Department of Chemistry
Undergraduate Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (American Chemical Society (ACS) Approved Concentration)
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Pre-Medical & Pre-Dental Concentration)
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Forensic Chemistry Concentration)
Minor(s):
Through the Department of Chemistry, courses (CHEM) are offered at the undergraduate level for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry, for students majoring in other disciplines wishing to pursue a minor in Chemistry, and for students in other academic areas requiring some preparation in Chemistry. Although only one undergraduate degree (the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry) is offered, three concentrations leading to this degree are possible for majors: (1) an American Chemical Society (ACS) approved concentration, (2) a pre-medical and pre-dental concentration and (3) forensic chemistry concentration. All concentrations are composite programs of study, and neither concentration requires the declaration of an official minor in another academic discipline. The ACS approved concentration is designed to prepare students for professional careers as chemists and to ensure their preparation for graduate study. The pre-medical and pre-dental concentration is designed for students seeking careers in the medical or dental fields. The forensic chemistry concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in forensic science. Members of the Department are housed on the fourth floor of the New Science Building with the Department Office located in Suite 403.
At the graduate level, one degree is offered: the Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry. The admission criteria, requirements, and graduate courses associated with this degree are described in the Graduate School Bulletin of Texas Southern University. For information on the Master of Science in Chemistry click here.
Overall, the Department of Chemistry seeks to fulfill two primary missions: (1) to prepare students for professional careers in Chemistry and, eventually, graduate study; and (2) to give students, who are majoring in related fields, an understanding of fundamental principles and experimental techniques that will permit them to be successful in their chosen majors. Specific requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry, as well as the minor in Chemistry, are described below.
Students wishing to pursue either the B.S. in Chemistry or an undergraduate minor in Chemistry must first gain admission to the University, must satisfy The New TSI Assessment requirements or equivalent and eradicate identified deficiencies, and must contact the Department Office regarding the declaration of a major or minor as The New TSI Assessment requirements or equivalent are fulfilled. Although the Department has no specific criteria for accepting students as majors, it does have criteria for continuance once the major in Chemistry is declared. In order to remain as a candidate in good standing for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.50 with respect to courses taken in the following academic disciplines: Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Students whose overall averages in these academic disciplines fall below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters and students who fail individual courses in these targeted areas more than once will be required to seek another major.
In order to remain as a candidate in good standing for a minor in Chemistry, a student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.50 with respect to courses taken in the following academic disciplines: Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Students whose overall averages in these academic disciplines fall below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters and students who fail individual courses in these targeted areas more than once will be required to seek another major. All required Chemistry (CHEM) courses must be completed with grades of “C” or better, where grades of “C-“ are unacceptable, to qualify for minor in chemistry. All required Chemistry (CHEM) courses must be completed with grades of “C” or better, where grades of “C-“ are unacceptable, to qualify for graduation. All Chemistry majors are required to pass the Major Field test prior to conferral of their degree. It is recommended that all enrolled Chemistry majors to take the Major Field test during the spring semester of the junior year. The test date will be announced during the first week of the spring semester. Students who do not pass the Major Field test may take a remedial course CHEM 480 Selected Topics in Chemistry. NOTE: if a student fails the Major Field test and takes CHEM 480 Selected Topics in Chemistry, these credits will not be applicable to the total chemistry hours required for the student’s specific curriculum.
For a minor in Chemistry, click here.
Each major in the Department is assigned a faculty advisor, and this advisor must approve the schedule of courses for assigned students each semester. Majors are expected to keep the Department Office informed of their current local addresses and telephone numbers up to the time of graduation. By the start of the first semester of their senior year, majors should have their transcripts evaluated by the Faculty Chair to ascertain graduation status and to assure that they are eligible for degree conferral at the end of the senior year.
In summary, interested students must first gain admission to the University, must fulfill The New TSI Assessment requirements or equivalent, and must contact the Department Office with regard to the declaration of a major and/or minor and graduation requirements. An exit examination is required of graduating seniors. For further information, the Department Office should be contacted at (713) 313-7003.
Chemistry
General Chemistry Laboratory I (1) Introduction to the methods and techniques of chemical experimentation. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 131. Listed as CHEM 1111 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
General Chemistry Laboratory II (1) Continuation of CHEM 111. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 132. Listed as CHEM 1112 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry (4) Course for pre-nursing, human services/consumer sciences, and technology majors. Important topics: atomic structure, periodic classification of the elements, acid-base theory, oxidation, and reduction. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry (4) Survey course for pre-nursing and human services/consumer sciences majors. Study of the structure, physical properties, and reactions of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, amides, and amines. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 143 or CHEM 131.
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 143 or CHEM 131)
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1) Introduction to the techniques involved in the separation, purification, isolation, and characterization of typical organic compounds. An introduction to organic synthesis. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 112, and credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 231. Listed as CHEM 2123 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1) Multistep synthesis and introduction to the interpretation of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 211 and credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 232. Listed as CHEM 2125 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I (3) Course for science majors dealing with the fundamentals of structure (including stereochemistry), nomenclature, physical properties, and chemical reactions of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 132. Listed as CHEM 2323 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 132
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry II (3) Continuation of CHEM 231. Study of the structure (including stereochemistry), nomenclature, physical properties, and chemical reactions for alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, phenols and amines. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 231. Listed as CHEM 2325 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 231
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Quantitative Analysis Laboratory (2) Practical application of theory dealing with volumetric and gravimetric analysis. Four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 112, and credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 332.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Quantitative Analysis (3) Study of reactions in solution, homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibrium concepts, and acid-base theory and the application of these concepts to volumetric and gravimetric analysis. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 132.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 132
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Biochemistry (3) Course for human services/consumer sciences majors. Study of the chemistry of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, digestion, and metabolism. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 231.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 231
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 211)
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1) Course involving application of the theory of physical chemistry to experimental procedures. An introduction of the use of computers to solve chemistry problems and to write laboratory reports. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CS 116, CHEM 322, and credit for or concurrent enrollment in CS 117, CHEM 431, and MATH 241.
Prerequisite(s): (CS 116 and CHEM 322 and CS 117 (may be taken concurrently) and CHEM 431 (may be taken concurrently) and MATH 241 (may be taken concurrently))
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1) Continuation of CHEM 411. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CS 117, CHEM 411, and credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 432.
Prerequisite(s): CS 117 (may be taken concurrently) and CHEM 411 and CHEM 432 (may be taken concurrently)
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Physical Chemistry I (3) Study of important theory associated with states of matter, changes of state, chemical equilibria, thermochemistry, and thermodynamics. An introduction to vibration and rotational spectra. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 232, CHEM 332, PHYS 238, and previous credit for or concurrent enrollment in MATH 241.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Physical Chemistry II (3) Continuation of CHEM 431. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 431 and previous credit for or concurrent enrollment in MATH 242.
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 431 and MATH 242 (may be taken concurrently))
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Biochemistry (4) Structure, physical properties, and chemical reactions of lipids, proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. An in-depth study of the processes of digestion and metabolism. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 212 and CHEM 232.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry I (3) Upper-level course covering an in-depth study of inorganic compounds, including coordination theory, molecular-orbital theory, and ligand-field theory. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: MATH 242 and credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 431 or consent of the Faculty Chair.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 242 and CHEM 431 (may be taken concurrently))
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry II (3) Upper-level course covering an in-depth study of the chemical elements and their compounds, including their structure, physical properties, methods of preparation, chemical reactions, and uses. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 450 or approval of the Faculty Chair.
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 450)
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Instrumental Methods (3) Essentials of instrumental chemical analysis. Two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 322, CHEM 332, credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 411, and CHEM 431.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Research (3) Upper-level chemistry majors select a problem for investigation in one or a combination of several areas of chemistry under the supervision of a member of the faculty designated by the Faculty Chair of the Department. Prerequisites: CHEM 132, CHEM 232, CHEM 332, CHEM 432, or approval of the Faculty Chair.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Organic Mechanisms (3) Study of the reaction intermediates and the mechanisms associated with the important, in vitro substitution, elimination, and addition reactions of aliphatic and aromatic molecules. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 232. Offered as needed.
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 232)
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry (3) Principles of air, water, and soil chemistry. The fate and assessment of toxicants, pesticides, and water pollutants, including phytotoxins, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 232. Offered as needed.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 232
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry (3) This course focuses on the fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry, especially chemical synthesis, macromolecular behaviors, physical properties and characterizations of polymeric systems. Prerequisite: CHEM 231 and CHEM 232.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Biological Inorganic Chemistry (3) Senior level course with topics in metal ions and proteins, transport and storage of metal ions and electron transfer in biological system. Prerequisite: CHEM 231, CHEM 232 and CHEM 445.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
This course reviews selected topics in undergraduate chemistry education. Topics to be reviewed include important concepts and principles in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and organic chemistry. Instrumentations for chemical analysis and characerization will also be discussed. 1 credit hour per week.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Seminar (1) Attendance and participation in weekly seminars required. Recent research developments in a wide variety of fields discussed. Students must give at least one seminar during the semester(s) that they are enrolled. May be repeated for credit to four (4) credits maximum. Prerequisite: Consent of the Faculty Chair.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
This is an introduction to Chemistry to lay the foundation for the fundamental principles in chemistry. Students will learn measurements, interactions between atoms, molecules and elements, periodic table, chemical formulas, molecular shape, phase changes, gases and solutions.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
This is an introduction to Chemistry to lay the foundation for the fundamental principles in chemistry. Students will learn Chemical processed, chemical equations, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, essential concepts in organic chemistry, a brief overview of biochemistry, and an introduction to nuclear chemistry and electrochemistry. (Prerequisites: CHEM 1305 and MATH 1314)
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
General Chemistry I (3) Introduction to modern theories of atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, chemical reactions, including oxidation-reduction and stoichiometric calculations. Three hours of lecture per week. Corequisite: MATH 133. Listed as CHEM 1311 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
General Chemistry II (3) Study of the states of matter, solution chemistry, concepts associated with rates of reaction, homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, acid-base chemistry, and fundamental thermodynamics. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and MATH 1314.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Focus on laboratory techniques used in forensic chemistry. Emphasize on instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis. Topics to be covered might including serological and DNA analysis, soil and glass analysis, drug analysis, arson and explosive analysis, fabric analysis, gunshot residue analysis, paint and ink analysis, and protein identification by MALDI-TOF-MS. Prerequisites: CHEM 212, CHEM 232, CHEM 322, CHEM 332 and CHEM 350.
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Study important aspects of chemical fundamentals to forensic science. Focus on statistical analysis of data. Advanced analytical methods will be discussed in-depth, including microscopy, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, chromatography, micro spectrophotometry and electrophoresis. (Prerequisites: CHEM 212, CHEM 232, CHEM 322 and CHEM 332)
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
Focus on major facets of forensic chemistry. Topics to be covered including drugs as physical evidence, forensic drug analysis, drugs in the body, the chemistry of combustion and arson, explosives and trace evidence analysis. (Prerequisites: CHEM 350 and previous credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 323.)
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 350 and CHEM 323
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry
This is a one-semester course focused on the collection, extraction and analysis of drugs and poisons that are most likely encounter in forensic toxicology. Analytical methods for identification of toxicants will also be discussed. Case studies are reviewed where drug use may become a topic for forensic toxicology. Prerequisites: CHEM 323 and CHEM 350.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 323 and MATH 350
College/School: Col of Science, Engr & Tech
Department: Department of Chemistry