Chemistry and Biochemistry

FACULTY Professors Andersh, Bosma, Campbell, Field (emeritus), Gayhart (emeritus), Glover (emeritus), Remsen; Associate Professors Flint, Fry, McQuade; Assistant Professors Maley, Schnupf, Sengupta; Visiting Assistant Professor: Woods; Lecturers: Moroz (emeritus), Montag; Lecturer in Residence Wentzel; Instructor in Residence: Bonich; Research Professor Haverhals

Chair: Fry

Associate Chair: Bosma

The Mund-Lagowski Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty and students comprise a learning community dedicated to the study of science and the application of the scientific method, to solve problems from both theoretical and applied perspectives. Providing programs in a personal environment characteristic of a small college, in outstanding facilities with modern instrumentation akin to that of larger institutions affords the Department a unique stature in higher education. Our faculty is comprised of dedicated teachers who are professional chemists with active research programs. Our Chemistry major has received continuous certification by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society since 1949.

Employers, graduate schools, and professional schools have recognized our graduates as having excellent problem-solving, critical-thinking, and communication skills, the ability to work in collaborative teams, and a broad understanding of chemistry’s interdisciplinary nature. Our graduates are well prepared for careers in the chemical or educational professions, entrance into graduate programs in chemistry or biochemistry, or entrance into professional programs, including medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary, business, or law.

Research is an integral part of the learning process and an important component of many careers in the discipline; as such, research skills are integrated into the curriculum and students are encouraged to begin independent studies early in their academic careers. Working alongside their faculty mentors, students use high-tech instrumentation to do relevant real-world research, sometimes in partnership with local laboratories or companies. Often, our students co-author scientific journal publications and present their work at national and regional conferences as well as during the Department’s weekly seminar series.

Advanced Placement: Students earning a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination will receive credit for CHM 110, 111, and 112. Those who earn a score of 4 will receive credit for CHM 110 and 111. Those who earn a score of 3 will receive credit for CHM 100 and 101.

Internal Transfer Students: Before declaring a major or minor in the Department, internal transfer students must have achieved a 2.25 overall grade point average and completed at least one course in the departmental common curriculum at Bradley, earning a C or better,

To prepare our majors to achieve their professional objectives, six curricular options leading to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree are available. The Department also offers a Minor in Chemistry and jointly sponsors a program in Medical Laboratory Science (LSM) with the Department of Biology and a program in Environmental Science—Chemistry (ENS-C) with the Departments of Biology and Physics. 

Departmental Major Requirements

All majors must meet the all-university degree requirements, departmental common curriculum requirements, and the required courses for their chosen major or concentration. Typical course sequencing schedules for departmental majors and concentrations may be found on the Department’s website.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements

Students in all programs must successfully complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements:

  • CHM 110 General Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 111 General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 114 Chemistry of the Elements - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • CHM 117 General Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 252 Organic Chemistry I - 4 hr.
  • CHM 253 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 256 Organic Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • CHM 257 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
  • CHM 326 Analytical Chemistry - 4 hr.
  • CHM 360 Biochemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 380 Seminar I in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.
  • CHM 480 Senior Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr. or CHM 580 Literature Seminar - 1 hr.
  • One semester of physical chemistry (see specific major or concentration requirements)
  • BIO 151 - Molecules to Cells - 3 hr.
  • Calculus (see specific major or concentration requirements)
  • Physics (see specific major or concentration requirements)

A grade of C or higher must be earned in CHM 110, 111, 116, 117, 252, and 253 before continuing on to the next course in this sequence.

Biochemistry Major (BCM) - BS degree

This course of study is designed for students wishing to prepare for entrance into a graduate program, a career in biochemistry or a career in allopathic, osteopathic, or veterinary medicine. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 462 or 562 Protein Structure and Function - 3 hr.
  • CHM 466 or 566 Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hr.
  • CHM 470 or 570 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • BIO 152 Molecules to Cells Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • BIO 310 Genetics - 3 hr.
  • BIO 311 Genetics Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • One year of college-level physics (PHY 110, 201, or PHY 107, 108)* - 8 hr.
  • Two semesters of calculus (MTH 121, 122 or MTH 115, 116)* - 7-8 hr.
  • 8-10 additional elective hours chosen from the lists below:
    • Chemistry Elective 5-6 hours
      • CHM 420 Instrumental Analysis (4 hr.) plus one CHM Lab elective or
      • CHM 436 Inorganic Chemistry (3 hr.) plus two CHM Lab elective options, one of which must be CHM 417/517 or CHM 499 (2 hr.)
        • CHM Lab options
          • CHM 412 or 512 - Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
          • CHM 417 or 517 - Experimental Design Laboratory - 1 hr.
          • CHM 471 or CHM 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
          • CHM 499 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 2 hr.
    • Biology Electives: 3-4 hours
      • BIO 406 - General Microbiology - 4 hr.
      • BIO 464 - Cell Biology - 4 hr.
      • BIO 468 - Immunology of Host Defense - 3 - 4 hr.
      • BIO 482 - Endocrinology - 3 hr.
      • BIO 484 - Neurophysiology - 3 hr.

Total hours required for the BCM major: 68-71.

Chemistry Major - BS Degree

The specific courses and enrollment sequences taken are a function of the Chemistry Major Concentration selected. All students who are candidates for the B.S. degree in Chemistry must complete the requirements for one of the Chemistry Concentrations in addition to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements.

Chemistry-American Chemical Society Certified Concentration (CHM-C)

This concentration is designed for students wishing to attend graduate school in chemistry or who plan to seek immediate employment in chemistry or an allied field. Students who complete this concentration will receive an American Chemical Society Certified Degree. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements, and:

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 412 or 512 Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
  • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 470 or 570 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 476 or 576 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • PHY 110 University Physics I - 4 hr.
  • PHY 201 University Physics II - 4 hr.
  • MTH 121 Calculus I - 4 hr.
  • MTH 122 Calculus II - 4 hr.
  • A minimum of six additional hours in chemistry numbered 299 or above, excluding CHM 302. At least three of the six credit hours must be selected from the list below:
    • CHM 299 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry** – 1–4 hr.
    • CHM 417 Experimental Design Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 441 or 541 Materials Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 499 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry** – 1–4 hr.
    • Approved LAS 301 internship** - 1-3 hr.

**When LAS 301, CHM 299 or CHM 499 is used to complete this requirement, a well-written research paper that has been approved by the research advisor must be submitted to the department chair before study day of the final semester in residence.

Total hours required for the CHM-C concentration: 68.

Chemistry-Chemical Engineering Concentration (CHM-CE)

This concentration is designed for students wishing to attend graduate school in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or biochemistry or who plan to seek immediate employment in chemistry or an allied field. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • MTH 121 Calculus I - 4 hr.
  • MTH 122 Calculus II - 4 hr.
  • MTH 223 Calculus III – 4 hr.
  • MTH 224 Differential Equations – 3 hr.
  • PHY 110 University Physics I - 4 hr.
  • PHY 201 University Physics II - 4 hr.
  • CHE 301 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics – 3 hr.
  • CHE 302 Material and Energy Balances – 3 hr.
  • CHE 321 Chemical Reaction Engineering – 3 hr.
  • CHE 415 Transport Phenomena I – 3 hr.
  • CHE 416 Transport Phenomena II – 3 hr.
  • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 470 or 570 - Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • A minimum of 7 hours of electives selected from the list below.
    • CHM 361 Biochemistry Lab (1 hr)
    • CHM 416 or 516 Environmental Chemistry (3 hrs)
    • CHM 417 or 517 Experimental Design Laboratory (1 hr)
    • CHM 440 or 540 Materials Chemistry (3 hrs)
    • CHM 441 or 541 Materials Chemistry Lab (1 hr)
    • CHM 462 or 562 Proteins (3 hrs)
    • CHM 466 or 566 Metabolism (3 hrs)
    • CHM 476 or 576 Physical Chemistry II (3 hrs)
    • CHM 524 Analytical Separations (3 hrs)
    • CHM 558 Polymer Chemistry (1 hr)
    • M E 308 Thermodynamics of Fluid Flow (3 hrs)

Total hours required for the CHM-CE concentration: 86.

Students who complete the CHM-CE concentration are strongly encouraged to take an Economics course (ECO 100, 221, or 222) when fulfilling the Knowledge and Reasoning in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB) requirement in the BCC.

Chemistry-Pre-Health Professions Concentration (CHM-PM)

This concentration is designed to provide curricular flexibility to students who are interested in studying chemistry while preparing to attend medical (allopathic, osteopathic, or veterinary), pharmacy, optometry, or dental school. Students enrolled in this concentration will work closely with their departmental advisor and the University’s Health Professions Advising Center to select elective courses that best meet their career objectives. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 370 Principles of Physical Chemistry - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 470 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 570 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 476 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 576 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry- 3 hr.
  • BIO 152 Molecules to Cells Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • BIO 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 3 hr.
  • BIO 232 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 3 hr.
  • One year of college-level physics (PHY 110, 201 or PHY 107, 108) - 8 hr.
  • Two Semesters of calculus (MTH 121, 122 or MTH 115, 116) 7-8 hr.
  • Statistics – 3 hr. (Options: MTH 111 Elementary Statistics, MTH 325 Probability and Statistics I, PSY 205 Quantitative Methods, or BIO 260 Biological Statistics I – 1 hr. and BIO 261 Biological Statistics II – 2 hr.)
  • 19-20 additional elective hours with courses from each of the following Pools.
    • Elective Pool A (2 courses):
      • ECO 221 - Principles of Microeconomics - 3 hr. or ECO 222 Principles of Macroeconomics - 3 hr.
      • PSY 101 - Principles of Psychology - 3 hr.
      • SOC 100 - The Sociological Perspective - 3 hr.
    • Elective Pool B (1 course with lab)
      • BIO 310/311 - Genetics - 3 hr. and Genetics Lab - 1 hr.
      • BIO 406 - General Microbiology - 4 hr.
    • Elective Pool C (9-10 hours of additional CHM/BIO electives)
      • In partial fulfillment of this requirement, one of the following must be completed:
        • CHM 417 or 517 - Integrated Laboratory in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.
        • CHM 420 or 520 - Instructional Analysis - 4 hr.
        • 2 hrs. of CHM 499 - Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry
        • The remaining hours can be additional CHM courses (numbered above CHM 301) or biology courses selected from the list below:
      • BIO 231 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I – 1 hr.
      • BIO 233 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II - 1 hr.
      • BIO 250 - Organismal Biology - 4 hr.
      • BIO 251 - Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity - 3 hrs.
      • BIO 252 - Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity - 1 hr.
      • BIO 310 - Genetics - 3 hr.
      • BIO 311 - Genetics Lab - 1 hr.
      • BIO 351 - Human Histology - 3 hr.
      • BIO 406 - General Microbiology - 4 hr.
      • BIO 408 - Bacterial Pathogenesis - 4 hr.
      • BIO 464 - Cell Biology – 3-4 hr.
      • BIO 468 - Immunology of Host Defense - 3-4 hr.
      • BIO 482 - Endocrinology - 3 hr.
      • BIO 484 - Neurophysiology - 3 hr.

Total hours required for the CHM-PM concentration: 81-83.

Chemistry High School Education (9-12) Concentration (CHM-T)

This concentration is designed to provide graduates with the education and training to teach chemistry at the secondary school level (grades 9-12). All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • The education requirements mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. For more information, see Teacher Education - High School Education program in the College of Education and Health Sciences section of this catalog.
  • BIO 152 - Molecules to Cells Laboratory
  • Two semesters of calculus (MTH 121, 122 or MTH 115, 116) 7-8 hr.
  • One year of college-level physics (PHY 110, 201 or PHY 107, 108) - 8 hr.
  • CHM 370 - Principles of Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 470 - Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 570 - Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • Six additional hours, three from Category A and three from Category B, selected from the lists below:
    • Category A
      • CHM 416 or 516 Environmental Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • GES 101 Principles of Earth Science - 3 hr.
    • Category B
      • CHM 332 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
      • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • CHM 440 or 540 Materials Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • CHM 476 or 576 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.

Chemistry Major - BA Degree

This major is designed for students wishing to pursue a chemistry degree while providing the flexibility to pursue a
second major or take more electives in another academic area. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements, and:

  • MTH 115 or 121 - Calculus - 4 hr.
  • PHY 107 or 110 - Physics I - 4 hr.
  • CHM 370 - Survey of Physical Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 - Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • Seven hours of CHM Electives (numbered above CHM 301) with:
    • At least one course from:
      • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
      • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • At least one course from:
      • CHM 417 or 517 Experimental Design Laboratory - 1 hr.
      • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
      • CHM 499 Research - 2 hr.

Total hours required for the CHM-BA major: 51

Chemistry Minor

As a natural science, chemistry is of fundamental importance to the understanding of many disciplines. Moreover, a minor in chemistry would enhance the preparation of other majors for entrance into careers in pharmaceutical sales, environmental studies, forensic science, health sciences, engineering, and the biological sciences. At least 8 hours of the departmental coursework required for the minor must be completed at Bradley and at least 6 hours of coursework must be unique from those used to fulfill requirements for other majors or concentrations.

The minor in chemistry consists of:

  • CHM 110 General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 111 General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 114 Chemistry of the Elements - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 117 General Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 252 Organic Chemistry I - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 253 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 256 Organic Chemistry II 3 hr.
  • CHM 257 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
  • CHM 326 Analytical Chemistry - 4 hrs.
  • One 3-4 credit hour CHM course numbered above 300 - 3–4 hrs.

Total hours required for the minor: 25-26.

Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Degree (4+1) Programs

The Department offers two combined Baccalaureate and Master’s degree options, the B.S./M.S.-Chemistry and the B.S./M.S.-Biochemistry. These accelerated, research-intensive programs provide opportunities for students to earn both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in less time than traditionally required. B.S./M.S. graduates are very successful at finding immediate employment and have very high acceptance rates into Ph.D. or professional school programs.

Students may apply to the program after completing CHM 252. To be admitted, the student must have achieved an overall GPA of 2.50, an average GPA of 2.75 in chemistry courses, and a C or better in all chemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics courses. For both Chemistry and Biochemistry B.S./M.S. options, up to nine hours of graduate credit, taken prior to the completion of the bachelor's degree, can be counted toward both degrees.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply in their junior year, but applications from seniors who have significant research experience will also be considered. For further information, please contact the Department’s graduate coordinator.

Student Organization

All students are encouraged to join the Chem Club, a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society. Based upon their many educational, service, and social activities, the Bradley chapter has been consistently ranked in the top tier of the approximately 900 chapters by the Society’s Committee on Education. Chapter members perform chemical demonstrations at local elementary schools, judge science fairs, participate in Mole Day and National Chemistry Week, host invited lectures, and much more.

Internship And Co-Op Programs

Numerous opportunities exist in the greater Bradley area (e.g., at Caterpillar, Inc., the medical school, hospitals, USDA lab, crime lab, or environmental labs) for students to gain off-campus career-related work experiences. Students who participate in internships and co-ops typically begin their experience during their sophomore or junior year.

Study Abroad

Because advances in science are often made by international teams of individuals collaborating to reach a common goal, majors are encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience. In addition to the cultural and educational benefits, study abroad experiences will broaden the professional opportunities available to the student. The University’s Study Abroad Office works in conjunction with the department in the placement of students. Majors who choose to study abroad generally do so during their junior year.

This is the official catalog for the 2022-2023 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.