Department of Chemistry

Science Complex 4301
Phone: 410-704-3058
Fax: 410-704-4265
Email: cawolfe@towson.edu

Programs of the Department

The Department of Chemistry offers the following curricular options:

Major in Chemistry
Major in Chemistry - Professional Track
American Chemical Society accredited major in Chemistry
Major in Forensic Chemistry (General Track, Trace Evidence/ Drug Analysis Track, or DNA track)
Chemistry Secondary Education Concentration for students planning to teach chemistry at the secondary level
Minor in Chemistry
Biochemistry Concentration through Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics Program
Environmental Chemistry Track in Environmental Science and Studies Program
Master of Science in Forensic Science

The Chemistry major provides a strong background in all major areas of chemistry: physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and instrumental analysis. Students may concentrate in one or more of the above areas by taking advanced courses in areas of specific interest. Students are required to learn to use instruments commonly encountered in chemistry laboratories. Small classes are prevalent in all chemistry courses and students are taught by faculty in both lecture and laboratory. Special topics courses are offered periodically to provide students the opportunity to broaden their background in chemistry.

Chemistry majors are prepared to pursue many different careers after graduation, including graduate study in chemistry and related areas, employment in government or industry, professional school (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, physician assistant, library science), or secondary school teaching. Other employment opportunities are available to Chemistry majors, including those in water pollution, forensic chemistry, environmental chemistry, molecular biology, human identification, research and development, quality assurance and genetic engineering.

Departmental Honors Option

The Department of Chemistry, under the direction of the Towson University Honors College, offers a Departmental Honors option for students who demonstrate exemplary abilities in their discipline. Students in this option will work closely with faculty mentors in an individual program of research, directed readings, independent study and seminar. Departmental honors will be posted to the transcript shortly after the bachelor’s degree is conferred.

Criteria for Admission into the Departmental Honors Option

Major in Chemistry or Forensic Chemistry.
Completion of at least 60 units of courses.
Overall cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above and a 3.50 or above cumulative average in major course requirements. Students below this threshold may appeal to the Departmental Honors Committee.

Interested students should contact the Department Honors Coordinator (Dr. John Sivey, jsivey@towson.edu) to find out the procedure for applying to this program.

ACS Certification

Certification of a student’s chemistry degree from the American Chemical Society (ACS) is widely recognized throughout industry, government and education as a standard of excellence. Students with a good academic record are encouraged to pursue this option. Students electing the Professional Track may obtain ACS certification of their degrees provided they submit a comprehensive written report on their research (CHEM 491). Students who have taken PHYS 211-PHYS 212 may count these courses for ACS certification provided that an additional advanced physics lecture course is taken, subject to prior approval by the Department of Chemistry.

Environmental Chemistry Track in Environmental Science and Studies Program

Students may pursue the Environmental Chemistry Track of the Environmental Science and Studies Program that is described in a later section in the College of Science and Mathematics.

Transfer Credit Policy

Students who transfer to TU from a regionally accredited two-year college with an A.A. degree should have completed two terms of general chemistry with lab, two terms of organic chemistry with lab, one term of calculus, and two terms of general physics. Students who transfer from a two-year college without an A.A. degree should complete as many of the above-mentioned chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses as possible. Transfer students should consult the Department of Chemistry concerning the transferability of chemistry courses and this catalog for TU transfer policies.

Advanced Placement and Credit for Prior Learning

The Department of Chemistry awards credit for General Chemistry through the Advanced Placement Examinations given by the Educational Testing Service.

Students may also receive credit for General Chemistry by taking the Credit for Prior Learning Examination, which is administered through the Registrar’s Office. Students may also receive credit for other chemistry courses by passing the appropriate examinations. Further information may be obtained from the department.

Advanced Composition Course

The Department of Chemistry offers CHEM 301 Professional Ethics for Scientists, which is a course that deals with professional ethics in the physical sciences and fulfills the requirements for the advanced writing course.

Core Curriculum Courses

Course List
Code	Title	Units
Core 9: Advanced Writing Seminar
CHEM 301	PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR SCIENTISTS	3
Core 8: Physical Sciences
CHEM 100	CHEMISTRY AND CURRENT PROBLEMS	3
CHEM 104	INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY	4
CHEM 115	HONORS CHEMISTRY FOR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS I	4
CHEM 131	GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LECTURE ¹	3
CHEM 121	ALLIED HEALTH CHEMISTRY I LECTURE ¹	3
CHEM 121L	ALLIED HEALTH CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY ¹	1
CHEM 131L	GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY ¹	1
CHEM 132	GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LECTURE ¹	3
CHEM 132L	GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY ¹	1

¹: These two-term lecture-laboratory sequences meet the Core 8 requirement.

Research in Chemistry

Students interested in participating in research may enroll in CHEM 491 and should consult the undergraduate research coordinator, who will assist them in finding a research project of interest. Students must complete CHEM 491 before their final term at TU. In addition, undergraduate research participation grants are awarded by TU on a competitive basis to provide support for student research. The department offers competitive summer research stipends.

Internships

Chemistry majors are encouraged to participate in the Internship program and receive academic credit. Internships may be undertaken in either the public or private sector. Internships must have a significant chemistry component. At the completion of the internship, the student submits for evaluation a portfolio describing the work undertaken. This portfolio will be evaluated by Chemistry Department faculty in conjunction with the student’s work supervisor during the internship.

Academic credit can be acquired by taking CHEM 395, Internship in Chemistry. Enrollment in CHEM 395 requires prior approval of the Department Internship Coordinator. Students interested in participating in the Internship program should contact the Department Internship Coordinator (Mr. Mark Profili, mprofili@towson.edu) to find out the procedure for applying to this program at least one term prior to when they wish to begin an internship. Further information on available internships can be obtained from the University Career Center.

Graduate Programs

The Master of Science in Forensic Science program is a FEPAC-accredited program with areas of study in forensic molecular biochemistry and forensic analytical chemistry focusing on forensic DNA analysis and trace analysis rich with laboratory experience, capped with a research program, internship in a forensic laboratory or thesis. The program is intended for students who are interested in working as forensic scientists in the disciplines of forensic body fluid analysis and drug and trace evidence analysis. Detailed information regarding the program is given in the Graduate Catalog.

The Department of Chemistry participates in the Master of Science (M.S.) program in Environmental Science. Detailed information regarding these programs is also found in the Graduate Catalog.

Departmental Activities and Awards

Many Chemistry majors actively participate in the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (ACS), a student group supported by the department under the auspices of the ACS. This organization permits students to join the national organization and to obtain certain chemistry publications and services at reduced rates.

Student awards are given annually for outstanding work in chemistry courses. These include:

CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award
Achievement Award in Organic Chemistry
ACS Achievement in Organic Chemistry Award (joint Polymer-Education Committee)
Analytical Division (ACS) Award in Analytical Chemistry
Floyd A. Blankenship Award in Physical Chemistry
American Institute of Chemists Outstanding Senior Award
ACS Outstanding Student Award
Dr. Frank R. Milio Book Endowment
Linda Sweeting Endowment for Undergraduate Research in Science
Alan and Eileen Wingrove Endowment for Chemistry Scholars
Raspet Summer Research Fellowship.

Minor in Chemistry

Courses

CHEM 100 CHEMISTRY AND CURRENT PROBLEMS (3)

Chemistry concepts and their application to current topics such as environment, energy, food, and heath-related chemistry. Three lecture demonstration hours. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences.

CHEM 103 FOUNDATIONS OF CHEMISTRY (3)

Development of reasoning and quantitative skills for problem solving. Introduction to atomic structure, chemical reactions, chemical nomenclature, formulas, symbols and equations, basic skills of laboratory work. Three lecture hours. Not for credit toward Chemistry major or minor. Does not satisfy University Core requirement. S/U grading.

CHEM 104 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (4)

Principles of chemistry that are relevant to environmental issues, including water quality, nutrient pollution, air pollution, and specific classes of environmental contaminants. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: three years of high school mathematics. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 115 HONORS CHEMISTRY FOR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS I (4)

An introduction to the concepts of general chemistry, including states of matter, atomic structure and periodic table, molecular structure, chemical reactions, intermolecular forces, solutions, buffers and pH and radio activity. Laboratory includes data handling and chemical and instrumental techniques. May not be used as a prerequisite for the Chemistry major program. Three lecture hours and one three hour laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 115 or MATH 119 (either may be taken concurrently). Must be admitted to the Honors College. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 121 ALLIED HEALTH CHEMISTRY I LECTURE (3)

Atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, states of matter, solutions, intermolecular forces, acids, bases and buffers, chemical equilibrium, reaction energies and rates. CHEM 121 is a quantitative course and students are expected to be proficient in algebraic manipulations, exponentials, logarithms and graphical interpretation. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (CHEM 115) will not receive additional credit for this course. Corequisite: CHEM 121L. Core: Biological and Physical Sciences.

CHEM 121L ALLIED HEALTH CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (1)

Laboratory experiments to support concepts of Allied Health Chemistry I Lecture. Not open to those who successfully completed CHEM 105/ CHEM 115. Corequisite: CHEM 121. Core: Biological and Physical Sciences. Lab/class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 131 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LECTURE (3)

Atomic and molecular structure; theories of bonding, stoichiometry; chemical reactions; gases; solutions. Open to science/math majors/minors only. Not open to those who successfully completed CHEM 110. CHEM 131 is a quantitative course and students are expected to be proficient in algebraic manipulations and graphical interpretation. This course includes three hours of lecture plus one hour of recitation per week. Corequisite: CHEM 131L. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 131L GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY (1)

Laboratory experiments to support concepts of General Chemistry I Lecture. Not open to those who successfully completed CHEM 110. Corequisite: CHEM 131. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 132 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LECTURE (3)

Physical properties of liquids, solids and solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, chemical thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Not open to those who successfully completed CHEM 111. CHEM 132 is a quantitative course and students are expected to be proficient in algebraic manipulations, exponentials, logarithms and graphical interpretation. Corequisite: CHEM 132L. Prerequisites: CHEM 131 & CHEM 131L. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences.

CHEM 132L GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY (1)

Laboratory experiments to support concepts of General Chemistry II Lecture. Not open to those who successfully completed CHEM 111. Corequisite: CHEM 132. Core: Biological & Physical Sciences. Lab/class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 220 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY [LECTURE] (3)

Theory and practice of statistical analysis, equilibrium and polyprotic acid/base chemistry, titrimetry, chromatography, electrochemistry, and spectrophotometry. Students who have successfully completed CHEM 210 will not receive additional credit for CHEM 220. Corequisite: CHEM 220L. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L.

CHEM 220L ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY [LAB] (2)

Laboratory experiments to support concepts of analytical chemistry. One laboratory-lecture hour, and three hours of laboratory. Students who have successfully completed CHEM 210 will not receive additional credit for CHEM 220L. Corequisite: CHEM 220. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 301 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR SCIENTISTS (3)

Integrity of scientific literature and the responsibilities of scientists to associates and the public. Discussion of principles and case studies emphasizing the physical sciences. Does not count toward Chemistry major or minor. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: three courses in ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, GEOL, PHYS, or PHSC and at least two courses with laboratory; ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.

CHEM 310 INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS (4)

Theory and practice of spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical instruments, their design and modification to solve practical problems. Three lecture hours and four laboratory hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210), and CHEM 333/ CHEM 333L (CHEM 330) or CHEM 334 & CHEM 336 (CHEM 331). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 323 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (5)

Atomic Structure; Valence-bond, Molecular orbital, and crystal-field theories of bonding; structure and bonding in ionic and metallic solids; chemistry of main-group and transition-metal compounds; acid-base theories; organometallic compounds; syntheses and characterizations of main-group and transition-metal compounds. Three lecture hours and four laboratory hours. Students who have successfully completed CHEM 321 will not receive additional credit for CHEM 323. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210) as well as CHEM 333/ CHEM 333L (CHEM 330) or CHEM 334 & CHEM 336 (CHEM 331). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 330 ESSENTIALS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (5)

A one-term survey course in organic chemistry for non-chemistry majors taught on a conceptual basis. Not part of a traditional two-term organic chemistry sequence. Emphasis will be on principles, mechanisms, and modern techniques. Laboratory will include synthesis and identification of organic compounds. Three lecture hours, one recitation hour, and one three hour lab. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L. Lab/Class fee will be assessed. Effective Spring 2024: No longer offered [replaced by CHEM 333 & CHEM 333L].

CHEM 331 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I (5)

Structure, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, preparation and properties of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. Laboratory techniques include purification, spectroscopic (IR, NMR) and chromatographic (GLPC) methods of identification, and synthesis. Three lecture hours, one hour of laboratory lecture, and one three-hour lab. CHEM 331 and CHEM 332 comprise a traditional two-term organic chemistry sequence. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L. Lab/Class fee will be assessed. Effective Spring 2024: No longer offered [replaced by CHEM 334 & CHEM 336].

CHEM 332 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II (5)

Structure, reactions and their mechanisms, preparation and properties of alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, carbohydrates, etc. Laboratory emphasizes synthetic techniques and modern qualitative organic analysis using chemical reactions and IR, UV, and NMR. Three lecture hours, one hour of laboratory lecture and one three-hour lab. CHEM 331 and CHEM 332 comprise a traditional two-term organic chemistry sequence. Prerequisite: CHEM 331. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 333 ESSENTIALS OF ORGANIC CHEM [LECTURE] (3)

A one-term survey course in organic chemistry for non-chemistry majors taught on a conceptual basis. Not part of a traditional two-term organic chemistry sequence. Emphasis will be on principles, mechanisms, and modern techniques. Three lecture hours. Not open to students who have successfully completed CHEM 330. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L. Corequisite: CHEM 333L or successful completion of CHEM 333L or CHEM 336; students are required to be enrolled in both lecture and lab until two weeks prior to the final withdrawal date.

CHEM 333L ESSENTIALS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (2)

Lab for a one-term survey course in organic chemistry for non-chemistry majors taught on a conceptual basis. Not part of a traditional two-term organic chemistry sequence. Emphasis will be on principles, mechanisms, and modern techniques. Laboratory will include synthesis and identification of organic compounds. One hour of laboratory lecture and one three-hour lab. Not open to students who have successfully completed CHEM 330. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L. Corequisite CHEM 333; students are required to be enrolled in both lecture and lab until two weeks prior to the final withdrawal date. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 334 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I [LECTURE] (3)

Structure, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, preparation and properties of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. Three lecture hours. CHEM 334 and CHEM 337 comprise a traditional two-term organic chemistry lecture sequence with the CHEM 336 and CHEM 339 labs. Not open to students who have successfully completed CHEM 331. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L.

CHEM 336 INTRODUCTORY ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (2)

Structure, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, preparation and properties of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. Laboratory techniques include purification, spectroscopic (IR, NMR) and chromatographic (GLPC) methods of identification, and synthesis. One hour of laboratory lecture and one three-hour lab. CHEM 334 and CHEM 337 comprise a traditional two-term organic chemistry lecture sequence with the CHEM 336 and CHEM 339 labs. Not open to students who have successfully completed CHEM 331. Prerequisite: CHEM 334. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 337 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II [LECTURE] (3)

Structure, reactions and their mechanisms, preparation and properties of alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, conjugated and aromatic compounds. Three lecture hours. CHEM 334 and CHEM 337 comprise a traditional two-term organic chemistry lecture Not open to students who have successfully completed CHEM 332. Prerequisites: CHEM 334 and CHEM 336 (CHEM 336 may be taken concurrently).

CHEM 339 INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (2)

Structure, reactions and their mechanisms, preparation and properties of alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, conjugated and aromatic compounds. Laboratory emphasizes synthetic techniques and spectroscopic characterization and identification of compounds using IR, mass spectrometry, and 1H and 13C NMR. One hour of laboratory lecture and one three-hour lab. CHEM 334 and CHEM 337 comprise a traditional two-term organic chemistry lecture sequence with the CHEM 336 and CHEM 339 labs. Not open to students who have successfully completed CHEM 332. Prerequisite: CHEM 337. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 345 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (3)

Empirical derivations of the unifying physical principles of chemistry. Topics of particular interest include the principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, and their applications in chemical systems. Quantitative problem solving involving integral and differential calculus is emphasized. Prerequisites: CHEM 132 and CHEM 132L and (MATH 211 or MATH 273) and (PHYS 211 or PHYS 241).

CHEM 346 THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (3)

Theoretical principles unifying the vast body of chemical observations. Extensive use of differential and integral calculus in developing mathematical models describing the behavior of chemical systems. Prerequisites: CHEM 345, MATH 274, PHYS 212 or PHYS 242.

CHEM 351 BIOCHEMISTRY (3)

Chemical processes in biological systems including biological buffers, protein structure, ligand binding, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate chemistry, membrane structure, bioenergetics, analytical methods, and principles of metabolism applied to pathways. Three lecture hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 333/ CHEM 333L (CHEM 330) or CHEM 337 & CHEM 339 (CHEM 332); BIOL 200 / BIOL 200L is recommended.

CHEM 356 BIOCHEMISTRY LAB (2)

Physical methods in biochemistry including spectrophotometry, centrifugation and ultra-centrifugation, electrophoresis, and chromatography. Isolation and purification of proteins and nucleic acids. Enzyme kinetics and the binding of small molecules to macromolecules. One lecture hour and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 351 (may be taken concurrently). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 357 ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY (3)

Selected topics in biochemistry with an emphasis on understanding the behavior of macromolecules at the molecular level. Introduces the use of numerical principles to study the conformation and interactions of macromolecules. Topics include macromolecular transitions, ligand binding, cooperativity, structure-function relationships of selected molecules, and current literature readings. Prerequisite: CHEM 351.

CHEM 372 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (2)

Introductory experiments in physical chemistry involving thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy to characterize properties of materials and chemical systems. Four laboratory-lecture hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210), and CHEM 345 (CHEM 345 may be taken concurrently). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 391 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CHEMISTRY I (1-3)

A laboratory or library problem in chemistry to be selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students are required to submit a written report. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is taken. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

CHEM 392 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CHEMISTRY II (1-3)

CHEM 393 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CHEMISTRY III (1-3)

CHEM 394 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CHEMISTRY IV (1-3)

CHEM 395 INTERNSHIP IN CHEMISTRY (3)

Students will be given credit in this cooperative education program for approved experience in chemistry or forensic chemistry in the private or public sector. A written report of their work will be submitted by students and evaluated by the Chemistry or Forensic Chemistry Faculty. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210) and CHEM 332, 3.0 GPA overall and junior class standing.

CHEM 401 COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN CHEMISTRY (1)

Effective scientific communication skills will be developed, culminating in student presentations to the Chemistry Department. Topics will be selected from chemical literature. Attendance at departmental seminars is required. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210), CHEM 337 & CHEM 339 (CHEM 332).

CHEM 461 ADVANCED LECTURE TOPICS (1-3)

Advanced studies in one of the major topics in chemistry. Content will depend on instructor. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 units with a different topic. Prerequisite: CHEM 332.

CHEM 462 ADVANCED LABORATORY TECHNIQUES (1-2)

An advanced, focused laboratory in chemistry. Content will depend on the instructor. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 units as a laboratory experience with a different focus. Prerequisites: CHEM 332, CHEM 372 and consent of instructor. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

CHEM 472 APPLICATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (3)

Fate and transport of chemical contaminants; physico-chemical processes controlling pollutant partitioning and distribution; implications of chemical speciation on toxicity to biota. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210); CHEM 333/ CHEM 333L (CHEM 330) or CHEM 337 & CHEM 339 (CHEM 332); or consent of instructor.

CHEM 480 CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY (3)

Study of the fate, effects, and mechanisms of action of toxicants; physical and biological factors affecting transport, transformation and toxicity of chemical stressors; emphasis on forensic and environmental applications. Prerequisites: CHEM 351, BIOL 200/ BIOL 200L (BIOL 201), or consent of instructor.

CHEM 491 RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY (1-3)

An original experimental or theoretical investigation to be conducted under the supervision of a chemistry or forensic chemistry faculty member. Projects may span multiple semesters, and students may repeat the course for credit provided a different topic description is specified for each semester. A student should expect to complete a formal written report and/or presentation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

CHEM 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN CHEMISTRY (1-3)

Studies in selected content areas tailored to student needs. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

CHEM 499 HONORS THESIS IN CHEMISTRY (2)

Writing of an honors thesis based on independent research done under the direction of a faculty member. Oral presentation of the work in a public seminar. Honors College course. Prerequisites: consent of instructor, and open only to students who have been approved as departmental honors candidates.

FRSC 363 CHEMISTRY OF DANGEROUS DRUGS (3)

A study of the chemistry, methods of detection and analysis of narcotics, depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. Also, the influence of physiochemical properties upon the pharmacological effects of drug receptor interactions. Historical, forensic, and socio-economic implications associated with drug abuse will also be reviewed. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210) and CHEM 337 & CHEM 339 (CHEM 332).

FRSC 367 FORENSIC CHEMISTRY (3)

Introduction to chemical and physical analyses used by a modern crime laboratory in the evaluation of physical evidence encountered in criminal acts. Areas of concentration will include forensic microscopy, drug analysis, toxicology, explosives analysis, arson examination, and trace evidence. Emphasis will be placed on the value of such examinations as presented by the expert witness in a criminal trial. Prerequisites: CHEM 337 & CHEM 339 (CHEM 332) and CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210); CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L may be taken concurrently.

FRSC 368 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE (3)

Introduction to the various professional practices encountered in forensic science including Laboratory Safety, Quality Assurance and Quality Control, Documentation, Ethics, Chain of Custody, and Expert Witness Testimony. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210), CHEM 337 & CHEM 339 (CHEM 332).

FRSC 401 FORENSIC SCIENCE CAPSTONE (3)

An integrative forensic science course where students demonstrate their scientific literacy, in-depth understanding of forensic problems, communication skills, presentation and writing skills, critical thinking and analysis skills obtained throughout their undergraduate academic experience. Prerequisite: FRSC 367.

FRSC 420 BODY FLUID ANALYSIS (4)

Current methods and concepts in forensic biology with laboratory practice in identification and individualization of biological forensic samples by several different methods, including biochemical testing, antigen-antibody reactions, and DNA typing, representing best practice in forensic science. Prerequisite: BIOL 409 (may be taken concurrently). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

FRSC 422 ADVANCED SEQUENCING METHODS (3)

Theory and application of DNA sequencing technology including Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing, and massively parallel sequencing and their uses in forensic DNA analysis. Five lecture/laboratory hours. Prerequisites: (FRSC 420 and MATH 237) or permission of instructor.

FRSC 440 FORENSIC SCIENCE, EMERGENCY MEDICINE, AND DEATH ANALYSIS (3)

Overview of the principles of Forensic Science as it applies to emergency medicine in physical and sexual assaults, environmental contamination, natural mass disasters, terrorist attacks, and natural and suspicious deaths. Prerequisite: FRSC 367.

FRSC 467 FORENSIC ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (3)

Instruction and laboratory practice of analytical procedures used for analysis of arson, explosives and trace evidence. Laboratory work includes sample preparation and use of microscopes, FTIR, and GC/MS as well as analysis and interpretation of data. Use of conformity to standard protocols, calibration, and discriminant function analysis. Prerequisites: CHEM 220/ CHEM 220L (CHEM 210); FRSC 367 (may be taken concurrently). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

Faculty

Professors: Ryan Casey, Kelly Elkins, Ellen Hondrogiannis, Clare Muhoro, David Ownby, John Sivey (Chairperson / Graduate Program Director), Ana-Maria Soto

Associate Professors: Mary Devadas, Kathryn Kautzman, Shuhua Ma, Sonali Raje, Keith Reber, Shannon Stitzel (Assistant Chair), Cynthia Zeller

Assistant Professors: Abolghasem Bakhoda, Kyle Edwards, Stephen Hancock, Khanh-Hoa Tran-Ba

Lecturers: Nicole Carbonaro, Dimitra Douskas, Daniel Macks

Clinical Assistant Professor: Courtney Thomas

Lecturer II: Katharine Bowdy, Joseph Bushey, Henderika van Huizen

: Mark Profili (Graduate Program Director)