Chemistry

Degrees and Certificates

The Department of Chemistry at Villanova University offers masters and bachelors degrees, including an American Chemical Society accredited degree program for undergraduates.  Our faculty actively conduct research in diverse areas such as environmental chemistry, protein biochemistry, fuel cell research, and computational chemistry. We recognize that undergraduate research provides a unique opportunity to work closely alongside a faculty mentor, gaining an experience that extends far beyond typical classroom learning, and we encourage all undergraduates to participate in undergraduate research.

Classes

CHM 1000 : Profesl Development Sem

Professional development course for Chemistry and Biochemistry juniors and seniors. Visiting speakers and in-class workshops expose students to available career paths and research areas, build their professional network, and develop related skills, e.g., communication and personal statement writing.

Credits

Credits 1

CHM 1002 : First Year Prof Devlp Seminar

Professional development course for first year Chemistry majors focusing on information access skills, communication skills, and abilities to discuss ethical situations. Visiting speakers and in-class workshops expose students to available career paths and research areas and build their professional networks.

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

CHM 1103 : General Chemistry Lab I

Qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiments which include: the reactions of metals with water; the collection and plotting of data; acid-base titrations; oxidation-reduction titrations; the use of the pH meter and the determination of acid-base titration curves; the use of the spectrophotometer. Coreqs. CHM 1131 or CHM 1151

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

CHM 1104 : General Chemistry Lab II

Students will be required to identify all metal ions present in an unknown solution. Quantitative titrations of sodium carbonate and the total hardness of water. Synthesis of inorganic compounds and determination of the formula of a transition metal complex ion using spectroscopic methods. Corequisites: CHM 1152 or CHM 1156 (Note: Engineering students are waived from this lab.)

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

CHM 1103

CHM 1103

Corequisites

CHM 1105 : General, Organic & BioChem Lab

Laboratory experiments to accompany CHM 1135, which include: molecular modeling, identification and chemical reactivities of functional groups, reaction kinetic and equilibrium, and acid-base titrations.

Credits

Credits 1

Corequisites

CHM 1135

CHM 1135

CHM 1107 : General Chemistry Lab: Nursing

Qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiments which include: chemical identification testing, molecular modeling, coordination compound synthesis, reaction kinetics and equilibrium, acid-base titrations, and gas laws Coreq. CHM 1131.

Credits

Credits 1

Corequisites

CHM 1131

CHM 1131

CHM 1108 : General Chemistry Lab II

Chemistry of organic and biochemical compounds with an emphasis on the identification and chemical reactivities of functional groups. Students will be required to separate and identify various organic and biochemical compounds. Open to health affiliation students.

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

CHM 1131
CHM 1103
CHM 1107

CHM 1131 and (CHM 1103 or CHM 1107)

Corequisites

CHM 1134

CHM 1134

CHM 1131 : General Chemistry I

Fundamental laws and theories of chemistry: atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium, gases, liquids, solids, solutions, stoichiometry, acid-base theories, electrochemical concepts, and an introduction to nuclear chemistry will be included. Open to health affiliation students.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

CHM 1107

CHM 1107

CHM 1135 : General, Organic & BioChem

General, Organic and Biological Chemistry concepts foundational to understanding cellular processes. i.e., measurements, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, nomenclature and properties of organic functional groups, chemical reactions, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, pH, buffers, and structures and functions of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Credits

Credits 4

Corequisites

CHM 1105

CHM 1105

CHM 1151 : General Chemistry I

Basic concepts of chemistry covering the following topics: stoichiometry, redox reactions; properties of gases; thermochemistry; descriptive presentation of atomic orbitals; molecular structure and bonding; chemical trends in the periodic table; properties of bulk matter; colligative properties of solutions.

Credits

Credits 4

Corequisites

CHM 1103

CHM 1103

CHM 1152 : General Chemistry II

Continuation of CHM 1151. Introduction to chemical kinetics and equilibrium; the chemistry of acids and bases; buffers and titrations; complex ions and solubility; factors that drive chemical reactions; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry.

Credits

Credits 4

Prerequisites

CHM 1151
CHM 1611

CHM 1151 :D- or CHM 1611 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 1104

CHM 1104

CHM 1156 : General Chemistry II for Egr

Continuation of CHM 1151. Introduction to chemical kinetics and equilibrium; the chemistry of acids and bases; buffers and titrations; complex ions and solubility; factors that drive chemical reactions; electrochemistry; introduction to organic chemistry.

Credits

Credits 4

Prerequisites

CHM 1151
CHM 1103

CHM 1151 :D- and CHM 1103 :D-

CHM 1301 : Inorganic Chemistry Lab I

Selected experiments to illustrate fundamental laboratory techniques and skills. Qualitative and quantitative measurements, synthesis and characterization of inorganic complexes, literature searching and computer usage. Emphasis on modern research applications of metals and main group elements.

Credits

Credits 2

Corequisites

CHM 1311

CHM 1311

CHM 1311 : Inorganic Chemistry I

Fundamental principles in inorganic chemistry stressing relationships among structure, bonding, and reactivity. Properties of matter, periodic trends, acid/base reactions, redox reactions,and bonding in transition metal complexes.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

CHM 1301

CHM 1301

CHM 1502 : Quant Anal Lab

Laboratory experiments to complement CHM 1512 covering the following: gravimetric analysis, acid-base titrations (weak acid; mixed acid), compleximetric titration and redox reactions.

Credits

Credits 2

Prerequisites

CHM 1301

CHM 1301 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 1512

CHM 1512

CHM 1512 : Quantitative Analysis

Chemical analysis, with emphasis upon statistical methods, acid-base properties, pH, equilibrium expressions, complexation equilibria, solubility properties, redox potentials, electrolysis, and electrochemical cells.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 1311

CHM 1311 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 1502

CHM 1502

CHM 1611 : Gen'l Chem l for BIOC Majors

Basic concepts of chemistry covering the following topics: stoichiometry, redox reactions; properties of gases; thermochemistry; descriptive presentation of atomic orbitals; molecular structure and bonding; chemical trends in the periodic table; properties of bulk matter; colligative properties of solutions.

Credits

Credits 4

Corequisites

CHM 1103

CHM 1103

CHM 2201 : Organic Chemistry Lab I

Practical experience in techniques used for separation, purification, and isolation of synthetic as well as naturally occurring organic compounds. Semi-micro and micro scale experiments. Crystallization, distillation, extraction, and chromatography are introduced.

Credits

Credits 1

Corequisites

CHM 2211

CHM 2211

CHM 2202 : Organic Chemistry Lab II

Further training in laboratory techniques used in organic chemistry, including those introduced in CHM 2201, and utilization of such techniques in representative types of organic reactions. Semi-micro and micro scale experiments.

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

CHM 2211

CHM 2211

Corequisites

CHM 2212

CHM 2212

CHM 2211 : Organic Chemistry I

Fundamental principles of organic chemistry stressing the relation of structure and reactivity. Structure and bonding; stereochemistry; acids, and bases; electrophilic addition, elimination and nucleophilic substitution.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 1151
CHM 1152
CHM 1151
CHM 1156
CHM 1611
CHM 1152

(CHM 1151 and CHM 1152) or (CHM 1151 and CHM 1156) or (CHM 1611 and CHM 1152)

Corequisites

CHM 2201

CHM 2201

CHM 2212 : Organic Chemistry II

Continuation of CHM 2211. Carbonyl group reactions, aromatic chemistry, spectroscopy and special topics such as heterocycles, carbohydrates and nucleosides, amino acids and proteins, lipids, radicals, rearrangements, polymers and photochemistry.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2211
CHM 2201

CHM 2211 :D- and CHM 2201 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 2202

CHM 2202

CHM 3201 : Organic Chemistry Lab I

Provides practical experience in the principal techniques utilized for the purification, separation, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds on the micro scale. Open to Chemistry majors.

Credits

Credits 2

Prerequisites

CHM 1502

CHM 1502 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3211

CHM 3211

CHM 3202 : Organic Chemistry Lab II

The semi-micro techniques include distillation, recrystallization, extraction, sublimation, and chromatography. Synthesis of representative organic compounds. An introduction to research in organic chemistry, introduction to qualitative organic analysis and practical use of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies.

Credits

Credits 2

Prerequisites

CHM 3211
CHM 3201

(CHM 3211 and CHM 3201)

Corequisites

CHM 3212

CHM 3212

CHM 3211 : Organic Chemistry I

Fundamental principles of organic chemistry stressing the relation of structure and reactivity from a physical-chemical viewpoint. Structure and bonding; stereochemistry; acids and bases; electrophilic addition reactions of alkenes, alkynes, and dienes; nucleophilic substitution reactions at saturated carbon atoms and elimination reactions leading to alkenes or alkynes. Open to chemistry majors.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 1512
CHM 1502

CHM 1512 :D- and CHM 1502 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3201

CHM 3201

CHM 3212 : Organic Chemistry II

Addition and substitution reactions of carbonyl compounds, electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitutions, radical and concerted reactions, heterocyclic compounds and polymer chemistry. Spectroscopic methods of analysis including nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopies and mass spectrometry. Introduction to multi-step organic synthesis. Open to chemistry majors.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 3211
CHM 3201

CHM 3211 :D- and CHM 3201 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3202

CHM 3202

CHM 3311 : Inorganic Chem II

The second course in the sequence on principles of inorganic chemistry with emphasis on bonding, structure and reactivity. Application of these principles to problems in acid-base, coordination, organometallic, bioinorganic and materials chemistry.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2212
CHM 3212
CHM 2202
CHM 3202

(CHM 2212 :D- or CHM 3212 :D-) and (CHM 2202 :D- or CHM 3202 :D-)

Corequisites

CHM 3301

CHM 3301

CHM 3402 : Physical Chem Lab II

Experimental methods of chemical kinetics will be covered. Spectroscopic, polarimetric, and conductimetric methods will be used.

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

MAT 1505

MAT 1505 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3404 : Physical Chem Lab I

Experiments on chemical kinetics and optical spectroscopic methods including fluorescence, un-visible, infrared and Raman spectroscopy as well as conductance, viscosity, and numerical analysis of data.

Credits

Credits 2

Prerequisites

CHM 2212
CHM 3212
CHM 2202
CHM 3202

(CHM 2212 :D- or CHM 3212 :D-) and (CHM 2202 :D- or CHM 3202 :D-)

Corequisites

CHM 3412

CHM 3412

CHM 3405 : Physical Chem Lab II

Experiments centered on chemical thermodynamics including calorimetry and phase equilibria, emphasizing data treatment, including error analysis curve fitting, and related topics.

Credits

Credits 2

Prerequisites

CHM 3412
CHM 3404

CHM 3412 :D- and CHM 3404

Corequisites

CHM 3413

CHM 3413

CHM 3412 : Quantum Chemistry

This course will present an introduction to quantum mechanics and its implications including molecular orbital theory, electronic structure, and molecular spectroscopy.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

MAT 1505

MAT 1505 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3404

CHM 3404

CHM 3413 : Molecular Thermodynamics

First, second, and third laws of thermodynamics; phase equilibria and chemical equilibria; gases; and electrochemistry will be covered in this course.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

MAT 1505

MAT 1505 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3405

CHM 3405

CHM 3416 : Physical Chem for Engineers

Chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and the structure and properties of materials, including atomic structure, solid and liquid state chemistry, surface and colloid chemistry, and transport properties.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

Corequisites

CHM 3501 : Instrumental Analysis Lab

Laboratory techniques to obtain quantitative information about the composition of unknown samples, including potentiometric titration, spectrophotometry, chromatography, kinetic analysis, anodic stipping voltammetry, spectrofluorometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. Designed to complement CHM 3511 lecture.

Credits

Credits 2

Prerequisites

CHM 1152
CHM 1512

CHM 1152 :D- or CHM 1512 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3511

CHM 3511

CHM 3503 : Bioanalytical Chem Lab

Laboratory course to complement CHM. 3514; emphasis on the analysis of biological systems utilizing modern analytical techniques. Designed for the biochemistry concentration.

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

CHM 1152
CHM 1104

(CHM 1152 and CHM 1104)

Corequisites

CHM 3514

CHM 3514

CHM 3511 : Instrumental Analysis

The utilization of instruments covering the following topics: analog and digital signals, absorption and emission of light by molecules and atoms, chromatography (HPLC, GC) and detection, use of enzymes and antibodies, radioactivity, and chemometrics.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 1152
CHM 1512

CHM 1152 :D- or CHM 1512 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3501

CHM 3501

CHM 3514 : Bioanalytical Chemistry

Designed for the biochemistry concentration with emphasis on theory, instrumentation and practical applications of analytical chemistry to biological materials.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 1152
CHM 1512

CHM 1152 :D- or CHM 1512 :D-

Corequisites

CHM 3503

CHM 3503

CHM 4222 : Organic Struct Analysis

The currently most useful spectroscopic methods for the structural determination of molecular systems, including: NMR (2D and 2D), mass spectrometry, infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 3212
CHM 2212

CHM 3212 or CHM 2212

Corequisites

CHM 4224 : Spec Top:Medicinal Chemistry

History and fundamentals of modern Medicinal Chemistry and drug discovery. Drug targets, drug-target relationships: (agonists/antagonists, inhibitors/activators, modulators), structure activity relationships, on-versus off-target relationships, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, bioisosteres, structure- and property-based design. A previous Biochemistry class is suggested but not required.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2212
CHM 3212

CHM 2212 or CHM 3212

CHM 4229 : Organic Reactions & Synthesis

Survey of organic reactions with emphasis on modern synthetic methods and their applications to the synthesis of complex organic compounds. Enolates, carbonyl condensation reactions, functional group interconversions, electrophilic addition reactions, reductions, organometallic reagents, concerted reations, oxidations. Synthetic strategies including retrosynthetic analysis in the context of specific examples of multi-step synthesis from recent literature.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 3212 or CHM 2212

CHM 4292 : Advanced Organic Chemistry

An expanded presentation of fundamental topics in organic chemistry: structure, bonding, stereochemistry, molecular orbital theory, reactive intermediates and reaction mechanisms.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 3212
CHM 2212

(CHM 3212 :D- or CHM 2212 :D-)

CHM 4315 : Organometallics

Examination of the bonding, spectroscopic properties and reactivity of a range of ligands and compleses. Reaction mechanisms and catalytic cycles will be emphasized.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 3301
CHM 3311

CHM 3301 :D- and CHM 3311 :D-

CHM 4325 : Introductory Polymer Chemistry

Topics include: step- and chain- polymerizations, copolymerizations, molecular weight determination, polymer morphology, polymer testing and characterization, and current advances in polymer chemistry.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2212
CHM 3212

CHM 2212 or CHM 3212

CHM 4331 : Bioinorganic Chemistry

The roles metal ions play in biological systems are explored using relevant examples from natural systems and areas of current research including (but not limited to): catalysis, photosynthesis, respiration, biomimetic modeling, and solar energy conversion.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 3301
CHM 3311

CHM 3301 and CHM 3311

CHM 4441 : Colloidal&Interfacial Science

Basic physicochemical principles of colloids and interfaces such as adhesion, capillarity, interfacial and solution thermodynamics as well as theories of colloidal stability (electrical double layer, zeta potential, DLVO theory), and Light scattering methods.

Credits

Credits 3

CHM 4517 : Environmental Chemistry

Apply key concepts in chemistry to global scales by examining chemical systems within Earth's lithosphere hydrosphere and atmosphere. Examine and discuss natural processes as well as anthropogenic impacts like climate change and environmental contamination using central scientific literature.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2211
CHM 3211

CHM 2211 or CHM 3211

CHM 4604 : Biochem Tech. and Pract II

A continuation of the introduction of fundamental biochemistry laboratory techniques, along with the application of skills acquired in CHM 4603.

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

CHM 4603

CHM 4603 :D-

CHM 4610 : Principles of Biochemistry

A terminal, one semester biochemistry course for the physical sciences and engineers; the kinetics and thermodynamics of biochemical systems and associated molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2212
CHM 3212

CHM 2212 or CHM 3212

CHM 4611 : Survey of Biochemistry

A terminal, one semester survey of biochemistry; carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, vitamins & hormones; consideration of their utilization & metabolism in living systems.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2212
CHM 3212

CHM 2212 :D- or CHM 3212 :D-

CHM 4622 : Biochemistry II:Metabolism

A study of the metabolism of biomolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleotides, including the integration, regulation and control of intermediary metabolism. Emphasized are the hormonal regulation of pathways and metabolic disease.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 4621

CHM 4621

Corequisites

CHM 4623 : Biochemistry III

Integration of metabolism in organisms, membrane receptors expression of genes, gene manipulation, translation, transcription.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 4622

CHM 4622 :D-

CHM 4633 : Biochemical Parasitology

Brief overview of parasitology, the unique biochemistry associated with parasites, discussions of relevant therapeutic applications. The parasites responsible for malaria, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, giardiasis, and African Sleeping Sickness will be studied. The biochemistry of host parasite interaction will also be explored.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 4611
CHM 4622

CHM 4611 or CHM 4622

CHM 4641 : Chemical & Biochemical Imaging

The course provides a survey of recent microscopy advances that push the boundaries of image resolution. Instruments and techniques that probe the inner workings of the cell at the level of individual molecules will be discussed, including confocal, TIRF, quantum dots, AFM, and PALM.

Credits

Credits 3

CHM 4661 : Proteomics

Principles, techniques and applications for the large-scale study of proteins, particularly in humans. Mass spectrometry will be covered in detail, and alternative methods and approaches will also be covered.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 4621
CHM 4611

CHM 4621 or CHM 4611

CHM 4663 : Bioinformatics

This course focuses on bioinformatic approaches to studying protein function, structure, and evolution. Other topics will be discussed; for example, genomics and gene expression.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 2212
CHM 3212

CHM 2212 or CHM 3212

CHM 4664 : Signal Transduction

Overview of signal transduction and the biochemistry of receptors and other cell sensors, with an emphasis on oxygen, reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and disease. Current literature will be used, in addition to the textbook.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 4611
CHM 4622

CHM 4611 or CHM 4622

CHM 4665 : Enzymes

Structural and mechanistic aspects of enzymes. Topics include chemical catalysis, steady state and pre-steady state kinetics, mechanisms, and biological relevance of specific enzyme systems.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CHM 4621 or CHM 4611

CHM 4710 : Safety Culture in the Sci Com

Introduction to the principles and practices of laboratory safety; understanding, recognizing, and communicating laboratory chemical, physical and biological hazards; risk assessment and management of hazards; laboratory accident prevention and safe use of emergency equipment.

Credits

Credits 3

CHM 4800 : Research

Student participation in independent research under faculty supervision, frequent conferences with advisor on literature search, theoretical and experimental research.

CHM 4801 : Research I

Student participation in independent research under faculty supervision, frequent conferences with advisor on literature search, theoretical and experimental research.

Credits

Credits 3

CHM 4851 : Thesis Research I

Directed research with a Chemistry or Biochemistry faculty mentor that culminates in a written thesis and seminar presentation. Part I of a two-semester sequence with CHM4852. Permission of participating faculty member required. A written interim report is required at the end of the semester.

Credits

Credits 3

CHM 4852 : Thesis Research II

Continuation of CHM4851 - Thesis Research I. Directed research with a Chemistry or Biochemistry faculty mentor that culminates in a written thesis and seminar presenation. Permission of participating faculty member required.

Credits

Credits 3

MSE 2300 : CHM:Alchemy, Artisanship& Chm

This course examines introductory chemistry topics in a modern and historical light including how the current knowledge of chemistry is owed to Greek philosophers, Islamic healers, Western artisans, monks, and the alchemists. The laboratory recreates chemistry-related activities of the past (e.g., soap and dye-making).

Credits

Credits 4

MSE 2301 : CHM:Water

The course explores the chemistry of water including its unique structure and properties, water pollution, water treatment, and its role in biochemistry, climate, renewable energy, and global economic and political policies. The laboratory introduces sampling methods and common quality measurements (e.g., dissolved oxygen and pH).

Credits

Credits 4

MSE 2302 : CHM: Criminalistics

This course explores the techniques used to preserve and analyze physical evidence and how the results are used in legal proceedings. Topics include crime scene response, ballistics, fingerprinting, drug detection, and DNA analysis The laboratory provides experience with methods used in modern forensic science.

Credits

Credits 4

MSE 2303 : CHM:The Science of Art

This course provides an understanding of artistic media related to technological advances throughout the centuries. Creating, viewing, and understanding, authenticating, and conserving works of art will be explored. The laboratory provides practice and an appreciation of the advances in artistic media throughout history.

Credits

Credits 4

MSE 2304 : CHM:Our Energy Future

An introduction to the science of energy principles and issues. Lecture and Laboratory provide context and practice with modern examples.

Credits

Credits 4

MSE 2305 : Perspective on Plastic

Polymers surround our everyday existence from the clothes we wear to the plastic packaging we use to polymers in wood. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we will study polymer lifecycles to help inform and shape responsible plastic use.

Credits

Credits 4

MSE 2306 : CHM: The Chemistry of Food

The chemical and biochemical properties of food - sugars, fats, proteins, and mixtures - will be explored. The chemical reactions that occur during food preparation and cooking, and the science behind food preparation will be examined in depth.

Credits

Credits 4