Department of Chemistry

Chairperson: Dr. Karl Jackson
Location: Hunter-McDaniel Building, Room 239N
Contact Information: 804-524-5448 | kjackson@vsu.edu

Department Overview
 

The Department of Chemistry at VSU prepares students for careers in industry, admission to professional schools (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), and graduate studies in chemistry, forensic science, and related fields. To support these goals, the Department offers a structured curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry, with six academic concentrations:

  1. B.S. in Chemistry – General Chemistry Concentration
  2. B.S. in Chemistry – Biochemistry Concentration
  3. B.S. in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration
  4. B.S. in Chemistry – Secondary Education Endorsement
  5. 3+4 Dual Degree: B.S. in Chemistry and PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)
  6. 3+2 Dual Degree: B.S. in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Each program is designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers in science, healthcare, and academia. Students are encouraged to engage in research as early as their freshman year, either during the academic year or through summer internships. Many students choose and are assisted in pursuing a minor in another discipline to broaden their skill sets and improve their competitiveness in the job market. In addition to the concentrations, we also offer a minor in Chemistry.

Mission Statement
 

The Department of Chemistry at Virginia State University is committed to delivering high-quality, rigorous academic programs that serve a diverse student population. Its mission is to prepare students to compete successfully in both national and global job markets and to support their admission into graduate and professional schools. To address a broad range of academic and career goals, the Department emphasizes the advancement of chemical knowledge through well-structured coursework, hands-on research experiences, and training with state-of-the-art, research-grade instrumentation.

The Chemistry Program consistently produces scholars who go on to earn terminal professional degrees, positioning them for leadership roles in government, academia, and the chemical and health industries.

Student Organizations
 

American Chemical Society – Student Affiliate
Chemistry Club

Department Goals
 

The overall departmental goal is to contribute toward the development of future scientists and professionals, and specifically to:

  • Produce graduates who are strongly grounded in the fundamental principles of the discipline for success in graduate or professional programs and competitive for gainful employment in industry;
  • Produce graduates possessing highly developed problem-solving and critical thinking skills;
  • Promote research and engage students in research activities to advance knowledge.
  • Develop graduates who, as future leaders, can confidently communicate scientific information and research findings to their peers and the scientific community

Program Listings
 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry

General Chemistry Concentration - The most flexible and is recommended for students interested in industrial positions or considering graduate school in chemistry. Students working under this option should select both restricted and unrestricted electives that are appropriate for their intended focus area.

Course Requirements: All chemistry core courses and supporting science and math courses must be completed with a C or better grade. B.S. Chemistry Checklist for Core Courses.

Biochemistry Concentration - Students in this program receive a deeper education in biological sciences, which helps prepare them for health-related professions such as: entry into medical, pharmacy, dentistry, and nursing schools, as well as entry into graduate schools in the life sciences or direct employment in biotechnology.

Course Requirements: All chemistry core courses and supporting science and math courses must be completed with a C or better grade.

Forensic Chemistry Concentration - Prepares students for employment in the forensic sciences and careers in crime labs and graduate programs. Students in this program take criminal justice courses and complete internships with regional partners to gain experience in the field.

Course Requirements: All chemistry core courses and supporting science and math courses must be completed with a C or better grade.

B.S. in Chemistry Secondary Education Endorsement - Suitable for students who strive to teach Chemistry in secondary schools. Students who choose this option are licensed and fully prepared to work in the classroom by the time they graduate. Some scholarship funds are available for qualified students in this program.

Course Requirements: All chemistry core courses, supporting science and math courses and education courses must be completed with a C or better grade.

3+4 PharmD Concentration - A joint program whereby students obtain a B.S. in Chemistry degree from Virginia State University and a PharmD degree from Howard University School of Pharmacy in 7 years. Students pursuing this concentration enter the PharmD program upon successfully completing 3 years in the undergraduate chemistry program at Virginia State University, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Course Requirements: All chemistry core courses and supporting science and math courses must be completed with a C or better grade.

3+2 Chemical Engineering Concentration - The 3 + 2 Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (VSU) and the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, concentration (VCU). This unique agreement allows students to obtain two B.S. degrees in a minimum of five years. The degree allows students to enter the workforce in areas of chemical engineering or to seek a M.S. or Ph.D. in chemical engineering.

The objectives are to prepare diverse professionals in the values, knowledge, and skills of two fields to provide an integrated base of competency that is valuable for service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Nation as a whole. The Program is an accelerated, fully-accredited program in Engineering. Students in the Program will receive VCU transfer credit for coursework based on their prior work at the Home Institution (VSU). The Program is meant to be completed in five years, but more time may be required depending on circumstances.

Course Requirements: Students in this concentration must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at both institutions, completing all chemistry, math, physics, engineering, and computer science courses with a B or better grade:

The average grade for all attempted engineering and computer science courses, regardless of where they are taken, must be at least 3.0. All grade averages mentioned herein are computed from all coursework attempted at Home Institution (VSU), VCU, and other institutions. For repeated coursework, grades for all attempts will be averaged.

Minor in Chemistry - The Chemistry minor requires 19 credit hours to include a restricted Chemistry elective and Organic Chemistry I & II and Analytical Chemistry I & II, along with the labs for each course. Students must earn a grade of “C” in all courses for the minor.

Major(s)

Minor(s)

“If a student withdraws from the lecture portion of a chemistry course they MUST withdraw from the
laboratory course.”
“In order for a student majoring in a chemistry program to advance to the next course the program pre-
requisites must be fulfilled with a grade of C or better.”

CHEM 100 CHEMISTRY AND SOCIETY- 3 semester hours                                               
A development of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications: Chemical nomenclature,
stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding theories, thermochemistry, periodic properties,
solution calculations, gas laws and properties of solid and liquids among the topics discussed.

CHEM 100 CHEMISTRY AND SOCIETY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour       
An introductory course to the principle techniques of experimental chemistry with emphasis on formula
investigations, equations, elementary laboratory statistics, and chemical reactivity.
Co-requisite: CHEM 100 Chemistry and Society

CHEM 105 INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY - 3 semester hours                                         
A development of the fundamental basis for the further study of chemistry designed for students lacking the
pre-requisites for General Chemistry (CHEM151). Emphasis will be placed on problem solving techniques.
Topics will include: international system of units, dimensional analysis, properties of atoms and molecules,
atomic structure and the periodic table, common chemical reactions, and stoichiometry calculations. The
course and associated laboratory can be counted towards the general education science requirement.

CHEM 105 INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour               
Accompanying laboratory exercises for CHEM105 are designed to emphasize basic techniques in laboratory
including measurements, basic graphical presentation and interpretation, basis data interpretation, laboratory
statistics and laboratory safety practices. The laboratory can be counted towards the general education science
requirement.
Co-requisite: CHEM 105 Introductory Chemistry

CHEM 151 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I - 3 semester hours                                         
A development of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications. Chemical nomenclature,
stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding theories, thermochemistry, periodic properties, solution calculations, gas
laws and the properties of solids and liquids are among the topics discussed.
Pre-requisite:  Successful completion of the VSU math placement test with a score that meets the criteria
for placement in, at a minimum, MATH120 at the time of enrollment or completion of CHEM105 with a
C or better.

CHEM 152 GENERAL CHEMISTRY II - 3 semester hours                                               
A continuation of the study of the principles of chemistry and their applications. The topics include solution
properties, acids and bases, ionic equations, oxidation-reduction, equilibrium, kinetics, descriptive chemistry of the
elements, nuclear chemistry and an introduction to organic chemistry.
Pre-requisite:  CHEM 151 General Chemistry I or CHEM 161 Chemistry I

CHEM 153 GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I - 1 semester hour                       
An introduction to the principles and techniques of experimental chemistry with emphasis upon formula
investigations, equations, elementary laboratory statistics, and chemical reactivity.
Co-requisite:  CHEM 151 General Chemistry I

CHEM 154 GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II - 1 semester hour                      
A continuation of CHEM 153 with emphasis upon solution properties, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases,
and qualitative analysis.
Pre-requisite:  CHEM 153 General Chemistry Laboratory I or CHEM 163 Chemistry Laboratory I
Co-requisite:   CHEM 152 General Chemistry II

CHEM 161 CHEMISTRY I - 3 semester hours                                                                    
A development of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their application. Chemical nomenclature,
stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding theories, thermochemistry, periodic properties, solution calculations, gas
laws and the properties of solids and liquids are among the topics discussed in depth. Emphasis will be placed on
problem solving skills to better prepare students for careers in chemistry and related life science fields.
Pre-requisite:  Chemistry Majors or Permission from the Department Chair

CHEM 162 CHEMISTRY II - 3 semester hours                                                                   
A continuation of development of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their application. The topics that
will be covered in depth include solution properties, acids and bases, ionic equations, oxidation reduction,
equilibrium, kinetics descriptive chemistry of the elements, nuclear chemistry and an introduction to organic
chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving skills to better prepare students for careers in chemistry
and related life science fields.
Pre-requisite:  CHEM 151 General Chemistry I or CHEM 161 Chemistry I with a C or better

CHEM 163 CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I - 1 semester hour                                           
An introduction to the principles and techniques of experimental chemistry with emphasis upon the application
of course material to problem solving in the laboratory.
Co-requisite:  CHEM 161 Chemistry I

CHEM 164 CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II - 1 semester hour                                          
A continuation of CHEM 163 with emphasis upon problem solving and presenting professional graphical
data while exploring, solution properties, kinetics, equilibrium acids and bases, and qualitative analysis.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 153 General Chemistry I Laboratory, CHEM 163 Chemistry Laboratory I
Co-requisite:  CHEM 162 Chemistry II

CHEM 210 HISTORY OF CHEMISTRY - 1 semester hour                                               
A thorough assessment of the groundbreaking work of the pioneers responsible for the current practice
of the science of chemistry and biochemistry.
Pre-requisites:  CHEM 151 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I or CHEM161 CHEMISTRY I

CHEM 214 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - 3 semester hours                                               
A detailed study of the representative elements and their compounds, involving both theoretical and
descriptive approaches.  Topics greatly expand upon the subject material in the Freshman level chemistry
course and include atomic and molecular structure, descriptive chemistry of the elements, d metal complexes,
molecular shape and symmetry, group theory, the structure of solids, acids/bases, oxidation/reduction and an
introduction to ligand and crystal field theories.
Pre-requisite:  CHEM152 General Chemistry II or CHEM 162 Chemistry II with a C or better

CHEM 215 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                     
Experiments designed to complement inorganic chemistry lecture by introducing synthetic and instrumental
methodology used in the study of inorganic compounds.
Co-requisite:  CHEM 214 Inorganic Chemistry

CHEM 218 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY I - 3 semester hours                                          
A survey of the methods of inorganic quantitative analysis, including the methods of gravimetric and volumetric
analysis with the use of simple instrumental methods included.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 152/154 General Chemistry II or 162/164 Chemistry II

CHEM 219 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I - 1 semester hour                  
Laboratory experiences involving the qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical compounds including
gravimetric, volumetric and spectrophotometric methods.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 154 General Chemistry Laboratory II or CHEM 164 Chemistry Laboratory II
Co-requisite: CHEM 218 Analytical Chemistry I

CHEM 232 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES IN CHEMISTRY - 1 semester hour                
A course designed to foster ethical practices and safety in chemistry and related fields.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 162 Chemistry II and CHEM 164 Chemistry II Laboratory

CHEM 305 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I - 3 semester hours                                                 
A survey of the chemistry of carbon compounds, their nomenclature, physical properties, structure and reactions
with an introduction to reaction mechanisms and instrumental analysis.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 152 General Chemistry II or CHEM 162 Chemistry II

CHEM 306 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II - 3 semester hours                                                
A continuation of CHEM 305.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 305 Organic Chemistry I

CHEM 307 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I - 1 semester hour                        
An examination of fundamentals of and practice in organic synthesis, separation, purification and the
identification of organic compounds.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 154 General Chemistry Laboratory II or CHEM 164 Chemistry Laboratory II
Co-requisite: CHEM 305 Organic Chemistry I

CHEM 308 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II - 1 semester hour                       
A continuation of the fundamentals of and practice in organic synthesis, separation, purification and the
identification of organic compounds.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 307 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Co-requisite: CHEM 306 Organic Chemistry II

CHEM 318 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY II - 3 semester hours                                         
An advanced course with emphasis on general principles and applications of analytical instrumental analysis.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 218 Analytical Chemistry I; CHEM 219 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory I

CHEM 319 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II- 1 semester hour                 
Experiments in Instrumental Analysis
Co-requisite:  CHEM 318 Analytical Chemistry II

CHEM 320 ORGANIC REACTION MECHANISMS & MODERN INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES - 3 semester hours                                                             
A course designed for a more in depth treatment of reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry and
instrumental analytical techniques for structure determination of organic compounds, to include:
Infraredspectroscopy; Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy; Mass spectrometry; and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
spectroscopy.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 306 Organic Chemistry II

CHEM 330 INTRODUCTION TO THE CHEMICAL RESEARCH - 2 semester hours      
An aid to the student in making efficient use of chemical literature both online and in the printed form, with an
emphasis upon obtaining the appropriate sources for a research project in the field of chemistry or
biochemistry.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 306, 308 Organic Chemistry & Laboratory II

CHEM 340 FORENSICS CHEMISTRY - 3 semester hours                                                
A course designed to give the forensics student the necessary background in specialized chemical methods
and concepts as they apply to the field of forensics.
Pre-requisite:  CHEM 306, 308 Organic Chemistry & Laboratory II

CHEM 341 FORENSICS CHEMISTRY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                        
A laboratory course designed to give the forensics student the necessary practical experience in specialized
chemical methods as they apply to the field of forensics.
Co-requisite:  CHEM 340 Forensics Chemistry

CHEM 400 SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY - 3 semester hours                                   
An advanced course for chemistry majors designed to promote interest and experience in specialized areas
of chemistry.  Topics in the area of organic, physical, analytical, inorganic and biochemistry are based on
the expertise of the faculty and current trends within these disciplines in chemistry.
Pre-requisite:  Permission of instructor.

CHEM 401 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I - 3 semester hours                                                
A non-laboratory treatment of physical chemistry with emphasis on chemical thermodynamics, phase
equilibria, kinetic theory and chemical kinetics.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 152 General Chemistry II or CHEM 162 Chemistry II; MATH 261 Calculus II
or consent of instructor

CHEM 402 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II - 3 semester hours                                              
A continuation of CHEM 401 with emphasis on the condensed states of matter, atomic and molecular
structure, spectroscopy, statistical mechanics and electrochemistry.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry I

CHEM 404 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - 1 semester hour                      
An introduction to the advanced techniques of physiochemical measurements and their application to
chemistry.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry I

CHEM 414 ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - 3 semester hours                          
Advanced study of the representative elements and their compounds, involving both theoretical and
descriptive approaches.  Review of ligand field and crystal field theories, reaction mechanisms of d-
block complexes, electronic spectra of transition metal complexes, characterization methods in
inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry are among the
topics discussed.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 214, 215 Inorganic Chemistry & Laboratory

CHEM 415 ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour
Laboratory experiments in inorganic synthesis and spectroscopic methods in inorganic chemistry.
Co-requisite: CHEM 414 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

CHEM 420 SEMINAR IN CHEMISTRY - 1 semester hour                                                
A presentation and discussion of topics of current interest and an introduction to the preparation of technical
presentations and presentation methods.
Pre-requisite: 15 semester hours of chemistry courses

CHEM 422 BIOCHEMISTRY I - 3 semester hours                                                             
An introduction to the chemistry of life processes, the composition of living matter and the changes
associated with biological processes
Pre-requisites: CHEM 306, 308 Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory

CHEM 423 BIOCHEMISTRY I LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                   
A laboratory course in which the properties of biochemical molecules are explored and common biochemical
reactions are examined.
Co-requisite: CHEM 422 Biochemistry I

CHEM 424 BIOCHEMISTRY II - 3 semester hours                                                           
A continuation of the chemistry of life processes, the composition of living matter, and the changes
associated with biological processes.
Pre-requisite:  CHEM 422 Biochemistry I

CHEM 425 BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY II - 1 semester hour                                 
A continuation laboratory course in which the properties of biochemical molecules are explored and common
biochemical reactions are examined.
Pre-requisite:  CHEM 422, 423 Biochemistry I & Laboratory
Co-requisite:  CHEM 424 Biochemistry II

CHEM 441 RESEARCH LABORATORY I - 2 semester hours                                           
The first part of a capstone research experience.  Students are expected to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week
on an independent and original research project designed in consult with their research advisor.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 320 Organic Reaction Mechanisms & Modern Instrumental Analysis
Techniques; CHEM 318 Analytical Chemistry II, CHEM 319 Analytical Chemistry II Laboratory,
CHEM330 Introduction to Chemical Research

CHEM 442 RESEARCH LABORATORY II - 2 semester hours                                         
A continuation of CHEM 441 with an emphasis upon the independent development of a research project.   A
written report of the research and an oral presentation of the results are required.
Pre-requisite: CHEM 441 Research Laboratory I

CHEM 443 ADVANCED FORENSICS LABORATORY I - 2 semester hours                    
This laboratory-based course is designed to give the advanced student crime laboratory experience in
examining, analyzing and identifying evidence.  In several simulated court presentations, students sharpen
their skill in presenting evidence as a scientific expert.  The areas covered are:  hairs, fibers and polymers,
glass, soil, gunshot residue, fire and bomb debris, and drugs.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 318 Analytical Chemistry II and CHEM 319 Analytical Chemistry II
Laboratory, CHEM 330 Introduction to Chemical Research, CHEM 340 Forensics Chemistry,
`and CHEM 341 Forensics Chemistry Laboratory.

CHEM 444 ADVANCED FORENSICS LABORATORY II - 2 semester hours                 
A continuation of CHEM 443.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 443 Advanced Forensics Laboratory I

CHEM 445 Internship in CRIMINALISTICS - 3 semester hours                                
This on/off-campus internship is designed to give the student an opportunity to expand and apply their
classroom knowledge through workplace gained experience in forensic chemistry.  It is a lecture/laboratory
course.  The site supervisor and faculty supervisor will develop the internship criteria and then evaluate the
student’s performance.
Pre-requisites: CHEM 444 Advanced Forensics Laboratory II and Permission of Department Chair