Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Chemistry

Contact Info
ChairSecretaryLocationDepartment Phone
Dr. Thaddeus BoronMrs. Anita Culley272 Advanced Technology and Science Hall724-738-2031

Department Web Site URL
Department Fact Sheet URL

The Rock Difference

  • Prepare students for scientific career opportunities in industry and government.
  • Prepare students for graduate study in biotechnology, chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science
  • Prepare students for entrance into schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, nursing, physical therapy, engineering, medical technology, environmental science, pharmacy, and allied public health fields.
  • Prepare students to enter the teaching profession in Elementary and Secondary Science Education.

“Slippery Rock was a life-altering experience for me. The chemistry courses I took as a freshman, and great professors, set my life’s direction.”

Randy Russell
Chairman and President of Ranbar Technology, Inc.
and Ranbar Electrical Materials, Inc.

Faculty

Thaddeus Boron
Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., University of Michigan
M.S., University of Michigan
B.S., University of Pittsburgh

Andre Braz
Assistant Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., Universidad de Alcala
M.S., University of Amsterdam
B.S., University of Lisbon

Qi Chen
Associate Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., Auburn University
B.S., East China University of Science & Technology

David Frohnapfel
Instructor
Chemistry
Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.S., University of Pittsburgh

Amanda Hemphill
Instructor
Chemistry
Ph.D., Purdue University
B.S., Slippery Rock University

George Lengyel
Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
M.S., University of Pittsburgh
M.A., University of Pittsburgh
B.S., University of Pittsburgh

Min Lim
Associate Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., University of Houston
B.S., Chungnam National University

Ashley Loe
Associate Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
B.S., Muskingham University

Michael Stapleton
Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., University of Delaware
B.S., Wilkes College

Donald Zapien
Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., University of California at Santa Barbara
B.S., University of Santa Clara

Susan Zirpoli
Assistant Professor
Chemistry
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
B.A., Franklin and Marshall College

Courses

CHEM 104 -  Introduction Chemistry I  

This course is the first course in a two-semester sequence for non-science majors which introduces the fundamental principles of Chemistry. Although this course serves as a prerequisite for the next course in the sequence (CHEM 106), it is also designed as a stand-alone course. This allows students to take either this course alone or the two-semester sequence and still obtain a basic understanding of chemical principles. The principles of chemistry are developed and illustrated through selective application. Note: This course is not a substitution for CHEM 107 and students cannot receive credit for CHEM 104 and CHEM 107. Also note that this course does not serve as a prerequisite for CHEM 108.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Every Term

CHEM 106 -  Introductory Chemistry II  

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence of an introductory chemistry course for non-science majors. The curse will build on the principles presented in CHEM 104 which is a prerequisite for this course and will focus on the areas of organic and biochemistry. As with CHEM 104, this course will concentrate on the basic principles of chemistry and illustrate them through selected applications.

Prerequisites: CHEM 104C or CHEM 107C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Winter, Spring&Summer

CHEM 107 -  General Chemistry I  

Topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, kinetic-molecular theory, gas laws, electronic structure, periodicity, and chemical bonding. Stoichiometry is emphasized.

Prerequisites: (ACSD 110D or ESAP 110D) or MATH 199D or minimum score of Y in 'WAIVE ACSD110 W HIGHER MATH' or minimum score of 30 in 'ALEKS PPL Assessment'
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Summer Terms

CHEM 108 -  General Chemistry II  

Topics include intermolecular forces, solutions, colloids, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibria (acid-base, solubility, and complex ion), electro-chemistry, and the transition elements.

Prerequisite: CHEM 107C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring & Summer Terms

CHEM 110 -  Contemporary Chemistry Laboratory  

Laboratory to accompany Chemistry 104 providing basic chemistry and environmentally related experiences. One two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: CHEM 104 (may be taken concurrently)D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

CHEM 111 -  General Chemistry I Lab  

A laboratory to accompany CHEM 107. Laboratory experiments are designed to develop basic laboratory skills and illustrate concepts.

Prerequisite: CHEM 107 (may be taken concurrently)D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Summer Terms

CHEM 112 -  General Chemistry II Lab  

A laboratory to accompany CHEM 108. Laboratory experiments illustrate the concepts of General Chemistry II.

Prerequisites: CHEM 107C and CHEM 111C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring & Summer Terms

CHEM 113 -  Clinical Chemistry Laboratory  

Laboratory to accompany CHEM 103 providing basic chemistry and health-related experiences. One two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: CHEM 104 (may be taken concurrently)D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

CHEM 139 -  Foundations of Academic Discovery  

Foundations of Academic Discovery serves as the entry point to the Rock Integrated Studies Program. With its strong faculty-student interaction, the course promotes intellectual inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and academic excellence. Through varied content, the course introduces students to academic discourse and information literacy while exploring topics such as diversity and inclusion and global awareness. This course will set students along the path to becoming engaged with issues and scholarship important to a 21st century education while they learn about themselves and their place in the world.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Freshman 1 or Freshman 2.
Enrollment limited to students with the ROCK STUDIES 2 STUDENT or ROCK STUDIES STUDENT attributes.

CHEM 190 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CHEM 195 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CHEM 198 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CHEM 200 -  Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry  

A one semester introductory course that covers the most commonly encountered properties of the major families of organic compounds. The course is designed for students pursuing a B.S. in environmental science. Not equivalent to CHEM 201.

Prerequisites: CHEM 108C and CHEM 112C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Summer & Winter Terms

CHEM 201 -  Organic Chemistry I  

Modern theories relating molecular structure to chemical reactivity are stressed. Elucidation of molecular structure by infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy is also covered.

Prerequisites: CHEM 108C and CHEM 112C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Summer Terms

CHEM 202 -  Organic Chemistry II  

Modern theories relating molecular structure to chemical reactivity are stressed. Elucidation of molecular structure by infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy is also covered.

Prerequisite: CHEM 201C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring & Summer Terms

CHEM 204 -  Introduction to Forensic Science  

Forensic science is the application of science to the examination of physical evidence obtained in the investigation of a crime. The Introduction to Forensic Science course uses high impact practices to provide an immersed research experience for students in the different steps of the scientific method, while learning about the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of Forensic Science.

Credits: 3

Thematic Thread(s): Citizenship & Social Problems, Institutions & Human Innovations, Transfer Thread Completion Course

CHEM 211 -  Organic Chemistry Laboratory I  

A laboratory course in which students employ the synthetic techniques and analytical procedures of organic chemistry.

Prerequisites: CHEM 112C and CHEM 201*C and CHEM 108C (may be taken concurrently).
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Summer Terms

CHEM 212 -  Organic Chemistry Laboratory II  

A laboratory course in which students employ the synthetic techniques and analytical procedures of organic chemistry.

Prerequisites: CHEM 201C and CHEM 211C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring & Summer Terms

CHEM 240 -  Industrial Hygiene  

Requirements to preserve worker health and safety will be surveyed.

Prerequisites: CHEM 108D and (CHEM 200D or CHEM 201D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

CHEM 243 -  Introduction to Research in Chemistry  

This is a one semester seminar covering faculty research within the chemistry department, use of library resources, internship opportunities available to undergraduate students, and basic safety training. This course is intended primarily for first-semester sophomore chemistry majors but is open to students from other majors in CHES who might be interested in pursuing undergraduate research in chemistry.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior 1, Junior 2, Sophomore 1 or Sophomore 2.
Enrollment limited to students in the College of Engineering & Scien college.

CHEM 270 -  Industrial Chemistry  

A study of industries with emphasis on economic, technical, and possible ecological factors affecting process design. Includes on-site lectures and discussions of various industries in the area.

Prerequisites: CHEM 108D and CHEM 112D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

CHEM 290 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CHEM 295 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CHEM 298 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

CHEM 301 -  Physical Chemistry 1  

Thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Cross listed as PHYS301.

Prerequisites: CHEM 108C and CHEM 112C and (PHYS 212C or PHYS 213C) and MATH 230C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Odd

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 302 -  Physical Chemistry II  

Quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.

Prerequisites: MATH 230C and CHEM 108C and CHEM 112C and PHYS 211C and (PHYS 212C or PHYS 213C)
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Even

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 321 -  Physical Chemistry Laboratory I  

Principles from Thermodynamic principles will be employed in the laboratory for determining and relating physical properties such as viscosity, surface tension, boiling and freezing points to the identity, and composition of chemical substances.

Prerequisites: CHEM 301 (may be taken concurrently)D or PHYS 301 (may be taken concurrently)D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Odd

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 322 -  Physical Chemistry Laboratory II  

Applied principles from Physical Chemistry II lecture will be used for interpreting results from experiments involving kinetics, equilibria, and spectrophotometric data.

Prerequisite: CHEM 302 (may be taken concurrently)D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 335 -  Biochemistry I  

The study of structures and physical properties of biological molecules.

Prerequisites: BIOL 104C and CHEM 202C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 336 -  Biochemistry Laboratory I  

A laboratory course in which the student uses techniques employed in biochemical investigations.

Prerequisites: CHEM 335 (may be taken concurrently)C and CHEM 212C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 337 -  Biochemistry II  

Investigates the basic theme of intermediary metabolism. A background for this study is gained through study of the chemistry of cellular constituents.

Prerequisites: CHEM 335C and CHEM 336C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 338 -  Biochemistry Laboratory II  

This is a one-credit course in biochemical techniques used in the investigation, isolation and purification of biomolecules. The student will get an exposure to and an appreciation for problem solving utilizing a research-oriented approach.

Prerequisites: CHEM 336C and CHEM 337*C (may be taken concurrently).
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 340 -  Air Quality Assessment  

A study of the quality of the air environment. Air quality assessment and potential problems will be examined both in lecture discussions and in laboratory or field situations. (Includes ambient air testing.) Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

Prerequisites: CHEM 200C or CHEM 201C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 4

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 350 -  Analytical Chemistry  

Topics include gravimetric and volumetric analysis of chemical systems. Special emphasis is given to titrimetric methods based on acid-base, complexation, and oxidation-reduction reactions.

Prerequisites: CHEM 108C and CHEM 112C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 351 -  Analytical Chemistry Lab  

Students develop practical skills employed in the quantitative analysis of chemical systems.

Prerequisites: CHEM 350 (may be taken concurrently)C and CHEM 108C and CHEM 112C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 370 -  Water Quality Assessment  

Water quality assessment and water quality problems will be examined both in lecture discussions and in laboratory or field situations. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

Prerequisites: CHEM 200C or CHEM 201C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 4

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 390 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 395 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 398 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 415 -  Forensic Analysis  

The application of analytical chemistry including instrumental methods to the investigation and interpretation of crime scene evidence.

Prerequisites: CHEM 350C and CHEM 351C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Even

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 416 -  Forensic Analysis Lab  

The application of instrumental methods of analysis to the interpretation of crime scene evidence.

Prerequisites: CHEM 350C and CHEM 351C and CHEM 415*C (may be taken concurrently).
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Even

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 425 -  Instrumental Analysis  

A lecture course to introduce the student to the theory, advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and power of contemporary chemical instrumentation, including computational methods.

Prerequisites: CHEM 350C and MATH 225C and PHYS 211C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Odd

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 426 -  Instrumental Analysis Laboratory  

A three hour per week laboratory accompanying CHEM 425. Instrumentation and computing technology will be applied to quantitative problems of chemistry.

Prerequisite: CHEM 425 (may be taken concurrently)D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Odd

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 430 -  Industrial Pollution Control Engineering  

Economic and technical problems will be discussed as related to the abatement of harmful discharges from industrial sources. Systems analysis will be employed in the examination of engineering solutions in the physical or chemical treatment of discharge. Three hours of lecture per week or a field trip.

Prerequisites: CHEM 108D and CHEM 112D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 442 -  Inorganic Chemistry  

A lecture course covering atomic structure, bonding, and properties of inorganic compounds. Coordination chemistry and other topics of current research interest are covered. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: CHEM 202C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms Even

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 450 -  Chemistry Internship  

Supervised placement and research in selected public and private agencies. (Credits earned will be counted as free electives and will not be counted toward the chemistry major.)

Credits: 1-12

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 452 -  Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory  

A laboratory course illustrating techniques of synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds using a variety of spectroscopic and magnetic measurements, and using computational chemistry methods to investigate the electronic structure of compounds.

Prerequisites: CHEM 212C and CHEM 442*C (may be taken concurrently).
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Odd

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 460 -  Materials Chemistry  

A one semester introductory course that covers the synthesis, analysis, and properties of polymers and solid state materials. Applications to industrial and practical application will be discussed.

Prerequisite: CHEM 202C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms Odd

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 475 -  Advanced Organic Synthesis  

A one semester course that includes an advanced organic chemistry synthesis laboratory. The lecture part covers modern synthetically useful reactions and their applications. The intensive laboratory offers the students an introduction to organic synthesis research, including the use of modern reagents and instruments. Students will become acquainted with techniques of preparation, purification and spectroscopic identifications of organic compounds.

Prerequisites: CHEM 202C and CHEM 212C
C Requires minimum grade of C.

Credits: 4

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 490 -  Independent Study  

Independent Study courses offer a student the opportunity to carry out original, chemical research in a Chemistry Department, employeing all facilities available through the department. Students must properly write and submit an ACS-style report to their faculty advisor or department chair for evaluation.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 491 -  Chemistry Seminar  

For junior chemistry majors. On-line searches of the chemical literature lead to oral presentations and written reports in a selected area of research.

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 495 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 496 -  Research  

Offers a student the opportunity to carry out chemical research in the laboratory, employing all departmental facilities, and the experience of writing a thesis under the direction of a faculty mentor.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

CHEM 498 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.