Chemistry Programs | Cedar Crest College

Biochemistry Major

For information, contact Department Chair and Professor Lawrence Quarino, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3567

Program Description

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life. A biochemistry major will study the chemistry of molecules found in living organisms, particularly proteins, DNA/RNA, lipids, and carbohydrates. The biochemistry major combines course work in chemistry and biology, with considerable emphasis on the laboratory experience. It is designed to prepare students for a number of emerging career options involving the chemistry of living systems, including medicine, pharmacology, pharmaceutical research, environmental chemistry, toxicology, and forensic science. Students interested in forensic science can choose to double major in biochemistry and forensic science. As a capstone experience students in the program will work one-on-one with a faculty member on a research project which will be summarized in a seminar presentation.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Chemical, Physical, & Forensic Sciences is to develop the theoretical, analytical, and technical skills to allow departmental majors to be leaders in their scientific professions and/or productively pursue graduate or professional studies in science. The Department will also provide a foundational knowledge in the area of chemistry for majors and non-majors that will contribute to the development of scientifically responsible citizens who can have a better understanding of the world and the role of science and scientific thinking in the global community.

Within the guiding mission of the Department of Chemical, Physical, & Forensic Sciences, the biochemistry major will provide students with a strong foundation in both chemistry and biology. This combination of chemistry and biology within the biochemistry major promotes an integration of concepts and techniques that will enable students to study and understand the chemistry of living systems. Students majoring in biochemistry are provided with the background to excel in fields that have a connection to living systems such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, pharmacology & toxicology, agriculture, forensic science, and the environment.

Program Requirements

An overall 2.000 grade-point average in chemistry, biology and cognate courses is required for the major in biochemistry. A grade of C or better is required for all chemistry courses at the 100 and 200 level that fulfill major requirements. Students must attain a grade of C or better in 100 and 200 level courses before proceeding to 300 level courses. No grades of D and only two grades of C- will be allowed for departmental courses at the 300 level that fulfill major requirements. A grade of C- or better is required for all cognate courses that satisfy major requirements. If a required course is not completed within 2 attempts, the student will be dismissed from the program. At least 24 of the credits in chemistry required for the biochemistry major must be completed on the Cedar Crest campus. The biochemistry major may not be combined with a chemistry minor. Students are required to complete a comprehensive examination encompassing all the relevant sub-disciplines which is administered as part of the Chemistry Seminar (CHE 352).

Course Requirements for the Biochemistry Major

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 230 Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
CHE 300 Technical Information 3 credits
CHE/FSC 302 Chemical and Forensic Instrumental Analysis 4 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits
CHE 308 Biochemistry II 4 credits
CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
CHE 335 Physical Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 352 Chemistry Seminar 1 credit
CHE/FSC 391 Advanced Laboratory and Research 4 credits in the junior/senior year
OR CHE/FSC 393 Internship Up to 4 credits

Plus one course (2-4 credits) from the following:

CHE 306 Advanced Organic Chemistry 2 credits
CHE 314 Toxicology 2 credits
CHE 320 Environmental Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
CHE 333 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 2 credits
CHE 336 Physical Chemistry II 3 credits
CHE 341 Polymer Chemistry 2 credits
CHE 344 Heterocyclic Chemistry 2 credits
FSC 321 Forensic Chemistry 2 credits

Plus the following biology courses:
BIO 123 Foundations in Biology I 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology II 4 credits
BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits
BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits

Plus the following cognate courses:
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits

Minimum number of credits required: 79

The B.S. in biochemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society which means that graduates will be certified by the American Chemical Society.

Fulfillment of LAC Requirements

Students fulfill Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through the successful completion of the following major requirements: CHE 300, CHE 302, CHE 335, CHE 307, CHE 352, and CHE 391. Students also fulfill the Natural Sciences (CHE 111 and 112), Mathematics and Logic (MAT 141 and 142) and Writing 2 (CHE 300) requirements upon successful completion of the major.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the fundamentals of analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and biological chemistry.
Students will be able to apply problem-solving skills in both a qualitative and quantitative manner using fundamental chemical/biochemical principles.
Students will demonstrate laboratory skills and an understanding of theory and techniques to effectively carry out an experiment in a safe and systematic fashion.
Students will learn to make detailed observations, record data objectively, and maintain an accurate laboratory notebook in a legal and ethical manner.
Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate chemical/biochemical information with clarity through writing and speaking and will be able to retrieve, understand and properly cite specific chemical and biochemical information from the scientific literature.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying and interpreting statistical methods for data evaluation.
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of advanced concepts in biochemistry and biochemical techniques.

Chemistry Major (B.S and B.A.)/Minor

For information, contact Department Chair and Professor Lawrence Quarino, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3567

Program Description

The chemistry major is one of science’s most versatile degrees and is important in today’s global environment. The chemistry program prepares students for entry into a variety of chemistry related industries, graduate study, education, or the medical professions by encouraging critical thinking and leadership skills. It also provides a background for those entering the allied health, biological, environmental, and forensic science fields, in which chemical knowledge and laboratory skills are required. The department offers both a B.S. and a B.A. in chemistry. The B.S. in chemistry provides more emphasis on the laboratory experience; the B.A. in chemistry provides a solid foundation in Chemistry but allows flexibility to combine chemistry with other areas of interest such as secondary education, business, or pre-law. Students with an interest in business can choose the 4+1 chemistry/MBA program which is a five-year program that allows students to combine a B.A. in chemistry with a masters of business administration. Students interested in forensic science can choose to double major in chemistry (B.S.) and forensic science. As a capstone experience, students in the program have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member on a research project which is summarized in a seminar presentation.

Mission Statement

Within the guiding mission of the Department of Chemical and Physical sciences, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) chemistry major will provide students with a strong foundation in chemistry with both fundamental and advanced coursework. The Department offers hands-on experience in experimental chemistry and with chemical instrumentation to prepare students for careers utilizing technical skills and scientific reasoning. A B.S. in chemistry is an extremely versatile degree, applicable in such fields as medicine, chemical/pharmaceutical synthesis, energy production, and forensic science.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in chemistry will provide students with a basic foundation in chemical principles with less emphasis on laboratory methods, allowing students the flexibility to combine the B.A. in chemistry with other areas of study such as pre-law, pre-health, business or secondary education. The mission of the B.A. in chemistry is to prepare graduates for careers in fields where knowledge of chemistry and the scientific method are major assets. Such fields include environmental science, regulatory affairs, patent law, secondary education, and scientific writing. Graduates can also pursue professional areas of study such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

Program Requirements

An overall grade-point average of at least 2.000 in chemistry and cognate courses is required for the B.S. and B.A. and minor in chemistry. A grade of C or better is required for all chemistry courses at the 100 and 200 level that fulfill major or minor requirements. Students must attain a grade of C or better in 100 and 200 level courses before proceeding to 300 level courses. No grades of D and only two grades of C- will be allowed for departmental courses at the 300 level that fulfill major requirements. Only one grade of C- will be allowed at the 300 level for the chemistry minor. A grade of C- or better is required for all cognate courses that satisfy major or minor requirements. If a required course is not completed within 2 attempts, the student will be dismissed from the program. At least 24 of the credits in chemistry required for the chemistry major or at least 12 of the credits in chemistry required for the chemistry minor must be completed on the Cedar Crest campus. Students are required to complete a comprehensive examination encompassing all the relevant sub-disciplines which is administered as part of the Chemistry Seminar (CHE 352).

B.S. in Chemistry

Course Requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 230 Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
CHE 300 Technical Information 3 credits
CHE/FSC 302 Chemical and Forensic Instrumental Analysis 4 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits
CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
CHE 335 Physical Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 336 Physical Chemistry II 3 credits
CHE 352 Chemistry Seminar 1 credit
CHE/FSC 391 Advanced Laboratory and Research 4 credits in the junior/senior year OR CHE/FSC 393 Internship Up to 4 credits

Plus choose two courses from the following :
CHE 306 Advanced Organic Chemistry 2 credits
CHE 308 Biochemistry II 3 or 4 credits
CHE 314 Toxicology 2 credits
CHE 320 Environmental Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
CHE 333 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 2 credits
CHE 341 Polymer Chemistry 2 credits
CHE 344 Heterocyclic Compounds 2 credits
FSC 321 Forensic Chemistry 2 credits

Plus the following cognate courses:
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits

Minimum number of credits required: 65

The B.S. in chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society which means that graduates will be certified by the American Chemical Society.

Students may pursue the BS in Chemistry major in the accelerated 3-year degree format, completing at least 120 credits in three years (with summer study) rather than the standard four. Please see the catalog section on “3-Year Bachelor Degree” programs for details.

Fulfillment of LAC Requirements

Students fulfill Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through the successful completion of the following major requirements: CHE 300, CHE 302, CHE 335, CHE 307, CHE 352, and CHE 391. Students also fulfill the Natural Sciences (CHE 111 and 112), and Writing 2 (CHE 300) requirements upon successful completion of the major.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the fundamentals of analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and biological chemistry.
Students will be able to apply problem-solving skills in both a qualitative and quantitative manner using fundamental chemical principles.
Students will demonstrate laboratory skills and an understanding of theory and techniques to effectively carry out an experiment in a safe and systematic fashion.
Students will learn to make detailed observations, record data objectively, and maintain an accurate laboratory notebook in a legal and ethical manner.
Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate chemical information with clarity and coherence through writing and speaking and will be able to retrieve, understand and properly cite specific chemical information from the scientific literature.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying and interpreting statistical methods for data evaluation.

B.A. in Chemistry

Course Requirements for the B.A. in Chemistry

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 300 Technical Information 3 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits
CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 3 credits
CHE 335 Physical Chemistry I 3 credits
CHE 352 Chemistry Seminar 1 1 credit

Plus choose one of the following:
CHE 230 Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
CHE 320 Environmental Chemistry 4 credits

Plus the following cognate courses:
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits

Total number of credits required: 48

Fulfillment of LAC Requirements

Students fulfill Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through the successful completion of the following major requirements: CHE 300, CHE 335, CHE 307, and CHE 352. Students also fulfill the Natural Sciences (CHE 111 and 112), Writing 2 (CHE 300) requirements upon successful completion of the major.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the fundamentals of analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and biological chemistry.
Students will be able to apply problem-solving skills in both a qualitative and quantitative manner using fundamental chemical principles.
Students will demonstrate laboratory skills and an understanding of theory and techniques to effectively carry out an experiment in a safe and systematic fashion.
Students will learn to make detailed observations, record data objectively, and maintain an accurate laboratory notebook in a legal and ethical manner.
Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate chemical information with clarity and coherence through writing and speaking and will be able to retrieve, understand and properly cite specific chemical information from the scientific literature.

B.A. Chemistry/MBA (4+1 Program)

Chemistry Course Requirements:

Students in the B.A. in Chemistry major may participate in the MBA 4+1 Program. Please contact your departmental advisor or department chair as soon as possible to review your pacing and plan of study. The admissions steps can be found under the Business Administration 4+1 MBA major description in this catalog; it includes completing the requirements for the business minor, submitting a standardized test score, and completing an application to the MBA program in your junior year. The 4+1 option will require you to complete coursework at an accelerated pace in your undergraduate program, and take 9 to 11 graduate credits in your senior year. You will complete a year of study to finish the MBA degree after completing your bachelor’s degree. Please note that MBA credits taken cannot be counted toward your undergraduate degree requirements. Please speak with your advisor and review the business section of this catalog if you are interested.

Chemistry Minor

Course Requirements for the Chemistry Minor

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 230 Analytical Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
OR
CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
OR
CHE 335 Physical Chemistry 3 or 4 credits
Plus at least one additional course in chemistry at the 300-level, excluding CHE 300.

Minimum number of credits required: 21

Forensic Science Major

For information, contact Department Chair and Professor Lawrence Quarino, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3567

Program Description

The forensic science major at Cedar Crest College is unique in that it combines many of the most exciting educational features into one package. The major is integrated, multi-disciplinary and highly applied and offers a foundation from which to launch a career in forensic science. Students in the program have opportunities to interact with forensic professionals, work on forensic research projects, and apply for internships.

The liberal arts component provides exposure to disciplines and develops skills that will be important when students are called upon to act as expert witnesses, communicate with law enforcement personnel, and present their work to the public.

The forensic science concentration is accredited by the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission.

Program Requirements

Students must earn an overall grade-point average of at least 2.000 in all required courses. A grade of C or better is required for all chemistry and forensic science courses at the 100 and 200 level that fulfill major requirements. All other required major courses at the 100 and 200 level must be completed with at least a C-. No grades of D and only two grades of C- will be allowed for departmental courses at the 300 level that fulfill major requirements. If a required course is not completed within 2 attempts, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Program Mission Statement

To provide Cedar Crest students wishing to enter a career in the forensic sciences with a solid foundation in the natural sciences, to emphasize the importance of critical thinking skills in approaching forensic problems, and to educate students in a broad range of forensic analytical techniques from a generalist perspective.

Course Requirements for the Forensic Science Major

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 230 Analytical Chemistry 4 credits
FSC 101 Survey of Forensic Science 3 credits
FSC 241 Crime Scene Pattern Analysis 3 credits
CHE 300 Technical Information 3 credits*
FSC/CHE 302 Forensic and Chemical Instrumental Analysis 4 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits
CHE 314 Toxicology 2 credits
FSC 321 Forensic Chemistry 2 credits
CHE 335 Physical Chemistry I 3 credits
FSC 347 Trace Evidence and Microscopy 3 credits
FSC 348 Forensic Molecular Biology 3 credits
FSC 349 Professional Issues in Forensic Science 3 credits
CHE 352 Chemistry Seminar 1 credit
FSC/CHE 391 Research 4 credits (2 semesters)**
BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits

*Students who double-major in biology may substitute BIO 350 (Junior Colloquium).

**Students may substitute 4 credits of BIO 353 (2 semesters). Students electing to take BIO 353 must also register for 1 credit of FSC/CHE 391 each semester.

Double-Major

Students majoring in forensic science are encouraged to double-major in either biochemistry, biology, or chemistry. Students electing to double-major in one of these disciplines must take the following courses:

Biochemistry:

CHE 308 Biochemistry II 4 credits
CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 3 credits

Biology:

BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution 4 credits
BIO 358 Science, Ethics, and Society 3 credits

Chemistry:

CHE 331 Inorganic Chemistry 4 credits
CHE 336 Physical Chemistry II 3 credits

0-1 credit

Student Learning Outcomes

Program students will:

Demonstrate knowledge of topics, techniques, and concepts related to criminalistics.
Demonstrate the ability to perform qualitative and quantitative critical analysis in conjunction with the development and completion of a scientific research project.
Demonstrate the ability to use and conceptually understand instrumentation typically used in forensic analysis.
Demonstrate the ability to access and understand primary scientific literature from the forensic sciences and other sciences.
Demonstrate effective writing and speaking skills to communicate scientific concepts and findings to faculty and students.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the forensic scientist in the criminal justice system.
Demonstrate an understanding of professional codes of ethics and how they can be used to resolve ethical dilemmas common to forensic science practice.
Demonstrate an understanding of the application of the scientific method to the management and reconstruction of a crime scene.

Physics – Minor

For information, contact Department Chair and Professor Lawrence Quarino, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3567

Program Description

A Physics minor will give students the flexibility to explore connections between physics and other disciplines or major fields of study. Students can major in another discipline such as Chemistry, Forensic Science. or Mathematics, while completing a physics major to give them a better understanding of physics concepts often used in these disciplines. This will give students an advantage when physical principles learned in the minor to real-world problems in their major programs. A physics minor can also offer valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied to many different fields. Physics teaches students how to problem solve and tackle complex issues. These problem-solving skills can be useful when looking at issues such as climate change, health care, or energy conservation. Physics teaches strong modeling and data analysis skills that will lead to new innovative ways to tackle the problems of concern in society today. Skills learned with a physics minor will apply to various employment fields and areas of study, even those not directly considered to be part of STEM, such as economics, financial modeling, or operational research.

Course Requirements for Physics Minor

PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits
PHY 220 Modern Physics 3 credits
PHY 335 Thermodynamics 3 credits OR CHE 335 Physical Chemistry I 3 credits
PHY 336 Atomic Physics and Statistical Mechanics 3 credits OR Physical Chemistry II 3 credits
PHY 340 Quantum Mechanics 3 credits