Undergraduate Course Options
Course Descriptions - Biochemistry
BCH 194 Undergraduate Seminar
Credits: F, 1 Cr.
For the new student. Integration into the department and its research and educational
program. Scientific communication and chemical literature searching skills.
BCH 292 Independent Study
Credits: 1-3 per semester; 6 Cr. max
Directed research and study on an individual basis.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor and approval of the department head
BCH 294 Undergraduate Seminar
Credits: S 1 Cr.
Introduction to faculty research through faculty mini seminars. Departmental research
facilities. Research groups. Research planning decisions (MSU laboratory, summer internship,
student exchange, REU, USP, etc).
Prerequisite(s): CHMY 194 or BCH 194
BCH 380 Biochemistry
Credits: F, S, Su 5 Cr. (Lecture 4, Lab 1)
Carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and nucleic acid structure and function; enzyme kinetics;
energetics; major metabolic pathways for carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids; photosynthesis;
regulation of gene function.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in BIOB 160 or BIOB 260, and CHMY 211 or CHMY 323 or
CHMY 333
BCH 394 Undergraduate Seminar
Research techniques, procedures, and reports. Seminar reporting and presentation skills.
Career planning and resume preparation. May be repeated once.
Prerequisite(s): CHMY 294 or BCH 294.
BCH 441 Biochemistry of Macromolecules
Credits: F 3 Cr. (Lecture)
Biochemical basis of modern molecular biology; structure and function of proteins,
nucleic acids, and membranes; replication; transcription; translation; regulation
of gene expression; and recombinant DNA.
Prerequisite: C- or above in BIOB 160 or BIOB 260 and CHMY 323 or CHMY 333
BCH 442 Metabolic Regulation
Credits: S 3 Cr. (Lecture)
In-depth biochemical treatment of metabolism and its regulation in cellular processes.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in BCH 441
BCH 444R Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Methods
Credits: S 3 Cr.
This course focuses on molecular biology/biochemistry procedures integral to current
research. Methods include PCR; gene cloning; DNA sequencing; and expression, isolation,
purification, and characterization of the gene-encoded protein.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in BCH 441 and consent of instructor
BCH 490R Undergraduate Research
Credits: 1-6 per semester; 12 Cr. max
Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course may be repeated.
BCH 492 Independent Study
Credits: 1-3 per semester; 6 Cr. max
Directed research and study on an individual basis
Prerequisite: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of department head
BCH 494 Undergraduate Seminar
Credits: S 1 Cr.
Senior capstone course. Taught in collaboration with departmental Honors Thesis, CHMY
499. The chemistry/biochemistry research undergraduate experience constitutes a synthesis
of our (bio)chemistry class room and laboratory education. The projects are orally
presented in seminar form, discussed on the basis of acquired knowledge, and analyzed
using stringent scientific methods and criteria. A complete personal resume is prepared.
May be repeated once.
Prerequisite: CHMY/BCH 394.
Course Descriptions - Chemistry
CHMY 102CS Applying Chemistry to Society
Credits: S, 3 Cr (Lecture)
An introduction to contemporary chemistry in the contextual framework of current issues including the effect of human impact on the air, water, and earth. This course will examine the scientific basis for current scientific and societal issues such as depletion of the ozone layer, water pollution, acid rain, genetic engineering and nuclear fission among other issues. Topics will be addressed from a scientific viewpoint to develop knowledge and understanding of the chemical concepts that underlie these contemporary issues. The goal is to inform non-science majors of chemical and scientific issues in order to help them to become well-informed, inquiring citizens.
CHMY 121IN Introduction to General Chemistry
Credits: F,S,SU 4Cr (Lecture 3, Lab 1, Recitation 0)
Introductory general chemistry. Measurement systems, atomic structure, chemical periodicity,
bonding, chemical reactions, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in M096 or M097 or placement in Math Level 3
CHMY 123 Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Credits: F,S,Su 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1, Recitation 0)
Chemistry 123 is the second semester of a two semester sequence (CHMY 121/CHMY 123)
designed to introduce the basic concepts of traditional general chemistry, organic
chemistry, and biochemistry. This series is intended for students needing a breadth
of chemistry without taking 2+ years required for a more intense coverage found in
the curriculum for science, pre-med, and nursing majors. This course will focus on
the reactivity of organic compounds and biological chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in CHEM 121, CHMY 143, or equivalent.
CHMY 141 College Chemistry I
Credits: F,S,Su 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
The first of a two-semester course sequence about the general principles of modern
chemistry with emphasis on atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table,
equilibria, chemical reactivity, and kinetics. It is recommended that students registering
for this course have taken high school chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): PREREQUISITE: C- or above M121Q or placement in a math level 4 course
CHMY 143 College Chemistry II
Credits: F,S,Su 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
The second semester of the two-semester general chemistry sequence.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in CHMY 141 or CHMY 151.
CHMY 151 Honors College Chemistry I
Credits: F 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
Topic coverage parallels CHEM 141, with emphasis on critical and analytical thought
and with a greater reliance on math skills. For departmental honors program.
Prerequisite(s): Placement in Level 5 Math. Recommended that students registering
for this course either have taken calculus or are concurrently enrolled. Also recommended
that students registering in this course have taken high school chemistry and/or physics,
preferably AP Chemistry and/or Physics.
CHMY 153 Honors College Chemistry II
Credits: S 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
A general chemistry course for students enrolled on the Honors program with focus
on atomic and molecular structure of molecules, gases, liquids, solids (Section I);
general physical chemistry (Secton II); aqueous equilibria, electrochemistry (Section
III). Critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem solving are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): A grade better than a C in CHMY 141 or CHMY 151.
CHMY 194 Undergraduate Seminar
Credits: F 1 Cr.
For the new student. Integration into the department and its research and educational program. Scientific communication and chemical literature searching skills.
CHMY 211 Elements of Organic Chemistry
Credits: F,S 5 Cr (Lecture 4, Lab 1)
A one-semester introduction to organic chemistry. The unique character of carbon:
bonding, structure, nomenclature, and common reactions of hydrocarbons and functional
organic compounds.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in CHMY 121, CHMY 143, or CHMY 153.
CHMY 290R Special Topics
Credits: 1-6 per semester
Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a written work or other creative project. Course will address responsible conduct of research. May be repeated.
CHMY 291 Special Topics
Credits: 1-4 per semester; 12 Cr max
Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need,
or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting
a regular course number.
Prerequisite(s): None required, but some may be determined necessary by each offering
department.
CHMY 292 Independent Study
Credits: 1-3 per semester; 6 cr max
Directed research and study on an individual basis.
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor and approval of department head.
CHMY 294 Undergraduate Seminar
Credits: S, 1 Cr.
Introduction to faculty research through faculty mini seminars. Departmental research
facilities. Research groups. Research planning decisions (MSU laboratory, summer internship,
student exchange, REU, USP, etc).
Prerequisite(s): CHMY/BCH 194
CHMY 311 Fundamental Analytical Chemistry
Credits: S, 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, 1 Lab)
Introduction to wet analytical chemistry with an emphasis on the systematic treatment
of equilibria, acid-base chemistry, redox equilibria and titrations, complexometric
equilibria and titrations, Beer's law, fundamental lab skills.
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 143 or CHMY 153.
CHMY 321 Organic Chemistry I
Credits: F,S,Su 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
The first of a two-semester professional sequence in organic chemistry. In-depth coverage of stereochemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and nomenclature. Students should plan to register for both semesters.
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 143 or CHMY 153
CHMY 323 Organic Chemistry II
Credits: F, S, Su 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
The second semester of the two-semester professional sequence in Organic Chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): C- or above in CHMY 321 or CHMY 331
CHMY 331 Honors Organic Chemistry I
Credits: F 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
The first of a two-semester honors sequence in organic chemistry. Topic coverage parallels CHMY 321, but at an accelerated pace with in-depth coverage of physical organic chemistry, stereochemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and nomenclature.
Prerequisite: C or above in CHMY 151 and CHMY 153 or consent of instructor.
CHMY 333 Honors Organic Chemistry II
Credits: S 4 Cr. (Lecture 3, Lab 1)
The second semester of the two-semester honors sequence in organic chemistry. Topic coverage parallels CHMY 323, with more in-depth coverage of mechanisms and more emphasis on retrosynthetic analysis and on solving multi step synthesis problems.
Prerequisite: C or better in CHMY 331
CHMY 361 Elements of Physical Chemistry
Credits: F 4 Cr. (Lecture)
A physical chemistry course directed toward the life sciences, health professions, and agricultural sciences.
Prerequisite: C- or above in M 161Q or M 172Q, and PHSX 207, and CHMY 211 or CHMY 323 or CHMY 333
CHMY 362 Elements of Physical Chemistry Lab
Credits: F 1 Cr. (Lab)
The laboratory to accompany CHMY 361
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 311, CHMY 361 can be a prerequisite or co-requisite.
CHMY 371 Physical Chemistry-Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy I
Credits: F 3 Cr. (Lecture)
The first semester of a two-course sequence for science and engineering majors on quantum chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, spectroscopy, classical thermodynamics and kinetics. Students should plan on registering for the both courses of the sequence.
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 143 or CHMY 153, and M 172Q and PHSX 222 Co-requisite M 273
CHMY 372 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
Credits: F 1 Cr. (Lab)
Laboratory to accompany CHMY 371 or CHMY 373. Fundamental experiments in thermodynamics and kinetics.
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 311 Co-requisite: CHMY 371 or CHMY 373
CHMY 373 Physical Chemistry - Kinetics and Thermodynamics
Credits: S 3 Cr. (Lecture)
The second semester of a two-course physical chemistry sequence for science/engineering majors. Students should plan on registering for the both courses of the sequence.
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 371
CHMY 374 Physical Chemistry Lab II
Credits: S 2 Cr. (Lab)
The advanced laboratory to accompany CHMY 373. In-depth experiments and data analysis. Required of all majors who take who take CHMY 373.
CHMY 394 Undergraduate Seminar
Credits: F 1 Cr.
Research techniques, procedures, and reports. Seminar reporting and presentation skills. Career planning and resume preparation. May be repeated once.
Prerequisite: CHMY/BCH 294
CHMY 401 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Credits: S 3 Cr. (Lecture)
A systematic presentation of atomic structure and chemical bonding with emphasis on properties, structure, and the reactions of representative members of the various families of the periodic table.
Co-requisite: CHMY 361 or CHMY 373
CHMY 417 Synthetic Chemistry
Credits: F 3 Cr. (Lecture)
Organic and inorganic reaction chemistry for advanced students. Modern reagents and transformations are treated in detail, alon with relevant theoretical and mechanistic considerations.
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 323
CHMY 421 Advanced Instrument Analysis
Credits: S, offered spring semester of odd years. 3 Cr. ( Lecture 2, Lab 1)
An advanced analytical chemistry course which covers modern instrumental methods based on spectrochemical and eletrochemical principles.
Prerequisite: C- or above in CHMY 311 and CHMY 361 or CHMY 371
CHMY 490R Undergraduate Research
Credits: 1-6 per semester: 12 Cr. max
Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. May be repeated.
CHMY 491 Special Topics
Credits: 1-4 per semester: 12 Cr. max
Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.
Prerequisite: Determined on a course by course basis.
CHMY 492 Independent Study
Credits: 1-3 per semester; 6 Cr max
Directed research and study on an individual basis
Prerequisite: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of department head.
CHMY 494 Undergraduate Seminar
Credits: S 1 Cr.
Senior capstone course. Taught in collaboration with departmental Honors Thesis, CHMY 499. The chemistry/biochemistry research undergraduate experience constitutes a synthesis of our (bio)chemistry class room and laboratory education. The projects are orally presented in seminar form, discussed on the basis of acquired knowledge, and analyzed using stringent scientific methods an criteria. A complete personal resume is prepared. May be repeated once.
Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHMY/BCH 394
CHMY 499 SENIOR THESIS/CAPSTONE
Credits: F, S 1Cr
Thesis format and style will be illustrated, discussed, and monitored. Draft portions of manuscripts are to be completed on a regular schedule. Required of all candidates for departmental honors.
Prerequisite: CHMY/BCH 490R minimum of 3 credits