Chemistry

Professors Powell and Schmidt; Associate Professors Ormond and Stutz; Assistant Professor Carter; Emeriti Dupont, Hazard, Lewis, Sen, and Shiflett; Adjuncts Levine and Midgett; Laboratory Manager and Instructor Bunn; Teaching Assistant Lovin.

The purpose of the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Geoscience is to provide courses and programs of academic excellence in chemistry, physics and geoscience that will

  • Enable majors and minors to attain their educational and career goals; and
  • Prepare all students to live as informed and responsible citizens with a global and environmental awareness in a world where ideas and events are strongly influenced by science and technology.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Chemistry, Physics and Geoscience Department

The courses offered by the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Geoscience are designed to enable every student to:

  • explain how scientific concepts apply to real-life experiences and everyday situations.
  • develop appropriate solutions to fundamental problems in chemistry, geoscience or physics.
  • demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety practices and chemical hygiene procedures.

In addition, to continued development in the areas above, the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Chemistry majors will:

  • apply knowledge of inorganic, organic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry to solve chemical problems.
  • use chemical literature, modern and classical techniques and instrumentation to design chemical experiments and analyze data.
  • demonstrate the necessary skills of a professional chemist, including critical thinking, effective written and oral communication and ethical decision making.

The department offers introductory courses in chemistry, physics, geography, and geoscience to satisfy the general education needs of students. Students who desire more advanced study may choose a minor in chemistry, chemical physics, geoscience, or they may pursue a major in chemistry leading to a B.A. or a B.S. degree. The major in chemistry for the B.A. degree is designed to allow maximum flexibility. It is a good option for students treating chemistry as a second major. The major in chemistry for the B.S. degree has more specific requirements than does the major for the B.A. degree.

Dual Degree Engineering Program

A Dual Degree Engineering Program is available to Meredith College students. In this 5-year program, a student can simultaneously receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Meredith College in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Biological, Biomedical, Chemical, Environmental, or Textile Engineering from NC State University. Interested students should contact the Dual Degree Engineering Program Director at Meredith through the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences office, before registering for the first semester at Meredith College.

Teaching Licensure

For students majoring in Chemistry, teaching licensure is available for K-6 (all elementary subjects), 6-9 (science concentration), and 9-12 (chemistry and comprehensive science licensures). 

Career Opportunities

A major in chemistry, in addition to providing a well-rounded education, specifically prepares students for advanced study and/or careers in the following areas:

  • Graduate/professional school in a variety of disciplines including chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, or law, Health sciences including dentistry, optometry, medicine, or veterinary medicine,
  • Allied health sciences such as medical technology, pharmacy, nursing, physician’s assistant, or physical therapy, 
  • Research careers in areas such as chemical industry, chemical engineering, environmental chemistry, pharmaceuticals, or biochemistry, and teaching.

Credit Testing and Advanced Placement Chemistry Credit

Upon request, the department gives a placement exam to students who wish to receive credit for CHE-111. Students who present an AP Chemistry score of 3 will receive credit for CHE-111 and CHE-141. Students who present an AP Chemistry score of 4 or 5 will receive credit for CHE-111, CHE-112, CHE-141 and CHE-142.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

CHE-111: General Chemistry I

Fundamental concepts of chemistry, emphasizing stoichiometry, thermochemistry, atomic and molecular structure, and chemical bonding. Three class hours per week.

Required Prerequisites

High school chemistry is strongly recommended as a prerequisite to this course.

Required Corequisites

CHE-112: General Chemistry II

A continuation of fundamental concepts with emphasis on kinetics, equilibria, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and descriptive chemistry. Three class hours per week.

Required Prerequisites

CHE-111 with a C or better, and CHE-141 

Required Corequisites

CHE-188: Special Topics in Chemistry

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

CHE-201: Pathways to Careers in Life and Physical Sciences

This course will provide exposure to professions related to the life sciences, physical sciences and environmental sustainability. Using student identified Strengths from StrengthsQuest, students will develop the professional skill sets to start a career path in various science and sustainability fields. Employment opportunities at all levels (technician, field specialist, human resources, sales, marketing, education, writing, advocacy, management, coordinator, etc.) in nonprofit, government, academic, and private sector industries will be discussed.

CHE-230: Environmental Chemistry

This course will study the sources, reactions, transport, and effects of chemical species in the atmosphere, soil, and water. The major 76 anthropogenic pollutants and their effects on the environment will also be studied. 

Required Prerequisites

CHE-111/CHE-141 with a minimum grade C

CHE-242: Organic Chemistry II Laboratory

Experimental organic chemistry with emphasis on qualitative analysis of organic compounds using chemical tests and instrumental analysis. Three laboratory hours per week. 

Required Corequisites

CHE-288: Special Topics in Chemistry

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

CHE-299: Introduction to Research

A research development and seminar course in which students will be introduced to the processes and mechanisms for conducting original research. Students are required to present their findings orally and in written form. Students will be expected to spend an average of three hours per week on the course (combined in-class and outside of class) for each semester hour credit. 

Required Prerequisites

CHE-111 is strongly recommended as a prerequisite to this course.

CHE-350: Quantitative Analytical Chemistry

A study of the principles and techniques of chemical analysis including volumetric, spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and electroanalytic methods. Three class hours and three laboratory hours per week.

Required Prerequisites

CHE-112 with a minimum grade of C or better

CHE-360: Instrumental Analysis

Instrumental analysis covers the theory and methods for the separation, identification and quantitation of chemical species known as analytes in chemical samples. Students will explore the basic tools and language of analytical chemistry and the current trends in analytical instrumentation. The theory and application of spectrophotometric, chromatographic and other instrumental techniques will be explored with an emphasis placed on sample preparation. Students taking the course will be challenged to identify and quantify unknown analytes present in a sample. The course includes three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. 

Required Prerequisites

CHE-388: Special Topics in Chemistry

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

CHE-415: Special Topics in Chemistry

Special topics in chemistry such as instrumental analysis, advanced organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, industrial chemistry, or chemometrics.

Required Prerequisites

Instructor's consent required

CHE-438: Biochemistry II

The second part of a 2-part course in Biochemistry, this advanced course is designed to prepare students for graduate study and careers in the fields of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. The course will present topics in modern Biochemistry including bio-molecular structure, enzyme catalysis, bioenergetics, biosynthesis of bio-molecules, and culminate with a discussion of special topics such as cellular signal transduction. Three lectures per week. 

CHE-446: Biochemistry I Laboratory

A collection of laboratory exercises designed to provide practical exposure to some of the general principles and methodology of biochemistry. Techniques include photometry, polarimetry, electrophoresis, centrifugation, and various chromatographic techniques. Three laboratory hours per week. 

Required Prerequisites
Required Corequisites

CHE-488: Special Topics in Chemistry

Special topics course offered in response to student and faculty interest.

Required Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary with topic studied.

CHE-490: Senior Seminar

This course consolidates the knowledge of chemistry acquired through coursework and provides a bridge to students' post-graduation experience. Students will explore current trends in the field through discussion with peers, written assignments, and oral presentations. Familiarity with chemical research literature and real-world applications of chemistry will be a major focus of the course. Performance will be evaluated based on quality of participation, assignments, and one major presentation. Through reading and discussion, students will not only learn of potential career applications of the Meredith experience, but also prepare to effectively communicate in the professional arena.

CHE-498: Honors Thesis in Chemistry

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and the faculty mentor is required for registration. The project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the chemistry faculty. 

Required Prerequisites

CHE-299 or instructor approval.

CHE-499: Research

In conjunction with a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. A research proposal form completed by the student and the faculty mentor is required for registration.

Required Prerequisites

CHE-299 or instructor approval.
Junior and Senior standing.
Science or Chemistry majors, or others by permission.