These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outline the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
For further information about this major, contact the Chemistry Coordinator (Dr. Tim Thibodeau): timothy.thibodeau@castleton.edu
Chemistry is the study of the properties of matter and the ways in which matter interacts, combines, and changes. It is inherently interdisciplinary in nature, with connections to the life sciences, geology, physics and mathematics.
The Chemistry major consists of a set of core chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses plus a flexible selection of upper level courses. This allows students to explore topics of interest and prepare for a wide range of graduate programs, careers and professions. All Chemistry majors will develop strong laboratory skills and have experience with state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation.
Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry will demonstrate:
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
CHE 1051 |
Chemistry I(grade of C or higher required) An in-depth study of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include modern atomic theory and structure of atoms, solution chemistry, nature of chemical bond, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry and molecular geometry. This course is designed for biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental science majors, as well as motivated students in the health related fields. To succeed in this course, an understanding of applied algebra is mandatory. Restrictions Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Geology majors only. Prerequisite: MAT 1020 or MAT 1221 or MAT 1320 or equivalent placement. Fee Fee $50 Fall |
4 |
CHE 1052 |
Chemistry II(grade of C or higher required) This course is a continuation of CHE 1051 . Topics of study include intermolecular forces, properties of solutions, the chemistry of solids, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, metal chemistry, and electrochemistry. This course is designed for biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental science majors or other students that will pursue higher-level courses in chemistry. Restrictions Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Geology majors only. Prerequisite: CHE 1051 or CHE 1041 Fee Fee $50 Spring |
4 |
CHE 2111 |
Organic Chemistry IAn introduction to the chemistry of organic compounds. Emphasis is on organic functional groups and their chemical properties, nomenclature and molecular structure. The laboratory introduces students to basic organic laboratory techniques of synthesis, purification and characterization. Lecture (3 hrs.) and lab (4 hrs). Students are strongly recommended to take Organic Problem Solving I (CHE 2113) together with this course. Prerequisite: CHE 1042 or CHE 1052 with a grade of C or better. Fee Lab fee $50. Fall |
4 |
CHE 2112 |
Organic Chemistry IIA continuation of CHE 2111. Continued study of organic functional groups and their chemical properties and molecular structures. Emphasis is on reaction mechanisms, aromaticity and spectroscopic methods od analysis of organic molecules. Students are strongly recommended to take Organic Problem Solving II ( CHE 2114 ) together with this course. Lecture (3 hrs) and lab (4 hrs). Prerequisite: CHE 2111 Fee Lab fee $50. Spring |
4 |
CHE 3020 |
Analytical ChemistryA survey of analytical chemical techniques including traditional gravimetric and titrimetric methods as well as modern spectroscopic and chromatographic methods of chemical analysis. Lecture and lab. This course is computing intensive. Prerequisite: CHE 1041 or CHE 1051 or consent of instructor. Fee Lab fee $50 Spring |
4 |
CHE 3035 |
Fundamentals of Physical ChemistryAn study of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy. Topics include Topics include the laws of thermodynamics, prediction of the direction and extent of chemical reaction, equilibrium, phases of matter, solutions, atomic structure, bonding, and spectroscopy of atoms and molecules. Prerequisite: CHE 1042 or CHE 1052, MAT 2532, and PHY 2210 Fall, even years |
4 |
CHE 3150 |
Inorganic ChemistryA study of the fundamental concepts and principals of Inorganic Chemistry. Topics include structure and properties of solids, physical characterization techniques, materials chemistry, and catalysis. Prerequisite: CHE 1042 or CHE 1052 Spring, odd years |
3 |
MAT 1531 |
Calculus ITopics include limits, differentiation, applications of derivatives, and an introduction to integration. This course may utilize graphing calculators on a regular basis. This course fulfills the Scientific and Mathematical Understanding Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: MAT 1360 or equivalent. Every semester |
4 |
MAT 2532 |
Calculus IIContinuation of Calculus I, with topics to include techniques of integration, applications of integration, improper integrals, sequences, series, and Taylor polynomials. Students in this course may be required to utilize graphing calculators. This course fulfills the Scientific and Mathematical Understanding Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: MAT 1531 Every semester |
4 |
PHY 2110 |
Physics IAn introduction to the concepts and theories of physics for science majors. Topics include forces, motion, and energy. A weekly laboratory section explores concepts and the role of experimentation in science. This course will use elementary calculus in order to solve physics problems. University level calculus is required. May not be taken for credit if credit has been received for PHY 1051. Lecture and lab. This course fulfills the Scientific and Mathematical Understanding Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: MAT 2532 Fee Lab fee $50 Fall |
4 |
PHY 2210 |
Physics IIA continuation of PHY 2110. Topics include electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics. May not be taken for credit if credit has been received for PHY 1052. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: PHY 2110 and MAT 2532 Fee Lab fee $50 Spring |
4 |
SCI 1230 |
Pathways to Science(should be taken during the freshman year) Pathways to Science is a broad spectrum science course that explores a wide variety of science topics in many different areas of science. Throughout this course students will learn skills needed to succeed in science. The course is geared toward first year and sophomore level students by aiming to provide a solid base of science terminology and principles. Pathways to Science is an introduction in how to succeed in science, how to initiate a research project, and how to get through the first two years of a science program. Students will identify future goals, career objectives, and put together a plan for graduation. Restrictions Biology, Chemistry, Ecological Studies, Environmental Science, and Wildlife and Forest Conservation majors. Spring |
1 |
SCI 2100 |
Science Colloquium(mandatory during sophomore year; recommended during junior and senior years; however, only 1 credit counts toward the major) Visiting scientists, department faculty, Castleton students, and scientists in the workforce will give presentations about current scientific research and careers in science. Students are given an opportunity to interact with the invited speakers and strengthen their personal scientific network. This science research seminar is open to any Natural Sciences major or minor (BIO, CHE, ESS, HLT, ENV, WFC) and is meant to introduce students to a wide range of current research areas and potential careers in science. This course is repeatable for credit. Pass/No pass only. Prerequisite: Students enrolled in a major or minor offered by the Natural Sciences Department or permission of the instructor. Fall |
1 |
BIO 1121 |
Biology I(grade of C or higher required) A comprehensive introduction to biology focused on the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. The course provides an introduction to all areas of biology. Lecture and lab Fee Lab fee $50 Fall |
4 |
MAT 2036 |
BiostatisticsThis course introduces statistical concepts and analytical methods as applied to data encountered in ecological, environmental, and biomedical sciences. It emphasizes the basic concepts of experimental design, quantitative analysis of data, and statistical inferences. Topics include probability theory and distributions; population parameters and their sample estimates; descriptive statistics for central tendency and dispersion; hypothesis testing and confidence intervals for means, variances, and proportions; the chi-square statistic; categorical data analysis; linear correlation and regression model; analysis of variance; and nonparametric methods. The course provides students a foundation to evaluate information critically to support research objectives and product claims and a better understanding of statistical design of experimental trials for biological products/devices. Restrictions Students will be required to have a scientific calculator. Prerequisite: Minimum math placement of MAT 2021 . Every semester |
4 |
The 9 credits must have CHE prefixes. Up to 3 credits may be earned through CHE 4920 - Research in Chemistry