Course Descriptions
Up to date course descriptions including the pre-requisites for the Chemistry classes are available in the college on-line catalog
Courses Offered
CHE 1010 - Chemistry and Society
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests
This course is intended for nonscience students who need to satisfy the General Studies Science requirement. It introduces basic concepts of chemistry in modern society. The emphasis of the course is to permit students to obtain a qualitative understanding of chemical principles and their application to environmental issues. (General Studies—Level II, Natural Science) (GT-SC2)
CHE 1100 - Principles of Chemistry
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests
Corequisite(s): CHE 1150
This course is a study of the fundamentals of chemistry. A survey of atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, nomenclature, stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution chemistry is provided for those students with no background in these areas. (General Studies—Level II, Natural Science - Completion of both CHE 1100 and CHE 1150 with passing grades is required to receive General Studies credit and GT—SC1)
CHE 1150 - Principles of Chemistry Laboratory
Credits: 1 (0 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests
Corequisite(s): CHE 1100 or permission of department chair
This course is an introduction to the academic chemistry laboratory and is intended for students with no prior experience. The course will cover health and safety issues, preparation and use of common glassware/lab equipment, proper recording of qualitative and quantitative observations, and common lab techniques. (General Studies—Level II, Natural Science, completion of both CHE 1150 and CHE 1100 with passing grades is required to receive General Studies credit and GT—SC1)
CHE 1800 - General Chemistry I
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests and high school chemistry; and either three years high school math or college algebra
A comprehensive study of the facts, concepts, and laws of chemistry. The course is designed to meet the requirements of students majoring in chemistry, medicine, medical technology, biology, physics and other fields requiring a strong background in chemistry. (GT-SC1)
CHE 1810 - General Chemistry II
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800 and Minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests (completion of CHE 1810 and 1850 with a passing grade is required to receive General Studies credit)
This course is a continuation of CHE 1800 and provides a comprehensive study of the facts, concepts, and laws of chemistry. The course is designed to meet the requirements of students majoring in such areas as chemistry, medicine, medical technology, biology, physics, and other fields requiring a strong background in chemistry. (General Studies—Level II, Natural Science) (GT-SC1)
CHE 1850 - General Chemistry Laboratory
Credits: 2 (1 + 3)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800 with a passing grade is required to receive General Studies credit
Corequisite(s): CHE 1810 (CHE 1800 is a prerequisite for CHE 1810)
A one-hour recitation will be utilized to discuss theoretical and procedural aspects of laboratory experiments. Chemical literacy including report writing and reference sources will be introduced. (General Studies—Level II, Natural Science) (GT-SC1)
CHE 2100 - Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
Credits: 5 (4 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1100
A study of the elements of organic and biological chemistry. This course satisfies requirements for nursing programs and other fields requiring a survey of organic and biological chemistry.
CHE 2300 - Inorganic Chemistry
Credits: 3 (2 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800, CHE 1810, CHE 1850
This course introduces and reviews such topics as bonding and reactivity of inorganic substances, acid-base concepts, descriptive chemistry of the main group elements, and transition elements/coordination chemistry. Laboratory deals with the synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds.
CHE 2710 - Introduction to Criminalistics
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1100 or CHE 1800
This course introduces the student to the application of science at crime scenes and the crime laboratory. It provides a survey of forensic science including pathology, entomology, anthropology, microevidence, drug analysis, toxicology, dactyloscopy, firearm examination, serology, hair and fiber analysis, soil and glass analysis, and crime scene processing.
CHE 2711 - Introduction to Criminalistics Laboratory
Credits: 1 (0 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1150 or CHE 1850
Corequisite(s): CHE 2710
This course introduces the student to laboratory methods involved with presumptive tests for biological fluids, fire-arms examination, document examination, pattern analysis, and fingerprint examination.
CHE 2750 - Arson and Explosives
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1100
This course will include a study of the chemistry of fires and explosions. Arson scene evidence collection and preservation techniques will be discussed, as well as techniques for analyzing the residues collected.
CHE 2760 - Field Testing and Laboratory Analysis of Drugs
Credits: 1 (1 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1100
The course introduces the theory and practice of using a drug-testing kit to screen for the presence or absence of controlled substances.
CHE 3000 - Analytical Chemistry
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800, CHE 1810, CHE 1850
Corequisite(s): CHE 3010
This course studies the fundamentals of analytical chemistry including principles of gravimetric, volumetric, potentiometric, and spectrophotometric analysis. Chemical literacy as it applies to analytical chemistry will be introduced.
CHE 3010 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800, CHE 1810, CHE 1850
Corequisite(s): CHE 3000
This course introduces laboratory methods in analytical chemistry including techniques of gravimetric, volumetric, potentiometric, and spectrophotometric analysis.
CHE 3050 - Environmental Chemistry
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800, CHE 1810, CHE 1850, CHE 3100
This course is a study of the sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species in water, soil, air, and biota environments.
CHE 3100 - Organic Chemistry I
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800, CHE 1810, CHE 1850; satisfaction of Level I General Studies course requirements
An introduction to the study of nomenclature, structure, synthesis, reactions, properties, identification, and mechanisms of both aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds. (General Studies—Level II, Natural Science)
CHE 3110 - Organic Chemistry II
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3100
This course is a continuation of CHE 3100 and includes a study of the nomenclature, structure, physical/chemical/spectroscopic properties, synthesis, and reactions of the major families of organic compounds.
CHE 3120 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 1800, CHE 1810, CHE 1850; satisfaction of Level I General Studies course requirements
Prerequisite/Corequisite: Pre/Corequisite: CHE 3100
The focus of this course is an introduction to basic laboratory techniques of preparation, purification, and identification of organic compounds. (General Studies—Level II, Natural Science)
CHE 3130 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3100 and CHE 3120
Prerequisite/Corequisite: Pre/Corequisite: CHE 3110
This course is a continuation of CHE 3120. It is a qualitative organic analysis course in which both classical and instrumental techniques are utilized to elucidate organic structure. Chemical literacy will be enhanced through the use of web based chemical literature search and American Chemical Society based report writing.
CHE 3190 - Survey of Physical Chemistry
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3000, MTH 1410, PHY 2010
This course provides a survey of the principles of thermodynamics, equilibrium, atomic/ molecular structure, electrochemistry, kinetics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy. It is designed to meet the requirements for the B.A. in Chemistry and the B.S. in Chemistry with the Criminalistics concentration.
CHE 3200 - Survey of Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Credits: 1 (0 + 3)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3000, MTH 1410, PHY 2010 or PHY 2311
This course covers laboratory explorations of key concepts in thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, and gas laws. Technical writing is emphasized; students are expected to use a personal computer to complete lab reports.
CHE 3250 - Physical Chemistry I
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): MTH 2420, PHY 2011 or PHY 2311; CHE 3000
This course is a comprehensive study of the principles of gas dynamics, thermodynamics, solution properties, kinetics, and a survey of electrochemistry and reaction dynamics. Literature searches related to historical and current topics in chemistry will be required.
CHE 3260 - Physical Chemistry II
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3250; PHY 2020 or PHY 2331
This course is a comprehensive study of the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum chemistry, atomic structure, molecular structure, symmetry, and spectroscopy. Literature searches related to historical and current topics in chemistry will be required.
CHE 3280 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Corequisite(s): CHE 3250
This course provides a laboratory study of the basic principles of gas dynamics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, and data-handling techniques. Technical report writing and literature search will be emphasized.
CHE 3290 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
Credits: 2 (0 + 4)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3280
Corequisite(s): CHE 3260
This course provides a laboratory study of the basic principles of quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Technical report writing and literature search will be emphasized.
CHE 3600 - Crime Scene Investigation I
Credits: 4 (3 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 2700 or CHE 2710 and CHE 2711
The course is designed for field investigators seeking a minor in criminalistics. Course material presented includes identification; individualization; collection and preservation of physical evidence; approach, processing, and investigation of crime scenes; establishing identity; trace evidence; impressions evidence; blood; and other biological evidence.
CHE 3610 - Crime Scene Investigation II
Credits: 4 (3 + 2)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3600
This course is a continuation of CHE 3600 for field investigators seeking a minor in criminalistics. Course materials include specialized instruction in the following topics: drugs and toxicology, arson and explosives, sexual assault investigation, burglary investigation, motor vehicle investigation, and homicide investigation.
CHE 3700 - Criminalistics I
Credits: 4 (3 + 3)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 2710, CHE 3000, CHE 3010, CHE 3110, CHE 3130
This course introduces the theory and practice of forensic science with an emphasis on the analysis and interpretation of physical evidence. Class and laboratory introduce forensic microscopy, crime scene investigation, crime scene evidence search, forensic chemistry, toxicology, drug analysis, and fire debris analysis.
CHE 3710 - Criminalistics II
Credits: 4 (3 + 3)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3700
This course is a continuation of CHE 3700 that focuses on forensic biology, DNA analysis and hair analysis. The development of oral and written communication skills is emphasized.
CHE 3890 - Science and Public Policy: Variable Topics
Credits: 1–3 (1–3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Any lower-division science course and ENG 1010, or Permission of instructor
This course provides a working familiarity with the technical issues that influence major public policy decisions. Policy issues and relevant technologies and their interactions are discussed. Course content varies according to current topics, such as health, environment, and energy. This course may be repeated under different topics.
CHE 3980 - Internship in Chemistry
Credits: 1-12 (0 + 3-36)
Prerequisite(s): Major in chemistry; junior or senior status; permission of instructor
Supervised by a faculty member within the major department, internships provide practical, hands-on experience in a professional field related to the major. Internship placements must be established prior to enrollment in this course in consultation with The Internship Center.To register with The Internship Center, students must meet the following qualifications:
Completed at least one semester at Metropolitan State College of DenverSophomore, junior or senior statusDeclared major in an undergraduate program2.5 minimum cumulative GPA at Metro StateCurrently enrolled and taking classes at Metro StateFor information and instructions on finding and enrolling in an internship, contact The Internship Center at 303-556-3290 or mscd-internships@mscd.edu. (Variable Credit)
CHE 4010 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3110; CHE 3190 or CHE 3260
This course provides an integrated study of techniques used for the investigation of organic reaction mechanisms and a survey of the nature of important organic reaction intermediates.
CHE 4020 - Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3110, CHE 3130; CHE 3190 or CHE 3260
A unified approach to classical and modern synthetic chemistry, including aspects of mechanism and stereochemistry.
CHE 4100 - Instrumental Analysis
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3000, CHE 3010, CHE 3100; CHE 3190 or 3250
This course presents the theory and practice of instrumental methods of analysis. Topics include: electronics; atomic and emission spectroscopy; UV-VIS spectroscopy; fluorescence and phosphorescence spectrophotometry; emission and absorption spectroscopy; infrared spectrometry; Raman spectroscopy; NMR electro analytical methods; HPLC, GC, SPE, CE, and other chromatography methods.
CHE 4110 - Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
Credits: 2 (0 + 6)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3000, CHE 3010, CHE 3100, CHE 3110; CHE 3190 or CHE 3250
Corequisite(s): CHE 4100
This course provides a laboratory study of instrumental methods employing electromagnetic radiation, magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, chromatography, and electrochemistry. Chemical literacy and report writing are emphasized.
CHE 4300 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3190 or CHE 3260
This course provides an advanced study of atomic and molecular structure, bonding and bond energies, coordination theory, x-ray crystallography, solvent systems, and periodic relationships of the elements. Advanced techniques of literature search and chemical literacy will be incorporated within the course.
CHE 4310 - Biochemistry I
Credits: 4 (4 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3100
This course is an introduction to the chemistry of living systems with emphasis placed on metabolism, bioenergetics, molecular strategy, and regulation. Applications to the related fields of nutrition, human physiology, and medicine are stressed.
CHE 4320 - Biochemistry II
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 4310
This course is a continuation of Biochemistry I (CHE 4310). The course theme and emphasis is current biochemical research results. Topics covered include enzyme catalysis, biosynthesis, membrane biochemistry, genetic engineering, molecular basis of cancer, neurochemistry, biochemical detoxification, molecular basis of inherited diseases, genetic transposition, free radical theory of aging, and selected topics in human nutrition. Technical writing and literature search is included.
CHE 4350 - Biochemistry Laboratory
Credits: 1 (0 + 3)
Prerequisite/Corequisite: CHE 4310
This course introduces basic techniques and instrumentation of biochemical research and offers opportunities for independent work in both the library and the laboratory.
CHE 4650 - Chemistry Work Experience/Cooperative Education
Credits: 4 (0 + 40)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3010, CHE 3110
This course is a laboratory field experience for students majoring or minoring in chemistry. A total of 600 hours of work experience will be required.
CHE 4700 - Criminalistics Internship I
Credits: 5 (0 + 15)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3710
This course is a laboratory internship experience for criminalistics majors.
CHE 4710 - Criminalistics Internship II
Credits: 3 (0 + 9)
Prerequisite(s): CHE 3710
This course is a laboratory internship experience for chemistry majors with a concentration in criminalistics. (Senior Experience)
CHE 4950 - Senior Experience in Chemistry
Credits: 3 (3 + 0)
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing; CHE 3000, CHE 3110; either CHE 3190 or CHE 3250; and satisfaction of Level I and II General Studies course requirements
This is a capstone experience for students seeking a major in chemistry. The course consists of library research in conjunction with a chemistry faculty member, concluding with the submission of a significant paper on some area of chemistry; presenting the paper to the Chemistry Department; and completing four American Chemical Society examinations. (Senior Experience)
