Chemistry

  • Faculty
  • Chemistry Program
  • Student Learning Outcomes
  • Chemistry Major (comprehensive) Requirements
  • Chemistry Major - Forensic Chemistry concentration (comprehensive) Requirements
  • Chemistry Major- Secondary Education - Early Adolescence-Adolescence Level (EA-A) Requirements
  • Chemistry Minor Requirements

Faculty

James W. Lane, Professor
Lorena M. Rios Mendoza, Associate Professor
Michael A. Waxman, Professor

Chemistry Program

UW-Superior offers a challenging major in chemistry that provides students with several options depending on their career goals. Students majoring in chemistry may seek jobs as professional chemists or teachers after they graduate, pursue advanced degrees in graduate school, or use their degree as the foundation for attending medical or veterinary school. The one-on-one attention students receive provides the opportunity to develop deeper scientific insights, sharpen their independent-thinking skills, and gains hands-on experience.

Students completing the 56-credit chemistry major are well prepared to seek entry-level jobs as professional chemists or to pursue graduate school or medical school. The major emphasizes chemistry but also includes courses in mathematics and physics.

Students interested in careers or advanced study in biochemistry can complete the chemistry major while selecting courses that cover the topics recommended for study by theAmerican Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

A severe shortage exists of secondary education teachers in chemistry. UW-Superior offers a chemistry major leading to certification to teach chemistry at the high school level. Students benefit not only from a quality education in chemistry but also from UW-Superior's strongTeacher Education program.

Graduates of the chemistry program work at companies such as3M,Intel,Dow Corning,Potlatch Corp.,Pfizer Pharmaceutical andMurphy Oil. Others have gone on to graduate or medical schools such as theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison,Medical College of Wisconsin,Marquette University,University of Illinois,Purdue University,University of Minnesota andNorth Dakota State University.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate command of facts, theories, and concepts of chemistry/physics, and ability to use this knowledge for problem solving and the development and understanding of higher-level concepts.
  • Utilize a variety of sources to access scientific information and critically evaluate which sources are most reliable and useful for a particular application.
  • Understand and follow a written, abbreviated experimental procedure as well as make modifications to the procedure and troubleshoot the procedure if unexpected results occur.
  • Apply knowledge and skills gained from lecture and laboratory courses to independently create a plan for an experiment or project.
  • Read and evaluate a set of original research papers in order to create their own critical analysis presented in written and oral form.

Chemistry Major (comprehensive) Requirements

56 total credits

All grades in required courses for this major must be C or higher, except that two grades of C- may be counted toward the major. No minor is required.

Chemistry Core required courses (56 credits required):

CHEM 105

General Chemistry I -- 5.00 credits

CHEM 106

General Chemistry II -- 4.00 credits

CHEM 205

Quant Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 206

Quantitative Analysis Laboratory -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 320

Organic Chemistry Lecture I -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 321

Organic Chem Lecture II -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 322

Organic Chemistry Lab I -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 323

Organic Chemistry Lab II -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 327

Molecular Spectroscopy I -- 1.00 credits

CHEM 345

Physical Chemistry Lect I -- 4.00 credits

CHEM 347

Physical Chemistry Lab I -- 1.00 credits

CHEM 360

Introduction to Biochemistry -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 365

Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 481

Special Topics -- 1.00 - 6.00 credits

or

CHEM 491

Senior Research -- 1.00 - 4.00 credits

or

CHEM 496

Senior Paper -- 1.00 credits

CHEM 497

Senior Seminar In Chemistry -- 1.00 credits

MATH 240

Calculus and Analytic Geometry I -- 4.00 credits

MATH 241

Calculus and Analytic Geometry II -- 4.00 credits

PHYS 107

Algebra-Based Physics I -- 4.00 credits

or

PHYS 201

Calculus-Based Physics I -- 5.00 credits

and

PHYS 205

Calculus Applications in Introductory Physics I -- 1.00 credits

PHYS 202

Calculus-Based Physics II -- 5.00 credits

or

PHYS 108

Algebra-Based Physics II -- 4.00 credits

and

PHYS 206

Calculus Applications in Introductory Physics II -- 1.00 credits

Recommended:

MATH 242

Calculus and Analytic Geometry III -- 4.00 credits

Professional Chemistry option: This option is recommended for students considering graduate school in chemistry or employment as a professional chemist. The additional coursework provides the student with a stronger theoretical and practical foundation. In addition to the required courses listed above students must also complete:

CHEM 346

Physical Chemistry Lecture II -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 348

Physical Chemistry Lab II -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 375

Instrumental Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 376

Instrumental Analysis Lab -- 2.00 credits

[Biochemistry option: Chemistry majors interested in attending medical, veterinary or pharmacy schools or graduate school in biochemistry are advised to take:

CHEM 360

Introduction to Biochemistry -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 462

Advanced Biochemistry -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 465

Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Cell/Molecular Biology -- 2.00 credits

BIOL 130

Principles of Biology I -- 4.00 credits

BIOL 132

Principles of Biology II -- 4.00 credits

BIOL 330

Genetics -- 4.00 credits

BIOL 355

Microbes and Defense -- 4.00 credits

BIOL 440

Cell Biology -- 4.00 credits

Students who also choose BIOL 340 will complete a minor in biology.

This is not a formal biochemistry major, students choosing this option will have completed the topics recommended for a biochemistry major by theAmerican Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Chemistry Major - Forensic Chemistry concentration (comprehensive) Requirements

63 total credits

Forensic chemistry is increasingly used to solve crimes and provide evidence in court. The U.S. Department of Labor and the American Chemical Society are both optimistic about the job prospects for forensic chemists.

The Forensic Chemistry Concentration emphasizes analytical chemistry along with Criminal Justice courses dealing with handling evidence and other legal issues. The courses for this concentration satisfy the admission requirements for many forensic chemistry and forensic science graduate programs.

Those interested in attending graduate school in forensic chemistry or forensic science or pursuing a career in the field of forensics are required to take the following courses specifically tailored to the needs of this field.

Required courses (63 credits required):

CHEM 105

General Chemistry I -- 5.00 credits

CHEM 106

General Chemistry II -- 4.00 credits

CHEM 205

Quant Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 206

Quantitative Analysis Laboratory -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 320

Organic Chemistry Lecture I -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 321

Organic Chem Lecture II -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 322

Organic Chemistry Lab I -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 323

Organic Chemistry Lab II -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 327

Molecular Spectroscopy I -- 1.00 credits

CHEM 360

Introduction to Biochemistry -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 375

Instrumental Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 376

Instrumental Analysis Lab -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 381

Intermediate Topics -- 1.00 - 3.00 credits

Topic: Introduction to Physical Chemistry - 3.00 credits

BIOL 465

Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Cell/Molecular Biology -- 2.00 credits

or

CHEM 465

Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Cell/Molecular Biology -- 2.00 credits

BIOL 481

Special Topics -- 1.00 - 4.00 credits

Topic: Internship - 2.00 credits

or

CHEM 481

Special Topics -- 1.00 - 6.00 credits

Topic: Internship - 2 credits

BIOL 492

Biology Seminar -- 1.00 credits

CHEM 497

Senior Seminar In Chemistry -- 1.00 credits

BIOL 330

Genetics -- 4.00 credits

LSTU 210

Criminal Procedure -- 3.00 credits

CJUS 212

Criminal Investigations -- 3.00 credits

MATH 240

Calculus and Analytic Geometry I -- 4.00 credits

PHYS 107

Algebra-Based Physics I -- 4.00 credits

PHYS 108

Algebra-Based Physics II -- 4.00 credits

Note: A year of high school biology or BIOL 130 Principles of Biology are recommended as prerequisites for Biology 330.

Chemistry Major -- Pre-Medicine/Pre-Pharmacy (Biochemistry) Concentration

(Comprehensive) Requirements

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes occurring in living organisms. Education and skill development in this area are an important part of preparation for further studies in the fields of Medicine and Pharmacy as well as in preparation for careers or graduate school in Biochemistry and related scientific disciplines. The field of Biochemistry is very interdisciplinary by nature; among other things, a biochemist needs to possess a knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics as well as an appreciation for the interrelationships between these disciplines. Chemistry majors choosing this concentration are typically those who are interested in attending medical, veterinary or pharmacy schools or graduate school in biochemistry. Consult with your advisor and the relevant post-graduate programs regarding additional requirements. Required courses for the Pre-Medicine/Pre-Pharmacy (Biochemistry) Concentration are:

CHEM 105 General Chemistry I -- 5.00 credits

CHEM 106 General Chemistry II -- 4.00 credits

CHEM 205 Quant Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 206 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 320 Organic Chemistry Lecture I -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 321 Organic Chem Lecture II -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry Lab I -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 323 Organic Chemistry Lab II -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 327 Molecular Spectroscopy I -- 1.00 credits

CHEM 345 Physical Chemistry Lect I -- 4.00 credits

CHEM 360 Introduction to Biochemistry -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 481 Special Topics -- 1.00 credit (OR CHEM 491 Senior Research -- 1.00 credit OR

CHEM 496 Senior Paper -- 1.00 credit)

CHEM 497 Senior Seminar In Chemistry -- 1.00 credit

MATH 240 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I -- 4.00 credits

MATH 241Calculus and Analytic Geometry II -- 4.00 credits

PHYS 201 Calculus-Based Physics I -- 5.00 credits (OR PHYS 107 Algebra-Based Physics I -- 4.00 credits AND PHYS 205 Calculus Applications in Introductory Physics I -- 1.00 credits)

PHYS 202 Calculus-Based Physics II -- 5.00 credits (OR PHYS 108 Algebra-Based Physics II -- 4.00 credits AND PHYS 206 Calculus Applications in Introductory Physics II -- 1.00 credits)

CHEM 462 Advanced Biochemistry -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 481 Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry -- 1.00 credit

BIOL 330 Genetics -- 4.00 credits

BIOL 355 Microbes and Defense -- 4.00 credits

BIOL 440 Cell Biology -- 4.00 credits

Total – 68 credits

Students who also choose BIOL 340 will complete a minor in biology. With additional biology coursework, students may earn a second major in Biology.

Students choosing the Pre-Medicine/Pre-Pharmacy (Biochemistry) Concentration will have completed the topics recommended for a biochemistry major by theAmerican Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Chemistry Major- Secondary Education - Early Adolescence-Adolescence Level (EA-A) Requirements

A severe shortage exists of secondary education teachers in chemistry. Many high schools must hire students with only a minor in chemistry. Students with this major will be very competitive in the secondary education job market, especially if they also have a secondary education major in biology or mathematics.

35 total credits

Required courses (35 credits required):

Graduates may obtain this major only if they complete all requirements for secondary education certification. A teaching minor or second teaching major is required with this major.

CHEM 105

General Chemistry I -- 5.00 credits

CHEM 106

General Chemistry II -- 4.00 credits

CHEM 205

Quant Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 206

Quantitative Analysis Laboratory -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 312

Organic Chemistry--A Short Course -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 313

Intro Organic Chem Lab -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 381

Intermediate Topics -- 1.00 - 3.00 credits

MATH 115

Precalculus -- 5.00 credits

PHYS 107

Algebra-Based Physics I -- 4.00 credits

PHYS 108

Algebra-Based Physics II -- 4.00 credits

  1. Students may substitute CHEM 320-323, 327 for CHEM 312/313.
  2. Students may substitute CHEM 345 for CHEM 381.
  3. Students may substitute PHYS 201 for PHYS 107 and PHYS 202 for PHYS 108.
  4. Students must satisfactorily complete all DPI and UW-Superior requirements for secondary education certification, including coursework in Biology and Earth Science and NSEd 339 Teaching Science in the Secondary School.

Chemistry Minor Requirements

22 total credits

Required courses (22 required credits):

CHEM 105

General Chemistry I -- 5.00 credits

CHEM 106

General Chemistry II -- 4.00 credits

and one of the following options:

Option 1:

CHEM 205

Quant Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 206

Quantitative Analysis Laboratory -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 312

Organic Chemistry--A Short Course -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 313

Intro Organic Chem Lab -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 300

Chemistry Of Natural Waters -- 3.00 credits

or

CHEM 345

Physical Chemistry Lect I -- 4.00 credits

and

CHEM 347

Physical Chemistry Lab I -- 1.00 credits

Option 2:

CHEM 320

Organic Chemistry Lecture I -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 321

Organic Chem Lecture II -- 3.00 credits

CHEM 322

Organic Chemistry Lab I -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 323

Organic Chemistry Lab II -- 2.00 credits

CHEM 327

Molecular Spectroscopy I -- 1.00 credits

CHEM 300

Chemistry Of Natural Waters -- 3.00 credits

or

CHEM 360

Introduction to Biochemistry -- 3.00 credits

or

CHEM 365

Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry -- 3.00 credits

or

CHEM 381

Intermediate Topics -- 1.00 - 3.00 credits

or

CHEM 205

Quant Analysis Lecture -- 3.00 credits

and

CHEM 206

Quantitative Analysis Laboratory -- 2.00 credits

UPTIME STATUS