Apr 26, 2024  
2012-2013 Academic Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry and Engineering Science


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Daniel W. Black, Chair; Christine A. DeVries; Denis P. Drolet; Shawn M. Ellerbroek; LeAnn E. Faidley; Leilani L. Zart

Chemistry

Chemistry is often considered the “central science,” because an understanding of chemistry is essential for success in most science-related occupations. The department’s contemporary curricular program equips students for living and working in our modern, technologically advanced society.

Experimentation is at the heart of the program. On campus, students use modern instrumentation in course work and individual research. May Term and summer internships provide authentic research and work experiences at the industrial or university level.

Chemistry faculty members are effective teachers and advisers, and the smaller class size enables faculty and students to become well acquainted.

Program goals:

  • To provide a curriculum designed to serve the needs of the following groups of students: (1) chemistry and biochemistry majors intending to continue on to professional study (M.S., Ph.D.), go directly into chemistry- and biochemistry-related employment, or teach chemistry/science at the secondary level; (2) chemistry, biochemistry, and other science majors intending to enter the health professions (M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.V.M., Pharm D.); (3) other science majors intending to enter allied health fields (medical technology, chiropractic, occupational therapy, optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, and nursing); (4) students interested in environmental studies; and (5) non-science majors interested in the study of chemistry/science as a science component of the liberal arts.
  • To challenge students to be critical thinkers and enthusiastic scientists capable of independent laboratory experimentation and continued professional growth after completing their college studies.
  • To confront students with the needs and priorities of modern society and to emphasize their responsibility to society as scientists and citizens.

Department Recommendations

Students planning graduate study and professional work in chemistry should take CH 113 Principles of Chemistry I , CH 114 Principles of Chemistry II , CH 211 Organic Chemistry I , CH 212 Organic Chemistry II , CH 217 Analytical Chemistry , CH 315 Quantum Chemistry , CH 316 Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics , CH 325 Biochemistry , CH 340 Analytical and Physical Measurements , CH 420 Advanced Organic Chemistry , CH 421 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry , CH 450 Independent Study  (or CH 371 Internship ), CH 461 Science Seminar  (½), and
CH 471 Research . Special Topics courses are recommended when offered. Introductory courses in German or French, computer science courses (CS 120 Introduction to Computers and Programming ), and advanced courses in mathematics and physics are also recommended.

Students majoring in chemistry while interested in professional work in medicine should consult with Dr. Shawn Ellerbroek for course recommendations in biology.

Programs

Chemistry Teaching

For additional information on teaching majors and endorsements, see Education  Department listings.

Biochemistry

Department Recommendations

Students planning graduate study and professional work in biochemistry should take additional advanced courses in biology (BI 221 Cell Biology , BI 305 Microbiology , BI 416 Molecular Biology of Cancer ) and in chemistry (CH 315 Quantum Chemistry , CH 316 Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics , CH 340 Analytical and Physical Measurements , CH 420 Advanced Organic Chemistry , and CH 421 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry ).

Students majoring in biochemistry while interested in professional work in medicine should consult with Dr. Shawn Ellerbroek for course recommendations in biology and chemistry.

Programs

Engineering Science

The engineering science major seeks to prepare students for the rapidly evolving world of today. Unlike most engineering programs, this major is intentionally designed to give students a breadth of competence in the key areas common to all engineering specialties without sacrificing opportunities to explore the wide variety of experiences a liberal arts setting can afford.

The program is built on a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Technical course work focuses on common professional practice and developing problem-solving skills in the context of broad areas of engineering analysis.

Program goals:

  • Students will master fundamental scientific and technical content and skills.
  • Students will acquire an understanding of the ethical, global, and societal dimensions of the profession.
  • Students will develop skills in communication, critical thinking, team building, and self-training.

Department Recommendations

Students planning to pursue a master’s degree in engineering should take MA 255 Multivariable Calculus ,
MA 401 Differential Equations , and PHY 204 Classical Physics II  as well as additional advanced mathematics and science courses relevant to the area of specialization sought. Students planning to enter industry directly should take additional courses in economics, business administration, and/or writing. All engineering science majors are strongly encouraged to develop proficiency in a second language at least equivalent to one year of college-level study.

Programs

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