1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Undergraduate Catalog
  4. 2015-2016

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Professional accreditation by American Chemical Society

FACULTY Professors Field (Chair), Andersh, Campbell, Cummings (emeritus), Gayhart (emeritus), Glover (emeritus), Kolb (emeritus); Associate Professors Bosma, Flint, Fry, Helenek (emeritus), McQuade, Remsen; Assistant Professor Haverhals; Lecturer Moroz; Instructor Schnupf, Woods; Lab Coordinator Fitzjarrald

The faculty and students of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry comprise a learning community dedicated to the study of science and the development of scientific approach toward problem solving, from both the theoretical and applied perspectives. Our department is unique in higher education in that we are able to provide our majors with outstanding facilities and instrumentation, while maintaining a personal environment usually associated only with small colleges. Our faculty is comprised of dedicated teachers who are professional chemists with active research programs. The program has received continuous certification by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society since 1949.

Graduates from our program are recognized by employers, graduate schools, and professional schools alike 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. The department offers courses in all areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, materials, environmental, and physical. 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.

Because research is an integral part of the learning process and an important component of many careers in the discipline, 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 and during the department’s weekly seminar program.

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.

Transfer Students: Internal transfer students must have a 2.25 overall grade point average and must have completed, at Bradley, at least one course in the departmental common curriculum with a grade of C or better before declaring a major or minor in the department.

The department also offers a Minor in Chemistry.

Typical course sequencing schedules for all departmental majors may be found on the department’s website.

To achieve the professional objectives of the department, six curricular programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree are available. Alternatively, students may receive a Bachelor of Arts degree by earning two years of credit in a college-level foreign language.

Programs in Environmental Science—Chemistry and Medical Laboratory Science are also offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The department also offers two combined Baccalaureate and Master’s programs, the B.S./M.S.-Chemistry and the B.S./M.S.-Biochemistry, commonly referred to as 4+1 programs. These accelerated, research-intensive programs provide opportunities for students to begin an M.S. program while completing the B.S. requirements. The programs are designed to enroll students who have an interest in, and a capacity for, advanced study in the discipline. Enrollments in these programs are limited. Traditionally, B.S./M.S. graduates find immediate employment or have very high acceptance rates into Ph.D. or professional school programs. Students enrolled in a B.S./M.S. program who decide not to complete the combined degree program can graduate with a B.S. degree by fulfilling the requirements of any degree program offered by the department.

Departmental Requirements

All majors must meet the all-university degree requirements, departmental common curriculum requirements, and the required courses for their chosen major.

Departmental Common Curriculum Requirements

Students in the B.S./M.S. programs must successfully complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements:

  • CHM 110 General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 111 General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II - 4 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 hrs.
  • CHM 257 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
  • CHM 292 Chemical Informatics - 1 hr.
  • CHM 326 Analytical Chemistry - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 360 Biochemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 380 Seminar I in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 0 hrs.
  • CHM 386 Seminar II in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 0.5 hrs.
  • CHM 470 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 480 Seminar III in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 0.5 hr.
  • One semester of biology (BIO 151), one year of college-level physics (PHY 110, 201 or PHY 107, 108), calculus (MTH 121, 122 or MTH 115, 116) is also required of all majors. 
    The specific sequences taken are a function of the major selected.

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.

Chemistry Major

This major 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 major and submit a written research seminar paper, 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 420 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 436 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 437 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 471 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 476 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
  • A minimum of seven additional hours in chemistry numbered 299 or above, excluding CHM 300, 302, and 422. At least three of the seven credit hours must be selected from the list below:
    • CHM 299 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry – 1–4 hrs.
    • CHM 412 Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
    • CHM 441 Materials Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 455 Organic Spectroscopy Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 477 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
    • CHM 499 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry – 1–4 hrs.
    • CHM 524 Fundamentals of Separation Science - 3 hrs.

Total hours required for the CHM major: 69–70.

Biochemistry Major

This course of study is designed for students wishing to prepare for entrance into a graduate program or a career in biochemistry or a related area. The Biochemistry curriculum also provides excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue a professional degree in medicine (allopathic, osteopathic, or veterinary). All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 420 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 462 Protein Structure and Function - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 466 Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 471 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • BIO 310 Genetics - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 464 Cell Biology - 4 hrs.

Total hours required for the BCHM major: 69–70.

Chemistry–Preprofessional Major

This course of study is designed to provide curricular flexibility to students who are interested in studying chemistry while preparing to attend medical, veterinary, pharmacy, optometry, or dental school. Students enrolled in this degree program will work closely with their CHMP advisor to select elective courses that best meet their career objectives. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 361, BIO 230 and BIO 231, BIO 406
  • MTH 111
  • Seven additional hours of chemistry and three to four additional hours of biology, selected from the lists below:
    • CHM 332 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 412 Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
    • CHM 420 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hrs.
    • CHM 422 Clinical Chemistry - 2 hrs.
    • CHM 436 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 437 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 452 Physical Organic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 454 Organic Spectroscopy - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 455 Organic Spectroscopy Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 462 Protein Structure & Function - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 466 Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 471 Physical Chemistry Lab I - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 476 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 524 Fundamentals of Separation Science - 3 hrs.
    • BIO 232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 3 hrs. (with lab 4 hrs.)
    • BIO 251 Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity - 4 hrs.
    • BIO 310 Genetics - 4 hrs.
    • BIO 323 Comparative Anatomy - 4 hrs.
    • BIO 361 Microanatomy - 4 hrs.
    • BIO 382 Endocrinology - 3 hrs.
    • BIO 384 Neurobiology - 3–4 hrs.
    • BIO 468 Immunology of Host Defense - 3–4 hrs.

Total hours required for the CHMP major: 72–74.

Chemistry High School Education (9-12) Major

This course of study is designed to provide graduates with the education and training to teach chemistry at the secondary school level (grades 9-12).  Students who select this major must also complete all the education requirements mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education, which includes 44 hours of course work in the Teacher Education - High School Education program.  

All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 471 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • Six additional hours, three from Category A and three from Category B, selected from the lists below:

Category A

  • CHM 316 Environmental Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • GES 101 Principles of Earth Science - 3 hrs.

Category B

  • CHM 332 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 420 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hrs.

Total hours required for the CHMT major: 99–103.

To meet the requirements of the Teacher Education - High School Education program, MTH 111 must be completed. 

For more information, see Teacher Education - High School Education program in the College of Education and Health Sciences section of this catalog.

Chemistry–Business Major

This major is designed for students wishing to combine chemistry with a basic knowledge of business for immediate employment in the field or to help prepare for entrance into an MBA program. Typical employment options for graduates with this major are found in companies or industries dealing with chemical production, procurement, or processing; the careers include: cost analysis, sales, marketing, advertising, customer service, and management. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 316 Environmental Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 420 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 450 Industrial Organic Chemistry - 1 hr.
  • Plus four additional hours, selected from the list below:
    • CHM 332 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 436 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 437 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 440 Materials Chemistry - 3 hrs.
    • CHM 441 Materials Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 471 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • Seventeen hours taken in the Foster College of Business:
    • ATG 157 Accounting Principles-Financial - 3 hrs.
    • M L 350 Managing for Results in Organizations OR ML 250 Interpersonal Effectiveness in Organizations - 2 hrs.
    • ECO 221 Principles of Microeconomics or ECO 100 Intro. to Economics - 3 hrs.
    • FIN 322 Business Finance - 3 hrs.
    • MTG 315 Principles of Marketing or MTG 304 Professional Selling - 3 hrs.
  • Three hours selected from the list below:
    • ATG 158 Accounting Principles-Cost Management - 3 hrs.
    • ECO 222 Principles of Macroeconomics or any 300-level course in FIN, M L, or MTG - 3 hrs.

Total hours required for the CHMB major: 78–79. 

Chemistry Minor

As a natural science, chemistry is of fundamental importance to the understanding of many disciplines. Students majoring in other life or physical sciences may meet some of these requirements in their major curriculum. Entrance into careers in pharmaceutical sales, environmental studies, forensic science, health sciences, engineering, and the biological sciences would be enhanced by obtaining a minor in chemistry. At least 8 hours of the required departmental course work must be completed at Bradley. The minor in chemistry consists of:

  • CHM 110 General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 111 General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II - 4 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 292 Chemical Informatics - 1 hr.
  • CHM 326 Analytical Chemistry - 4 hrs.
  • One 3-4 hr. course numbered above 300 (excluding CHM 422) - 3–4 hrs.
  • One year of college-level physics and one semester of calculus.

Total hours required for the minor: 38–39.

Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Degree (4+1) Programs

Admission Requirements

B.S./M.S. Admission Requirements (Undergraduate)

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.

B.S./M.S. Admission Requirements (Graduate)

To earn graduate status within the B.S./M.S. program, students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in undergraduate chemistry courses, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate courses.  For both B.S./M.S. options, up to nine hours of graduate credit, taken during the final year of the bachelor's degree, can be dual counted for the combined degrees.  If this option is selected, a minimum of 146 hours, 30 of which must be at the graduate level, must be earned. The Graduate Record Examination is not required for admission to this program.

Programmatic Requirements and Procedures

  • Program participants are expected to engage in full-time research experiences during the summers after their third, fourth, and fifth years.
  • Students must identify a research mentor/thesis advisor and begin their undergraduate research no later than the summer after their third year.
  • At the beginning of the fifth year, the student’s thesis committee shall be constituted. The committee members shall be chosen in consultation with the student, the thesis advisor, and the graduate coordinator. The committee shall include the thesis advisor (who is a non-voting member of the committee) and at least three other members. The majority of the members must be from the Bradley University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and there must be an odd number of voting members.
  • The student must submit written progress reports to the thesis committee and the graduate coordinator at the end of the fall, spring, and summer II semesters.
  • Before completion of the fourth year, the student must present a seminar (CHM 580, 1 credit) summarizing the literature relevant to the thesis project, any preliminary results, and an outline of the proposed research.  Following the seminar, the student must meet with the thesis committee to discuss the presentation and the research plan.
  • The graduate coordinator, research mentor, and department chair must approve a Graduate Program of Study before the first day of classes of the student’s fourth year of study.
  • All matriculated graduate students (except those requiring a leave of absence) are required to be registered for at least one course for each fall and spring semester and one course during each summer from the semester of matriculation through the semester in which the degree is completed.
  • Upon completion of the thesis, the student must present the work in a research seminar (CHM 682, 1 credit) and successfully defend the thesis to the thesis committee.  The voting members of the thesis committee shall determine the research seminar grade and when a thesis has satisfactorily met all standards.

Departmental Common Curriculum Requirements

Students in the B.S./M.S. programs must successfully complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum 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.

B.S./M.S.-Chemistry (CHM 4+1)

Students completing this degree option and who have submitted a written research summary paper will receive an American Chemical Society Certified Degree. The B.S. degree will be awarded once the candidate has met the All-University Degree Requirements and completed the B.S./M.S. Common Curriculum Requirements and the B.S. Requirements listed below:

B.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Chemistry

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 436 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 437 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 471 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 476 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 499 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 2 hrs.
  • CHM 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 580 Literature Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.
  • Chemistry Electives - 5 hrs.
    • Two hours in courses numbered 300 to 499, excluding CHM 300, 302, and 422.
    • Three hours in courses numbered 500 or above, excluding CHM 522.
    • No more than three of the five credit hours in laboratory courses.

Total hours in the major required for the undergraduate degree: 69.5–70.5

M.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Chemistry

A minimum of 30 hours of course work at the 500–600 level is required, including:

  • CHM 599 Research - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 524 Fundamentals of Separation Science - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 682 Thesis Research Seminar - 1 hr.
  • CHM 697 Research - 7 hrs.
  • CHM 699 Thesis - 1 hr.

The remaining graduate credits must be selected from the list of electives below:

Graduate Chemistry Electives

  • CHM 500 Chemical Topics - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 512 Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
  • CHM 514 Chemical Group Theory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 516 Environmental Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 526 Advanced Analytical Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 528 Topics in Analytical Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 532 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 538 Topics in Inorganic Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 540 Materials Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 541 Materials Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 548 Topics in Materials Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 550 Industrial Organic Chemistry - 1 hr.
  • CHM 552 Physical Organic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 554 Organic Spectroscopy - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 555 Organic Spectroscopy Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 558 Topics in Organic Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 562 Protein Structure and Function - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 564 Biochemical Literature - 1–2 hrs.
  • CHM 566 Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 568 Topics in Biochemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 577 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
  • CHM 578 Topics in Physical Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 584 Readings in Chemistry or Biochemistry - 1–3 hrs.

Total hours required for the CHM 4+1 program: 91.5–92.5 hrs

B.S./M.S.-Biochemistry (BCM 4+1)

The B.S. degree will be awarded once the candidate has met the All-University Degree Requirements and completed the B.S./M.S. Common Curriculum Requirements and the B.S. Requirements listed below:

B.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Biochemistry

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 462 Protein Structure and Function - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 471 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 499 Directed Studies in Chemistry - 2 hrs.
  • CHM 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 566 Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 580 Literature Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.
  • BIO 310 Genetics - 4 hrs.
  • BIO 464 Cell Biology - 4 hrs.

Total hours required for the major: 71.5–72.5 

M.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Biochemistry

  • CHM 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 599 Research - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 524 Fundamentals of Separation Science - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 682 Thesis Research Seminar - 1 hr.
  • CHM 697 Research - 7 hrs.
  • CHM 699 Thesis - 1 hr.

The remaining graduate credits may be selected from the lists of biochemistry and chemistry electives below, with no less than half of the credits coming from the biochemistry list.

Graduate Biochemistry Electives

  • CHM 564  Biochemical Literature - 1–2 hrs.
  • CHM 568 Topics in Biochemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • BIO  503  Molecular Genetics - 3 hrs.
  • BIO  509 Human Genetics - 3 hrs.
  • BIO  568 Cell/Molecular Immunology - 3 hrs.

Chemistry Graduate Electives

  • CHM 500 Chemical Topics - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 512 Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
  • CHM 514 Chemical Group Theory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 516 Environmental Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 526 Advanced Analytical Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 528 Topics in Analytical Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 532 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 537 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 538 Topics in Inorganic Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 540 Materials Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 541 Materials Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 548 Topics in Materials Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 550 Industrial Organic Chemistry - 1 hr.
  • CHM 552 Physical Organic Chemistry - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 554 Organic Spectroscopy - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 555 Organic Spectroscopy Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 558 Topics in Organic Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 576 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 577 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
  • CHM 578 Topics in Physical Chemistry - 1–3 hrs.
  • CHM 584 Readings in Chemistry or Biochemistry - 1–3 hrs.

Total hours required for the BCM 4+1 program: 93.5–94.5

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 by the Society’s Committee on Education in the top tier of the approximately 900 chapters. 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. Typically, participating students 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 of a study abroad experience, the participants’ professional opportunities are broadened. The University’s Study Abroad Office works in conjunction with the department in the placement of students. Traditionally, participating majors undertake study abroad during their junior year.

This is the official catalog for the 2015-2016 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.