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Chemistry (CHM)
College of Science and Allied Health
Department Chair: Aaron Monte
4004 Cowley Hall, (608)785-8268
e-mail: monte.aaro@uwlax.edu 
www.uwlax.edu/chemistry

 Professors: Monte, Osterby;  Associate Professors: Czerwinski, Grunwald, Loh, McGaff, Miller, P., Rolfhus, Weaver; Assistant Professors: Bryan, Kirsch, Opdahl; Lecturers: DeSouza-Machado, Ghodsian, Hassinger, Koster, S. 

The department of chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society, and students following a curriculum meeting the “minimum standards” of the Society will be certified as having an ACS major in chemistry. 

Chemistry Major  (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 309, 310, 313, 471, and electives in chemistry except CHM 100, 300 and 320. 

Chemistry Major with ACS Certification  (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 49 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 309, 310, 313, 405, 431, 441, 471, 325 or 417 and electives in chemistry (except CHM 100, 300 and 320) that include at least one laboratory course. Also required are PHY 203 and 204. 

Chemistry Major (Teacher Certification programs) — 37 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 309, 310, 313 and electives in chemistry except CHM 100, 300 and 320. GEO 200 and C-I 381 must be taken in addition to the above sequence.

Chemistry Major  with Business Concentration (Liberal Studies, Science and Allied Health) — 57 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 309, 313, ECO 110, 120, ACC 221, 222, FIN 355, MKT 309, MGT 308, 408 and electives in chemistry except CHM 100, 300 and 320.  

Note: The chemistry major with business concentration fulfills the College of Science and Allied Health core requirement for a major and a minor. 

Chemistry Major with Environmental Science Concentration (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 51 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 309, 412 and 441; 6 credits from CHM 310, 313, 314, 325, 405, 417, 418, 422, 424, 431, 461, and 471; and 12 credits from BIO 341, 419, 447, 448, ESC 345, 440, 445, 460, 481, GEO 485, PHL 341, ECO 346 and HIS 317. Two additional credits from CHM 499, BIO 499 and ESC 490 are recommended. 

Biochemistry Major (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 40 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 417, 418, 407 or CHM 309; BIO 435, 436 and five credits of electives from: CHM 310, 431, 441, 499; MIC 406, 420; BIO 312, 424, 443, 440. Only two credits from CHM 499 may count toward the major. 

Dual Degree Program in Chemistry and Engineering
Students with a chemistry major who also are interested in engineering are able to receive both a Bachelor of Science (chemistry major) from UW-La Crosse and a Bachelor of Science (engineering major) from UW-Madison. At UW-La Crosse, students must complete a minimum of 87 credits, including the General Education requirements and specific math and science courses in preparation for the engineering program. Students are recommended to include the following courses in their work at UW-La Crosse: CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 309, 310, 313, 471; ECO 110, 120, 336; MTH 207, 208, 250, 309; PHY 203, 204, 343. Students should consult with the chemistry department chair for specific course and sequence advising for this agreement.

Students who express interest in the dual degree program will be accepted into the UW-Madison portion of the program based on their G.P.A in all course work; their G.P.A. in the chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics course work required by the program; and the positive recommendation of the UW-L Crosse chemistry department chair (or designee). Qualified UW-La Crosse applicants are assured admission in the College of Engineering at UW-Madison.

In order to receive the B.S. degree from UW-La Crosse, students also must complete the remaining 32 credits (to total a minimum of 120 credits) in engineering at UW-Madison and transfer these credits to UW-La Crosse. For the typical student, the remaining 32 credits must include at least 8 credits at the 300 level or above. This transfer of credits and awarding of the B.S. degree by UW-L can take place as soon as the student earns the necessary credits. 

Chemistry Minor (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 26 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 301, 300, (or 303, 304, and 305), and electives in chemistry, except CHM 100. 

Chemistry Minor (Teacher Certification programs) — 25 credits, including CHM 103, 104, 300 (or 303, 304 and 305), 301, and electives in chemistry, except CHM 100 and 320. GEO 200, a statutory requirement, and C-I 381, an administrative code requirement, must be taken in addition to the above sequence.

Broadfield Science Major (Teacher Certification programs) — See description of this broadfield major on p. 108. 

Nuclear Medicine Technology  See description and courses p.195

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CHM    100  Cr. 4
Contemporary Chemistry
A survey course focusing on applied chemistry. Fundamental chemistry and science concepts are developed and then used to study applications of this science to technology in society. Emphasis is placed on selected topics that are current. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Course is not applicable to a major or minor in chemistry and does not meet the prerequisite requirement of any other chemistry course. 

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CHM    103  Cr. 5
General Chemistry I
An introduction to chemistry including topics in atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, chemical stoichiometry, reactivity, states of matter, solutions, acid-base theory, and nuclear chemistry, and also including selected topics in descriptive and applied chemistry. Scientific inquiry, experimental design and data analysis are included. Lect. 3, Lab. 3, Disc. 1. 

CHM    104  Cr. 5
General Chemistry II
The second half of the two-semester sequence in general chemistry. The course provides an introduction to the topics of chemical kinetics, equilibria in the gas and solution phases, acid-base chemistry, solubility, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. The laboratory portion of the course serves to reinforce and demonstrate the above concepts through experiment. Qualitative wet chemical analysis is also included in the laboratory portion of this course. Lect. 3, Lab. 3, Disc. 1. Prerequisite: CHM 103. 

CHM    300  Cr. 5
Survey of Organic Chemistry
A study of the properties, reactions, and uses of the major classes of organic compounds. Theories to relate the structure of organic molecules to their chemical reactions is presented as a unifying principle. Applications of organic chemistry to the life sciences and to environmental problems are emphasized. A terminal organic chemistry course recommended for students in the allied health sciences when only one semester of organic chemistry is required. Lect. 3, Lab. 4. Open to sophomores. Prerequisite: CHM 104. Course is not applicable to a major in chemistry. Students with credit in CHM 303 cannot earn credit in CHM 300. CHM 300 does not satisfy the prerequisite requirement for CHM 304. 

CHM    301  Cr. 5
Analytical Chemistry
Theory and practice of selected methods of chemical analysis. Titrimetric, potentiometric, spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic methods of analysis are studied. Statistical treatment of data and techniques for quality assurance are also developed. The basic science component in the course is primarily directed towards ionic equilibria. Lect. 3, Lab. 6. Prerequisite: CHM 104. Open to sophomores.   

CHM    303  Cr. 3
Organic Chemistry Theory I
A study of the structure, methods of structure determination, stereochemistry and chemical behavior of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and halogenated hydrocarbons. Theories and mechanisms are introduced to explain chemical behavior. Open to sophomores. Prerequisite: CHM 104.  Students with credit in CHM 300 cannot earn credit in CHM 303.  

CHM    304  Cr. 3
Organic Chemistry Theory II
Organic synthesis, common functional groups, carbanions, reaction mechanisms, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and polymers.  Prerequisite: CHM 303.  

CHM    305  Cr. 2
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
An introduction to common laboratory practices in organic chemistry. Experiments are designed to illustrate synthetic and separation techniques. Organic qualitative analysis is included. Lab. 6. Prerequisite: CHM 304 or concurrent registration. Students with credit in CHM 300 cannot earn credit in CHM 305. 

CHM    309  Cr. 3
Physical Chemistry Theory I
Real gases, equations of state, kinetic and molecular theory, properties of gases, quantum chemistry, molecular energies, classical thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, changes of state and reaction kinetics and mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHM 104, PHY 104 or 203, MTH 208. Offered Sem. I.

CHM    310  Cr. 3
Physical Chemistry Theory II
Molecular spectroscopy, molecular structure, lasers, statistical thermodynamics, solid states, quantum mechanics and group theory. Prerequisite: CHM 309, PHY 104 or 204, MTH 309. Offered Sem. II. 

CHM    313  Cr. 3
Experimental Physical Chemistry
A course designed to teach, illustrate, and strengthen basic concepts in experimental physical chemistry. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, introductory spectroscopy, and statistical error analysis. Students will be exposed to current experimental techniques an equipment used in investigating physical chemistry questions, and will design and implement and independent project of their choosing. A significant emphasis is placed on the development of excellence in both oral and written scientific communication. Lect. 1, Lab. 6. Prerequisite: CHM 309 or concurrent enrollment.  Offered Sem. I. 

CHM    314  Cr. 2
Modern Physical Spectroscopy
A course designed to teach, illustrate, and strengthen concepts in the physical aspects of experimental and computational molecular spectroscopy. Topics include infrared and uv/visible absorption spectroscopies, fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, spectral simulation, and selected advanced methods in physical spectroscopy. Students will be exposed to current experimental techniques, equipment, and basic programming skills and will have the opportunity to design and implement extensions to selected experiments. A significant emphasis is placed on the development of excellence in both oral and written scientific communication. Lect. 1, Lab 3. Prerequisite: CHM 310 or concurrent enrollment. Offered Sem. II, alternate years. 

CHM    320 Cr. 1-3
Practicum in Chemistry
A course designed for and adapted to the specific needs of select groups having specific interests in the applications of techniques and/or theories of chemistry, i.e., educational professionals, chemical technicians, medical technologists, etc. Lecture and laboratory will be adapted to the topic being taught. May be repeated for credit when different topic is presented. Prerequisite: to be determined — based on topic offered. Course is not applicable to a major in chemistry. Offered occasionally. 

CHM    325  Cr. 4
Survey of Biochemistry
A survey of chemical processes in biological systems emphasizing the structure, function, and interactions of proteins, nucleic acids, carbo-hydrates, lipids, the regulation of cellular processes, and a description of certain clinical disorders. Lect. 3, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or 304. Students with credit in CHM 417 cannot earn credit in CHM 325. 

CHM    361  Cr. 3
Radiochemistry
A study of the decay of radioactive elements, detection of radiation, methods of analysis and applications such as neutron activation and radioactive dating. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: three semesters of chemistry courses. Students with credit in CHM 461 cannot earn credit in CHM 361. Offered occasionally. 

CHM    405/505             Cr. 3
Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
Synthesis, characterization and separation techniques are applied to organic and inorganic compounds. Applications of nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and computerized searching of the chemical literature are included. Independent projects with multi-step syntheses are assigned to students. Lect. 1, Lab. 6. Prerequisite: CHM 304 and 305. Offered Sem. II. 

CHM    407  Cr. 2
Biophysical Chemistry
A course designed to help students develop a fundamental understanding of the physical principles that drive biochemical processes. Topics covered include protein structure, molecular thermodynamics (especially as applied to molecular potential functions and protein structure calculations), basic statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy (especially as applied to the study of biomolecular structure), and the kinetics of protein folding and protein motions. Prerequisite: CHM 417 or CHM 325; MTH 207; MTH 250 or MTH 208 or concurrent enrollment; PHY 104 or PHY 204. Offered Sem. II. Not applicable to chemistry major. 

CHM    412/512             Cr. 3
Environmental Chemistry
An interdisciplinary study that explores the role of chemistry in environmental quality. The course examines scientific, political, economic, social and moral issues related to topics such as energy, pollution, resource management and population. The applications of scientific methodologies and chemical principles to the analysis of environmental problems will be emphasized. Prerequisite: three semesters of chemistry. Offered Sem. II. 

CHM    417/517             Cr. 3
Biochemistry I
A study of enzymes, nucleic acids, and other chemical components in biological systems, emphasizing the regulation and coordination of intra- and intercellular chemical processes. Laboratory emphasis is on techniques utilized in protein isolation and characterization. Lect. 2, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or 304. Students with credit in CHM 325 cannot earn credit in CHM 417. Offered Sem. I. 

CHM    418/518             Cr. 3
Biochemistry II
A continuation of the study of enzymes, nucleic acids, and other chemical components of biological systems emphasizing catabolic and anabolic processes. Laboratory emphasizes protein purification and characterization. Lect. 2, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: CHM 417. Offered Sem. II. 

CHM    421/521             Cr. 1-3
Advanced Topics in Chemistry
An advanced topic in chemistry based on appropriate prior work in physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Lecture and laboratory will be adapted to the topic being taught. May be repeated for credit when different topic is presented. Prerequisite will be determined based on topic offered and include a minimum of three semesters of chemistry courses. Repeatable for credit — no maximum. Offered occasionally. 

CHM    422/522             Cr. 3
Polymer Chemistry
A study of synthetic high molecular weight materials of practical application in industry or of theoretical interest in chemistry. Representative polymer systems are examined with respect to the effect of molecular weight, weight distribution, and structure on physical properties. The choice of monomeric starting materials and mechanisms of polymerization are examined in detail. Methods of characterizing macromolecules are surveyed. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: CHM 304; CHM 309 highly recommended. Offered alternate years. 

CHM    424/524             Cr. 3
Spectroscopy
A survey of important spectroscopic methods used in chemistry; infrared, proton and carbon-13 NMR, ultraviolet, and mass spectrometry. Emphasis is placed on structure determination and hands-on experience with chemical instrumentation. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or 304. Offered alternate years. 

CHM    431/531             Cr. 3
Inorganic Chemistry
A survey of the theories of atomic structure, chemical bonding and structure and the relationship of these theories to inorganic reactions, mechanisms and coordination compounds. Also presented are the concepts of acid-base theory, non-aqueous solution chemistry, and topics of current interest in inorganic chemistry; organo-metallics, inorganic polymers, cluster  compounds, etc. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or CHM 304 or concurrent enrollment in CHM 304. Offered Sem. I. 

CHM    441/541             Cr. 4
Instrumental Analysis
A study of the theory and principles of chemical instrumentation including the application of  basic electronics, spectroscopy, separation science and electroanalytical methods of chemical analysis. Lect. 3, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: CHM 301.  

CHM    461/561             Cr. 4
Nuclear Chemistry
A study of the decay of radioactive nuclides with emphasis on the theory of nuclear decay. Laboratory will include the study of the detection of radiation, methods of radio analysis and the safe handling of unsealed radioactive sources. Lect. 3, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: four semesters of chemistry courses. Students with credit in CHM 361 cannot earn credit in CHM 461. Offered Sem. I. 

CHM    471  Cr. 1
Capstone in Chemistry
A senior level course specifically designed for chemistry majors that considers recent issues and developments in the chemical sciences. Students will present a seminar on a contemporary chemical topic incorporating primary literature into the seminar. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions on major issues and developments in the chemical sciences. In addition, students will be actively engaged in the assessment of their majors. Prerequisite: senior standing and major in chemistry. Offered Sem. II.

CHM    489 Cr. 1-2
Independent Study
Independent study under the direction and supervision of a member of the chemistry faculty. Activities related to chemistry other than those normally considered chemistry research. Admission by consent of the chemistry department staff. Repeatable for credit — maximum 2. 

CHM    499  Cr. 2
Research and Seminar
Laboratory research under the direction and supervision of a member of the chemistry departmental staff, for selected students. Admission by consent of the chemistry department staff. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4.

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