CHEMISTRY
Daniel Fakhoury (2018), Research Assistant in Chemistry
B.A., Hiram College
James Kercher (2009), Associate Professor of Chemistry
B.S., Gettysburg College;
M.A., Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Academic Interests: unimolecular dissociation dynamics, mass spec, halogen activation and nitrogen oxide and ozone cycling
Brian Knettle (2012), Associate Professor of Chemistry
B.S., M.S., University of Toledo;
Ph.D., Texas Tech University
Academic Interests: imine synthesis and reactivity, lanthanide and organometallic chemistry.
Steven P. Romberger (2014), Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Director of the Biochemistry Major
B.S., Susquehanna University;
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
Academic Interests: biochemistry, photosynthetic reaction centers, protein structure-function relationships, metallobiochemistry
Carol Shreiner (2007), Associate Professor of Chemistry
B.S. The University of Pittsburgh;
Ph.D The University of Akron
Academic Interests: macromolecular design and synthesis, microwave-enhanced synthesis, synthetic organic chemistry
Colleen A. Fried (1993), Professor of Chemistry, Retired
B.A., Carleton College;
Ph.D., Iowa State University
Academic Interests: synthetic organic chemistry, natural products, medical humanities
Prudence Hall (1988), Professor Emerita of Biology and Chemistry
A.B., Oberlin College;
M.S., Ph.D., Michigan State University
Academic Interests: biochemistry and plant physiology
David B. Moss (1966-67, 1970), Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
B.S., North Dakota State University;
M.S., John Carroll University;
Ph.D., Wayne State University
Academic Interests: analytical chemistry
Department Web address: http://www.hiram.edu/chemistry
Requirements for Majors
The chemistry major assumes knowledge of basic chemistry. For most persons this will be demonstrated by successful completion of the general chemistry course sequence, 12000-12100. Students scoring “5” on the AP chemistry examination are deemed to have successfully completed the general chemistry requirement. Students scoring a "4" on the AP chemistry exam will receive credit for CHEM 12000, and may register for CHEM 12100.
Chemistry Pathway
Chemistry Pathway (American Chemical Society)
I. The required core courses
CHEM 22000
CHEM 23000
CHEM 24000
CHEM 32000
CHEM 35000
CHEM 48000
IIa. Chemistry elective
One course must be chosen from the 30000 or 40000 level. Students who pursue the chemistry major will be advised to take additional courses for entrance to graduate programs.
IIb. The ACS (American Chemical Society) Certified Chemistry major requires the following additional courses: PHYS 32000 or CHEM 35100; CHEM 48200 or BHEM 48300; and BCHM 36600.
III. Required correlative courses
MATH 19800, 19900
PHYS 21300, 21400
Typical Schedule
FIRST YEAR - FALL 12-Week
CHEM 12000
MATH 19800
FIRST YEAR - SPRING 3-Week
CHEM 12100
MATH 19900
FIRST YEAR - SPRING 12-Week
CHEM 24000
SOPHOMORE - FALL 12-Week
CHEM 22000
PHYS 21300
SOPHOMORE - SPRING 12-Week
CHEM 32000
PHYS 21400
JUNIOR - FALL 12-Week
PHYS 32000
JUNIOR - FALL 3-Week
CHEM 3xxxx
JUNIOR - SPRING 12-Week
CHEM 23000
CHEM 35000
SENIOR - FALL 12-Week
BCHM 36600
SENIOR - SPRING 12-Week
CHEM 48000
Requirements for Minors
Students seeking a minor in chemistry will need to complete the introductory sequence, CHEM 12000 and 12100 as well as four upper-level elective courses. In choosing elective courses with a chemistry advisor, the student must make sure that they cover at least three of the five major branches of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical). The fourth course can be any 3- or 4-hour, 30000- or 40000-level chemistry course. Finally, no more than four courses can be double-counted towards your major and the chemistry minor.
Minor in Entrepreneurship
Students interested in pursuing an industrial career will also greatly benefit from a minor in entrepreneurship. In an increasingly complex global society, the ability to think “outside the box” and to integrate concepts, knowledge, and skills from the subject of chemistry is invaluable as students prepare to thrive in the various chemical industries. Students are taught to infuse scientific concepts and research experience with entrepreneurial thinking as part of the program. Students also learn the importance of networking and how science is best served through an interdisciplinary approach.
The entrepreneurship minor will enable any interested student to create an entrepreneurial focus to complement and enhance the chemistry major. The 20-22 credit minor consists of three required courses - ENTR 20500: The Liberal Arts and the Entrepreneurial Mindset; ENTR 30600: Entrepreneurial Process; and ENTR 32000: Integrative Entrepreneurship – plus two elective courses (6-8 credits total) chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor, and an Experiential Learning requirement, which can be integrated with the capstone experience described above.
Special Opportunities
The department offers active undergraduate research programs in atmospheric chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, dendrimer chemistry, industrial chemistry, organic synthesis, and physical chemistry. We have the usual range of chemical instrumentation, including AA, NMR, IR, MS, HPLC, microwave, GC. The department is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new portable NMR for use in the classroom or laboratory. The College also has a Photelectron Photoion Coincidence Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer, which was built by Dr. Kercher and two of our majors. Additionally, the College has an HPLC Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometer, which is housed in the biochemistry lab. Funding for the LSMS system was obtained through a grant written by Jody Modarelli to the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of their Major Research Instrumentation program (MRI). Dr. Kercher also maintains a Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIMS) housed at the James H. Barrow Field Station. These instruments are routinely employed in the laboratory courses offered by the department, and students are encouraged to use the instrumentation for individual projects. Members of the department also use these instruments for academic and applied research.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CHEM 10100: CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT-AN ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE-W/LAB:SM 4 hour(s)
A basic chemistry course, organized to develop knowledge and an understanding of the chemical factors affecting the environment and society's interaction with the environment. This course is designed for students with no previous experience in chemistry. This course satisfies the laboratory course requirement.
Student must also register for a CHEM 10100 lab.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only.
This course may only be taken as four credit hours.
This course fulfills the Experimental Scientific Methods requirement.
CHEM 10600: PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY I-W/LAB:SM 4 hour(s)
This course is intended for non-science majors, and is particularly aimed at those entering various healthcare fields, environmental studies, neuroscience, and those wishing to teach elementary school or middle school. This course will provide an introduction to the principles of inorganic and organic chemistry. Topics include: atomic theory and nuclear chemistry, the periodic table, chemical bonds, states of matter, chemical reactivity, principles of equilibrium and reaction rates, acids and bases, and the structure and reactivity of organic compounds including alkyl, aryl, alcohol, carbonyl, and amino compounds. Activities in this course will emphasize analytical thinking and problem-solving particularly in the area of quantitative calculations.
Students must also register for a CHEM 10600 lab.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
This course fulfills the Experimental Scientific Methods requirement.
CHEM 10800: PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY II-W/LAB:SM 4 hour(s)
This is the second semester of a two course sequence intended for non-science majors, and is particularly aimed at those entering various healthcare fields, environmental studies, neuroscience, and those wishing to teach elementary school or middle school. This course will build upon the inorganic and organic chemistry topics introduced in the previous course, and explore how they apply to biological systems. Topics include: the structure and properties of the various food groups (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins), biological reactions including enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways and bioenergetics, genetic expression including DNA and RNA structure. Activities will continue to involve analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, and will be geared towards the application of chemical principles to the structure and function of biological systems.
Students must also register for a CHEM 10800 lab.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 10600 (or CHEM 161 or 16100)
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only.
This course may only be taken as four credit hours.
This course fulfills the Experimental Scientific Methods requirement.
CHEM 12000: GENERAL I-STRUCTURE AND BONDING-W/LAB:SM 4 hour(s)
An introduction to atoms and molecules. Topics include atomic orbitals, periodicity, intermolecular forces, bonding models, bond energies and orbital hybridization.
Student must also register for CHEM 12000 lab.
This course fulfills the Experimental Scientific Methods requirement.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
CHEM 12100: GENERAL II-INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL ANALYSIS-W/LAB:SM 4 hour(s)
An introduction to solution chemistry. Topics include gas laws, redox reactions, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, kinetics, colligative properties, equilibrium and pH.
This course fulfills the Experimental Scientific Methods requirement. Prerequisite: Chemistry 120 or 12000.
Student must also register for a CHEM 12100 lab.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only.
This course may only be taken as four credit hours.
This course fulfills the Experimental Scientific Methods requirement.
CHEM 18000: WORKSHOP: 1 hour(s)
Workshops may be taken Pass/No Credit only.
Students may take no more than nine workshops for credit toward graduation.
Workshops can be used as elective credit only.
CHEM 20400: PHYSICAL SCIENCE-W/LAB:SM 4 hour(s)
A non-majors course. This is a comprehensive but not highly technical presentation of the essential concepts of physical science. While the subject matter is derived from the major branches of physical science (astronomy, chemistry, geology, meteorology and physics), it is studied as an integrated interpretation of the physical world. The laboratory is designed to be of special application for the prospective elementary teacher through the establishment of demonstrations and experiments illustrating salient concepts.
Student must also register for a CHEM 20400 lab.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
This course fulfills the Experimental Scientific Methods requirement.
CHEM 22000: INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY-W/LAB 4 hour(s)
Introduction to Organic Chemistry. A survey of the principles of organic chemistry with emphasis on functional groups. Nomenclature, structure, synthetic methods, and reactions are the primary focuses. An introduction to isomerism, stereo-chemistry, and conformational analysis is included. Reaction energetics and implications for a selected series of reaction mechanisms are also examined. The laboratory introduces basic techniques of isolation, characterization, and synthesis of organic compounds.
Student must also register for a CHEM 22000 lab.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
CHEM 22500: INTRODUCTORY ELECTRONICS-W/LAB 4 hour(s)
An introduction to the principles of electronics and the uses of electronic components. The laboratory will investigate the fundamentals of linear and digital circuits while using basic laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and digital multimeters. Topics will include basic circuit theory, passive devices, junction and field effect transistors, operational amplifiers, digital logic, integrated circuit chips and optical solid-state devices.
This course is designed for physics and chemistry majors and entails a considerable amount of problem solving. While not required, a familiarity with calculus would be helpful.
Student must also register for a CHEM 22500 lab.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
Prerequisites: Physics (114 or 11400) or Physics (214 or 21400).
Also listed as Physics 22500.
CHEM 23000: INTRODUCTION TO INORGANIC CHEMISTRY-W/LAB 4 hour(s)
The concepts of inorganic chemistry in light of modern theory. Atomic structure, chemical periodicity, bonding, group theory, coordination chemistry with crystal field theory, and reaction mechanisms of complex formation are considered. Descriptive chemistry and the often neglected chemistry of the lanthanide and actinide elements are also examined. The laboratory introduces basic inorganic laboratory techniques for the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds.
Students must also register for a CHEM 23000 lab.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 121 or 12100, 220 or 22000.
CHEM 24000: QUANTIATATIVE ANALYSIS-W/LAB 4 hour(s)
An in-depth study of theory and practice of analytical methods including gravimetric, volumetric, redox, electrochemical, compleximetric and spectrophotometric, and an introduction to modern instrumentation. Intended for students of biological, chemical, medical, and physical sciences.
Student must also register for a CHEM 24000 lab.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 121 or 12100.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only.
This course may only be taken as four credit hours.
CHEM 25000: HUMAN NUTRITION 3 hour(s)
The requirements of nutrition for individuals and families as related to health and well-being are examined in this course as well as the functions, sources and interactions of essential nutrients. Food groups are studied and methods of nutrition education are explored.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 162 or 16200
CHEM 28000: SEMINAR 4 hour(s)
CHEM 28100: INDEPENDENT STUDY 1 - 4 hour(s)
CHEM 29800: FIELD EXPERIENCE 1 - 4 hour(s)
CHEM 32000: INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY-W/LAB 4 hour(s)
A continuation of Chemistry 220 or 22000. Includes a survey of bifunctional and polyfunctional molecules and bio-organic chemistry.
Student must also register for a CHEM 32000 lab.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 220 or 22000.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
CHEM 35000: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I-W/LAB 4 hour(s)
This course provides an introduction to physical chemistry, with an emphasis on energetics. Topics include:the physical properties of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions; thermodynamics and thermochemistry; phase equilibria; electrochemistry; and the kinetic theory of gases and fluids.
Students must also register for a CHEM 35000 lab.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 220 or 22000, Physics 214 or 21400, and Mathematics 199 or 19900.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only. This course may only be taken as 4 credit hours.
CHEM 35100: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II-W/LAB 4 hour(s)
This course is a continuation of Chemistry 350 or 35000. The emphasis in this course is on structure and change. Topics include: atomic and molecular structure; quantum mechanics; molecular structure determination; thermodynamics; and chemical kinetics.
Students must also register for a CHEM 35100 lab.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 350 or 35000.
The breakdown between lecture and lab hours is for administrative office use only.
This course may only be taken as four credit hours.
CHEM 38000: SEMINAR 4 hour(s)
CHEM 38100: SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY 1 - 4 hour(s)
Various advanced courses. This course may be taken more than once for credit.
CHEM 48000: SENIOR SEMINAR 1 hour(s)
Students prepare and present to faculty and students, papers on chemical topics based on literature search or laboratory research.
CHEM 48100: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH 1 - 4 hour(s)
CHEM 48200: RESEARCH TECHNIQUES CHEMISTRY 4 hour(s)
This course provides an opportunity for collaborative research among students and faculty. While the faculty member will guide the research project, all members of the team will work together to delineate the role(s) each will play in carrying out the project. Students may use this research as the background for their student seminar. T
his course may be taken more than once for credit.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 220 or 22000.
CHEM 49800: INTERNSHIP 4 hour(s)
CLASSICAL & MEDIEVAL STUDIES MINOR
Advisory Committee
Colin Anderson (2002), George and Arlene Foote Cahir in Ethics and Values, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Department Chair
B.A., St. John’s College;
M.A., Ph.D., Loyola University of Chicago
Paul Gaffney (2006), Associate Professor of English
B.A., Western Washington University;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Virginia
Matthew F. Notarian (2015), Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics
B.A., University of Delaware;
M.A., Ph.D., University at Buffalo
Janet Pope (1998), Chair, Professor of History
B.A., Rider College;
M.A., Ph.D., University of California at Santa Barbara
Introduction to the Classical and Medieval Studies Program
Classical and Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary minor deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition. Although based in cultural history, this minor uniquely combines art history, Latin, English, history, philosophy, and political science into a program predicated upon a comprehensive understanding of Classical civilization as the foundation of Western intellectual culture. Far from being singularly focused upon European culture, however, this minor examines the Classical tradition as a multicultural phenomenon that emanated from an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse ancient world. Students can concentrate their studies in a flexible way so that they may acquire transferable skills that complement a wide range of majors with various career objectives. The most common tracks are either Classical Studies and Latin, Medieval Studies and Latin, or Classical and Medieval Studies (no Latin requirement).
Program Learning Goals
Students that pursue a Latin concentration will acquire a skill set that is deeply beneficial to either Classical or Medieval studies, since Latin remained the lingua franca of Europe from antiquity to the early modern era. Competency in Latin will allow students to read Classical and Medieval literature and other primary sources in the original language, which deepens their understanding immeasurably. Furthermore, the study of Latin has proven benefits that extend well beyond this minor. An understanding of Latin has been shown to improve students’ comprehension of English vocabulary, grammar, and structure, which in turns makes them better writers. Since about 60% of English vocabulary is derived from Latin, students increase their understanding of English words, particularly technical, scientific, legal, and other complex terms. This is especially useful to those aspiring to enter graduate school or the fields of law, science, or medicine.
Alternatively, students can choose to focus upon non-language courses within the areas of Classical and Medieval Studies so that they may broaden their comprehension of Western thought and its cultural institutions. The legacy of the Classical world remained at the heart of Medieval culture and society, and a deep knowledge of the ancient world is needed to place the Medieval tradition in context. Students who pursue this minor will also acquire a foundation of knowledge and familiarity with a set of methodological tools that span several disciplines, instead of an approach rooted in only one field, such as History. A combination of Classical and Medieval Studies also broadens the geographic and cultural scope of a student’s education who might otherwise solely focus upon Europe. Classics is a multicultural discipline since it focuses upon not only the Mediterranean basin but also surrounding regions of Africa and the Middle East.
Like the Latin concentration, the Classical and Medieval Studies track also offers numerous transferable skills that will make minors attractive to employers in a variety of careers. Students will improve their ability to write, conduct independent research, and critically evaluate a wide range of evidence. By learning how to use a diverse range of material as evidence for problem-solving, not only texts but also art and artifacts, Classical and Medieval Studies students will be ready to tackle new challenges with mental agility.
Requirements for the Minor
Students must complete at least 18 credit hours of study (5-6 courses) in at least two of three areas of concentration: (1) Classical Studies, (2) Latin, and (3) Medieval Studies. Students who pursue the Latin concentration must complete LATN 10100 and LATN 10200 at minimum. You must also cover at least 2 disciplines in both the Classical Studies and Medieval Studies concentrations.
Study Abroad courses are encouraged but not required. Possible destinations include several classical and/or medieval locations that are regularly offered as Hiram programs: Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Greece. Semester-long study with Hiram’s exchange partners, John Cabot University in Rome, or Bogazici University and Istanbul Aydin University in Istanbul, Turkey, both located in former capitals of the Roman Empire and cities of central importance to the Medieval world, would also be deeply beneficial for students in this minor.
Most students will concentrate their studies in one of three tracks: Classical Studies and Latin; Medieval Studies and Latin; or Classical Studies and Medieval Studies.
Classical Studies:
Students with this concentration must cover at least 2 disciplines.
ART 13000: Ancient Art (3 hr)
CLAS 28000: Ancient Rome: Rise and Fall of the Republic (4 hr)
CLAS 28000: The Ancient Olympic Games (3 hr)
CLAS 28000: Reacting to the Past: Athens in 403 BC (3 hr)
CLAS 24700: The Ancient World in Film (3 hr)
CLAS 28000: The Archaeology of Ancient Rome (4 hr)
CLAS 28000: Ancient Health and Medicine (4 hr)
ENGL 37300: The Epics of Homer (3 hr)
INTD 28000: Greek Culture of the Ancient World: Archaeology and Art History (3 hr)
INTD 3XXXX: Ethics and Tragedy (4 hr)
PHIL 21000: Ancient Philosophy (4 hr)
POLS 35100: Political Philosophy for a Dangerous World (4 hr)
POLS 37300: Classical Political Philosophy (4 hr)
Other courses as appropriate with approval
Latin:
Students with this concentration must complete LATN 10100 and 10200 at minimum.
LATN 10100: Beginning Latin I (4 hr)
LATN 10200: Beginning Latin II (4 hr)
LATN 20100: Intermediate Latin I (4 hr)
LATN 20200: Intermediate Latin II (4 hr)
LATN 20800: Independent Study (1-4 hr)
Other courses as appropriate with approval
Medieval Studies:
Students with this concentration must cover at least 2 disciplines.
ART 22200: Medieval Art (4 hr)
ART 32300: Italian Renaissance Art (4 hr)
ENGL/THEA 26100 Shakespeare (3 hr)
ENGL 35300: Medieval Literature (4 hr)
ENGL 35400: Renaissance Literature (4 hr)
HIST 12100: Knights, Peasants and Friars: Europe 500-1450 (4 hr)
HIST 22100: Concubines, Mothers and Saints (4 hr)
HIST 22200: Kings and Vikings (3 hr)
HIST 22300: Medieval Towns and Trade (3 hr)
HIST 23300: History of England to 1485 (4 hr)
HIST 27400: Bishops, Witches and Heretics (3 hr)
PHIL 21100: Medieval Philosophy (3 hr)
Other courses as appropriate with approval
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Below are the Classics descriptions. Other course descriptions can be found under their department.
CLAS 24700: THE ANCIENT WORLD IN FILM 3 hour(s)
The purpose of this course is to compare cinematic adaptations of the classical texts with the original versions. After reading the translated works of selected Greek and Latin authors, students will view the film versions, paying close attention to where the directors have been faithful to the original, where there are divergences, and how successful the adaptations are. Movies to be analyzed will include those dealing with myth, epic, tragedy, comedy, and historical themes.
CLAS 28000: SEMINAR 1 - 4 hour(s)