Chemistry
Explore the Molecular Sciences
What jobs can you do with a
chemistry degree?
A degree in chemistry will prepare you for a variety of professional career paths, such as:
Medicine and Health-Related Industries
Research in Forensics and Government Entities
Chemical Engineering and Manufacturing
Drug and Food Testing
Chemistry Teaching and Instruction
Explore many more career opportunities:
What’s the Difference at DWU?
• With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll receive personal attention that will strengthen and develop your understanding of chemistry.
• Unique opportunities for independent research and internships will be available to you, including opportunities on and off campus.
Chemistry Courses
You’ll study elements of the world, the composition and behavior of matter and how it undergoes chemical change. Plus, you have an opportunity to present your research at DWU’s Capstone Day.
BIO 120 Principles of Biology I
4 Hours
Students will examine concepts and theories in the following areas: the philosophy and methods of science; ecology; cell structure and function; genetics; and evolution. Three lectures, one laboratory. This course is intended to primarily serve those majoring in the Biological Sciences. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 120L.
BIO 120L Principles of Biology I Lab
1 Hours
Laboratory to accompany BIO 120. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 120.
CHM 164 University Chemistry
3 Hours
A one-semester course covering the core concepts of general chemistry, maintaining the depth and relevance of a two semester sequence. Topics covered include: bonding, equilibrium, stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, and oxidation-reduction. Prerquisite: MTH 120 or equivalent is recommended.
CHM 166 University Chemistry Lab
1 Hours
An introduction to experimental chemical methods of synthesis and characterization by quantitative and qualitative procedures. Experiments will relate to topics covered in CHM 164. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHM 164.
CHM 231 Organic Chemistry
4 Hours
This is the first of a two-semester course sequence. It focuses on the structure and function of organic molecules. Topics include: nomenclature, functional group analysis, stereochemistry, acid/base chemistry, organic chemistry reactions and mechanistic explanation of electron movement. Spectroscopic methods of structure determination are introduced. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 164/166. Corequisite: CHM231L
CHM 231L Organic Chemistry I Lab
1 Hours
Laboratory to accompany CHM 231. Prerequisite: CHM 164/166 or CHM 174.
CHM 310 Inorganic Chemistry
3 Hours
This foundational inorganic course is an extension of general chemistry topics with a focus on symmetry, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics, solid-state chemistry and complexation reactions. Prerequisite: CHM 164.
CHM 323 Analytical Chemistry
4 Hours
Students will study quantitative analytical methods, principles, details and applications, including the statistical treatment of data. Lab exercises cover the qualitative analysis scheme in the first half of the semester and more specific analytical problems in the second half. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory, plus extra lab hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: CHM 164/166 or CHM 174/174L. Corequisite: CHM 323L.
CHM 331 Organic Chemistry I
4 Hours
This is an introduction to the nomenclature, structure, properties, reactions and uses of the compounds of carbon. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 164/166 or CHM 174.
CHM 332 Organic Chemistry II
4 Hours
This is the second of a two-semester course sequence. It focuses on instrumentation related to analytical organic chemistry, as well as advanced reactions, synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 231/231L. Corequisite: CHM 332L.
CHM 341 Biochemistry I
4 Hours
This is the first semester of a comprehensive biochemistry course providing an introduction to the chemical and physical properties of biologically important molecules. Topics to be discussed in this course include carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and enzymes. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 174/174L or CHM 231/231L. Corequisite: CHM 341L.
CHM 360 Physical Chemistry
3 Hours
This course introduces the basic theoretical concepts of the chemical sciences: thermodynamics, chemical and physical equilibria, chemical kinetics and the behavior of matter in the solid, liquid, gaseous and solution states. Prerequisites: CHM 164 and MTH 210.
CHM 403 Research in Chemistry
3 Hours
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the methodology and techniques used in the modern chemistry research laboratory. Students are guided through the design and investigation of an individual research project within the instructor’s scope of research. Students are required to present their findings. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
MTH 210 Calculus I
5 Hours
This course is an introduction to differential and integral calculus. Students will learn to calculate the rates of change of functions including trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and how to solve initial value and optimization problems. Students will learn the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and integration techniques. Prerequisite: MTH 135 or math placement.
MTH 225 Advanced Calculus for Scientists
3 Hours
A second course in calculus including concepts such as: L’Hopital’s Rule, applications of integration (volumes, center of mass, calculating work), improper integrals, Taylor Polynomials, solving first order ordinary differential equations, matrices and partial derivatives. Prerequisite: MTH 210.
PHS 260 University Physics I
4 Hours
This is an introductory calculus-based course in the fundamentals of physics as applied to mechanics. Topics included are kinematics, vectors, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, gravitation, simple harmonic motion and waves. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MTH 135 or consent of instructor. Corequisite PHS 260L.
PHS 260L University Physics I Lab
1 Hours
This course illustrates fundamental concepts covered in PHS 260 such as mechanics, wave and sound through experimentation and analysis. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PHS 260.
PHS 270 University Physics II
4 Hours
This a calculus-based course in the fundamentals of physics as applied to electricity and magnetism. Topics included are Coulomb’s law, electric fields, potential fields, capacitance, DC circuits, magnetic fields, induction, AC circuits and Maxwell’s laws. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PHS 260/206L. Corequisite: PHS270L.
PHS 270L University Physics II Lab
1 Hours
This course illustrates fundamental concepts covered in PHS 270 such as electricity and magnetism through experimentation and analysis. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PHS 270.
Get to Know Your Professors
Learn chemistry from our experienced professors! Our low student-to-teacher ratio offers valuable
one-on-one interaction.
Bethany Melroe Lehrman, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry | Dean of the Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences
Paula Mazzer, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry
The Experience
Through the Dakota Wesleyan department of chemistry and physical sciences,
five branches of chemistry are available to you.
Chemistry is available as a major or minor. You’ll have opportunities to diversify
your academic career with electives in biology, chemistry and math.
Related Majors & Minors
Biochemistry
Explore the world around you! Learn from science professionals in state-of-the-art facilities and in the field.
Biology
Interested in plants, animals and human life? Explore living things with a major in biology.
Biology Education
Open young minds to the wonders of science! Become a biology teacher.
Pre-medicine and Related Health Arts Professions
Do you have a passion for healing? Our faculty are committed to your success in the health arts.
