Chemistry

Solve problems. Create new products. Appreciate the mysteries of life.

Florida Southern College’s Chemistry program gives you the opportunity to put theories to the test. As an award-winning, national leader in engaged learning, your faculty will inspire, encourage, and collaborate with you through your own personalized research.

Our comprehensive curriculum encompasses five key areas of chemistry – organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry – as well as mathematics and physics.

In addition to the traditional fields of chemistry, you’ll gain experience in emerging interdisciplinary fields such as forensic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and nanotechnology.

My professors really took the material beyond the book, especially when I began to do research. The opportunities for hands-on experience at FSC put me ahead of the competition.—Courtney Baker

 

Engaged Learning in the Classroom

In every chemistry course at Florida Southern College, you’ll engage in laboratory and experimental research. In your labs and lecture courses, you’ll participate in guided inquiry experiments, collaborative learning, problem solving, team-based laboratory projects, experimental design, and peer teaching.

Internship Sites

Florida Southern College's chemistry majors have participated in internships at local companies such as:

• Lakeland Chemical Specialties, Inc
• Florida Chemical Company, Inc
• University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred
• Publix Supermarket’s Quality Control Laboratory

Departmental Clubs & Organizations

Our department sponsors a chapter of Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, which has received national recognition for their activities and outreach to the local community. We also host a chapter of Gamma Sigma Epsilon, the national honor society for chemistry.

We are committed to providing you with the finest quality education culminating in both an awareness of your discipline and also an expertise that will help you choose a rewarding career regardless of which direction you decide to pursue.—Carmen V. Gauthier, Ph. D.

 

Career Opportunities

By graduating with a degree in chemistry from FSC, you’ll be well prepared for graduate or professional school, working in an industry research or government research laboratory, teaching high school science, or as a leading scientist within multinational organizations.

You’ll find Florida Southern graduates thriving in a variety of fields:

FSC chemistry majors have also been accepted to medical, dentistry, and graduate schools, at institutions such as:

News

Chemistry (B.A.) Major Requirements

A. General Education Requirements	40 hours
B. Major Requirements	53-55 hours

CHE 1111	Principles of Chemistry I
CHE 1112	Principles of Chemistry II
CHE 2221	Organic Chemistry I
CHE 2222	Organic Chemistry II
CHE 2335	Analytical Chemistry
CHE 2355	Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 3340	Physical Chemistry for Biological Sciences or Physical Chemistry I
or
CHE 3341	Physical Chemistry for Biological Sciences or Physical Chemistry I
CHE 4410	Introduction to Research Methods
or
CHE 4960	Internship in Chemistry
CHE 4999	Senior Research
MAT 2311	Calculus I with Plane Analytic Geometry
MAT 2312	Calculus II with Plane Analytic Geometry
PHY 2110	General Physics I (Calculus Based)
PHY 2120	General Physics II (Calculus Based)

Choose at least 3 credit hours of electives from:

CHE 2275	Forensic Chemistry
CHE 3320	Applied Synthesis and Characterization
CHE 3335	Instrumental Analysis
CHE 3341	Physical Chemistry I
CHE 3342	Physical Chemistry II
CHE 3371	Biochemistry: Structure and Function
CHE 3372	Biochemistry: Metabolism
CHE 3362	Biochemistry: Molecular Biology
CHE 4425	Special Topics in Chemistry
CHE 4455	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

C. Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements	20 hours
D. Electives	10 hours
E. Total	124 hours

For a complete listing of requirements, please refer to the
Academic Catalog  

Minor in Chemistry

To earn a minor in chemistry you must complete 22 hours including CHE 1111, CHE 1112, and 14 hours of chemistry courses at the 2000-level or above.

Chemistry (B.S.) Major Requirements

A. General Education Requirements	40 hours
B. Major Requirements	66-68 hours

CHE 1111	Principles of Chemistry I
CHE 1112	Principles of Chemistry II
CHE 2221	Organic Chemistry I
CHE 2222	Organic Chemistry II
CHE 2335	Analytical Chemistry
CHE 2355	Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 3320	Applied Synthesis and Characterization
CHE 3341	Physical Chemistry I
CHE 3371	Biochemistry: Structure and Function
CHE 3373	Biochemistry: Structure and Function Laboratory
CHE 4455	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 4410	Introduction to Research Methods
or
CHE 4960	Internship in Chemistry
CHE 4999	Senior Research
MAT 2311	Calculus I with Plane Analytic Geometry
MAT 2312	Calculus II with Plane Analytic Geometry
PHY 2110	General Physics I (Calculus Based)
PHY 2120	General Physics II (Calculus Based)

Choose at least 3 credit hours of electives from:

CHE 3335	Instrumental Analysis
CHE 3342	Physical Chemistry II
CHE 3372	Biochemistry: Metabolism
CHE 4455	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

One course chosen from the following:

CHE 2275	Forensic Chemistry
CHE/BIO 3362	Biochemistry: Molecular Biology
CHE 4425	Special Topics in Chemistry

C. Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements	12 hours
D. Electives	4-6 hours
E. Total	124 hours

Chemistry

CHE 1000 PREPARATION FOR PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY
Two hours. A review and practice in those basic principles and mathematical skills needed by students planning to take CHE 1111 and CHE 1112. Coursework includes active learning exercises and collaborative problem solving.

CHE 1011 CHEMICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES I
Four hours. A review and study of chemical concepts that includes atomic structure, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, acidity and basicity and oxidation-reduction reactions. The laboratory portion will contain experiments that reinforce the principles introduced in the classroom. Gen Ed: NW

CHE 1015 INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY
Two hours. Prerequisite: CHE1011. A study of organic compounds that includes structure, properties, and reactions of functional groups followed by an examination of the role these molecules play in biological structures and processes. Concepts presented correlate areas such as environmental science, ecology, agricultural chemistry, marine chemistry and biochemistry. Coursework includes active learning exercises, collaborative problem solving, discovery based experiments, team projects and peer instruction.

CHE 1017 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Two hours. Prerequisite: CHE1011. Introductory principles of chemical analysis will be covered with an emphasis on quantitative measurements and data analysis. Topics may include acid-base and equilibrium chemistry, volumetric analyses, spectrophotometry, and electrochemical methods of chemical analysis with a particular emphasis on analyses relevant to environmental and agricultural systems. Theoretical aspects of these topics will be addressed in the classroom, and practical aspects of these topics will be explored in the laboratory.

CHE 1111 PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I
Four hours. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: High school chemistry, CHE 1000 or CHE 1011. Quantitative treatment of the principles of chemistry including stoichiometry, states of matter, energy, atomic structure, periodicity, ionic compounds, and molecular structure. Gen Ed: NW

CHE 1112 PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 1111. The topics covered in this course will include: intermolecular forces, kinetics, equilibrium, acid, bases, buffers, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and introduction to basic organic chemistry. Gen Ed: NW

CHE 2221 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 1112. Detailed study of carbon compounds approached through the study of structure, functional groups, reactions, and mechanisms. In the laboratory, emphasis is placed upon illustrating chemical reactivity through experimentation and molecular characterization utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation.

CHE 2222 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 2221. Continuation of the study of carbon compounds approached through the study of structure, functional groups, reactions, and mechanisms. In the laboratory, emphasis is placed upon synthesis illustrating chemical reactivity and molecular characterization utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation.

CHE 2275 FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 1012 or CHE 1112. This course will focus on the applications of chemistry to forensic science. Through the use of case studies such as the Kennedy assassination, Napoleon’s death, the shroud of Turin, etc., the topics of trace evidence (soils, glass, and heavy metals poisons); toxicology and pharmacology (analysis of alcohol, poisons and drugs) will be explored. Students will gain experience with analytical and instrumental methods used in investigating crimes, with an emphasis on the measurement accuracy and traceability required in criminalistics.

CHE 2335 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 1112. Principles of analytical chemistry will be covered with an emphasis on quantitative measurements and statistical data analysis. Topics may include gravimetric analysis, volumetric, and potentiometric methods of analysis with a focus on acid-base, reduction-oxidation, and complexometric chemistry.

CHE 2355 DESCRIPTIVE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 1112. Principles of analytical chemistry will be covered with an emphasis on quantitative measurements and statistical data analysis. Topics may include gravimetric analysis, volumetric, and potentiometric methods of analysis as well as spectroscopic measurements and analytical separations with a focus on equilibrium systems.

CHE 3320 APPLIED SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION
Three hours. Prerequisite: CHE 2222 and CHE 2335. The objective of this course is to integrate the theory and application of methods in physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and inorganic chemistry, with an emphasis on inorganic synthesis and the characterization of the inorganic products using spectroscopy, thermodynamics and kinetics.

CHE 3335 INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
Three hours. Prerequisite: CHE 2335. The objective of this course is to apply the principles of quantitative chemical analysis to instrumental techniques. Electrochemical, chromatographic, and spectroscopic techniques will be covered in theory and in practice through a combination of lecture and hands-on experimentation. However, as there is no laboratory component to this course, lectures will, when appropriate, integrate use of instrumentation as engagement within the classroom.

CHE 3340 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES OR PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 2221 and MAT 2311. Foundational concepts of physical chemistry, including equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetics, molecular structure, and spectroscopy, as they apply to biochemical systems and macromolecules.

CHE 3341 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 2222 and PHY 2120 and MAT 2312 and successful completion of coursework that satisfies Effective Communication SLOs A and B. The topics covered in this class include foundations of quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure and the chemical bond, atomic and molecular spectroscopy.

CHE 3342 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II
Three hours. Prerequisite: CHE 3341. The topics covered in this class include properties of gases, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, phase and chemical equilibria, solutions, kinetics and reaction dynamics.

CHE 3371 BIOCHEMISTRY: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE 2222. Suggested pre-requisite BIO 1500. Biochemistry is the study of the molecules and chemical reactions of living systems. Topics covered include water, structure and function of proteins and carbohydrates, enzyme kinetics and regulation, and bioenergetics.

CHE 3372 BIOCHEMISTRY: METABOLISM
Four hours. Prerequisite: CHE/BIO 3371. Metabolism is the study of biochemical energetics and biochemical pathways of living systems. Topics covered include the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids along with the integrated nature of metabolism.

CHE 3373 BIOCHEMISTRY: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION LABORATORY
Four hours. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: CHE/BIO 3371. Biochemistry is the study of the molecules and chemical reactions of living systems. The laboratory provides a hands-on opportunity to study macromolecules and to learn the fundamental experimental techniques of biochemistry including electrophoresis, chromatography, spectroscopy and principles of enzymatic assays.

CHE 3362 BIOCHEMISTRY: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Four hours. Same as BIO 3362. Prerequisites: BIO 1500 and CHE 2222. Students will consider important topics in molecular genetics, including structure, function and manipulation of DNA, and selected topics in metabolism and signaling.

CHE 4410 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS
Two hours. Prerequisite: Senior standing and successful completion of coursework that satisfies Effective Communication SLOs A and B. This course will encompass the exploration of a scientific research topic under the supervision of a professor having expertise in that area. It will consist of library and laboratory investigations that will culminate in the dissemination of the research methods via a written research report and oral presentation. Gen Ed: EC-C

CHE 4425 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY
Two to four hours. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. This course allows for an upper level examination of current or advanced topics in chemistry.

CHE 4455 ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Three hours. Prerequisites: CHE 2355 and CHE 3341. This course will cover coordination chemistry and reaction mechanisms, group theory and symmetry as applied to the understanding of bonding and spectroscopy of inorganic compounds, fundamentals of organometallic reactions, catalysis, and special topics in bioinorganic and material science. Students will be involved in engaged learning activities including guided inquiry projects, collaborative problem solving, team-based research projects, and searching the literature using discipline specific databases.

CHE 4960 INTERNSHIP IN CHEMISTRY
Two hours. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of the instructor and successful completion of coursework that satisfies Effective Communication SLOs A and B. A full- or part-time work-study appointment in a clinical, commercial, governmental, or industrial laboratory supervised jointly by an on-site supervisor and Department of Chemistry faculty member. Gen Ed: EC-C

CHE 4999 SENIOR RESEARCH
Two hours. Prerequisite: Senior standing and CHE 4410 or CHE 4960 and successful completion of coursework that satisfies Effective Communication SLOs A and B. A capstone course that will engage the student in the exploration of a scientific research topic under the supervision of a professor having expertise in the areas of interest. It will consist of library and laboratory investigations that will culminate in a written research report and the dissemination of the research methods and findings at a scientific or scholarly meeting. Gen Ed: EC-C

Mathematics

MAT 2311 CALCULUS I WITH PLANE ANALYTIC GEOMETRY
Four hours. The study of differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions. Applications of differentiation, Mean Value Theorem, maximum/minimum, problems and The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Topics in plane analytic geometry. Use of computer algebra system (CAS) required. Gen Ed: Qn

MAT 2312 CALCULUS II WITH PLANE ANALYTIC GEOMETRY
Four hours. Prerequisite: MAT 2311. Continuation of MAT 2311. Techniques and applications of integration, Simpson’s and Trapezoidal Rules, improper integrals, infinite series, and Taylor expansions of functions. Use of a computer algebra system required. Gen Ed: Qn

Physics

PHY 2110 GENERAL PHYSICS I (Calculus Based)
Four hours. Prerequisite: 2311. Calculus-based physics. Topics include introduction to Newtonian mechanics, fluids, harmonic oscillators, vibrations and sound. Gen Ed: NW

PHY 2120 GENERAL PHYSICS II (Calculus Based)
Four hours. PHY 2110.Calculus-based physics. Topics include temperature and heat, kinetic theory of gases, electromagnetism, AC-DC circuits, Maxwell’s equations and optics.