BSU Catalog Home | Chemistry Program | Chemistry Course Descriptions

Chemistry Areas of Study

• Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
  • Suggested Schedule
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
  • Suggested Schedule
• Field of Emphasis, Biochemistry, B.A., B.S. Chemistry
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Science, Chemistry-Physics Teacher Licensure
  • Suggested Schedule
• Minor in Chemistry, B.A., B.S.
• Minor in Chemistry, B.S., Teacher Licensure

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Chemistry Major, B.S.

This program is designed for students who plan a professional career in chemistry or a related science. It also prepares the student for graduate study in the sciences. The curriculum is approved by The American Chemical Society. Students must consult Chemistry Department Chair before submitting graduations plans.

I. Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 quarter hours in the major at Bemidji State University.

II. Required Courses

*NOTE: Students enrolled in CHEM 111 who elect this major should enroll in CHEM 122 in the beginning of Winter Quarter. Students completing the CHEM 111, 112, 113 sequence should complete CHEM 115 before enrolling in CHEM 251.

• CHEM 111, 112, 113 General Chemistry I, II, III and CHEM 115 General Chemistry IV Problem Solving
  or CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III (9-12 credits)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III (10 credits)
• CHEM 237, 238 Organic Chemistry Lab I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 371, 372, 373 Physical Chemistry I, II, III (9 credits)
• CHEM 377, 378, 379 Physical Chemistry Lab I, II, III (3 credits)
• CHEM 381, 382 Inorganic Chemistry I, II (6 credits)
• CHEM 451, 452 Instrumental Analysis I, II (5 credits)
• CHEM 457, 458 Advanced Instrumental Techniques I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 483 Inorganic Preparations (1 credit)
• CHEM 487, 488 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory I, II (2 credits)

Subtotal: 57-60 credits

III. Required Electives in Chemistry and Physics

• Select a minimum of 10 quarter hours from the following courses:
  • CHEM 239 Organic Chemistry Lab III (1 credit)
  • CHEM 307 Glassworking (1 credit)
  • CHEM 310 Journal Club (1 credit)
  • CHEM 311 Laboratory Management and Safety (2 credits)
  • CHEM courses numbered 321 and above
  • PHYS 253 Circuit Analysis I (4 credits)
  • PHYS 330 Thermodynamics I (3 credits)
  • PHYS 360 Modern Physics (4 credits)
  • PHYS 454, 455 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves I, II (8 credits)
  • PHYS 461, 462 Quantum Mechanics I, II (8 credits)
  • PHYS 466 Solid State Physics (3 credits)

Subtotal: 10 credits

IV. Required Courses in Related Fields

• MATH 241, 242, 243, 244 Calculus I, II, III, IV (20 credits)
• PHYS 211, 212, 213 Physics I, II, III (15 credits)

Subtotal: 35 credits

TOTAL QUARTER HOURS REQUIRED FOR MAJOR: 102-105 CREDITS

Note: If the student's high school mathematics courses and/or the Mathematics Placement Test indicate a lack of readiness for Calculus, the student will be placed in one of the following pre-calculus sequences: MATH 145, 146; MATH 141, 142; MATH 112, 113, 114, 141.

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Suggested Schedule For Chemistry Major, B.S.

The following is a list of required Chemistry Major, B.S. courses arranged by year. This schedule is intended to help students plan their courses in an orderly fashion; however, these are only suggestions and this schedule is flexible.

Freshman

• CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III (Students without high school chemistry should enroll in CHEM 111 General Chemistry.)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry
• MATH 141, 142 Pre-Calculus Math I, II
  or MATH 145, 146 Accelerated Pre- Calculus A, B
• MATH 241 Calculus I (Students with a strong mathematics background should start in MATH 145 or 241.)
• Liberal Education Requirements
• Electives

Sophomore

• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III
• CHEM 237, 238 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II
• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory I, II
• MATH 242, 243, 244 Calculus II, III, IV
• PHYS 211, 212, 213 Physics I, II, III
• Liberal Education Requirements
• Electives

Junior

• CHEM 371, 372, 373 Physical Chemistry I, II, III
• CHEM 377, 378, 379 Physical Chemistry Lab I, II, III
• CHEM 381, 382 Inorganic Chemistry I, II
• Complete Liberal Education Requirements Electives
• Research or Internship

Senior

• CHEM 451, 452 Instrumental Analysis I, II
• CHEM 457, 458 Advanced Instrumental Techniques I, II
• CHEM 483 Inorganic Preparations
• CHEM 487, 488 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory I, II
• Electives in chemistry
• General electives
• Research

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Physical Science (Chemistry/Physics) Major, B.S. (Teacher Licensure)

The teaching major is designed for students interested in teaching Chemistry and Physics at the secondary level. This is a combined Chemistry-Physics program as required by the State of Minnesota. Professional Education courses are required for licensure. This program is cross-listed under Physics For requirements for entry into and completion of teacher licensure programs, see Professional Education: Admission to, Retention in, and Completion of Teacher Education Programs, this catalog.Students must consult Chemistry Department Chair before submitting graduation plans.

I.Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 quarter hours in the major at Bemidji State University.

II. Required Chemistry Courses

• CHEM 121, 122, 123 General Chemistry I, II, III (9 credits)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III (10 credits)
• CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 281 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 311 Laboratory Management and Safety (2 credits)

Subtotal: 33 credits

III. Required Electives in Chemistry

• Select a minimum of 7 quarter hours from the Chemistry courses numbered 321 and above.

Subtotal: 7 credits

IV. Required Physics Courses

• PHYS 211, 212, 213 Physics I, II, III (15 credits)
• PHYS 215 Practical Electronics
  or PHYS 356 Analog Electronics (4 credits)
• PHYS 222 Dynamics (4 credits)
• PHYS 360 Modern Physics (4 credits)
• PHYS 372 Advanced Laboratory
  or PHYS 472 Project Laboratory (2 credits)
• PHYS 492 Physics Seminar (1 credit)

Subtotal: 30 credits

V. Required Electives in Physics

• Select a minimum of 10 quarter hours from Physics courses numbered 300 or above and/or SCI 210 Astronomy I

Subtotal: 10 credits

VI. Required courses in Related Fields

• MATH 241, 242, 243 Calculus I, II, III (15 credits)

TOTAL QUARTER HOURS REQUIRED FOR MAJOR: 95 CREDITS

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Suggested Schedule For Physical Science Major

The following is a list of required Physical Science courses for the Physical Science Major arranged by year. This schedule is intended to help students plan their courses in an orderly fashion; however, these are only suggestions and the schedule is flexible. Since some advanced courses in Physics and Chemistry are offered on alternate years, consult with the Department Chair for details and other possible curriculum arrangements.

Freshman

• CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III (Students without high school chemistry should enroll in CHEM 111 General Chemistry.)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry
• MATH 141, 142 Pre-Calculus Math I, II
• MATH 241 Calculus I (Students with a strong mathematics background should start in MATH 145 or 241.)
• Electives
• Liberal Education requirements

Sophomore

• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III
• CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry Lab I
• CHEM 281 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
• PHYS 211, 212, 213 Physics I, II, III
• PSY 201 General Psychology
• Liberal Education requirements

Junior

• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory
• PHYS 222 Dynamics
• PHYS 356 Analog Electronics I
  or PHYS 215 Practical Electronics
• PHYS 372 Advanced Laboratory
  or PHYS 472 Project Laboratory
• Electives in chemistry and physics
• Complete Liberal Education requirements

Senior

• CHEM 311 Laboratory Management and Safety
• PHYS 461 Quantum Mechanics I
  or PHYS 360 Modern Physics
• PHYS 492 Physics Seminar
• Electives in chemistry and physics
• Electives

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Chemistry Major, B.A.

This program is designed for students who intend to pursue further professional studies, or who seek employment in areas where knowledge of chemistry would be advantageous. Specific courses are few, to allow the student considerable flexibility in designing a program of study. The student should also select a minor or a second major in another area.

I. Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 quarter hours in the major at Bemidji State University.

II. Required Courses

• CHEM 111, 112, 113 General Chemistry I, II, III and CHEM 115 General Chemistry IV Problem Solving
  or CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III (9-12 credits)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III (10 credits)
• CHEM 237, 238 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 281 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 300 Writing Certification (0 credits)
• CHEM 311 Laboratory Management and Safety (2 credits)

Subtotal: 34-37 credits

III. Required Electives in Chemistry

• Select a minimum of 10 quarter hours from the following courses:
  • CHEM 239 Organic Chemistry Lab III (1 credit)
  • Chemistry courses numbered 307 or above (9 credits)

Subtotal: 10 credits

TOTAL QUARTER HOURS REQUIRED FOR MAJOR: 44-47 CREDITS

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Suggested Schedule For Chemistry Major, B.A.

The following is a list of required Chemistry Major, B.A. courses arranged by year. This schedule is intended to help students plan their courses in an orderly fashion. These are only suggestions, however, and the timing is flexible. Students must consult Chemistry Department Chair before submitting graduation plans.

Freshman

• CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry (Students without high school chemistry should enroll in CHEM 111 General Chemistry.)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry
• Liberal Education requirements
• Electives

Sophomore

• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III
• CHEM 237, 238 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II
• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory I, II
• Liberal Education Requirements
• Electives

Junior/Senior

• CHEM 281 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 311 Laboratory Management and Safety
• Complete Liberal Education requirements
• Electives

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Biochemistry Emphasis, Chemistry Major, B.S. and B.A.

The biochemistry emphasis is designed to enrich a student's B.S. or B.A. chemistry major. It will help prepare students for careers in biochemistry or entrance into graduate school in biochemistry. Since many of the required courses are included in the chemistry major, careful selection of electives will minimize the additional course work required by this emphasis. The biochemistry emphasis is neither a major nor a minor, but only a series of selected courses designed to provide specialization in biochemistry.

I. Required Courses

• CHEM 341, 342, 343 Biochemistry I, II, III (9 credits)
• CHEM 347, 348, 349 Biochemistry Laboratory I, II, III (3 credits)

Subtotal: 12 credits

II. Required Elective courses

• Select a minimum of 39 quarter hours from the following courses:
  • CHEM 369 Radioisotopes (5 credits)
  • CHEM 410 Electronic Searching of the Chemical Literature (2 credits)
  • CHEM 462 Enzymes (3 credits)
  • CHEM 463 Biochemical Transport (3 credits)
  • CHEM 464 Chemical Messengers (3 credits)
  • CHEM 465 Bioinorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
  • CHEM 466 Biomembranes (3 credits)
  • BIOL 120 Introductory Biology Laboratory (3 credits)
  • BIOL 121, 122, 123 Introductory Biology Lecture (9 credits)
  • BIOL 205 Genetics (4 credits)
  • BIOL 310 Literature of Biology (3 credits)
  • BIOL 322 Vertebrate Physiology (5 credits)
  • BIOL 358 Immunology (5 credits)
  • BIOL 371 Microbiology (5 credits)

Subtotal: 39 credits

TOTAL QUARTER HOURS REQUIRED FOR EMPHASIS: 51 CREDITS

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Chemistry Minor, B.A. or B.S.

This minor is designed to supplement such majors as Biology, Physics, Geology, Environmental Studies and health related programs. Students must consult Chemistry Department Chair before submitting graduation plans. NOTE: Candidates seeking teaching certification in a minor must take the Education Methods course specific to that minor. See course offerings under Professional Education.

I. Transfer students must take a minimum of 6 quarter hours in the minor at Bemidji State University.

II. Required Courses

• CHEM 111, 112, 113 General Chemistry I, II, III and CHEM 115 General Chemistry IV Problem Solving
  or CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III (9-12 credits)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III (10 credits)
• CHEM 237, 238 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 281 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)

TOTAL QUARTER HOURS REQUIRED FOR MINOR: 32-35 CREDITS

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Chemistry Minor, B.S. (Teacher Licensure)

This minor is designed to allow part-time secondary level teaching in Chemistry. It must be upgraded to a physical science teaching major within seven years if a continued license is to be obtained. This minor is designed to support such teaching majors as Life Science and Earth Science. NOTE: Candidates seeking teaching certification in a minor must take the Education Methods course specific to that minor. See Course Offerings under Professional Education.

I. Transfer students must take a minimum of 6 quarter hours in the minor at Bemidji State University.

II. Required Courses

• CHEM 121, 122, 123 Principles of Chemistry I, II, III (9 credits)
• CHEM 124 Fundamental Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 231, 232, 233 Organic Chemistry I, II, III (10 credits)
• CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
• CHEM 251 Analytical Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 257, 258 Analytical Laboratory I, II (2 credits)
• CHEM 281 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
• CHEM 311 Laboratory Management and Safety (2 credits)

TOTAL QUARTER HOURS REQUIRED FOR MINOR: 33 CREDITS