Department Website:

https://www.juniata.edu/academics/departments/chemistry/

Faculty:

  • Associate Professor William Ames -ext. 3903
  • Professor Peter Baran - ext. 3560
  • Associate Professor Daniel Dries - ext. 3557
  • Visiting Assistant Professor Lisa Gentile - ext. 3567
  • Laboratory Instructor/Coordinator Amber Helsel-Ickes - ext. 3533
  • Associate Professor John Unger- ext. 3565
  • Assistant Professor Ursula Williams - ext. 3563
  • Assistant Professor Sharon Yohn - ext. 3718

Background Information:

 

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the undergraduate training of professional scientists. We are proud that our students go on to work in the chemical and biotech industries, are regularly accepted into top graduate programs and medical schools, and have made significant contributions to several scientific fields. The chemistry department has been accredited by the American Chemical Society since 1936 and is proud to count four chemistry graduates who are members of the National Academy of Sciences. Our students are encouraged to develop interests across disciplines, especially given the increasing demand for scientists with broad expertise.

Special programs, facilities, or equipment:

  • Modern, well-equipped labs in von Liebig Center for Science
  • Extensive opportunities to engage in research with faculty members. Research opportunities include organic and inorganic synthesis, biochemistry and molecular biology, computational chemistry and molecular modelling, environmental chemistry, instrumental analysis, coordination chemistry, etc.
  • Innovative "Integrated Chemistry" curriculum that incorporates all areas of chemistry into a cohesive experience
  • Students actively engaged in challenging laboratory activities
  • Wealth of sophisticated instrumentation accessible to undergraduate students, including equipment for performing NMR, FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis, GC-MS, HPLC, CD, SEM (EDS), single crystal X-ray diffractometry, electrochemical and fluorescence measurements
  • Opportunities to study abroad at multiple exchange sites including Leeds, United Kingdom; Lille, France; Marburg, Germany and Guanajuato, Mexico.
  • Interesting course offerings such as The Biochemistry of Cooking and The Chemistry of Winemaking 

Specific department policy:

Awarding credit for AP exam scores: A student with an AP score of 4 or 5 will receive 3 Natural Science credits, but is not waived from taking Chemistry prerequisites.

Programs of Emphasis:

  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry Secondary Education

Examples of Individualized Programs of Emphasis:

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Geochemistry
  • Physical Chemistry

Internship/Research Experiences:

  • Most students engage in some form of on-campus research as early as their freshmen year
  • Our students successfully compete for summer internships through the National Science Foundation REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Program.

Courses:

CH-123   Chemistry of Life (Spring; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) This course along with the accompanying lab introduces students to the chemical principles essential for understanding human health and disease. Students will learn and apply general, organic, and biochemistry topics with scientific reasoning to understand clinical scenarios and interpret diagnostic laboratory values. In lab, students will practice good record keeping, chemical hygiene, safety, and scientific thinking.

CH-142   Integrated Chemistry Principles I (Variable; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) An introduction to the principles of chemistry, this course begins a two semester sequence that integrates information from all aspects of chemistry while focusing on the core principles of the relationships between energy, the structure of atoms and molecules, and atomic and molecular properties and reactivity. Topics include energy, reactions, atomic structure, elemental properties, bonding, and molecular properties. Corequisite CH143.

CH-143   Integrated Chem Principles I Lab (Either Semester; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N,QS) This semester will focus on learning good laboratory practices, primarily through the quantitative analysis of compounds. The quantitative analysis of materials and an understanding of reproducibility and bias are relevant to many fields, including medical analysis or the analysis of contaminants in the environment. This course will also teach you how to keep an excellent laboratory notebook, identify safety hazards in the lab, and complete data analysis and graphing in Excel. All of these tools will serve you well in a variety of careers. CH142 is a corequisite of this course. A lab fee is associated with this course.

CH-144   Integrated Chemistry Principles II (Either Semester; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) An introduction to the principles of chemistry, this course completes a two semester sequence that integrates information from all aspects of chemistry while focusing on the core principles of the relationships between energy, the structure of atoms and molecules, and atomic and molecular properties and reactivity. Topics include thermodynamics, equilibrium reactions, acid/base and redox reactions, kinetics and nuclear reactions. Prerequisite: CH-142.

CH-145   Integrated Chemistry Principles II Lab (Either Semester; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N,QS) This semester will focus on learning good laboratory practices, primarily through the quantitative analysis of compounds. The quantitative analysis of materials and an understanding of reproducibility and bias are relevant to many fields, including medical analysis or the analysis of contaminants in the environment. This course will also teach you how to keep an excellent laboratory notebook, identify safety hazards in the lab, and complete data analysis and graphing in Excel. All of these tools will serve you well in a variety of careers. Prerequisite: CH-143.

CH-150   Accelerated General Chemistry I (Fall; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) This course and accompanying lab provide a comprehensive overview of general chemistry, tailored for students with a solid foundation in chemical principles. General chemistry topics will be covered in an applied manner that moves more quickly and deeply into topics with an emphasis on conceptual understanding, quantitative problem-solving, and real-world applications. The lab will reinforce theoretical concepts from the class while stressing critical thinking and examination of evidence. Students must have achieved a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam or have instructor permission to enroll in this course.

CH-151   Accelerated General Chemistry II (Spring; Yearly; 4.00 Credits) This course reinforces and expands on students' knowledge of topics traditionally covered in general chemistry course sequences. Students will learn theoretical underpinnings of foundational chemistry concepts and their relationship to scientific inquiry. A 4-hour weekly laboratory session introduces students to more sophisticated laboratory methods and characterization techniques. Prerequisite: CH-150.

CH-199   Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Allows the department to offer special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic. Prerequisites vary with topic.

CH-210   Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar (Variable; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) This course is designed to begin the journey for from students of science to citizens of the scientific community. During the semester speakers will present topics which will help inform the students about the opportunities for research and collaboration. Additionally, an emphasis will be made on post-graduation career opportunities and planning. Musthave at least sophomore standing and have a POE in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemistry Secondary Education.

CH-211   Chemistry Prof. Development Seminar (Either Semester; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) In this course, students will reflect on how their education in chemistry, biochemistry, and related disciplines is preparing them for post-college careers. Students will be supported to develop application materials and guided in identifying and applying for opportunities related to their studies and interests (internships, graduate programs, or jobs).

CH-221   High-Energy Materials (Either Semester; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; WK-SP) This course provides fundamental scientific insights into primary and secondary explosives, propellants, rocket fuels, and pyrotechnics. It focuses on chemical explosives and provides a brief historical overview and developments of energetic materials. It introduces ecological aspects and human-toxicity issues associated with the use of explosives and discusses efforts to find safer alternatives. Prerequisite: FYC-101

CH-222   Inorganic Chemistry (Spring; All Years; 4.00 Credits; N) CH 222 is a one-semester course of Inorganic Chemistry that builds on chemistry knowledge acquired in CH-142 (Integrated Chemistry Principles I). The Inorganic Chemistry course is designed for all students having " chemistry " in their POE title but it will serve any student who wants to learn about " chemistry of elements " because it covers chemistry of all elements from the periodic table with exception of organic carbon chemistry. The class also introduces students to theoretical concepts such as molecular symmetry, molecular spectroscopy, and theory of complexes. Part of the class is a 4-hour laboratory session which introduces students into synthetic inorganic chemistry and characterization of inorganic compounds. Syntheses, reactivity, and characterization of main group element compounds and transition metals will be practiced. Pre-Req: CH-142 and CH-143. Pre-Req or Co-Req: CH-144 and CH-145.

CH-232   Organic Chemistry I (Variable; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) Students enrolled in CH-242 will become familiar with the fundamental concepts and nomenclature needed to understand and communicate organic chemistry. The course is further designed to teach the structure-function relationships that exist across many classes of organic and bio-organic systems, and therefore provide a foundation for further study in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and medicine. Prerequisite: CH-144; Corequisite: CH-233.

CH-233   Organic Chemistry I Lab (Variable; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N) This course will utilize techniques learned in CH-145 and carry out experiments illustrative of concepts learned in CH-232. The course will focus on spectroscopy, organic laboratory techniques and reactions, and compound characterization. This course will also reinforce good record-keeping skills continue to stress safe lab practices. A lab fee is associated with this course. Pre-Req: CH-145. Pre- or Co-Req: CH-232.

CH-252   Analytical Chemistry (Spring; Odd Years; 4.00 Credits; N,QS) This course focuses on the methods that chemists use to identify and quantify compounds of interest and measure their physical properties. Classroom and laboratory time will be spent considering experimental design, measurement techniques, and validation of results in a variety of chemical contexts. Prerequisites: CH-144 and CH-145. Note: A special lab fee is assessed.

CH-299   Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Allows the department to teach special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic. Prerequisites vary with topic.

CH-304   Pollutant Chemistry (Yearly; 3.00 Credits) To be able to predict the behavior of and remediate pollutants in the environment requires understanding the chemistry of both environmental systems and specific pollutants. In this course we'll apply core chemical principles to specific systems and pollutants, building the skills to help you understand and solve environmental challenges. Prerequisite: CH-222 or CH-232 or CH-252.

CH-312   Biochemistry (Variable; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) The fourth semester of the introductory Chemistry series, this course pulls content from chemistry, biology, mathematics, and history to provide an integrated view of biochemistry. Topics include the use of thermodynamics, equilibrium, non-covalent interactions, kinetics, separations, biomolecular structure, and genetics to probe and explain biological phenomenon. Prerequisites: Take BI-102 or BI-106 (or have instructor's permission) and take CH-232 or CH-242.

CH-317   Biochemistry Lab (Either Semester; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) This laboratory will explore biochemistry techniques while practicing experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting. Students will be equipped with the practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary for analyzing biological molecules and will gain hands-on experience in methods used to quantify and characterize biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and DNA, while also exploring enzymatic activity and inhibition. Prerequisite or corequisite: CH-312.

CH-332   Organic Chemistry II (Variable; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; N) A continuation of the study of organic chemistry begun in CH-232 and CH-233. Special emphasis is placed on advanced aspects of structure and reactivity, with careful attention to the methodology and tools of synthesis. Topics include aromatic chemistry, enolate chemistry, pericyclic reactions, retrosynthetic analysis and various aspects of stereoselectivity. Prerequisites: Take CH-232/233 or CH-242/243.

CH-340   Wine Chemistry (Variable; Variable; 2.00 Credits; N) This is a 2-credit course dealing with the theoretical study (1 credit) of chemical processes that are involved in wine formation and that influence appearance, flavor, and aroma of different wines including such topics as barrel aging and corkage, wine and health, wine faults, and wine laboratory practices and procedures associated with vineyard to bottling lifecycle of wine. An intensive hands-on component (4 hours a week) enabling authentic experience of wine-grapes growing, wine making and wine tasting is part of the course (second credit). Prerequisites: 2 semesters of college Chemistry or permission of the instructor. Must be 21 years of age or older.

CH-351   Biophysical Chemistry (Yearly; 3.00 Credits) In this course students will investigate the physical characteristics and interactions of matter. Topics covered will include quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and kinetics, within the contexts of biochemistry. Prerequisites: CH-144, MA-130, and PC-202.

CH-353   Physical Chemistry Laboratory (Variable; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N,Q,CW) In this course, students will gain hands-on practice at obtaining data pertinent to physical chemistry through laboratory experiments. Experiments will be performed that highlight material from Physical Chemistry I (CH-352). A significant component of each lab will involve molecular modeling. Co-requisite: CH-352.

CH-356   Thermodynamics & Chemical Kinetics (Yearly; 3.00 Credits) In this course students will investigate the physical characteristics and interactions of matter. Topics covered will include thermodynamics, and kinetics, within the contexts of chemistry and biochemistry. Prerequisites: CH-144, MA-130, and PC-202.

CH-360   Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy (Yearly; 3.00 Credits) In this course students will investigate wave/particle duality of matter, and its interactions with light. Topics covered will include quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy applied to chemical systems. Prerequisite: CH-144, MA-130, and PC-202. A second semester of physics (PC-201, PC-203) and an additional math course (MA-160, MA-230) is highly recommended.

CH-362   Chemical Synthesis (Fall; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; N,CW) CH-362 is an advanced laboratory-based organic and organometallic synthesis class. Through the completion of two to three multi-component projects, students will gain a better understanding of the requirements of advanced laboratory research and will learn how to communicate as organic chemists. Overall, the course is designed to help students mature into skilled citizens of the scientific community. Prerequisite: CH-232.

CH-372   Instrumental Methods (Fall; Odd Years; 3.00 Credits; N) The primary tools that chemists use to characterize chemical species involve increasingly complex instrumentation. We will explore the principles and methodology of various types of instrumental methods and will analyze data resulting from these techniques. Prerequisite: CH-232 or CH-242.

CH-385   Advanced Chemistry Lab (Variable; Yearly; 2.00 Credits) This course is a culmination or capstone of your laboratory experiences. You will draw upon your knowledge and experience from previous classes to identify a chemistry related question, design experimental work, and report your findings. The focus of each semester will vary depending on the specific instructors. Prereqs: CH-222, CH-232, CH-252, CH-312, and CH-352, plus junior or senior standing.

CH-399   Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Advanced specialized topics in chemistry and related areas. Topic titles may vary from semester to semester. Note: abbreviated ST: (title); students may take more than one " ST: " course for credit. Offered at the discretion of the department to qualified students.

CH-401   Advanced Organic Chemistry (Either Semester; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) Discusses selected topics in organic chemistry with emphasis on general principles, including chemical bonding. Recent literature is used. Prerequisite: CH-332 or CH-262.

CH-406   Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (Either Semester; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) Completes an introductory study of inorganic chemistry at an undergraduate level. Theoretical topics, like electronic structure (molecular orbital theory), molecular symmetry, theories about complexes, reaction mechanisms of complexes, catalysis, introduction to solid state chemistry, and a role of metals in life processes are covered. Students will become familiar with inorganic chemistry journals, SciFinder and the Cambridge Structural Database. Prerequisites: CH-222 and CH-352.

CH-460   Biochemistry of Metabolism (Yearly; 3.00 Credits) This course explores the biochemical processes regulating metabolism, covering pathways like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and lipid metabolism. Students will study hormonal regulation, metabolic diseases, and tissue-specific pathway integration. Through lectures, a proposal paper, and presentation, students will gain practical and theoretical knowledge to analyze metabolic processes in health and disease. Prerequisite: CH-312.

CH-486   Chemical Sciences Capstone 1 (Yearly; 3.00 Credits) The capstone experience for students within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry gives students an opportunity to exercise and apply knowledge and skills developed through their POE coursework. Required for all senior-year POE students under our departmental umbrella, the two-semester capstone is divided into a thesis and non-thesis track, with both tracks challenging students to question and think holistically about a focused field of chemistry research. Must have senior standing and a declared POE in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

CH-487   Chemical Sciences Capstone 2 (Yearly; 2.00 Credits) The capstone experience for students within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry gives students an opportunity to exercise and apply knowledge and skills developed through their POE coursework. Required for all senior-year POE students under our departmental umbrella, the two-semester capstone is divided into a thesis and non-thesis track, with both tracks challenging students to question and think holistically about a focused field of chemistry research. Prerequisite: CH-486. Must have senior standing and a declared POE in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

CH-488   Chemistry & Biochemistry Capstone I (Variable; Yearly; 0.00 Credits) This course is a non-credit-bearing course to mark the submission of Capstone Portfolio Contribution #1, which demonstrates a student's analytic and/or creative thinking and depth of knowledge in an academic field. Requires senior standing.

CH-490   Chemistry Internship (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-9.00 Credits; N) See the chapter, " Special Programs " under Internships in the catalog. Note: May be repeated up to a total of 9 hours of credit. Corequisite: CH495. Prerequisite: Permission and Jr. or Sr. standing.

CH-493   Senior Thesis (Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; CW) Designed for students who are carrying out senior research; students will write a senior thesis describing their work, part of the requirements for graduating witha distinction in chemistry, and prepare an oral presentation of their work. Corequisite: CH-494

CH-494   Chemistry Research (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Individual research projects directed by faculty members. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

CH-495   Chemistry Internship Seminar (Irregular/On Demand; Irregular/On Demand; 2.00-6.00 Credits; N) Requires students to reflect on the internship experience and /or pursue research related to the placement. Corequisite: CH 490. Prerequisite: permission.

CH-499   Chemistry Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer topics not normally taught. Prerequisites and corequisites vary by title.

CH-TUT   Chemistry Teaching Assistant (Irregular/On Demand; Irregular/On Demand; 1.00-4.00 Credits) See catalog.