. Selected Topic in Chemistry (3); Var
In depth exploration of a selected topic (s) in chemistry. May be repeated with change of content. Previous NMHU CHEM 135-435.
CHEM 2550. Chemistry Research Seminar (1); Fa, Sp
Seminar focused on current research projects and related literature. Previous NMHU CHEM 255.
CHEM 2990. Undergraduate Research (1-3 VC)
Problems in laboratory or literature may be undertaken as individual research arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU CHEM 299.
CHEM 3170. Physical Chemistry Lab (3); 0, 6 Var
Basic electronics, optics, thermodynamic properties, reaction kinetics, and instrumentation analysis, including IR, UV-VIS, GC, NMR, MS, X-ray, LC, and electro-analytical techniques for the determination of molecular structure and properties. Prerequisites: CHEM 3220, CHEM 3420, and MATH 1440. Previous NMHU CHEM 317.
CHEM 3210. Quantitative Analysis (4); 3, 1, 3 Fa
Quantitative analysis is a sub-discipline within analytical chemistry, which deals with the identification and assay of a material of its components, statistical data analysis, chemical equilibrium systems and electrochemistry, Prerequisites: CHEM 1225, CHEM 1225L, and MATH 1220. Previous NMHU CHEM 321.
CHEM 3220. Instrumental Analysis (4); 3, 3 Sp
Instrument analysis is an important branch of analytical chemistry, which covers the design, operational principles and practical applications of modern instrumental methods used in chemical analysis. The course includes spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis/fluorescence/Infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption/emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, etc.), separation methods (gas/liquid chromatography, HPLC, etc), electrochemical methods (coulometry, potentiometry, voltammetry, etc.) and additional topics. Prerequisite: CHEM 3210. Previous NMHU CHEM 322.
CHEM 3250. Environmental Chemistry (3); Var
Environmental chemistry explores the sources, distribution, reactions, fate, transport, and consequences of chemicals in natural systems. Reactions in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments will be considered, including both biological and abiotic transformations. Prerequisite: CHEM 3410. Previous NMHU CHEM 325.
CHEM 3410. Organic Chemistry 1 (4); 3, 3, 1 recitation; Fa
An intensive study of the chemistry of carbon compounds, including structure, synthesis, and reaction mechanisms. The lab component will include the study of the isolation, purification, and identification of various classes of organic compounds. Prerequisites: CHEM 1225 and CHEM 1225L. Previous NMHU CHEM 341.
CHEM 3420. Organic Chemistry 2 (4); 3, 3, 1 recitation; Sp
A continuation of CHEM 341. Special topics, including an introduction to biochemistry and polymer chemistry, are included. The lab component will include the synthesis of various classes of organic compounds and their identification using modern spectroscopic techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 3410. Previous NMHU CHEM 342.
CHEM 3590. Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety (1); Var
Introduction to the principles of laboratory safety, including the proper use of emergency safety equipment and personal protective equipment; instructions for the safe handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemicals; and safety in the biology and physics labs. Emphasis will be placed on preparing science educators in safety procedures. Prerequisite: CHEM 1225, or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU CHEM 359.
CHEM 3710. Physical Chemistry 1 (3); Alt, Fa, Odd
Chemical theory of states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibria, and kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 3420, MATH 1510, and PHYS 1320. Previous NMHU CHEM 371.
CHEM 3720. Physical Chemistry 2 (3); Alt, Sp, Even
Topics include quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, spectroscopy, and molecular structure. Prerequisites: CHEM 3710 and MATH 1440. Previous NMHU CHEM 372.
CHEM 4190. Advanced Synthesis and Instrumental Analysis (3); 0, 6 Var
An advanced chemical preparation and chemical instrumentation laboratory. Synthesis emphasizes inorganic compounds and uses modern separation, purification, and instrumental analysis techniques. Additionally, instrumental analysis will explore modern methods of trace analysis. Instrumentation may include NMR, GC-MS, FT-IR, fluorescence, HPLC, CE, powder X-ray diffraction, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 3210 or 3220 is required; CHEM 3170 and CHEM 3720 are recommended. Previous NMHU CHEM 419.
CHEM 4410. Reaction Mechanisms (3); Alt, Fa, Odd
Theoretical organic chemistry, including molecular orbital theory, photochemistry, orbital symmetry, and reaction mechanisms. Prerequisites: CHEM 3170, CHEM 3420, and CHEM 3720. Previous NMHU CHEM 441.
CHEM 4420. Synthetic Chemistry (3); Alt, Sp, Even
An advanced treatment of synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry and reaction mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHEM 3170, CHEM 3420, and CHEM 3720. Previous NMHU CHEM 442.
CHEM 4500. Seminar in Chemistry (1-3 VC)
Seminar course in a topic or topics in chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 3170, CHEM 3420, and CHEM 3720. Previous NMHU CHEM 450.
CHEM 4550. Chemistry Research Seminar (1); Fa, Sp
Seminar focused on current research projects and related literature. Previous NMHU CHEM 455.
CHEM 4610. Inorganic Chemistry 1 (3); Var
Quantum mechanical approach to chemical bonding, crystal and ligand field theory, acid/base theories, and transition metal chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 3170 and CHEM 3720. Previous CHEM 461.
CHEM 4620. Inorganic Chemistry 2 (3); Var
A continuation of CHEM 461. Topics include metal, transition metal, and nonmetal inorganic topics, and symmetry as related to spectroscopy and reaction mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHEM 4610. Previous NMHU CHEM 462.
CHEM 4730. Chemical Kinetics (3); Var
An in-depth study of chemical reaction kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 3170 and CHEM 3720. Previous NMHU CHEM 473.
CHEM 4810. Biochemistry 1 (3); Fa
Begins with an introduction to the chemistry of biologically important molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; before exploring enzymatic properties, kinetics and metabolism. Prerequisite: CHEM 3420. Previous NMHU CHEM 481.
CHEM 4820. Biochemistry 2 (3); Sp
A continuation of CHEM 4810. Prerequisite: CHEM 4810. Previous NMHU CHEM 482.
CHEM 4830. Biochemistry Laboratory (2); Sp, Fa
Biochemistry Laboratory will give students hands-on experience with modern biochemistry and molecular biology experimental techniques, such as, cloning, PCR and protein expression, purification and analysis. Previous NMHU CHEM 483.
CHEM 4900. Independent Study (1-6 VC)
Individual, directed study arranged with an instructor. A thesis and oral presentation are required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU CHEM 490.
CHEM 4950. Senior Chemistry Applications (3); Sp
Consists of an open-ended advanced chemistry project that include presenting oral and written reports that are designed to reveal each student’s overall understanding of chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 3720 or permission of instructor. Previous NMHU CHEM 495.
CHEM 4990. Independent Research (1-6 VC)
A research problem in chemistry, explored through individual, directed research arranged with an instructor. A thesis and oral presentation are required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previous NMHU CHEM 499.
This major is under the College of Arts and Sciences
Pre-Professional and Pre-Med Curriculum
Pre-Professional and Pre-Med Curriculum
A “pre-professional” student is one who follows an undergraduate academic pathway and enters a post-graduate school to obtain a license to practice medicine. Medical doctoral degrees include allopathic (MD), osteopathy (DO), veterinary medicine (DVM), dentistry (DDS or DMD), podiatry (DPM), pharmacy (PharmD), ophthalmology or optometry (MD or OD), and physical therapy (DPT).
Medical schools usually require completion of an undergraduate degree but do not require a specific major for admittance. There is, however, a recommended core of undergraduate courses that will provide the basis for much of the material present on the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) or other related entrance exams.
Currently, these core courses are:
- 2 Introductory Biology Courses
- 2 General Chemistry Courses
- 2 Organic Chemistry Courses
- 1 Biochemistry course
- 2 Introductory Physics courses
- 2 Math courses (some schools recommend Calculus)
- 2 Behavioral Science courses (Psychology and/or Sociology)
- 2 courses in English/writing
A physiology course is also useful as is a research experience or relevant internship.
All of these core courses can be included in the BA degree in Biochemistry with accompanying Biology minor and completed in four years within the normal academic course load.