Chemistry
Students may complete a major or minor in Chemistry. Within the major, students may complete a minor in computational methods or education. Concentrations in biological chemistry, environmental studies or geochemistry may be completed within the major. Students may complete an M.A. in the combined A.B./M.A. program.
Faculty
Sharon Burgmayer, Professor
Michelle Francl, Professor
Jonas Goldsmith, Assistant Professor
Krynn Lukacs, Senior Lecturer
Bill Malachowski, Professor and Chair
Maryellen Nerz-Stormes, Senior Lecturer
Silvia Porello, Lecturer
Jason Schmink, Assistant Professor
Susan White, Professor
Chemistry Program Requirements and Opportunities
The Chemistry major is offered with several different options:
- American Chemical Society Certified A.B., recommended for graduate school
- Chemistry major, A.B. Only
- Chemistry minor
- Chemistry major with concentration in biochemistry
- Chemistry major with concentration in geochemistry
See also:
More Information About Majors/ Concentrations
www.brynmawr.edu/chemistry/documents/MajorRequirements.pdf
FAQ About the Chemistry Major
www.brynmawr.edu/chemistry/undergraduate/FAQ.html
ACS Certified A.B.Major Requirements
A student may qualify for a major in chemistry by completing a total of 13 units in chemistry with the distribution:
- Chem 103, 104
- Chem 211, 212
- Chem 221, 222
- Chem 231
- Chem 242
- Chem 251, 252
- Chem 398, 399
- two other Chem 3xx
Other required courses: Math 101, 102, 201; Physics 121/122 (preferred) or 101/102. Students who plan to do graduate work in chemistry should also consider taking Physics 201.
Major, A.B. only
A non-ACS certified major requires all of the above coursework except Chem 398, 399.
Timetables for Meeting Major Requirements
Students may follow various schedules to meet their major requirements. However, a fairly typical one is:
- freshman year: Chem 103 and 104, Math 101 and 102
- sophomore year: Chem 211 and 212, Math 201, Physics 121/122 or 101/102
- junior year: Chem 221, 222, 231, 242, 251, 252
- senior year: two or more Chem 3xx
In particular note that
- Math 201 must be completed before taking Chem 221, a required junior-year course. Math 201 is offered at Bryn Mawr only in the fall, but an equivalent course is offered at Haverford in the spring term.
- Every effort should be made to complete the two semesters of college physics by the end of the sophomore year.
- The required 300x courses all have prerequisites that generally include Chem 212 and/or Chem 222.
Students who wish to deviate from the usual schedule should consult with the major adviser as early as possible to devise an alternative.
Honors
The requirements for departmental honors are:
- Complete one of the major plans.
- Maintain a chemistry GPA of 3.7 or better.
- Complete Chem 398 and 399 with a grade of 3.3 or better each semester.
- Participate in research oral/poster presentations.
- Write an acceptable thesis, and meet all department deadlines for submission of the thesis.
- Complete an additional unit of Chem 3xx (for a total of three 300-level chemistry units). With department approval, one unit of 300-level work in certain fields may be substituted.
Minor
A student may qualify for a minor in chemistry by completing a total of 7.0 units in chemistry with the distribution:
- Chem 103, 104
- Chem 211, 212
- Chem 221* or 222*
- Chem 231 or 242**
- Chem 251 or 252
*Pre-/co-requisites: Math 201, Physics 121/122 or 101/102
**Bio 375 may be substituted for Chem 242
Other required courses: Math 101, 102
At least two of the six courses must be taken at Bryn Mawr.
Major with Concentration in Biochemistry
- Chem 103, 104
- Chem 211, 212
- Chem 221*, 222*, 231 or 242** (choose 3 of 4)
- Chem 251, 252
- Chem 345
- Chem 3xx
- Bio 201
- Bio 376***
*Pre-/co-requisites: Math 201, Physics 121/122 or 101/102
**Bio 375 may be substituted for Chem 242
***Chem 242 satisfies the pre-requisite for this course
Other required courses: Math 101, 102
Equivalent biology courses at Haverford may be substituted.
Major with Concentration in Geochemistry
- Chem 103, 104
- Chem 211, 212
- Chem 221*, 222*, 231 or 242** (choose 3 of 4)
- Chem 251, 252
- Chem 322 or 332
- Chem 3xx
- Geo 201, 202
- Geo 301 or 302
*Pre-/co-requisites: Math 201, Physics 121/122 or 101/102
**Bio 375 may be substituted for Chem 242
Other required courses: Math 101, 102
The Chemistry Major can also be combined with any of the Minors offered in the College. In particular, the Minors in Environmental Studies, Education and Computational Science offer attractive combinations with a Chemistry Major for future career paths that require competency in those allied fields. Detailed information about these Minors can be found in the appropriate section of the catalog.
A.B./M.A. Program
- Chemistry major A.B. requirements
- four units of 5xx*
- two units of 7xx
- M.A. thesis
- written final exam
*two units may be 3xx
3-2 Program in Engineering and Applied Science
Visit www.brynmawr.edu/catalog/2012-13/program/opportunities/32engineering.html for the description of the 3-2 Program in Engineering and Applied Science, offered in cooperation with the California Institute of Technology, for earning both an A.B. at Bryn Mawr and a B.S. at Cal Tech.
4+1 Program in Engineering at UPenn
The University of Pennsylvania 4+1 engineering program allows students to earn an A.B. at Bryn Mawr and an M.S. in Engineering (M.S.E) at UPenn. Students apply between the beginning of the sophomore year and end of the junior year. See the description of the 4+1 Program in Engineering at UPenn. Visit www.brynmawr.edu/catalog/2012-13/program/opportunities/41penn_engineering.html for more information.
COURSES
An introduction to chemistry through fine arts, this course emphasizes the close relationship of the fine arts, especially painting, to the development of chemistry and its practice. The historical role of the material in the arts, in alchemy and in the developing science of chemistry, will be discussed, as well as the synergy between these areas. Relevant principles of chemistry will be illustrated through the handling, synthesis and/or transformations of the material. This course does not count towards chemistry major requirements, and is not suitable for premedical programs. Lecture 90 minutes, laboratory three hours a week. Enrollment limited to 20.
Requirement(s): Division II with Lab
Crosslisting(s): HART-B100
Units: 1.0
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B101 Focus: Chemistry Fundamentals
This is a half semester Focus course. For students with little background in Chemistry. Prepares students for Chemistry 103 by covering problem-solving techniques, mathematics needed for chemistry, atoms, molecules, chemical structures, chemical reactions and solutions. Depending on interest, there may be a topical focus such as drugs and doses, food and energy, or the environment. The course may include Individual student conferences and electronic resources. Offered in the second half of the Fall and Spring semesters. Enrollment is based on performance on a placement test or permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Quantitative Skills requirement met or concurrent enrollment in a Quantitative Skills course.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Approach: Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Units: 0.5
Instructor(s): Porello,S.
(Fall 2012)
For students with some background in chemistry. Sections usually have a maximum of 55 students. Topics include aqueous solutions and solubility; the electronic structure of atoms and molecules; chemical reactions and energy; intermolecular forces. Examples discussed in lecture and laboratory workshop include environmental sciences, material sciences and biological chemistry. Lecture three hours and Chemistry workshop three hours a week. The laboratory workshop period will be used for traditional chemical experimentation or related problem solving. The course may include individual conferences, evening problem or peer-led instruction sessions. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory performances on the Chemistry Placement Test and on the Quantitative Reasoning Assessment.
Requirement(s): Division II w/Lab and Quantitative Skills
Approach: Quantitative Methods (QM); Quantitative Readiness Required (QR); Scientific Investigation (SI)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): White,S., Goldsmith,J., Lukacs,K., Francl,M.
(Fall 2012, Spring 2013)
CHEM B104 General Chemistry II
A continuation of CHEM 103. Topics include chemical reactions; introduction to thermodynamics and chemical equiibria; acid-base chemistry; electrochemistry; chemical kinetics. Lecture three hours, recitation one hour and laboratory three hours a week. May include individual conferences, evening problem or peer-led instruction sessions. Prerequisite: CHEM 103 with a grade of at least 2.0, strong performance on the chemistry placement test.
Requirement(s): Division II w/Lab and Quantitative Skills
Approach: Quantitative Methods (QM); Quantitative Readiness Required (QR); Scientific Investigation (SI)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Lukacs,K., Francl,M., Porello,S.
(Fall 2012, Spring 2013)
CHEM B105 Intimate Interactions Chemical Bonding
This half-semester course will focus on chemical bonding, starting with the simplest bonding models and describing how these develop into more complex bonding models. The aim is to integrate bonding concepts that are currently taught in separate courses to present a unified evolution of bonding theories. Prerequisite: CHEM B104 or equivalent.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Approach: Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Units: 0.5
Instructor(s): Burgmayer,S.
(Spring 2013)
A half-unit course for students with strong preparation in chemistry, but who are not ready to take CHEM 211 (Organic Chemistry). Topics include aqueous solutions and solubility; the electronic structure of atoms and molecules; radiochemistry. Recitation one hour, laboratory three hours a week. Enrollment limited to 25 first-year students. Prerequisite: Advanced Placement score of 3 (or International Baccalaureate equivalent), or satisfactory performance on Bryn Mawr’s placement test given on the first day of class, or permission of instructor. Does not meet Division II requirement by itself; students must continue with CHEM 104 to receive Division II credit.
Units: 0.5
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B116 Drugs and How They Work
An introductory half course exploring fundamental structure-related principles in chemistry through a study of drug action. Prerequisite: CHEM B103 or equivalent or permission of the instructor. This is a half-semester, half-credit course.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 0.5
(Not Offered 2012-13)
How does scientific research make its way out of the lab? Science translates from research experience to journals written for the expert and is often translated again for more general audiences—appearing in venues such as newspapers, essays and memoirs. What is gained and what is lost when science is translated? This is a half-semester, half-credit course.
Crosslisting(s): ARTW-B125
Units: 0.5
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B206 The Science of Renewable Energy
In this course the chemistry and physics of renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal and others, will be explored. Methodologies for energy storage will also be discussed. Quantitative tools will be developed to enable students to make effective and accurate comparisons between various types of energy generation processes. Prerequisites: completion of CHEM 103 and CHEM 104 with merit grades in both, or permission of instructor.
Counts toward: Environmental Studies
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Goldsmith,J.
(Fall 2012)
An introduction to the principles of organic chemistry, including synthetic and spectroscopic techniques. Lecture three hours, recitation one hour and laboratory five hours a week. Prerequisite: CHEM 104 with a grade of at least 2.0.
Requirement(s): Division II with Lab
Approach: Quantitative Readiness Required (QR); Scientific Investigation (SI)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Nerz-Stormes,M., Malachowski,B., Schmink,J.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B212 Organic Chemistry II
A continuation of CHEM 211 with an exploration of complex chemical reactions and syntheses utilizing structure-reactivity principles. Lecture three hours, recitation one hour and laboratory five hours a week. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 with a grade of at least 2.0.
Requirement(s): Division II with Lab
Approach: Scientific Investigation (SI)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Nerz-Stormes,M., Malachowski,B.
(Spring 2013)
CHEM B221 Physical Chemistry I
Introduction to quantum theory and spectroscopy. Atomic and molecular structure; molecular modeling; rotational, vibrational, electronic and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Lecture three hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 104, PHYS 121 or 103 and MATH 201. May be taken concurrently with CHEM 211 and PHYS 121 or 103. Some classes will be held during the recitation hour.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Approach: Quantitative Methods (QM)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Francl,M.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B222 Physical Chemistry II
Modern thermodynamics, with application to phase equilibria, interfacial phenomena and chemical equilibria; statistical mechanics; chemical dynamics. Kinetic theory of gases; chemical kinetics. Lecture three hours. Prerequisites: CHEM 104, PHYS 122 or 102 and MATH 201. May be taken concurrently with CHEM 212 and PHYS 122 or 102.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Approach: Quantitative Methods (QM)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Goldsmith,J.
(Spring 2013)
Bonding theory; structures and properties of ionic solids; symmetry; crystal field theory; structures, spectroscopy, stereochemistry, reactions and reaction mechanisms of coordination compounds; acid-base concepts; descriptive chemistry of main group elements. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisite: CHEM 212.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Burgmayer,S.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B242 Biological Chemistry
The structure, chemistry and function of amino acids, proteins, lipids, polysaccharides and nucleic acids; enzyme kinetics; metabolic relationships of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids, and the control of various pathways; protein synthesis. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisite: CHEM 212.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): White,S.
(Spring 2013)
CHEM B251 Research Methodology in Chemistry I
This laboratory course integrates advanced concepts in chemistry from biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students gain experience in the use of departmental research instruments and in scientific literature searches, quantitative data analysis, record-keeping and writing. Prerequisite: CHEM B212. Co-Requisite: CHEM B221 or B231 or B242.
Approach: Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Burgmayer,S., White,S.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B252 Research Methodology II
This laboratory course integrates advanced concepts in chemistry from biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students will gain experience in the use of departmental research instruments and in scientific literature searches, quantitative data analysis, record-keeping, and writing. Course Prerequisites: CHEM B212. Course Co-requisites: CHEM B222 or CHEM B231 or CHEM B242
Approach: Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Schmink,J., Goldsmith,J.
(Spring 2013)
CHEM B311 Advanced Organic Chemistry
A survey of the methods and concepts used in the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisites: CHEM 212 and 222.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B312 Advanced Organic Chemistry
Principles of physical organic chemistry with emphasis on reaction mechanisms, reactive intermediates, stereochemistry, and qualitative molecular orbital theory reasoning. Prerequisites: a standard two-semester course in organic chemistry (such as BMC Chemistry 211/212), and some coursework in physical chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 212 and 222.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Schmink,J.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B321 Advanced Physical Chemistry
Topics vary. Prerequisites: CHEM 221 and 222 or permission of the instructor. Lecture/seminar three hours per week.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Francl,M.
(Spring 2013)
CHEM B332 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
A survey of metals in biology illustrating structural, enzymatic and pharmaceutical applications of transition metals in biological chemistry and including discussion of structural themes and bonding, reaction types, and catalysis. Lecture three hours per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 231 and 242 or permission of the instructor.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B345 Advanced Biological Chemistry
This is a topics course. Topics vary.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): White,S.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B350 Selected Topics in Current Chemical Research
A combination lecture/seminar course on the physical, structural, chemical, photochemical, mechanistic and spectroscopic properties of novel organic compounds, including oral presentations by students on very recently published research articles. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisites: CHEM 211-212, CHEM 221-222, and any 300/500 level course in organic, physical, inorganic or biological chemistry.
Requirement(s): Division II: Natural Science
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Burgmayer,S., Schmink,J.
(Spring 2013)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Francl,M., Burgmayer,S., Nerz-Stormes,M., White,S., Malachowski,B., Porello,S., Goldsmith,J., Schmink,J.
(Spring 2013)
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Mallory,F., Francl,M., Burgmayer,S., Nerz-Stormes,M., White,S., Malachowski,B., Porello,S., Goldsmith,J., Schmink,J., Goldsmith,J.
(Spring 2013)
Many individual research projects are available, each under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Laboratory at least 10 hours a week. Oral or written presentations are required at the end of each semester. Prerequisite: permission of faculty supervisor.
Units: 0.5, 1.0
(Fall 2012, Spring 2013)
CHEM B511 Advanced Organic Chemistry I
A survey of the methods and concepts used in the synthesis of complex organic molecules. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisites: CHEM 212 and 222.
Units: 1.0
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B512 Advanced Organic Chemistry
Principles of physical organic chemistry with emphasis on reaction mechanisms, reactive intermediates, stereochemistry, and qualitative molecular orbital theory reasoning. Prerequisites: a standard two-semester course in organic chemistry (such as BMC Chemistry 211/212), and some coursework in physical chemistry.
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Schmink,J.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B515 Topics in Physical Organic Chemistry
A survey of topics related to drug discovery including lead discovery, target interactions, structural optimization, drug metabolism and drug synthesis. The course will engage in an advanced treatment of these topics with particular attention to an understanding of drug design and development on the molecular level. Case studies will be used to illustrate the application of these principles. Discussions may include OxyContin and related opiate analgesics; aspirin and related NSAIDs; penicillin and other antibacterial agents; Tamiflu and related anti-virals; Alzheimer’s disease drugs; and anti-depressants. Prerequisites: CHE 212 or the equivalent
Units: 1.0
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B521 Advanced Physical Chemistry
Quantum mechanics and its application to problems in chemistry. Topics will include molecular orbital theory, density functional theory. Readings and problem sets will be supplemented with material from the current research literature. Students will gain experience with programming in Mathematica. Prerequisites: CHEM 221 and 222 or permission of the instructor. Lecture/seminar three hours per week.
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Francl,M.
(Spring 2013)
CHEM B532 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
A survey of metals in biology illustrating structural, enzymatic and pharmaceutical applications of transition metals in biological chemistry and including discussion of structural themes and bonding, reaction types, and catalysis. Lecture three hours per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 231 and 242 or permission of the instructor.
Units: 1.0
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B534 Organometallic Chemistry
Fundamental concepts in organometallic chemistry, including structure and bonding, reaction types, and catalysis, and applications to current problems in organic synthesis. Lecture three hours a week. Course is open to graduate students and those undergraduates with CHEB231 or permission from the instructor.
Units: 1.0
(Not Offered 2012-13)
CHEM B535 Inorganic Seminar: Group Theory
Fundamental concepts of mathmatical groups, their derivation and their application to problems in bonding, spectroscopy, and chemical reactivity.
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Burgmayer,S.
(Spring 2013)
CHEM B545 Advanced Biological Chemistry
During the first part of the semester, metabolic pathways not covered in CH. 242 will be covered. Biosynthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, and other molecules will be discussed. Current literature about obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases will be discussed in a seminar format. Students will have problem sets as well as written and oral presentations. Pre-requisite: Any course in Biochemistry.
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): White,S.
(Fall 2012)
CHEM B550 Selected Topics in Chemistry
A combination lecture/seminar course on physical, structural and spectroscopic properties of organic compounds, including oral presentations by students on very recently published research articles.
Units: 1.0
Instructor(s): Burgmayer,S., Schmink,J.
(Spring 2013)
Units: 1.0
(Fall 2012, Spring 2013)
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