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2018-2019 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Course Numbering
The College of Wooster uses a five-digit course numbering system. The first three digits indicate the primary course number. The next two digits are the secondary course number and indicate whether there is a special focus for the course. For example:
The first letters are the department or program abbreviation. The next three digits are the primary course number (101 is the primary course number for all Introduction to Historial Study courses). The last two digits are the secondary course number. These two digits indicate that the special focus for this HIST 101 course is The History of Islam. A course with a given three-digit primary course number can only be taken once for credit unless specifically indicated otherwise by the department.
The following policy has been used in assigning primary course numbers:
- 100-level courses are usually introductory courses; some 100-level courses do have prerequisites, and students are advised to consult the description for each course.
- 200-level courses are usually beyond the introductory level, although many 200-level courses are open to first-year students and to majors and non-majors.
- 300-level courses are seminars and courses primarily for majors but open to other students with the consent of the instructor.
- The following numbers are for Independent Study: I.S. 40100 (Junior Independent Study), I.S. 45100 and I.S. 45200 (Senior Independent Study).
In addition to the regular course offerings, many departments offer individual tutorials under the number 40000 and internships under 41000. On occasion, departments will offer a course on a special topic as approved by the Educational Policy Committee, designated 19900, 29900, or 39900.
Abbreviation
In keeping with the general education requirements of the College’s curriculum
(see Degree Requirements ), course listings employ the following abbreviations:
W Writing Intensive
C Studies in Cultural Difference
R Religious Perspectives
Q Quantitative Reasoning
AH Learning Across the Disciplines: Arts and Humanities
HSS Learning Across the Disciplines: History and Social Sciences
MNS Learning Across the Disciplines: Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Except where otherwise noted, all courses carry one course credit.
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Chemistry |
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CHEM 10102 - Forensic Science Course Credit: 1
FORENSIC SCIENCE Law enforcement techniques such as DNA typing, fingerprint identification, drug/explosives detection, and fiber analysis are covered in class and short laboratory experiments. The underlying principles of forensic techniques are discussed, drawing on examples from true crime investigations. The broader impact of such methods and investigations is covered in the course. [MNS, Q]
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CHEM 11100 - General Chemistry I Course Credit: 1
(BIOL, NEUR)
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I Fundamental facts, concepts, and theories of chemistry and mathematical skills are emphasized. Topics include matter, measurements, calculations, elements, atomic theory, atomic mass, the mole, ionic and molecular compounds, types of bonding, mole calculations, types of reactions, limiting reagents, percent yield, solutions, gases, quantum mechanics, orbitals and electrons, electronic structure, atomic periodicity, and Lewis theory. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and the development of critical thinking skills. Three class hours per week. Annually. Fall. [MNS, Q]
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CHEM 11200 - General Chemistry II Course Credit: 1
(BIOL, NEUR)
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II Fundamental facts, concepts, and theories central to chemistry are examined. The topics include VSEPR, valence bond, and molecular orbital theories, intermolecular forces, solutions and colligative properties, chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, equilibria (chemical, acid-base, aqueous, ionic), thermodynamics (enthalpy, entropy, free energy), and electrochemistry. The laboratory focuses on fundamental techniques, data manipulation, notebook and reporting skills. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11100; CHEM-11200L Annually. Fall and Spring. [MNS, Q]
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CHEM 21100 - Organic Chemistry I Course Credit: 1
(B&MB, BIOL, NEUR)
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I The fundamental principles of structure, bonding, and reactivity of organic compounds are introduced. Content focuses on functional groups, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopic techniques, data interpretation, and introductory synthetic methods. Critical thinking, application of general concepts to new examples, and problem-solving skills are emphasized. Laboratory experiments incorporate key synthetic organic laboratory skills, reactions, techniques, and instrumentation. The experiments promote independence, information literacy, safety, writing skills, and laboratory competency. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-.; CHEM-21100L Annually. Fall. [MNS]
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CHEM 21200 - Organic Chemistry II Course Credit: 1
(NEUR)
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II The study of organic structure, bonding, and reactivity continues with more complex molecules including aromatics, carbonyl compounds, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Advanced spectroscopic data analysis and multi-step syntheses challenge students to be creative, critical thinkers. In the laboratory, students apply skills from CHEM 21100, increase independence, and learn new techniques through research-based projects involving synthesis and spectroscopic identification. Information literacy, safety, and writing (notebooks, technical reports, summaries, and experimental plans) are emphasized. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-21100, minimum grade C-. Annually. Spring. [MNS]
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CHEM 21500 - Analytical Chemistry Course Credit: 1
(B&MB)
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY The fundamental principles and methodology of chemical analysis are examined with examples from biochemistry and organic and inorganic chemistry. Topics include discussion of errors and statistical treatment of data, a review of equilibria, and introduction to spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and analytical separations. The laboratory emphasizes experimental design, using library resources, and methods for obtaining and evaluating quantitative data. Methods employed include spectroscopy, potentiometry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and titrimetry. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-. Annually. Fall. [MNS, Q]
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CHEM 21600 - Environmental Chemistry Course Credit: 1
(ENVS)
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY Various aspects of the chemistry of the environment, both unpolluted and polluted, are discussed. Emphasis is placed on chemical reactions in the atmospheric and aquatic realms, the relationship between chemical structure and environmental transport, and the toxicity and effects of common environmental pollutants. Case studies are used from the literature to further explore the course material. Three class hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-.
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CHEM 24000 - Inorganic Chemistry Course Credit: 1.25
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY The details of the chemistries of selected elements and their compounds are studies. For each class of substances studies, the topics of structure, bonding and reactivity are linked, with some discussion of mechanism, in order to give an overall survey of the chemistry of elements from various portions of the periodic table. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200 [MNS]
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CHEM 31300 - Advanced Organic Chemistry Course Credit: 1
ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY The course focuses on the experimental, instrumental, and theoretical methods by which the structure, reactivity, and electronic properties of organic compounds are determined. Various aspects of modern organic chemistry, including synthesis, mechanism, advanced spectroscopic methods, and computational chemistry may be covered. Historic and current case studies are taken from the chemical literature. Three class hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-21200, minimum grade C-. Spring.
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CHEM 31600 - Instrumental Analysis Course Credit: 1
INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS Modern methods of chemical analysis are covered with an emphasis on spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, separations, and surface analytical techniques. Particular focus is placed on the use of instruments in chemical industry, clinical analysis, and environmental monitoring. Laboratory work involves multi-week independent projects. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-21500, minimum grade C-.; CHEM-31600L
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CHEM 31800 - Physical Chemistry I Course Credit: 1
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I Chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Topics include chemical kinetics, rate laws, laws of thermodynamics, free energy and chemical equilibrium. Additional topics may include chemical dynamic models, X-ray diffraction, solid-state structure, and structure determination. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. [MNS, W] Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-; and MATH-11100 (or MATH-10700/10800), minimum grade C-.; CHEM-31800L Annually. Fall. [MNS, W]
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CHEM 31900 - Physical Chemistry II Course Credit: 1
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II Quantum and statistical mechanics. Topics include quantum mechanical theory, quantum mechanical models for motion, the structure of atoms and molecules, molecular symmetry, molecular spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-, and MATH-11200, minimum grade C-. Annually. Spring. [MNS]
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CHEM 33400 - Biophysical Chemistry Course Credit: 1
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY This course examines the underlying physical principles and laws that govern the behavior of biological systems and biochemical reactions. The fundamental principles of molecular structure, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics are explored in relationship to biological phenomena. Three class hours per week. Prerequisite(s): MATH-11100 or MATH-10800, minimum grade C-, and either BCMB-33100 or CHEM-31800, minimum grade C-. Spring.
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CHEM 34100 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Course Credit: 1
ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Advanced aspects of inorganic chemistry are treated, including the organometallic chemistry of transition metal compounds and the chemistry of catalysis. The course is designed to emphasize structure, bonding, and spectroscopy, as well as syntheses and reaction mechanisms. Three class hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-24000 and CHEM-31800; or permission of instructor. Minimum Grade C- [MNS]
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CHEM 39901 - Organometallic Chemistry Course Credit: 1
Organometallic Chemistry This course uses principles of organic and inorganic chemistry to describe the structure and reactivity of compounds with metal-carbon bonds. These compounds have applications in advanced synthesis, catalysis, and other industrial processes. Students will learn the theoretical description of metal-carbon bonds, spectroscopy of organo-metallic compounds, and the mechanism of catalytic cycles. Three class hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-21200 and either CHEM-24000 or CHEM-34000–Minimum grade C-; or permission of the instructor.
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CHEM 40000 - Tutorial Course Credit: 1
TUTORIAL Advanced library and laboratory research problems in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and biochemistry. May be repeated. Annually. Fall and Spring.
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CHEM 40100 - Introduction to Independent Study Course Credit: 1
JUNIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY This course builds background knowledge and practical skills for independent scientific work. Activities in searching the literature, experimental design, drafting and revising scientific writing, and oral presentation culminate in a written research proposal for the Senior Independent Study project. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-21200; Minimum Grade C- Or Departmental Approval Annually. Spring.
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CHEM 41000 - Internship Course Credit: 0.25
Maximum Credit: 3
CHEMICAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP Students are placed in research positions in non-academic laboratories. The normal schedule involves work during the summer months, in addition to either the fall or spring semester, on a research problem related to the function of the employing laboratory. The work is directed by scientists at the laboratory. Liaison is established by regularly-scheduled consultations with one or more faculty members of the Department of Chemistry. The student’s schedule is arranged only after consultation with the Chemistry chairperson. May be repeated. S/NC. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-21200, CHEM-21500, CHEM-31800, and CHEM-40100; Junior standing.
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CHEM 45100 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER ONE An original investigation is conducted, culminating in a thesis and an oral defense of the thesis in CHEM 45200. During the Fall each student gives a research seminar on the Independent Study research topic. Projects are offered in selected areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-21200, minimum grade C-, and CHEM-40100, minimum grade C-; or approval by the Department. Annually. Fall and Spring.
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CHEM 45200 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER The second semester of the Senior Independent Study project, which culminates in the thesis, the presentation of a poster, and an oral defense. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-45100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
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