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Dept. of Chemistry | Dept. of Physics | Science and Engineering Management Major | Medical Imaging Technology

Department of Chemistry and Physics
Robert Magruder (chair), W. David Driskill, Kim Faison, Ahad Nasab*, Ray Seely*.
*Part-time

Department of Chemistry Courses | Shared Major

Vision:

The vision of the Chemistry and Physics Department is to provide our students with the skills and knowledge to engage in a life-long inquiry into physical phenomena. Such an experience includes preparation for additional formal study, for career opportunities, and for a reflective and meaningful life.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Chemistry and Physics Department is to provide students with a variety of academically challenging educational experiences that enhance their understanding of the physical world and their relation to it.

Goals:

The curriculum of the Chemistry and Physics Department has the following objectives:

The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers programs of study leading to the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Science and Engineering Management.

The chemistry and physics degree programs offer a balanced presentation of theory and application. Two degree programs in chemistry are offered: (1) A Professional Chemistry Major for students who plan to attend graduate school and/or seek employment in the industry, and (2) A Chemistry Major for the Health Sciences designed for students interested in premedical and para-medical fields. Two programs of study in physics are also available: (1) a Physics Major for students who plan to attend graduate school, seek employment in industry, or teach physics at the secondary school level, and (2) an Engineering Physics Major for those interested in the area of applied physics and/or plan to attend graduate school in engineering.

The Medical Imaging Technology Program, offered in conjunction with the School of Allied Health of Vanderbilt University, includes preparation in nuclear medicine, x-ray technology, and radiation physics, and offers clinical laboratory experiences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Chemistry Courses (CEM)

CEM 1010. Chemistry, Your Environment, and You* (4). This course focuses on personal, societal, and environmental situations that can be described and discussed in terms of basic chemical knowledge. Students' understanding of topics such as , but not limited to, air and water quality, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, energy conservation and alternative energy sources, plastics and polymers, and food is deepened by using the basic concepts of matter, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions. Laboratory experiences demonstrate the investigative and empirical nature of chemistry in the context of the above topics. This course is an option in the Physical Sciences menu of General Education. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 1030. Fundamentals of Chemistry* (4). Students in majors requiring more than one semester of chemistry should take CEM 1610 and 1620 . Topics include atomic structure, the periodic law, chemical bonding and molecular structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, and acid-base reactions. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 1610, 1620. General Chemistry I, II (4, 4). Prerequisite or co requisite: MTH 1110 or the equivalent. Fundamental concepts and principles are emphasized during the first semester. Emphasis is placed on structure, nomenclature, oxidation numbers and the mole concept. The second semester includes solutions, behavior of electrolytes, ionic and molecular equilibria, and nuclear chemistry. Also, there is a brief introduction to the chemistry of carbon and its compounds included in the second semester. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 1990, 2990, 3990, 4990. Special Studies in Chemistry (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. A discussion of special topics in chemistry with depth and difficulty reflected in the course number.($65.00 course fee)

CEM 3310, 3320. Organic Chemistry I, II (4, 4). Prerequisite: CEM 1620. A functional approach is utilized in study of both the aliphatics and aromatics. Nomenclature is constantly emphasized only with the principal methods of synthesis. Selected reactions are studied with respect to mechanisms, kinetics and stereo-chemical involvement. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 3350. Chemistry of Materials (3). Prerequisites: PHY 2102, CEM 1620. This course examines the formation and structure of crystalline, amorphous and polymeric materials. Topics include thermodynamics of formation and structure of materials, bonding, formation of defects, diffusion, nucleation and growth. (Cross listed with PHY 3350)

CEM 3410. Analytical Chemistry I (4). Prerequisites: CEM 1620, MTH 1110. A modern approach to the subject is taken and includes basic statistical tools, error analysis, and a thorough discussion of equilibrium, including solubility, acid-base, complex formation, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Discussions of instrumental techniques in spectrometry, separations, and biochemical analyses are also emphasized. Independent laboratory work is a major portion of the course. ($100.00 course fee).

CEM 3500. Medicinal Chemistry (3). Prerequisite: CEM 3320. A study of selected areas of medicinal chemistry with emphasis on the organic chemistry of drug design and drug action. Topics to be studied include drug discovery, design and development, and the major classes and modes of action of drugs.

CEM 3510. Biochemistry I (4). Prerequisite: CEM 3210, CEM 3320; or consent of instructor. The molecular structure and biological function of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and lipids is emphasized. An introduction to enzymology and metabolism is included. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 3600. Biophysical Chemistry (4). Prerequisites: CEM 3320, PHY 1120, MTH 1150. An introduction to physical chemistry for students of the biological sciences. A discussion of thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, kinetics, spectroscopy, and quantum mechanics as applied to the field of biochemistry. ($100 course fee)

CEM 3610. Physical Chemistry I** (4). Prerequisites: CEM 1610, CEM 1620; PHY 2110, PHY 2120; MTH 1210, MTH 1220. The more chemical aspects of the subject are presented this semester; gas laws, properties of solutions, thermodynamics, and kinetics. Electrochemistry is also introduced at this time. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 3700. Research in Chemistry (1). Prerequisites: 20 hours in chemistry. A discussion of research in Chemistry, including experimental design, data analysis, literature review methods, publications of chemical research, and research presentations. Student will create a proposal for research to be executed in CEM 4700.

CEM 4420. Analytical Chemistry II (4). Prerequisites: CEM 341, MTH 111. A continued discussion of instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Included in the course are basic electronics, a more detailed discussion of spectrometry and separations, and electroanalytical techniques, all with an emphasis of instrumentation and appropriate method selection. Practical laboratory experiences and report writing are an integral part of the course. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 4520. Biochemistry II (3). Prerequisites: CEM 3310, CEM 3320, CEM 3610, CEM 4620. Emphasis is placed on the study of the molecular basis of life processes. The three-dimensional structure as it controls reaction rates and biological activity, the storage of metabolic energy, and the biosynthesis of essential molecules are studied. Finally, the transmission and expression of genetic information is considered. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 4620. Physical Chemistry II** (4). Prerequisites: CEM 1620, PHY 2120 and MTH 1210. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, introductory quantum theory, interaction of radiation with matter, nuclear structure and nuclear reactions. ($100.00 course fee)

CEM 4700. Research in Chemistry II (1-3). Prerequisites: CEM 3700. Students will execute the research project proposed in CEM 3700 or another project agreed upon by the student and the instructor. This course can be taken twice for credit, not to exceed five hours total. ($100 course fee)

CEM 4710. Senior Seminar (0). Pre/Co requisite: CEM 4700. Students will present a research paper prepared as part of CEM 4700 at the Belmont Undergraduate Research Symposium.

IMS-CH 461. Marine Chemistry*. Chemistry course offered by Institute for Marine Sciences (IMS). Contact the Biology Department, Belmont University, for additional information and application forms.

*Does not count toward a major in Chemistry.
** Cannot be used on both a chemistry major and a physics major or minor.