Chemistry and Biochemistry
Daniel Reger, Chair
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers courses in the traditional areas of analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as specialized classes in areas like biochemistry and molecular biology, environmental, forensic, materials, biophysical, polymer and computational chemistry. Students will be equipped with a solid scientific foundation, knowledge of computer programming and written communication skills, providing a strong background for a career in the sciences or for future graduate studies.
Our department has three undergraduate bachelor’s degrees and a minor. The general major leads to the Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry. The intensive major, suggested for those intending to enter a chemistry-related profession, leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Our department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been approved by the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Committee on Professional Training, and the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry meets ACS requirements. Graduates who attain the certified degree (the B.S.C.) complete requirements that exceed those of the general track, and this comprehensive experience provides an excellent foundation for a career in the molecular sciences.
Retention, Progression, and Transfer Standards
- Chemistry majors may enroll in a chemistry course a maximum of twice to earn the required grade of C or higher. Biochemistry and molecular biology majors may enroll in a biology or chemistry course a maximum of twice to earn the required grade of C or higher.
- A chemistry major must receive a grade of C or higher in any chemistry course in order for it to be used to satisfy a major requirement. A biochemistry and molecular biology major must receive a grade of C or higher in any chemistry or biology course in order for it to be used to satisfy a major requirement.
- Any student applying for transfer to the chemistry major from other programs within the University, or from other accredited colleges and universities, is required to have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
Note: All three standards apply for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. degree. The first three standards apply for the Chemistry, B.S. and the Chemistry, B.S. Chem degrees.
Courses
CHEM 101 - Fundamental Chemistry I (4 Credits)
A science elective surveying inorganic and solution chemistry. First of a terminal two-semester sequence. Three lecture, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
CHEM 102 - Fundamental Chemistry II (4 Credits)
CHEM 105 - Chemistry and Modern Society I (4 Credits)
A conceptual and qualitative approach to chemistry, its evolution, achievements, and goals and its impact on technology, the environment, and modern life and thought. (Specifically designed for non-science majors.) Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
CHEM 106 - Chemistry and Modern Society II (3 Credits)
A continuation of Chemistry 105. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: C or higher in CHEM 105.
CHEM 106L - Chemistry and Modern Society II Laboratory (1 Credit)
CHEM 107 - Forensic Chemistry (4 Credits)
Surveys chemical aspects of criminal investigation and adjudication including drug, arson, DNA, paint, and fiber identification. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
CHEM 107L - Introduction to Forensic Science Laboratory (1 Credit)
An analytical approach to surveys of criminal investigation and adjudication of crime scene analysis and collection and preservation of evidence. Analysis will include but not be limited to drug, arson, DNA, fingerprints, blood splatter, and fiber identification. Note: Three laboratory hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I (3 Credits)
Survey of the principles that underlie all chemistry with applications illustrating these principles. Three lecture and one recitation hours per week.
Carolina Core: SCI
CHEM 111L - General Chemistry I Lab (1 Credit)
CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II (3 Credits)
CHEM 112L - General Chemistry II Lab (1 Credit)
CHEM 118 - Computational Chemistry I (1 Credit)
CHEM 141 - Principles of Chemistry I (4 Credits)
CHEM 142 - Principles of Chemistry II (4 Credits)
CHEM 318 - Computational Chemistry II (1 Credit)
CHEM 321 - Quantitative Analysis (3 Credits)
CHEM 321L - Quantitative Analysis Laboratory (1 Credit)
CHEM 322 - Analytical Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 322L - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1 Credit)
CHEM 331L - Essentials of Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 Credit)
CHEM 332L - Essentials of Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1 Credit)
CHEM 333 - Organic Chemistry I (3 Credits)
CHEM 333L - Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (2 Credits)
CHEM 334 - Organic Chemistry II (3 Credits)
CHEM 334L - Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2 Credits)
CHEM 340 - Elementary Biophysical Chemistry (3 Credits)
A non-calculus approach to the study of the principles of physical chemistry emphasizing their application to significant biochemical and biological systems. Chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, solution chemistry, the structure of macromolecules, and acid-base properties of biomolecules. Credit for a degree will not be given for both CHEM 340 and CHEM 541.
CHEM 360 - Undergraduate Seminar (1 Credit)
Student seminars and a survey of biochemical and molecular biology research at the University of South Carolina. Required of all biochemistry majors.
CHEM 399 - Independent Study (1-3 Credits)
Contract Required.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
CHEM 401 - Industrial Chemistry Capstone Experience (3 Credits)
Prepares students for future roles in chemical industry or graduate school and provides career-enhancing interpersonal skills, including team-building, public speaking, resume preparation, and interviewing.
CHEM 496 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Introduction to the methods of chemical research. A written report on work accomplished is required at the end of each semester. Nine hours of library and laboratory per week. Contract Required.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
CHEM 497 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Introduction to the methods of chemical research. A written report on work accomplished is required at the end of each semester. Nine hours of library and laboratory per week. Contract Required.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
CHEM 498 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Introduction to the methods of chemical research. A written report on work accomplished is required at the end of each semester. Nine hours of library and laboratory per week. Contract Required.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
CHEM 499 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Introduction to the methods of chemical research. A written report on work accomplished is required at the end of each semester. Nine hours of library and laboratory per week. Contract Required.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
CHEM 511 - Inorganic Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 533 - Comprehensive Organic Chemistry III (3 Credits)
Selected organic reactions from synthetic and mechanistic viewpoints. For Undergraduate Credit Only.
Prerequisites: C or higher in CHEM 334.
CHEM 541 - Physical Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 541L - Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2 Credits)
CHEM 542 - Physical Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 542L - Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2 Credits)
CHEM 545 - Physical Biochemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 550 - Biochemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 550L - Biochemistry Laboratory (1 Credit)
CHEM 555 - Biochemistry/Molecular Biology I (3 Credits)
CHEM 556 - Biochemistry/Molecular Biology II (3 Credits)
CHEM 619 - Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (1-3 Credits)
Current developments in inorganic chemistry. Readings and research on selected topics. Course content varies by title and will be announced in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit.
CHEM 621 - Instrumental Analysis (3 Credits)
CHEM 621L - Instrumental Analysis Lab (1 Credit)
Methods, principles and strategies for chemical instrumentation in analysis. Chemical instrumentation laboratory with environmental, forensic, and biotechnology applications. Three laboratory hours per week.
Corequisite: CHEM 621.
CHEM 622 - Forensic Analytical Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 623 - Introductory Environmental Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 624 - Aquatic Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 629 - Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry (1-3 Credits)
Current developments in inorganic chemistry. Readings and research on selected topics. Course content varies by title and will be announced in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit.
CHEM 633 - Introduction to Polymer Synthesis (3 Credits)
Special emphasis on the modern synthesis of polymeric materials. Definitions, characterization, and applications of polymers will be briefly presented.
Prerequisites: C or higher in CHEM 334.
CHEM 639 - Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (3 Credits)
Current developments in organic chemistry. Readings and research on selected topics. May be repeated as content varies by title.
CHEM 643 - Computational Chemistry (3 Credits)
CHEM 644 - Materials Chemistry (3 Credits)
Introduction to materials science; structural and electronic description of inorganic-based solids; experimental techniques in materials chemistry; interfacial energetics and optoelectronic processes at metal and semiconductor surfaces.
Corequisite: CHEM 542 (unless a grade of C or higher earned previously).
CHEM 649 - Special Topics in Physical Chemistry (1-3 Credits)
Current developments in physical chemistry. Readings and research on selected topics. Course content varies by title and will be announced in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit.
CHEM 655 - Metabolic Biochemistry of Human Disease (3 Credits)