Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics

An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, with additional coverage of selected topics in organic chemistry and biochemistry. This course is intended for non-science majors and does not apply toward a chemistry major, minor, or teaching certification sequence. A laboratory fee is required.

Introduces foundational topics in chemistry, including measurements, atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical equations, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, solutions, nomenclature, gases, and thermochemistry. A laboratory fee is required.

Continuation of CHEM 111, this course explores additional topics in chemistry, including liquids, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and an introduction to nuclear chemistry. A laboratory fee is required.

Introduction to library research skills in the physical sciences, with an emphasis in chemistry. Students learn to use primary and secondary sources, including online databases, and to apply appropriate scientific publication styles. The course also develops critical thinking skills through targeted activities. In addition, majors begin the process of developing their senior portfolios.

This course is an introduction to the theories and techniques of quantitative chemical analysis. Topics include error analysis and statistical treatment of data, chemical equilibria (acid-base, solubility, complexation, and redox), and classical volumetric and gravimetric methods. A laboratory fee is required.

This course deals with the theory and applications of basic organic chemistry. Included is the study of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, simple aromatics, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, and spectroscopic methods. Lab fee.

A continuation of the study of basic organic chemistry. Includes carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, heterocyclics, unsaturated carbonyl compounds, carbohydrates, phenols, glycols and epoxides. Lab fee.

This course offers the lower division student opportunity for independent study under the direction of a faculty member. This study may involve research, laboratory, or library work. Content and methods of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.

Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin.  May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

This course is a rigorous mathematically grounded study of physical chemistry including gas laws, states of matter, solutions, thermodynamics, phase equilibria, equilibrium, chemical potential, and an introduction to quantum mechanics. A laboratory fee is required.

A continuation of physical chemistry focusing on the further development of atomic and molecular quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms, and statistical thermodynamics. A laboratory fee is required.

A study of the principles and applications of modern analytical instrumentation, focusing on spectroscopic, chromatographic, electroanalytical, and mass spectrometric methods. Emphasis is placed on method development, practical troubleshooting and interpreting data from real-world samples. Students will learn to select and operate the appropriate techniques for modern laboratory analysis. A lab fee is required.

A course in the molecular logic of life; in particular the molecular structure, nomenclature, properties, and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Properties and mechanisms of enzymes, vitamins, and co-enzymes, biological membrane structure and function, and introduction to bioenergetics.

This course is designed to accompany CHEM 431. Experiments demonstrate the theoretical principles discussed in CHEM 431, including structure, pH, and molecular interactions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and the specific methods of analysis associated with these molecules. Lab fee.

This course focuses on the metabolic pathways of biomolecules, accompanied by bioenergetic requirements, regulatory mechanisms and flow of genetic information. Includes photosynthesis, metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, and application of recombinant DNA. Intended for students taking chemistry as their major or minor. Also suitable for biology majors with a strong chemistry background and pre-professionals.

This course is designed to accompany CHEM 433. Emphasis will be important experimental techniques not covered in CHEM 432, including electrophoresis, adsorption chromatography, thin-layer chromatography and DNA analysis. Lab fee .

A course including a study of the elements and their periodic relationships, acid-base theories, current bonding theories, coordination compounds, and other selected topics.

This course is a capstone course, designed to involve the chemistry major in the process of research, including literature searching, formation of hypotheses, and experimental design. Preparation and presentation of report, completion of portfolio. Lab fee.

The subject of study is selected by conference between the student and the chemistry faculty, and will consist mainly of independent study and/or laboratory work summarized by a comprehensive report. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

Provides academic departments an opportunity to offer courses in specialized or experimental areas, either lower or upper division, not listed in the undergraduate Bulletin.  Student may be allowed to repeat the course for credit.

A laboratory science course for the student with no previous background in physics. A conceptual, rather than mathematical, approach is emphasized, though some arithmetic calculations are required. Topics include mechanics, heat, sound, electromagnetism, light, and modern physics. Lab fee.

An introductory study of the solar system; stellar structure and evolution; star clusters, galaxies, quasars, the large scale structure of the universe, and cosmology. A conceptual, rather than mathematical, approach is emphasized, though some arithmetic calculations are required. Lab fee.

An introductory science course covering the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and each science that will focus on hands-on activities and real-life applications. The course covers fundamental aspects of physical science as required by the Texas Department of Education. Lab fee.

An introduction to motion in one dimension, vectors in 2 and 3 dimensions, the laws of motion, work and energy, momentum and collisions, uniform circular motion, gravity, rotational equilibria and dynamics involving torque and angular momentum, solids and fluids, thermal physics and heat, thermodynamical laws, vibrations, waves, and sound. Math level is algebra and trigonometry. Lab fee.

Topics include: electric force and electric field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance and resistivity, direct and alternating currents, Kirchhoff's Rules, Ohm's Law, magnetism and Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, electromagnetic waves, reflection and refraction of light, mirrors and lenses, relativity, quantum physics, atomic and nuclear physics, and elementary particles. Lab fee.