Chemistry
Department Office
Darwin Hall 126
707 664-2334
www.sonoma.edu/chemistry
Department Chair
Vincent Hoagland
Administrative Coordinator
Kathleen Hardy
Faculty
Leslie Brooks, David Eck, Vincent Hoagland, Douglas Martin, Gene Schaumberg, Dale Trowbridge, Carmen F. Works
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry / Sample Four-Year Program for Bachelor of Science in Chemistry / Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry / Sample Four-Year Program for Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry / Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry: Biochemistry or Pre-Health Option / Chemistry Minor or Secondary Education Teaching Credential Preparation / Individual Class Descriptions
Programs offered
ACS Certified Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Minor in Chemistry
Teaching Credential Preparation
The chemistry department offers a flexible academic program designed to familiarize students with the concepts of the atomic and molecular worlds. Students may choose a course pattern of chemistry upper-division electives for the B.A. or B.S. degree that emphasizes the areas of analytical, organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry, biochemistry, pre-health professional preparation, or pre-enology. The B.S. degree is certified by the American Chemical Society.
Courses include classroom lectures, laboratory work, field experience, independent study projects, and seminars where well-known chemists address the students and the public. Most classes are small, providing a high degree of individual instruction and advising.
The department emphasizes experimental laboratory work that involves independent and individualized experimentation, with critical evaluation of data as the goal of most experiments.
The department is well equipped with many modern, computerized scientific instruments. These are available to undergraduate students in laboratory courses and research projects, in contrast to many institutions with graduate programs that limit undergraduate access to these instruments. Research instruments include ultraviolet, visible, infrared and atomic absorption spectrophotometers; X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers; and gas, liquid, and ion chromatographs.
Sonoma State’s chemistry graduates have secured employment in the wine, chemical, and petroleum industries; in analytical testing laboratories; in air and water pollution laboratories; in criminology laboratories; and in chemically related jobs in teaching or sales. Other graduates have pursued advanced degrees at leading universities across the nation in the areas of chemistry, chemical physics, biophysical chemistry, environmental science, chemical engineering, material science, medical biophysical chemistry, medical microbiology, medicine, dentistry, podiatry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.
The chemistry department participates in the Sonoma State University CLEP credit-by-examination program. For more information on CLEP course equivalents in chemistry, please see pages 16 and 17.
ACS Certified
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The B.S. degree provides the thorough preparation needed by candidates to work as chemists in industrial and governmental laboratories or to enter graduate programs in chemistry leading to advanced degrees. All courses in the major core, major electives and supporting courses must be taken in the traditional grading mode (A-F). Transcripts will be noted as a B.S. degree approved by the American Chemistry Society.
For additional information, see the current approved curriculum on the SSU official catalog web page www.sonoma.edu/pubs/catalog/.
| Degree Requirements |
units |
| General education |
51 |
| Major requirements |
40 |
| Supporting courses |
19 |
| General electives |
10 |
| Total units needed for graduation |
120 |
Major Core Requirements
| CHEM 115AB, General Chemistry (10 units, 5 in the major,
5 in general education) 5 CHEM 255 Quantitative Analysis |
4 |
| CHEM 316 or 376 Physical Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
| CHEM 325 Inorganic Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 335A Organic Chemistry |
5 |
| CHEM 335B Organic Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 336 Organic Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
| CHEM 340, 445 or 446 Biochemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 375A or 310A Physical Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 375B or 310B Physical Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 401 Chemical Syntheses and Characterization I |
3 |
| CHEM 402 Chemical Syntheses and Characterization II |
3 |
| CHEM 497 Research Seminar |
1 |
| Total units in the major core |
40 |
Supporting Courses (Required)
Mathematics
MATH 161 Calculus I (4)
MATH 211 Calculus II (4)
MATH 261 Calculus IV (4)
(12 units: 9 units in the major, 3 units in general education): 9
Physics
| PHYS 114 Introduction to Physics I |
4 |
| PHYS 116 Introductory (Physics I ) Laboratory |
1 |
| PHYS 214 Introduction to Physics II |
4 |
| PHYS 216 Introductory (Physics II) Laboratory |
1 |
| Total units in supporting courses |
19 |
| Total units in the major |
59 |
Strongly recommended
| PHYS 314 Introduction to Physics III |
4 |
| PHYS 316 Introductory Quantum Laboratory |
1 |
| CHEM 494 Undergraduate Research |
1-6 |
Sample Four-Year Program for
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Freshman Year: 30-32 units
| Fall Semester (15 units) |
Spring Semester (15-17 units) |
| CHEM 115A (5) |
Chem 115B (5) |
| Math 107 or 161 (4) |
Math 161 or 211 (4) |
| GE (3) |
Phys 114 (4) + 116 (1) |
| GE (3) |
(if had Math 161 in Fall)
or GE (3) |
| |
GE (3) |
Sophomore Year: 32-36 units
| Fall Semester (16-18 units) |
Spring Semester (16-18 units) |
| Chem 255 (4) |
Chem 335A (5) |
| Chem 335A (5) or GE (3) |
or Chem 335B(3) and |
| Math 211 (4) or 261 (4) |
Chem 336 (2) |
| Phys 214 (4) + 216 (1) |
Math 261 (4) or GE (3) |
| or Phys 114 (4) + 116 (1) |
Phys 214 (4) + 216 (1)
or Phys 314* (4)+316*(1)
GE (3) |
Junior Year 28-29 units
| Fall Semester (14-15 units) |
Spring Semester (14 units) |
| CHEM 375A or 310A (3) |
CHEM 375B or 310B (3) |
| CHEM 335B (3), CHEM 336 (2) |
CHEM 316 or 376 (2) |
| GE (3) |
CHEM 325 (3) |
| GE (3) |
GE (3) |
| Elective (2) |
|
Senior Year: 34 units
| Fall Semester (18 units) |
Spring (16 units) |
| CHEM 401 (3) |
CHEM 402 (3) |
| CHEM 445** (3) |
CHEM 446** or 340 (3) |
| GE (3) |
CHEM 497 (1) |
| GE (3) |
GE (3), GE (3) |
| GE (3) |
GE (3) |
| GE (3) |
|
Total semester units: 120
* Phys 314 and 316 recommended but not required.
** One course in biochemistry is required from CHEM 445 or 340.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
The B.A. degree allows broad preparation for biochemists, for environmental scientists, and for those wishing to obtain technical work or work allied to chemistry such as: pre-professional medicine or dentistry; electronics; food processing; chemical sales; patent, safety, library, or supervisory work in the chemical industries. This degree provides adequate preparation for graduate study toward an advanced degree in chemistry or in biochemistry. Courses applied to the major core, major electives, and supporting courses must be taken in the traditional grading mode (A-F) only.
Please see the current approved curriculum on the SSU official catalog web page www.sonoma.edu/pubs/catalog/.
| Degree Requirements |
units |
| General education |
51 |
| Major requirements |
33 |
| Supporting courses |
11-13 |
| General electives |
23-25 |
| Total units needed for graduation |
120 |
Major Core Requirements
| CHEM 115AB General Chemistry
(10 units: 5 in the major, 5 in general education) |
5 |
| CHEM 255 Quantitative Analysis |
4 |
| CHEM 310A Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 310B Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 316 Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
| CHEM 325 Inorganic Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 335A Organic Chemistry |
5 |
| CHEM 335B Organic Chemistry |
3 |
| CHEM 401 Chemical Syntheses and Characterization I |
3 |
| CHEM 497 Research Seminar |
1 |
| Total units in the major core |
32 |
Major Electives
In consultation with an advisor, choose an additional 1 unit from upper-division chemistry electives.
Total units in major electives: 1
Supporting Courses
Mathematics
MATH 161 Calculus I (4)
MATH 211 Calculus II (4)
(3 units in general education, 3 units in major): 3
Physics
Choose one of the following two groups and complete all courses listed:
General Physics
| PHYS 209A General Physics Laboratory |
1 |
| PHYS 209B General Physics Laboratory |
1 |
| PHYS 210A General Physics |
3 |
| PHYS 210B General Physics |
3 |
or
Introductory Physics
| PHYS 114 Introduction to Physics I |
4 |
| PHYS 116 Introductory (Physics I) Laboratory |
1 |
| PHYS 214 Introduction to Physics II |
4 |
| PHYS 216 Introductory (Physics II) Laboratory |
1 |
Total units in supporting courses |
11-13 |
Total units in the major |
44-46 |
Sample Four-Year Program
for Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Freshman Year: 28-30 units
| Fall Semester (15 units) |
Spring Semester (13-15 units) |
| Chem 115A (4) |
Chem 115B (4) |
| Chem 116A (1) |
Chem 116B (1) |
| Math 107 or 161 (4) |
Math 161 (4) or 211 (4) |
| GE (3) or Elective (3) |
GE (3) or Elective (3) |
| GE (3) or Elective (3) |
GE (3) or Elective (3) |
Sophomore Year: 32-36 units
| Fall Semester (16-18 units) |
Spring Semester (16-18 units) |
| Chem 255 (4) or 335A (5) |
Chem 335A (5) |
| Phys 209A (1) + 210A (3) |
or Chem 335B (3) and |
| GE (3) or Elective (3) |
Chem 336* (2)
|
| GE (3) or Elective (3) |
Phys 209B (1) + 210B (3) |
| |
GE (3) or Elective (3) |
| |
GE (3) or Elective (3) |
Junior Year 34-37 units
| Fall Semester (17-19 units) |
Spring Semester (17-18 units) |
| Chem 335B (3), Chem 336 (2) |
Chem 310B (3) or GE (3) |
| or Chem 255 (4) or GE (3) |
Chem 316 (2) or GE (3) |
| Chem 310A (3) or GE (3) |
CHEM 325 (3) |
| UD Chem Elective (3) or Elective (3) |
or Elective (3) |
| GE (3) or Elective (2) |
GE (3) |
| GE (3) |
GE (3) |
Senior Year: 24-25 units
| Fall Semester (12 units) |
Spring Semester (12-13 units) |
| Chem 310A (3) |
GE (3) or Chem 310B (3) |
| CHEM 401 (3) |
GE (3) or Chem 316 (2) |
| Electives (3) |
CHEM 497 (1) |
| GE (3) |
UD Chem Electives (3) |
| Total semester units: |
120 |
* CHEM 336 recommended but not required.
Advisory Patterns for Bachelor of Arts Degree
With the approval of an advisor in the Chemistry Department, a student may choose a pattern of chemistry upper-division electives in the B.A. degree to concentrate in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry; biochemistry; pre-professional preparation; or pre-enology. Patterns are designed to provide guidelines for majors who wish to advance toward specific goals in the chemistry major.
Bachelor of Arts in ChemistryBiochemistry or Pre-Health Option
Major Core Requirements
CHEM 115AB General Chemistry (5 each semester)
CHEM 255 Quantitative Analysis (4)
CHEM 310AB Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (3 each semester)
CHEM 316 Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry Lab (2)
CHEM 335A Organic Chemistry (5)
CHEM 335B Organic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 336 Organic Chemistry Lab (2)
CHEM 441 Biochemical Methods (3)
CHEM 445 Biochemistry: Structural Materials and Protein Synthesis (3)
CHEM 446 Biochemistry: Enzymes and Metabolism (3)
BIOL 123 Molecular and Cell Biology (4)
BIOL 544 Advanced Cell Biology (4)
and two courses from the following:
BIOL 320 Molecular Genetics (4)
BIOL 324 Animal Physiology (4)
BIOL 334 Plant Physiology (4)
BIOL 340 General Bacteriology (4)
BIOL 325 Cell Biology (4)
Biochemistry Advisory or Pre-Health Professions Plan
The biochemistry advisory plan is appropriate for students interested in employment in the biochemical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industries, or in preparation for graduate study in biochemistry. The pre-health professions plan is for students who intend to do graduate work in dentistry, medicine, clinical chemistry, medical technology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or other paramedical work.
Pre-Enology (Wine Chemistry) Advisory Plan
Designed for students intending to do graduate work in enology or planning to work in the wine industry. The upper-division chemistry electives should include CHEM 445 and 446. Strongly recommended courses are CHEM 336, 499, BIOL 123, 340, and MATH 165.
Minor in Chemistry
Completion of a minimum of 20 units in chemistry courses. The 20 units must include a minimum of 6 upper-division course units and courses in general chemistry, quantitative analysis, and organic chemistry, or a curriculum approved by the department.
Secondary Education
Teaching Credential Preparation
Chemistry students must demonstrate competence in the natural sciences by passing the subject matter examination required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. One part of the examination will test breadth of knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology. Another part of the examination will test depth of knowledge in a particular area, such as chemistry. The B.A. or B.S. degree in chemistry is recommended to prepare for the part of the examination that tests depth of knowledge in chemistry. For recommended course selection to help prepare for the part of the examination that tests breadth of scientific knowledge, please see page 284. For more information, please contact the Chemistry Department office, Darwin Hall 126, (707) 664-2334.
Chemistry Courses (CHEM)
Classes are offered in the semesters indicated. Please see the Schedule of Classes for most current information and faculty teaching assignments.
101 Chemistry and Society: Selected Topics (3)
Fall, Spring
Lecture, 3 hours. A descriptive, non-mathematical course emphasizing aspects of the interaction of chemistry and society. In addition to fundamental concepts in chemistry, individual sections of the course will cover selected topics. Examples of topics are: introductory wine chemistry; chemistry of the natural environment, and society’s impact on that environment. Satisfies GE, category B1 (Physical Sciences).
102 Toxicology, Food and Chemistry (3)/ Fall, Spring
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. A non-mathematical course in introductory chemistry, toxicology, food, and nutrition. Students will investigate the acute and chronic toxicity of chemical substances, such as PCB, dioxin, sugar, lead, and saccharin. The students will learn basic chemistry and biochemistry that will enable them to interpret controversial data on foods, drugs, and toxins that are a part of daily life. The laboratory will consist of experiments covering chemical principles and phenomena discussed in the lecture. Satisfies GE, category B1 (Physical Sciences) and GE laboratory requirement.
105AB Elements of General, Organic and
Biochemistry (4, 4) / A, Fall; B, Spring
Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. A survey of the principles of chemistry, with emphasis placed on those that apply to living organisms. The course is designed for students in nursing and majors that do not require further courses in chemistry. Course is not a prerequisite for any chemistry course. Satisfies GE, category B1 (Physical Sciences) and GE laboratory requirement.
115AB General Chemistry (5, 5)
Both 115A and 115B offered Fall, Spring
Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory 3 hours. General principles of chemistry selected from the areas of biochemistry, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. This course is designed for science majors and students taking pre-professional curricula. Satisfies GE, category B1 (Physical Sciences). Prerequisites: high school chemistry and placement into GE Math, or consent of instructor. Corequisite: CHEM 116AB. CAN CHEM 2 and 4.
195 Lower-Division Special Studies (1-3)
May be repeated.
255 Quantitative Analysis (4) / Fall
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 6 hours. Theory and practice of methods of analysis, including volumetric, gravimetric, and selected instrumental techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 115B. CAN CHEM 12.
310AB Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (3, 3)
A, Fall; B, Spring
Lecture, 3 hours. Development and applications of the concepts of thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy to chemical systems. Prerequisites: CHEM 255; MATH 211S; PHYS 210AB or 214 and 216; or consent of instructor.
313 Analog and Digital Electronics (3)
Lecture, 3 hours. DC and AC circuit theory, applications of diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers, electronic test instruments; electronic transducers; waveform generators; noise; logic gates and Boolean algebra; number systems and codes; combinational logic circuits; applications of circuit simulation programs. Crosslisted with PHYS 313. Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in CHEM 313L is mandatory. MATH 107, PHYS 210B or 214; or consent of instructor.
313L Analog and Digital Electronics Laboratory (1)
Laboratory, 3 hours. Laboratory to accompany CHEM 313. Cross-listed with PHYS 313L. Experiments in this lab are designed to address the major topics of CHEM 313 lecture course. Students will experiment with physical and simulated circuits. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in CHEM 313 is mandatory.
316 Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry
Laboratory (2) / Spring
Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 3 hours. Physiochemical measurements, with an emphasis on error analysis, instrumental techniques, report writing and presentation. Prerequisites: CHEM 310A; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 310B.
325 Inorganic Chemistry (3) / Spring
Lecture, 3 hours. Periodic relationships and reactions, ionic and elementary covalent bonding, crystal structures, acid-base concepts, and introduction to coordination and organometallic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 255.
335A Organic Chemistry (5) / Fall, Spring
Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 3 hours. Basic course in the general theory and reactions of organic chemistry. Emphasis on basic principles. Recommended for science and pre-professional majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 115B or consent of instructor.
335B Organic Chemistry (3) / Fall, Spring
Lecture, 3 hours. Continuation of CHEM 335A. Prerequisite: CHEM 335A.
336 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2) / Fall, Spring
Laboratory lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 3 hours. Fundamental techniques of organic chemistry, emphasizing synthetic organic chemistry, modern instrumental methods, and qualitative organic analysis. Designed to complement CHEM 335B. Prerequisite: CHEM 335A.
340 Survey of Biochemistry (3) / Spring
Lecture, 3 hours. A survey of biochemistry, including the structure, function, and metabolism of biological molecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 115B, and CHEM 335A.
341 Clinical Biochemistry (4) / Fall, odd years
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory 6 hours. The chemistry, metabolism, and analysis of amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, and other molecules of clinical interest. There is a strong emphasis on analytical measurements by means of instrumentation. This course fulfills the analytical requirement for the medical technology curriculum. Not applicable to the chemistry major or minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 340.
375AB Physical Chemistry (3-3) / A, Fall; B, Spring
Lecture, 3 hours. Theoretical principles of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics and kinetics relevant to chemical structure, chemical equilibrium and chemical reactions. Prerequisites: CHEM 255; PHYS 214 and 216; and previous or concurrent enrollment in MATH 261 or consent of instructor. PHYS 314 and 316 strongly recommended.
376 Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2) / Spring
Laboratory, 6 hours. Physiochemical measurements, with an emphasis on error analysis, instrumental techniques, report writing and presentation. Prerequisites: CHEM 255; PHYS 214 and 216; previous or concurrent enrollment in MATH 261 or consent of instructor; and concurrent enrollment in CHEM 375A.
397 Chemistry Practicum (1-6) / Fall, Spring
Supervised chemistry work experiences that involve practical application of previously studied theory. Intended for professional growth and/or collection of data for future theoretical interpretation. Not applicable toward the chemistry major or minor. May be repeated for up to a total of 6 units. Two hours of work per week for each unit of credit. Cr/NC only. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
401 Chemical Syntheses and Characterizations I (3)
Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory 6 hours. Syntheses and purifications of selected organic, inorganic, and organometallic compounds and their characterizations through analyses, kinetics, thermodynamics, spectroscopy, and structures. Prerequisites: CHEM 255, 336 and consent of instructor.
402 Chemical Syntheses and Characterizations II (3)
Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory 6 hours. Continuation of CHEM 401. Prerequisite: CHEM 401.
441 Biochemical Methods (3) / Spring, odd years
Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 6 hours. Applications of biochemical techniques to the study of proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids. Prerequisites: CHEM 232 or 335B; CHEM 340, 445 or 446; and foundation in spectroscopy, kinetics, and thermodynamics, or consent of instructor.
445 Biochemistry: Structural Materials and
Protein Synthesis (3) / Fall
Lecture, 3 hours. A study of aqueous solutions and buffers, the structure and function of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. Prerequisites: CHEM 335B; and foundation in spectroscopy, kinetics and thermodynamics, or consent of instructor.
446 Biochemistry: Enzymes and Metabolism (3)
Spring
Lecture, 3 hours. A study of bioenergetics, enzyme structure and function, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Prerequisites: CHEM 335B; and foundation in spectroscopy, kinetics and thermodynamics, or consent of instructor.
481 Applied Nuclear Chemistry and Physics (2) / Fall
Lecture, 2 hours. This course offers a working knowledge of nuclear radiations, radioactive sources and nuclear reactors. Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter; physical, chemical and biological effects. Radiochemical dating. Nuclear models. Nuclear reactor theory and neutron activation. Radioactive tracer methods. Crosslisted as PHYS 481. Prerequisites: PHYS 214, CHEM 115B, CHEM 116B and one upper-division course in the natural sciences.
482 Applied Nuclear Chemistry and
Physics Laboratory (2) / Fall
Laboratory lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 3 hours. The use and production of radioactive sources and nuclear reactor problems using a neutron howitzer. Applications to detection of trace elements, nuclear chemical phenomena, radiological safety. State-of-the-art instrumentation and laboratory practices. Crosslisted as PHYS 482. Prerequisites: PHYS 216 and 481 or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 481.
494 Undergraduate Research (1-6) / Fall, Spring
Individual investigation of either student- or faculty-initiated experimental or theoretical chemical problems under the supervision of a member of the chemistry faculty. May be taken only by petition to the Chemistry Department. May be repeated. Prerequisites: CHEM 335B; previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 310B or 375B; and consent of instructor.
495 Special Studies (1-3) / Fall, Spring
Investigation of existing information on a specific or general topic of interest to the student. May be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor; upper-division standing in chemistry or closely related science.
496 Selected Topics in Chemistry (1-3)
A study of an advanced topic in chemistry. May be repeated for credit with new subject matter.
497 Research Seminar (1) / Fall, Spring
Laboratory, 3 hours. Capstone course. Practice and final oral presentation of a chemistry research project at a scientific meeting or a departmental seminar based on papers concerning a topic selected from the recent chemical literature. Instruction includes the appropriate coverage of material and the preparation and use of presentation, graphic, and web-based applications to make an informative talk. Prerequisites: CHEM 335B; previous or concurrent enrollment in Physical Chemistry lecture course; or consent of instructor.
499 Internship (1-4) / Fall, Spring
Chemistry field experience in industrial, hospital, or similar laboratory settings. Enrollment by prior arrangement with supervising faculty member and community sponsor. Please see department advisor for details. Three hours of work per week for each unit of credit. Internship assignments may be paid. Cr/NC only. May be repeated.
