39 courses with the subject CHEM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
CHEM 111General Chemistry I: Structure and Equilibrium4
This course offers a rigorous, foundational treatment of atoms and molecules. We study the nature of chemical bonding and how bonding gives rise to the three-dimensional structure of matter. We explore how the macroscopic properties of substances can be interpreted in terms of atomic and molecular structure. We also learn mathematical and conceptual tools for quantifying chemical equilibrium, with an emphasis on the reactions of acids and bases. Laboratory work reinforces concepts in lecture, and also provides a review of fundamental topics, such as stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution-phase reactions, that are essential for future course work in chemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. All sections of class will have regular graded homework assignments and tests. Lab fee of $12 required. Fall semester.
CHEM 112General Chemistry II: Energetics and Reactivity
This course provides an intuitive, yet rigorous, understanding of how energy is stored and transferred in chemical systems. We start with the behavior of individual atoms and molecules (using the foundation of atomic and molecular structure laid in CHEM 111
CHEM 111 with a grade of C- or better, or satisfactory performance on a placement examination, or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry test, or a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the IB Chemistry test. One may take the placement exam or use an AP/IB test score only if you have not previously enrolled in CHEM 111. Spring semester. (4 Credits)
CHEM 115Accelerated General Chemistry4
This course combines topics from both CHEM 111 and CHEM 112 and is meant to be an accelerated one-semester version of General Chemistry. The course begins with a rigorous treatment of atomic and molecular structure, including various models of chemical bonding. These ideas are applied to a thorough discussion of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Conceptual and mathematical methods for quantifying chemical equilibrium are also explored, as well as theoretical and practical aspects of nuclear chemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and for either CHEM 111 or CHEM 112 . Lab fee of $12 required.
AP CHEM score of 4 or 5; IB CHEM score of 5, 6, or 7; or satisfactory performance on an online placement examination. Some knowledge of calculus is expected. Open only to incoming first-year students. Fall semester. (4 Credits)
CHEM 120CSI Macalester4
From the Sherlock Holmes stories before radio to the serial broadcasts of mysteries and whodunits during the mid-twentieth century to the current popularity of television’s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation , society has demonstrated an abiding interest - regardless of the technological mode of delivery - in the entertainment value associated with the application of systematic, scientific, analytical thinking in the course of criminal investigation. May high-profile cases from real life have captured public attention as newspaper columnists and radio and television pundits report and pontificate on such cases, especially the physical evidence. The Lindberg kidnapping and the O.J. Simpson trial created stunning examples of public theatre driven by a widespread desire in people to know the facts and try the case in their own minds. Whether in an entertaining work of fiction or through an untidy twist of everyday life, forensic science serves as the fulcrum upon which collection and analysis of physical evidence lead ultimately to testimony in a courtroom. Of course, in contemporary terms the word physical is essentially a euphemism for chemical or molecular . Paradoxically, the public fascination with forensic science stands largely in opposition to the public distrust and fear of all things chemical. In this course we will work towards developing thorough, molecular level understanding of the foundations of modern forensic science. In appropriate measure and as a function of scheduling, readings, problem sets, case studies, hands-on analytical analyses, guest lecture visits, and field trips may be used to guide our study of modern forensic science. Fall semesters as a First Year Course.
Food chemistry is the application of chemical concepts to food, cooking and food processing. This course focuses on food and cooking with lots of in-class and out-of-class experimentation on texture, appearance, flavor and aroma of food. Chemical concepts such as structure, equilibrium and kinetics will be discussed in relation to cooking. Topics covered will include an overview of the chemical structure of fats, proteins, carbohydrates as well as the structure of flavor and aroma molecules. The equilibrium of the chemical reactions involved in ripening and cooking will be explored. Of particular interest are acid-base reactions, pH and the reactions involved in leavening, browning and fermentation. A portion of the course will be student led and depend on the interests of the class. Every other year.
