Chemistry and Biochemistry

Professors: Arias-Rotondo, Jensen, Stevens-Truss (chair), Tresca, Vollbrecht, Williams

Mission Statement

The Kalamazoo College Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff committed to the development of excellent chemistry and biochemistry majors in an environment of equity, inclusion, and respect. Our department strives to fulfill the College’s mission “…to prepare its graduates to better understand, live successfully within, and provide enlightened leadership to a richly diverse and increasingly complex world.”

Our curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and aims to prepare graduates for direct entry to the workforce or for further study in graduate or professional school. Our courses are learner-focused and use evidence-based methods to engage everyone regardless of background. Our laboratory courses emphasize skill development and independence while promoting a safety culture.

Students who graduate from our program will have information literacy and scientific presentation skills, will be conscious of the environmental and social impacts of chemicals and chemical waste, and will have a molecular view of the world.

And we like to have fun while we build community.

Program Description

The chemistry program is an American Chemical Society (ACS) approved pre-professional undergraduate program that stresses the art of scientific thought and the role of chemistry and biochemistry in society. Chemistry and biochemistry students benefit from a close working relationship with faculty members in an atmosphere that encourages research. Majors can gain preparation suitable for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical and materials engineering, environmental sciences, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, clinical chemistry. Other professional opportunities open to chemistry and biochemistry graduates include: medical, dental, or veterinary schools; business administration; patent or environmental law. Majors will also have a background appropriate for becoming a professional research or process chemist in industrial, pharmaceutical, or government laboratories; teaching high school chemistry; doing environmental monitoring or remediation; working in sales, product development, or in laboratory safety; becoming a writer on science topics, working in science libraries or other information services; doing conservation work in art museums; or performing forensic analyses for law enforcement agencies.

Placement Exam & Advanced Placement

All students enrolling in the beginning Chemistry courses (CHEM 110) who have completed the AP, IB, or college-level chemistry (and do not have official AP/IB scores or transfer credit on file) or taken a strong high-school chemistry sequence must complete the placement examination examination if they intend to enroll in chemistry courses, major in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology, or pursue a pre-health track. The results from the placement examination may exempt the studrom from CHEM-110.

Students entering Kalamazoo College with Advance Placement (AP) scores of 4 or 5, or International Baccalaureate (IB) scores of 5,6, or 7 are automatically exempt from CHEM 110.

Note: the CHEM 110 Lab (CHEM 110L) must still be completed by students exempt from taking the CHEM 110 class.

Requirements for the Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Note: Students cannot double major in Chemistry and Biochemistry

In accordance with department policy, chemistry and biochemistry majors must pass the required courses and cognate courses with a grade of C- or better.

A minimum of eight units from credited courses (excluding the SIP and Chemistry Seminar) all with labs, plus two terms of the Chemistry Senior Seminar (Chem 490).

Required Foundational Courses

Recommended completion by the end of the first year:

CHEM 110: Chemical Composition and Structure with Lab
CHEM 210: Organic Chemistry I with Lab

Recommended completion by the end of the second year:

CHEM 220: Organic Chemistry II with Lab
CHEM 230: Chemical Reactivity with Lab
CHEM 240: Analytical Chemistry with Lab

Recommended completion by the end of the third year:

CHEM 310: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics with Lab

Completed junior spring and senior year:

CHEM 490: Senior Seminar – Professional Development for Chemists (completion of two terms is required; completion of the third term would count towards completion of the College’s Senior Shared Passages requirement ).

Required Exploratory Coursework for the Chemistry Major

Two additional 300- or 400- level courses with lab.

Required Cognates for the Chemistry Major

  • MATH 112: Calculus I (or its equivalent, MATH 110/111)
  • MATH 113: Calculus II (additional work in mathematics is encouraged)
  • PHYS 150: Introductory Physics I with Lab
  • PHYS 152: Introductory Physics II with Lab

Required Exploratory Coursework for the Biochemistry Major

CHEM 365 Biochemistry I
CHEM 465 Biochemistry II with Lab
CHEM 466 Biochemistry Lab

Required Cognates for the Biochemistry Major

  • BIOL 101 Biology Explorations
  • BIOL 201 Cell and Molecular Biology with Lab (must be completed prior to enrolling in CHEM 365)
  • MATH 112 Calculus I (or its equivalent, MATH 110/111)
  • MATH 113 Calculus II (additional work in mathematics is encouraged)
  • PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I with Lab

ACS certified degree

In addition to obtaining a degree from an ACS-approved program, students can opt to pursue an ACS-certified degree. A certified degree is a valuable personal credential that serves as National-level recognition of successful completion of a rigorous academic chemistry curriculum. A certified major includes CHEM 210, 240, 310, 330, 352 or 365, a chemistry research-based SIP, and three additional chemistry courses above the 100-level (excluding CHEM 200 and CHEM 490). In addition, MATH 112 and 113, and PHYS 150 and 152 are required, and MATH 214, 240, and 260 are recommended. The certification curriculum, which provides thorough preparation in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, is recommended for students contemplating graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.

Dual Degree Engineering in Chemical Engineering

Students intending to follow the Dual Degree Engineering Program in chemical engineering should follow the course sequence for the chemistry major through the third year and meet the requirements for admission to chemical engineering schools after the third year. Each student pursuing this program must successfully complete the following courses while in residence at Kalamazoo College: CHEM 110, 210, 220, 230, 240, 310; MATH 112, 113, 214, 240, 280; PHYS 150, 152, 220. Refer to the full catalog program description page.

Chemistry Courses

CHEM 110 Chemical Composition and Structure with Lab Fundamental principles of chemistry: chemical calculations and symbolism; atomic and molecular structure and bonding; periodic properties; intermolecular interactions, classification of chemical reactions, and the solid state. Laboratory work includes introduction to chemical instrumentation. Placement in CHEM-110 via placement exam is required. Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-110L. Failure to register in the lab may result in removal from the course.
CHEM 110L Chemical Composition & Structure Lab Must be taken with or have placed out of CHEM-110.
CHEM 200 Research Apprenticeship in Chemistry Students who anticipate majoring in chemistry or biochemistry may participate in apprenticeships, which are intended to provide opportunities for the students to become involved in ongoing research projects with chemistry faculty. To be considered for a research apprenticeship position, a student must approach a faculty member regarding joining the faculty member's research laboratory. A minimum of 50 hours of work is expected. A student may enroll in CHEM 200 for no more than 3 quarters, with the same faculty member or with different faculty members. The three quarter need not be consecutive. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor only, availability of apprenticeships will vary over time, and are not guaranteed. This course does not count towards major. Research apprenticeships are offered for credit/no credit.
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I Basic principles of structure, nomenclature, and reactivity applied to aliphatic hydrocarbons; valence bond and molecular orbital structure models; inductive, resonance, and steric effects on reactivity; stereoisomerism; laboratory emphasis on techniques used in the synthesis and purification of organic compounds. Must have completed CHEM-110 and CHEM-110L with a minimum grade of C- earned. Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-210L. Failure to register in the lab may result in removal from the course.
CHEM 210L Organic Chemistry I Lab Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-210 .
CHEM 220 Organic Chemistry II Continuation of CHEM 210 that includes classroom and laboratory study of the structure, nomenclature, chemical properties, and spectrometric identification of common organic compounds; emphasis on reaction mechanisms and organic synthesis. Intended for research-oriented natural science students with career interests in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry and related fields. Must have completed CHEM-210 wiith a minimum grade of C- earned. Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-220L. Failure to register in the lab may result in removal from the course.
CHEM 220L Organic Chemistry II Lab Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-220.
CHEM 230 Chemical Reactivity with Lab Classification of chemical reactions; chemical kinetics; chemical equilibrium; energetics of chemical reactions (thermodynamics); acid-base, solubility-precipitation, oxidation-reduction, complexation reactions; electrochemistry; descriptive chemistry of selected elements. Laboratory work includes use of chemical instrumentation. Must have completed CHEM-110 or placed out of CHEM-110, and must have completed CHEM-110L. All course prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of C-. Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-230L. Failure to register in the lab may result in removal from the course.
CHEM 230L Chemicial Reactivity Lab Take CHEM-230
CHEM 240 Analytical Chemistry with Lab Treatment of experimental data; systematic solution stoichiometry; the study of acid-base, precipitation-solubility, oxidation-reduction, and complex formation-dissociation equilibria; introduction to quantitative applications of gravimetry, titrimetry, and chromatography, electrochemistry, and spectrophotometry. Must have completed CHEM-120 with a minimum grade of C- earned. Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-240L. Failure to register in the lab may result in removal from the course.
CHEM 301L Chemistry Research Methods This lab will introduce students to fundamental skills for chemistry and biochemistry research. Students will tackle a pressing research question with faculty guidance. This lab is a starting point for students interested in faculty led research, and for experienced researchers to hone their skills. Students will work with the instructor to plan experiments, execute lab work, and report the results of their research. This lab emphasizes exposure to a breadth of lab techniques and preparation for collaborative research. This course is intended for chemistry and biochemistry majors pursuing a research-focused career. Must have taken CHEM-210 or with instructor permission
CHEM 310 Chemical Thermodynamics & Kinetics Study of chemical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetics including applications in thermochemistry, chemical equilibrium, chemical transport, and reaction dynamics. Intended for science students interested in understanding the fundamental reasoning and math behind reactions, energy transport, and kinetics. Laboratory emphasis on learning measurement techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. Must have completed CHEM-120, MATH 113, and PHYS-150 with a minimum grade of C-. Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-310L. Failure to register in the lab may result in removal from the course.
CHEM 310L Chemical Thermodynamics & Kinetics Lab Must be completed concurrently with CHEM-310.
CHEM 330 Inorganic Chemistry with Lab Exploration of the electronic and atomic/molecular configuration of molecules and materials, using that knowledge to explain their properties and understand some of their applications (nuclear power, solar energy conversion, catalysis, etc.); laboratory work emphasizing synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds. Must have completed CHEM-210 with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 352 A Survey of Biochemistry This course is designed for students interested in understanding biochemical processes, and is good preparation for health-related studies. The course is an overview of the chemical mechanisms underlying biological processes including structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and lipids; enzymatic catalysis and kinetics; an introduction to bioenergetics; pathways of carbohydrate metabolism; survey of lipid and amino acid metabolism; and integration of metabolism. Chemistry majors register for CHEM 352 - Biology majors register for cross-listed BIOL 352. Must have completed CHEM-220 with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 352L Intro to Biochemical Analyses Overview of basic biochemical laboratory techniques with emphasis on protein isolation and characterization, enzyme kinetics, and bioinformatics. Laboratory and scientific writing, oral communication, and preparation of quality figures and tables will also be emphasized. Chemistry majors register for CHEM-352L - Biology majors register for cross-listed section of BIOL 352L. Must have completed CHEM-220 with a minimum grade C-. Must have completed CHEM-352 previously must obtain a minimum grade of C- or concurrently.
CHEM 365 Biochemistry I: Fundamentals of Biochemistry This course is designed for students interested in studying the chemical processes that regulate biological functions at the molecular level. In this course students will i) focus on understanding the structure and function of biological macromolecules essential to life (nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and amino acids), ii) study the thermodynamics and kinetics of protein folding, iii) analyze the varied structures of proteins and their functions, as well as examine enzymatic catalysis. This course will not count towards the major in Biology. Must have completed BIOL-201 and CHEM-220 with a minimum grade of C- earned.
CHEM 410 Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy with Lab Further study of chemical kinetics; elementary quantum mechanics applied to simple atoms and molecules; spectroscopy. Must have completed CHEM-210, MATH-113, and PHYS-152 with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 420 Instrumental Analysis with Lab Study of instrumental methods of analysis including trace techniques; emphasis on spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and chromatography, introduction to electronic signal processing, and computer data acquisition. Must have completed CHEM-240 and CHEM-310 with a minimum grade of C-. Chemistry seniors who have not completed CHEM-310 should contact the Registrar's Office in order to register for this class.
CHEM 430 Chemistry in Art Conservation with Lab This is a special topics class where we study how chemistry can be used to study, preserve, and restore works of art. The focus will be on inorganic chemistry and physical/analytical techniques. The lab portion of the class will let you experience some of the topics we will cover in lecture. You will make a pigment, characterize it using instruments we have in our department, and design tests to study its stability. We will spend considerable time learning how to make posters, as they're one of the main ways chemists use to communicate our science. Must have taken CHEM-120.
CHEM 440 Intro to Drug & Natural Product Synthesis with Lab Study of local and reaction stereochemistry, conformational analysis, and molecular orbital theory; preparative methods for asymmetric chemicals; applications of chiral transition metal complexes in catalyzed organic reactions; laboratory work emphasizing chromatographic techniques and 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Must have completed CHEM-220 and CHEM-310 with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 450 Molecular Structure and Reactivity with Lab An advanced inorganic chemistry course where we study how the electronic structure of molecules and materials impacts their properties and reactivity. Coordination chemistry is one of the main axes of this class; topics covered include f-block chemistry, cross-coupling reactions, and photocatalysis. We also discuss nanomaterials, their synthesis and spectroscopic properties. Laboratory work emphasizes synthesis and reactivity studies on and physical characterization of inorganic and organometallic compounds as well as quantum materials. Must have completed CHEM-220 with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 452 Advanced Biochemistry with Lab Study of selected topics in biochemistry through review articles and primary research literature, emphasizing experimental methods, critical analysis and interpretation of data, and integration of biochemical concepts. Laboratory will utilize an investigative approach to strategies of enzyme studies and bioinformatics. Must have completed BIOL/CHEM-352 and BIOL/CHEM-352L with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 465 Biochemistry II: MacRomolecules, Metabolism, and Diseases with Lab This course is designed for students to expand on the molecular-level studies of biomolecules obtained in Biochemistry I and will extend this knowledge to understanding the effect of aberrant metabolism to disease formation. In this course, students will analyze how organisms maintain homeostasis by making use of the varied macromolecules they possess and using them to generate necessary energy. The laboratory portion will introduce students to tools for the study of biochemistry that will be expanded upon in the Experimental Biochemistry Lab (CHEM -466L). This course will not count towards the major in Biology. Must have completed CHEM-365 with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 465L Biochemistry II Lab Must be taken concurrently with CHEM-465.
CHEM 466L Experimental Biochemistry Lab In this lab course students will engage in a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) wherein they will tackle a current day biochemical problem by purifying and analyzing an enzyme linked to a disease and explore how amino acid mutations lead to aberrant enzyme function. Must have completed CHEM-465 with a minimum grade of C-. Open to Biochemistry majors only.
CHEM 470 Principles of Medicinal Chemistry with Lab This course will survey the world of medicinal drug design, from target choice to structural drug determinants, to drug toxicology and disposition. The course will illustrate to students the significance of chemical structure and their physiochemical properties, and address molecular modification of molecules in the rational design of drug entities. The ultimate goal is to help students relate drug chemistry to therapeutic applications. We will review some general principles learned in Introductory and Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology, and will introduce several Pharmacological and Physiological principles, as they relate to the molecular mechanism of action of select drug classes. Emphasis will be placed on drug-target interactions at the molecular level by employing 3-D visualization tools. Must have completed BIOL/CHEM-352 or CHEM-365 with a minimum grade of C-. Priority will be given to Senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors.
CHEM 480 Macromolecular & Supramolecular Chemistry with Lab We encounter macromolecules daily as materials and the machinery of life, including synthetic polymers, proteins, and DNA. Supramolecular chemistry is the spontaneous association of molecules into large, complex structures. This course is an introduction to the synthesis of macromolecules, the characterization of their chemical structure, and the study of supramolecular systems. We will cover modern methods of polymer synthesis and review intermolecular forces to help us understand self-assembly. Journal article discussions will highlight applications in biological and synthetic systems. Lab will give you hands-on experience with polymer synthesis and characterization, including 2D NMR, HPLC-MS, and mechanical properties. Must have completed CHEM-220 with a minimum grade of C-.
CHEM 490F Senior Seminar - Professional Development for Chemists This seminar course is a partial-units course distributed among the three terms, beginning in spring of junior year, intended for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors - students are required to complete two terms of CHEM -490. Students who intend to complete their Graduation Shared Passages Seminar requirement will need to complete all three terms of CHEM -490. This course combines activities currently in the Chemistry senior program and two practicum experiences with the goal of preparing senior majors to present a public seminar covering their Senior Individualized Project and to present themselves professionally as they move into chosen professions. The Chemistry discipline relies heavily on both written and verbal communication skills to disseminate scientific information, and as such, practitioners must be able to articulate concise and scientifically accurate descriptions of their work. In this course majors attend a series of seminars by guest chemistry professionals, are exposed to on-campus resources, learn practical applications, and engage in peer workshops to develop oral and written presentation skills. CHEM490F is taken in fall of senior year. Open to senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors only.
CHEM 490S Senior Seminar - Professional Development for Chemists This seminar course is a partial-units course distributed among the three terms, beginning in spring of junior year, intended for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors - students are required to complete two terms of CHEM -490. Students who intend to complete their Graduation Shared Passages Seminar requirement will need to complete all three terms of CHEM -490. This course combines activities currently in the Chemistry senior program and two practicum experiences with the goal of preparing senior majors to present a public seminar covering their Senior Individualized Project and to present themselves professionally as they move into chosen professions. The Chemistry discipline relies heavily on both written and verbal communication skills to disseminate scientific information, and as such, practitioners must be able to articulate concise and scientifically accurate descriptions of their work. In this course majors attend a series of seminars by guest chemistry professionals, are exposed to on-campus resources, learn practical applications, and engage in peer workshops to develop oral and written presentation skills. CHEM 490S is typically taken in spring of junior year as a preparative course for the SIP. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.
CHEM 490W Senior Seminar - Professional Development for Chemists This seminar course is a partial-units course distributed among the three terms, beginning in spring of junior year, intended for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors - students are required to complete two terms of CHEM -490. Students who intend to complete their Graduation Shared Passages Seminar requirement will need to complete all three terms of CHEM -490. This course combines activities currently in the Chemistry senior program and two practicum experiences with the goal of preparing senior majors to present a public seminar covering their Senior Individualized Project and to present themselves professionally as they move into chosen professions. The Chemistry discipline relies heavily on both written and verbal communication skills to disseminate scientific information, and as such, practitioners must be able to articulate concise and scientifically accurate descriptions of their work. In this course majors attend a series of seminars by guest chemistry professionals, are exposed to on-campus resources, learn practical applications, and engage in peer workshops to develop oral and written presentation skills. CHEM 490W is taken in winter of senior year. Open to Senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors only.
CHEM 593 Senior Integrated Project Each program or department sets its own requirements for Senior Integrated Projects done in that department, including the range of acceptable projects, the required background of students doing projects, the format of the SIP, and the expected scope and depth of projects. See the Kalamazoo Curriculum -> Senior Integrated Project section of the Academic Catalog for more details. Permission of department and SIP supervisor required.
CHEM 600 Teaching Assistantship