Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

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Professor: Donnay, Department Chair
Professors: Pyenta, Shin, Veltkamp

Mission

Through the rigorous study of chemical principles, hands-on laboratory work, and original research, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry promotes the professional growth of students in their field of study by equipping them with tools to be critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, clear communicators, and skilled experimentalists. We examine the molecular complexity of the natural world and thereby enable students to pursue meaningful lives of leadership and service in the application of chemistry to society.

Student Learning Outcomes

All students will be able to (at a level appropriate to the course):

1. Describe and apply the fundamental principles of chemistry and biochemistry.
2. Use standard laboratory equipment and instruments to conduct experiments.
3. Explain the role of chemistry in the natural world and human society.
4. Communicate chemical information in written and oral formats.

Additionally, science majors will be able to:

5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of classical and modern analytical techniques and instrumentation, including their uses and limitations.
6. Recognize hazards, assess risk, conduct experiments safely, and manage chemicals, including chemical waste.
7. Practice science in an ethical and responsible manner.
8. Work collaboratively with other students and faculty members in both the classroom and laboratory environments.
9. Employ process skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and reflective learning.

Additionally, chemistry and biochemistry majors will be able to:

10. Search, interpret, and critically evaluate primary chemical literature and general science publications.
11. Develop a research question and design a method to answer the question.

Special Programs and Opportunities:

Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society. The ACS student affiliate chapter is open to students interested in chemistry. The purpose of the organization is to stimulate a professional interest in chemistry, to keep students abreast of recent developments in the chemical field, to provide a forum for discussion of chemical topics, to promote scholarship, and to encourage fellowship among those interested in chemistry. Activities include regular meetings, seminars, special interest programs, field trips, and service projects.

Departmental Awards. Each spring, awards are presented to outstanding students at the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior levels. An outstanding junior is awarded the W. Norton Jones scholarship, to be used during the student’s senior year.

Departmental Honors. Please see the description of the Honors Program earlier in the catalog.

Dual Chemistry-Chemical Engineering Degree Program. McMurry University has joined with the University of North Dakota (UND) in offering a program to allow interested students to simultaneously pursue two bachelor’s degrees: one in Chemistry from McMurry University and one ABET-accredited degree in Chemical Engineering from UND. Typically a student will complete two years of course work at McMurry University and then will apply for admission to UND. In the course of the next three years the student will continue taking classes from McMurry University as well as distance learning classes from UND. The courses taken at McMurry University will satisfy the general education and pre-requisite courses as well as some upper division Engineering courses for UND. After completion of the third and fourth years at McMurry University the student is expected to spend a summer session at UND taking laboratory-based classes there. Upon the successful completion of the coursework at both schools, the student will receive two Bachelor of Science degrees. In order to finish this program in five years students should be enrolled in the proper courses starting their first semester at McMurry University. Please consult an advisor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for appropriate choice of courses.

Graduate Study in Chemical Engineering

Students with an interest in Chemical Engineering could also consider the possibility of completing an undergraduate degree in chemistry with elective courses in math and physics at McMurry University followed by application to a graduate program in Chemical Engineering.

Programs

• Chemistry Grades 7-12, BA
• Chemistry, BA

• Biochemistry, BS
• Chemistry, BS

• Biochemistry Minor
• Chemistry Minor

Courses

• CHEM 4X20 - Capstone Research
• CHEM 4X88 - Internship in Chemistry
• CHEM 4X95 - Independent Studies
• CHEM 4X96H - Honors Tutorial
• CHEM 4X97H - Honors Research
• CHEM 4X99 - Special Topics
• CHEM 1400 - Chemistry in Society
• CHEM 1407 - Chemical Basics for Allied Health
• CHEM 1410 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 1420 - General Chemistry II
• CHEM 2430 - Quantitative Analysis
• CHEM 3100 - Research Team Lab
• CHEM 3350 - Organic Structure Analysis
• CHEM 3360 - Biophysical Chemistry
• CHEM 3410 - Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 3420 - Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM 3431 - Physical Chemistry I
• CHEM 3432 - Physical Chemistry II
• CHEM 3440 - Environmental Chemistry
• CHEM 3441 - Biochemistry I
• CHEM 3442 - Biochemistry II
• CHEM 3480 - Foundational Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 4101 - Chemistry/Biochemistry Literature Seminar
• CHEM 4102 - Chemistry/Biochemistry Senior Project
• CHEM 4440 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis

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