Courses

Search for courses listed in this bulletin. To find a semester course schedule (including instructors, meeting times and locations), go to mynmu.nmu.edu.

CH 341 Physical Chemistry I 4 cr.  (3-0-3)
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 241, CH 242, MA 163 and PH 221 or PH 202, or instructor’s permission.

Theory, problems and experiments concerning the structure of atoms and molecules and the gaseous, liquid and solid states.

CH 342 Physical Chemistry II 4 cr.  (3-0-3)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 241 and CH 242, MA 163 and PH 221 or PH 202, or instructor’s permission.

Theory, problems and experiments concerning chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and the phase rule.

CH 389 Medicinal Plant Chemistry Seminar III 1 cr.  (1-0-0)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: CH 325, CH 289, and CH 450 (or concurrent enrollment in CH 450), or instructor permission.

Seminar course involving discussion of articles related to medicinal plant chemistry and presentations by peers and invited guests. Students will also prepare and present a proposal for the project they plan to do in CH 420 and CH 421 Medicinal Plant Chemistry I and II.

CH 415 Inorganic Chemistry 4 cr.  (3-0-3)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 111, CH 112, CH 215, CH 322 (or CH 325 and CH 327), and CH 341.

Comparative study of the chemical elements and their compounds with emphasis on periodic relations, principles of structure and bonding, kinetics of reactions and spectral and thermodynamic properties. Topics include complex ions, defect crystals, electron deficient compounds, organometallic and bio-inorganic chemistry. A variety of inorganic compounds are prepared and studied.

CH 420 Medicinal Plant Chemistry I 5 cr.  (3-0-6)
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: BI 230 or BI 330, CH 389, CH 435 (or concurrent enrollment in CH 435), and CH 450, or instructor permission.

Structure and chemical properties of plant secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. Students will plan their research projects and will begin cultivation of the plants they will use. They will also learn about methods of extraction, analysis of plant secondary metabolites and principles of good laboratory practice (glp).

CH 421 Medicinal Plant Chemistry II 5 cr.  (3-0-6)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: CH 420.

Medicinal properties of plant secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. In the laboratory students will extract medicinal compounds from plants, analyze them using various instrumental and chemical methods in order to complete their proposed project and present it to their peers.

CH 435 Gas and Liquid Chromatography 2 cr.  (1.5-0-3)
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 242 and CH 322 (or CH 325 and CH 327), junior standing or instructor’s permission.

A study of the principles, instrumentation and analytical applications of gas and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. GC, GC/MS and HPLC techniques are presented in the laboratory.

Notes:

This course is taught for one half of the semester.

CH 436 Modern Spectroscopy 3 cr.  (2-0-3)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 111, CH 112, and CH 322 (or CH 325 and CH 327), junior standing or instructor permission.

A study of the principles, instrumentation and analytical applications of modern spectroscopic methods including mass, infrared, and 1-D and 2-D NMR spectroscopy. The theoretical basis for each type of spectroscopy, basic instrument design and spectral analysis will be discussed with particular emphasis on the use of a combination of these methods in structural elucidation. Laboratory exercises will focus on instrument operation and data interpretation.                 

CH 437 Atomic Spectrometry 1 cr.  (2-0-3)
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 111, CH 112, CH 241 and CH 242 and junior standing or instructor permission.

A study of principles, instrumentation and analytical applications of atomic spectrometry. Lecture material includes theory and practice of atomic spectrometry including, but not limited to atomic absorption, emission, and fluorescence, sample collection and preparation, atomization, optical instrumentation, spectral interferences and data analysis. Laboratory exercises include sample preparation, instrument optimization and operation, and data analysis.

Notes:

This course is taught for one half of the semester.

CH 440 Forensic Chemistry 4 cr.  (2-0-6)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 111, CH 112, CH 241, CH 242, CH 322 (or CH 325 and CH 327), and CH 450 or instructor’s permission.

Forensic applications of chemical and biochemical techniques. Techniques include, but are not limited to trace metal analysis, FT-IR analysis of fibers and paint, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/DNA analysis, and controlled substances liquid and gas chromatography. Case studies and a team project will be performed at the end of the semester using several analytical techniques in the student’s area of interest.

CH 450 Biochemistry I 4 cr.  (3-0-3)
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 220 or CH 322 (or CH 325 and CH 327), junior standing or instructor’s permission.

A study of the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, including the chemical and physical properties of biomolecules and the chemical basis of the major metabolic pathways. Laboratory experiments teach basic biochemical techniques.        

CH 452 Biochemistry II 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 450, junior standing or instructor’s permission.

A course designed to follow CH 450, emphasizing metabolic processes and exposing students to current biochemical literature. Topics include the biosynthesis of lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids and gene expression, and protein synthesis. Abnormalities in metabolic processes that result in disease will be considered.         

CH 454 Biochemical Techniques 4 cr.  (0-0-12)
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: "C-" or better in CH 450, junior standing or instructor’s permission.

A laboratory course applying instrumental techniques to biochemical problems. Experiments may include immunological assay, electrophoresis and purification and analysis of DNA.

CH 479 Graduate Assessment for Chemistry Majors 0 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Graded: S/U
  • Co-requisites: Registration for graduation.

For the purpose of outcomes assessment for all majors within the chemistry department, the department is administering a nationally recognized exam which will allow our students to be compared to the national norm. This course provides a time for students to take this exam in their last semester.

CH 490 Senior Research and Seminar I 2-4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: Biochemistry or chemistry major and senior standing or instructor’s permission.

Some aspects of chemical research, pursued in cooperation with a research adviser. Oral and written reports and attendance at a weekly seminar are required. Adviser and research problem must be selected a semester prior to registration.

Notes:

May be repeated if topic differs up to four credit hours.

CH 491 Senior Research and Seminar II 2-4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: Biochemistry or chemistry major and senior standing and instructor’s permission.

A continuation of CH 490. Open to students who have demonstrated exceptional competencies.

Notes:

May be repeated if topic differs up to four credit hours.

CH 495 Special Topics in Chemistry 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: Instructor's permission and junior standing.

Variable content, depending upon the specialties of the staff and special needs of the students.      

Notes:

May be repeated if topic differs.

CH 499 Forensic Laboratory Internship 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information
  • Prerequisites: Junior status, GPA of 3.00 and departmental approval.

Supervised experience in a forensic science laboratory. Qualified students may apply during their junior year. Students will be required to write a report of their experience that will be evaluated by the departmental forensic biochemistry advisory committee and the employer. In addition, the student will give a departmental seminar in the semester ­ immediately following the internship.

CHN 101 Elementary Chinese I 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall, alternating years

An introductory course in the Chinese language and culture. Students learn rudimentary “survival” skills such as social etiquette, telling time and directions, talking about family, school and work, and writing and recognizing written characters.

CHN 102 Elementary Chinese II 4 cr.
  • Offered: Every other year/after every two CHN101 offerings.
  • Prerequisites: CHN 101 or instructor’s permission.

The second course in the elementary Chinese sequence. An introduction to the Chinese language and culture. Students learn rudimentary “survival” skills, such as social etiquettes; telling time and giving directions; talking about family, school and work; and writing and recognizing written characters. 

CHN 210 Chinese Culture and Customs 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Fall, alternating years

An introduction to Chinese culture and customs. Topics include social and business etiquette, written and spoken language and dialects, regional foods, and traditional culture and customs. Cross-cultural comparisons between the East and the West will also be discussed.

Notes:

CHN 210 is taught in English.

CHN 230 Artistic Expressions and Chinese Society 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Winter

This course introduces students to diverse artistic expressions, including calligraphy, landscape painting, poetry, and music. Students will be able to explore and learn Chinese language and culture through the contextual teaching of aesthetic and creative art forms.

Notes:

This course is taught in English.

CHN 299 Apprenticeship in Chinese 1-2 cr.
  • Offered: Contact Department
  • Graded: S/U
  • Prerequisites: Written department permission.

Apprenticeship activities require students to use their knowledge of Chinese and develop their competency in the language. This includes such things as proofreading, editing, translating, and assisting in Chinese language research, as well as assisting in teaching Chinese to others.

Notes:

May be taken for a maximum of two credits.

CIS 100 Computer Concepts in Modern Society 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall

Students will develop an understanding of basic computer concepts. Computer technology, hardware and software, Windows operating systems, security and technology in organizations will be covered. Contemporary issues regarding cyber security, social networking, privacy, and ethics will be addressed.

CIS 110 Principles of Computer Information Systems 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact Department

Basic computer literacy applicable to students’ education and careers. Topics include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and other applications.

Notes:

CIS 110 is the equivalent of IS 100, IS 102 and IS 104.