Averett University Undergraduate Catalog

 


Courses of Instruction in Physical Sciences

Number Title Credits Description
CH 101 General Chemistry and Lab I 4 This course explores the fundamental laws, theories, and mathematical concepts of chemistry. Topics include measurement, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and properties of gases. Laboratory work covers experimental bases of fundamental concepts. Co-requisite: MTH 103.
CH 102 General Chemistry and Lab II 4 This course continues the study of the fundamental laws, theories, and mathematical concepts of chemistry. Topics include intermolecular forces, physical properties of liquids, solids and solutions, solution stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and redox chemistry. Laboratory work introduces gravimetric, titrimetric, potentiometric, and spectrophotometric methods of quantitative analysis. Prerequisite: CH 101, MTH 103.
CH 103  Chemistry for the Life Sciences 4 This course introduces the fundamental concepts of general, organic, and biochemistry with an emphasis on their applications to the life sciences. Topics include measurements, matter and energy, atomic and molecular structure, chemical formulas and reactions, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, organic compounds containing oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins, and nuclei acids. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of chemistry as it applies to life and health-related sciences.
CH 206 Biological Chemistry and Lab 4 An introduction to organic and biochemistry for environmental sciences. Lectures and laboratory experiments dealing with the simple organic to the complex biomolecules of living systems; their properties, synthesis, and reactions. The factors that control chemical processes are related to material conversion and energy extraction and are modified by environmental changes. The influence of environmental factors will be emphasized.  Prerequisites: CH 102. Alternate years or on demand.
CH 305 Organic Chemistry and Lab I 4 This course provides a systematic study of the theories, principles, and techniques of organic chemistry. Topics include nomenclature, structure, properties, typical reactions, and reaction mechanisms of hydrocarbons and alkyl halides. Additional topics include isomerization, stereochemistry, and infrared spectroscopy. Laboratory work emphasizes separation and purification techniques. Organic synthesis will also be introduced. Prerequisite: CH 102.
CH 306 Organic Chemistry and Lab II 4 This course continues the systematic study of the theories, principles, and techniques of organic chemistry. Topics include nomenclature, structure, properties, typical reactions, and reaction mechanisms of alcohols, aromatics, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, amines, and heterocyclics. Multi-step syntheses will be studied using the disconnection approach. Laboratory work emphasizes the separation, purification, and identification of organic substances from mixtures. Prerequisite: CH 305.
CH 330 Environmental Chemistry and Lab 4 A study of the sources, reactions, transport, effects and fates of chemical species in water, soil and air. A variety of techniques are used to illustrate these factors in lecture and laboratory, including sampling, analysis, computer modeling, bioassay and development of an environmental impact study. Prerequisites: CH 206 or 306, BIO 101, and BIO 102 or 103, or permission of instructor. Alternate years or on demand.
CH 401 Biochemistry and Lab 4 A study of the relationship between biology and organic chemistry. Topics include biomolecules (synthesis, structure, and function), intermediary metabolism, and the function of cell components. Laboratory work will accompany lectures.  Prerequisites: CH 306, BIO 101, 103, or permission of instructor. Alternate years or on demand.
PSC 101 Survey of Physical Science and Lab 4 A course designed to acquaint students with objectives, content, materials, scientific methods, and logic. Laboratory work oriented toward the development of practical science units and experiments.

PSC 201
General College Physics and Lab I 4 This course acquaints the student with fundamental concepts of the physical universe. It emphasizes the mathematical analysis of many physical problems using algebra and trigonometry. Topics include statics, classical mechanics, wave motion, and sound. Prerequisite: MTH 103
PSC 202 General College Physics and Lab II 4 This course continues the study of fundamental concepts of the physical universe. It emphasizes the mathematical analysis of many physical problems using algebra and trigonometry. Topics include thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Prerequisite: PSC 201.