Requirements for the Chemistry B.S. Major
Requirements for the Chemistry B.A. Major
Requirements for the Chemistry (B.S.) Major
(62 credits)
All students seeking a degree in chemistry through the College of Arts and Sciences will be enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program. The program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and students who graduate with the B.S. degree will be certified and recognized by the ACS.
Students who do not require certification by the ACS or who cannot use a full eight semesters to earn a B.S. in chemistry should consider the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Chemistry | ||
| CHE 120 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHE 122 | Intro to Chemical Systems | 3 |
| CHE 123 | Quantitative Methods Lab | 1 |
| CHE 211 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE 214 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHE 250 | Quantitative Analysis and Statistics Methods | 4 |
| CHE 305 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 315 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 316 | Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE 325 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE 330 | Instrumental Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| BCH 325 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| Mathematics | 8 | |
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Physics | 8 | |
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Advanced Chemistry Courses | 9 | |
| Select three of the following: | ||
| Advanced Biochemistry. | ||
| Metabolism and Bioenergetics | ||
| Signal Transduction | ||
| Medicinal Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry II | ||
| Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Bonding | ||
| Special Topics in Chemistry | ||
| Physical Organic Chemistry 1 | ||
| Advanced Laboratory Courses | 4 | |
| Select four lab credits from the following: 2 | ||
| Biochem and Enzymology I Lab | ||
| Advanced Lab Techniques in Biochemistry. | ||
| Advanced Organic Synthesis | ||
| Computational Chemistry Lab | ||
| Physical Organic Chemistry Lab 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 62 | |
- 1
CHE 420 counts as a three credit course and one lab credit only.
- 2
Lab courses count for one or two credits (see course descriptions).
Requirements for the Chemistry (B.A.) Major
(52 credits)
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program consists of 52 credits in the major and is designed for students who may desire a chemistry degree, but do not have a full eight semesters to commit to the program. Such students may be those enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services, transfer students or students choosing a second major.
Students in the College of Education and Human Services who declare a second major in Chemistry will automatically be enrolled in the B.A. program. Other students seeking to enroll must consult with the chairperson of the Department of Earth and Chemical Sciences before being considered for this program.
The B.A. in Chemistry does explore the five sub-disciplines of chemistry and does have a laboratory component. However, the depth of student exploration in the chemical sciences is not sufficient enough to attain certification by the ACS.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Chemistry Courses | ||
| BCH 325 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHE 120 & CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry and Principles of Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CHE 122 & CHE 123 | Intro to Chemical Systems and Quantitative Methods Lab | 4 |
| CHE 211 & 211L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 214 & 214L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 250 & 250L | Quantitative Analysis and Statistics Methods and Quantitative Analysis and Statistical Methods Lab | 4 |
| CHE 305 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 315 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| Mathematics | 8 | |
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Physics | 8 | |
| Select one of the following tracks: | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | ||
| General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | ||
| OR | ||
| Principles of Physics I and Principles of Physics I Lab | ||
| Principles of Physics II and Principles of Physics II Lab | ||
| Advanced Chemistry Course | 3 | |
| Select one course from CHE or BCH at the 300 level or above | ||
| Advanced Laboratory Courses | 4 | |
| Select laboratory courses from CHE or BCH at the 300 level or above. Some lab courses are 1-credit and some are 2-credit. See course descriptions for details. | ||
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Chemistry Minor Requirements
(24 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 120 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHE 122 | Intro to Chemical Systems | 3 |
| CHE 123 | Quantitative Methods Lab | 1 |
| CHE 211 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| Select twelve elective credits (including two labs) from the following: | ||
| Chemistry or biochemistry courses at the 200 level or above, six credits of which must be at the 300 level or above. At least one course must be taken in three of the five disciplines: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from their academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| CHE 120 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| MTH 210 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| CMP 120 | Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric | 3 |
| HIS 150 | Pre-Modern World: Evolution to Revolution | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE 122 | Intro to Chemical Systems | 3 |
| CHE 123 | Quantitative Methods Lab | 1 |
| MTH 211 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| HIS 151 |
World in the Modern Era: Exploration to Globalization or Contemporary World: Historical Perspectives or Cold War: A Global History |
3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHE 211 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE 211L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 0 |
| PHY 200 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 200L | General Physics I Lab | 0 |
| Social Perspectives | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE 214 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHE 214L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 0 |
| PHY 201 | General Physics II | 4 |
| PHY 201L | General Physics II Lab | 0 |
| Social Perspectives | 3 | |
| Aesthetic Perspectives: Literature | 3 | |
| Elective Course 2 | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CHE 250 | Quantitative Analysis and Statistics Methods | 4 |
| CHE 250L | Quantitative Analysis and Statistical Methods Lab | 0 |
| CHE 305 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| Lab Elective Course | 1-2 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Philosophical Perspectives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CHE 330 | Instrumental Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 325 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Advanced Elective Course | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Aesthetic Perspectives: Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Elective Course 2 | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BCH 325 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHE 315 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 316 | Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Advanced Lab Course | 1-2 | |
| Two Elective Courses 2 | 7 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Two Advanced Biochemistry or Chemistry Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Advanced Lab Course | 2 | |
| Three Elective Courses 2 | 9 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation | 120-122 | |
- 1
For course placement information see https://www.rider.edu/student-life/first-year-experience/orientation/placement-testing
- 2
Please note that elective credits may be used to complete requirements in a second major or minor.
Note:
- Math and Science general education requirements are included in the major.
Courses and Descriptions
CHE 100 Intro to College Chemistry 3 Credits
Open to all students, but designed primarily for those who wish to major in a science which requires chemistry but whose chemistry background is not sufficient to allow entrance into Chemistry 120. It focuses on the nomenclature used in chemistry including the symbols used to designate the chemical elements, the construction of chemical formulas, and the writing and balancing of chemical equations. Other topics will include interpreting the Periodic Table, the valences of the elements, the mole concept, and simple stoichiometry. In addition, chemical calculations involving units, scientific notation, significant figures, and the algebraic manipulations of simple equations will be included. Three hours of lecture per week. This course does not satisfy the requirements for the biochemistry or chemistry degree, but does satisfy the core requirements for education and business majors.
CHE 110 Survey of General Chemistry 4 Credits
A one-semester survey of basic general chemical principles designed to be applied to questions in health-related fields. Students will explore the fundamental structures of atoms and simple compounds that comprise living beings; basic patterns in chemical reactivity, especially oxidation-reduction and acid-base reactions; quantitative analyses of biologically-relevant compounds and chemical reactions; properties of substances; and kinetic and thermodynamic principles underlying such chemicals and chemical processes. In the laboratory portion of this course, students will learn and apply principles of experimental safety and will apply knowledge gained in the class via application in basic experimental contexts.
No prerequisites. Students who have completed CHE 120 and/or CHE 122 will not be permitted to enroll in CHE110/110L. Furthermore CHE 110 will not serve as a prerequisite for CHE 122.
CHE 110L Survey of Gen Chemistry Lab 0 Credits
In the laboratory portion of this course, students will learn and apply principles of experimental safety and will apply knowledge gained in the class via application in basic experimental contexts.
CHE 114 Chemistry in the Kitchen 4 Credits
Chemistry permeates aspects of our daily lives in which we are often unaware. In this course, students will learn the core tenets of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, intermolecular and macromolecular interactions, and chemical reactivity, and will personally investigate these properties in the context of cooking, baking, metabolism, and other kitchen-related activities. This 4-credit course will include a weekly 3-hour lab in which students will perform experiments that allow them to prepare dishes that illustrate key chemical concepts. As part of the course, students will collaborate with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen to prepare and serve food to the community, as well as share their understanding about the chemical properties that are involved in the development of various dishes. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
Corequisite(s): CHE 114L.
CHE 114L Chemistry in the Kitchen Lab 0 Credits
This is the laboratory portion of CHE 114.
Corequisite(s): CHE 114.
CHE 115 Chemistry & Society 3 Credits
Designed to give the nonscientist an appreciation of the role of chemistry in today’s world. The approach is conceptual rather than mathematical. Topics include basic principles of chemical theory, energy sources, elementary organic chemistry, drugs, food additives, polymers, chemistry of living systems, inorganic solids in modern technology, and problems involving pollution of the environment. Three hours of lecture per week. This course satisfies the core requirements for education and business majors.
CHE 118 Exploration of Chemical Principles 4 Credits
A one-semester introduction to the principles of chemical sciences. Students will utilize inquiry-based learning methods to examine contextual problems as a means to explore introductory models and concepts of chemistry. Students will also gain an understanding of how scientific models are used to explain experimental observations. The laboratory component of this course is designed to provide students with an experimental context within which to develop some of the models described in the classroom. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
CHE 118L Exploration of Chemical Principles Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): CHE 118.
CHE 120 Principles of Chemistry 3 Credits
For students who have successfully completed one year of high school chemistry. This systematic study of the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry covers atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometric relationships, including solution and oxidation-reduction reactions, and molecular structure. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite(s): High school chemistry or CHE 100 is recommended before taking this course.
Corequisite(s): CHE 121.
CHE 121 Principles of Chemistry Lab 1 Credits
For students concurrently taking CHE 120. Experiments involve gravimetric, volumetric, and spectrophotometric quantitative analysis. One three-hour lab per week. Fall.
CHE 122 Intro to Chemical Systems 3 Credits
A continuation of CHE 120. For students majoring in the sciences but may be taken by others. Chemical systems in which the study of kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and radiochemistry are emphasized. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 120, MTH 105 or higher.
Corequisite(s): CHE 123.
CHE 123 Quantitative Methods Lab 1 Credits
Usually taken concurrently with CHE 122. Primarily for students majoring in the sciences. A number of quantitative classical and instrumental methods of analysis are used to determine thermodynamic properties and reaction mechanisms. One three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 121.
Corequisite(s): CHE 122.
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry I 4 Credits
The structure, chemical properties, and methods of preparation of the more important classes of carbon compounds are studied, with an emphasis on the relationship of structure, stereochemistry, and conformation to chemical reactivity. The preparation and reactivity of organic functional groups is introduced. The use of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry for elucidating structures of organic molecules is discussed. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 120, CHE 121.
Corequisite(s): CHE 211L.
CHE 211L Organic Chemistry I Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): CHE 211.
CHE 214 Organic Chemistry II 4 Credits
A continuation of Chemistry 211, emphasizing the mechanism of organic reactions, structural interpretations of properties, preparations, reactivity and identification of organic compounds. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
CHE 214L Organic Chemistry II Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): CHE 214.
CHE 225 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry 4 Credits
An introductory course describing the basic principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry as they relate to human metabolism and disease. The nature of the chemical structure and reactivity of organic functional groups such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and amines will be presented with biological processes in mind. The biochemistry of the macromolecules DNA, RNA, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids will be discussed leading in to a discussion of some of the more important metabolic pathways. This course is intended for science majors who do not take the full two semester sequence of organic chemistry and two semesters of biochemistry and desire a background in biochemistry. Non-science major students who have had one semester of general chemistry and one semester of biology may also enroll in the course. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): ( CHE 110 UG D and CHE 110L ) or ( CHE 122 UG D and CHE 123) and BIO 115 .
Corequisite(s): CHE 225L.
CHE 225L Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course. Prerequisite(s): ( CHE 110 UG D and CHE 110L ) or ( CHE 122 UG D and CHE 123) and BIO 115
Corequisite(s): CHE 225.
CHE 250 Quantitative Analysis and Statistics Methods 4 Credits
This course will provide a deeper exploration of topics in chemistry that are steeped in numerical analysis. These topics include advanced analysis of equilibrium systems, acid-base systems and electrochemical systems. Additional detail will be given to methods of chemical measurement, statistical methods of data analysis and determination of data validity and reliability. Both lecture and laboratory will show an emphasis on using computer-based tools to analyze experimental data. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 122 & CHE 123
Corequisite(s): CHE 250L.
CHE 250L Quantitative Analysis and Statistical Methods Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): CHE 250.
CHE 305 Physical Chemistry I 3 Credits
The mathematic and conceptual foundations of physical chemistry will be introduced with an over-arching theme of determination of energy allocation within atomic and molecular systems. Topics will include determination and measurement of energy states in atoms and molecules, simple quantum mechanical systems, distribution of energies and the connection to thermodynamic quantities, the three laws of thermodynamics, spontaneity, equilibrium and experimental kinetics.
CHE 306 Physical Chemistry II 3 Credits
Physical chemistry concepts are explored in more detail with emphasis on examination of systems that require multiple models in physical chemistry to explain. Topics will include, kinetic theory and transition state theory, statistical mechanics and its connections to thermodynamic functions, temperature dependence of spontaneity and equilibrium, the thermodynamics of condensed phases and multi-component equilibria, electrochemistry, multi-electron quantum mechanical systems, approximations in quantum mechanics, symmetry and advanced molecular spectroscopy.
CHE 315 Inorganic Chemistry 3 Credits
The periodic table as a tool for predicting the physical and chemical properties of chemical systems is developed and examined in conjunction with various theories of bonding, including valence bond, molecular orbital, valence shell electron repulsion, and ligand field theory. Emphasizes structure of crystalline solids, coordination compounds, reaction mechanisms, and structure-property relationships. Three hours of lecture per week.
CHE 316 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory 1 Credits
Students will explore a variety of synthetic methodologies for the growth of inorganic molecular systems, and solid-state materials. A transition metal or main group metal plays a central structural role in all systems that will be examined. Modern analytical methods will be applied to characterize synthesis products, such as FT-IR spectroscopy, polarimetry, NMR, and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Prerequisite(s): CHE 123, CHE 214.
Corequisite: CHE 315.
CHE 320 Polymer Chemistry 3 Credits
Designed to acquaint students with the structure and properties of polymers, the contrast between small molecules and polymers, methods of measuring molecular weight, the mechanism of polymerization, and the methods of fabricating polymers.
Prerequisite(s): CHE 211.
CHE 325 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 1 Credits
Measurements are made of physical properties of molecules and chemical dynamical processes. These measurements will be used to develop models which explain the physical chemical nature of the systems under examination. Experiments will utilize various instrumental techniques such as infrared spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, fluorescence and UV/Vis spectrometry. One three-hour lab per week.
CHE 330 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 2 Credits
This course is designed to give students practical experience using modern analytical instrumentation and to provide students with the background theory and principles of operation. The instrumental methods introduced in this course include: ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), X-ray powder diffraction analysis and electrochemical analysis. This experimental laboratory course meets two times per week with three hours for each session. One session will be focused on instrumentation background theory and discussion and the other session will be experimental practice.
CHE 340 Environmental Chemistry 3 Credits
This course is an advanced quantitative and qualitative study of the sources of environmental pollutants, their chemical reactions and mechanism of formation, their fate in the environment, and ultimately their impact on environmental systems and services including ozone cycling, ozone hole formation, smog formation, heavy metals in drinking water, energy, and global climate change. This course will review scientific literature to identify advances in science and technology to combat these environmental problems. The course is aimed principally at chemistry majors, but other science majors that desire a chemical understanding of the environment and meet the course prerequisites are welcome. This course satisfies the global perspectives (GP) requirement at Rider University. Recommended courses include MTH 210 and CHE 250.
Prerequisite(s): (CHE 211 and 211L) or (BCH 225 and 225L) or (CHE 225 and CHE 225L) and MTH 105 or higher.
CHE 350 Advanced Organic Synthesis 2 Credits
The first of four experimental chemistry labs designed for chemistry majors. It presents the use of modern techniques, and instrumentation in organic chemistry, including distillation, chromatography, infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Two three-hour labs per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHE 214.
CHE 375 Computational Chemistry Lab 2 Credits
This course will provide students with a means to explore various methods in computational chemistry. Basic computational methods will be developed from first principles and these methods will then be tested using various modeling and computational software packages. Methods will include, but are not limited to, molecular mechanics, semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations, ab initio methods, and density functional calculations. Students will be exposed to various computational software packages and the strengths and limitations of each methodology will be explored. The course will meet in a computer laboratory for two for three-hour lab periods a week.
Prerequisite(s): CHE 305.
CHE 400 Chemical Bonding 3 Credits
The effects of the chemical bond on the structure and properties of molecules are investigated. Molecular orbital theories of bonding are introduced. Emphasis is placed on group theoretical methods utilizing molecular symmetry to simplify the description of the electronic structure of molecules and to predict their geometric structures and reactivity. Three hours of lecture per week.
CHE 415 Special Topics in Chemistry 3 Credits
An advanced level of one or more areas of modern chemistry. Emphasis on research and the literature of an area of current importance. Three hours of lecture per week.
CHE 420 Physical Organic Chemistry 4 Credits
In-depth studies of the methods for elucidating mechanisms of organic reactions for students who have completed one year of organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Topics include conformational analysis, linear free energy relationships, frontier molecular orbital theory, transition state theory, and chemical reaction kinetics. Isotopic scrambling, kinetic isotope effects, NMR and IR spectroscopy, polarimetry, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry will be employed to investigate these concepts. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): CHE 214, CHE 305.
Corequisite(s): CHE 214L.
CHE 420L Physical Organic Chemistry Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): CHE 420.
CHE 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1-4 Credits
Immerses the student in laboratory research. The student learns to organize material, use the literature, make precise measurements, and obtain reproducible data. If possible, the student will publish the results or present them at a scientific meeting.
CHE 491 Internship in Chemistry 1-4 Credits
A supervised research experience in an approved organization where qualified students gain real-world knowledge and utilize their academic training in a professional environment. Placement may be in a private, public, non-profit, or governmental organizations under the guidance of a mentor. The mentor and student will have regular consultation with the departmental internship coordinator to assess the student’s progress. Normally, 50 hours of internship per credit is required. The grade for the course will be determined by the students’ overall performance in their research work, a research paper documenting their work with their internship mentor and an oral or poster presentation at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA and permission of the instructor.