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:
- B.S. in Chemistry – General Chemistry Concentration
- B.S. in Chemistry – Biochemistry Concentration
- B.S. in Chemistry – Forensic Chemistry Concentration
- B.S. in Chemistry – Secondary Education Endorsement
- 3+4 Dual Degree: B.S. in Chemistry and PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)
- 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)
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Biochemistry (B.S.)
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Forensics (B.S.)
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in PharmD (B.S.)
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Secondary Education (B.S.)
- Chemistry, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
Minor(s)
CHEMISTRY
CHEM 100. Chemistry in Society. (1-4 Credits)
A development of the fundamental principles of chemistry focusing on elements and compounds and their role in environmental, biochemical, technological, and industrial applications relevant to society.
CHEM 105. Introductory Chemistry. (1-4 Credits)
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. Lab 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 132. Professional Practices in CHEM. (2 Credits)
A course designed to foster ethical practices and safety in chemistry and related fields. Pre-requisite: Permission of Instructor Co-requisite: CHEM 161 and CHEM 163.
CHEM 151. General Chemistry I. (3 Credits)
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: MATH 120 with a C or better or higher placement or CHEM 105 with a C or better. Co-requisite: CHEM 153 General Chemistry I Laboratory.
CHEM 152. General Chemistry II. (3 Credits)
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 Co-requisite: CHEM 154 General Chemistry Laboratory II.
CHEM 153. General Chemistry I Laboratory. (1 Credit)
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 II Laborator. (1 Credit)
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 Co-requisite: CHEM 152 General Chemistry II.
CHEM 161. Chemistry I. (3 Credits)
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 Co-requisites: CHEM 163 Chemistry Laboratory I.
CHEM 162. Chemistry II. (3 Credits)
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 161 Chemistry I with a C or better Co-requisite: CHEM 164 Chemistry Laboratory II.
CHEM 163. Chemistry Laboratory I. (1 Credit)
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 Credit)
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. Hist of Blk & Underrep Chemist. (2 Credits)
A thorough assessment of the groundbreaking work of the Black and Underrepresented pioneers responsible for the current practice of the science of chemistry and biochemistry. Pre-requisites: CHEM 151 or CHEM161 of CHEM 100.
CHEM 214. Inorganic Chemistry. (3 Credits)
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.
CHEM 215. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory. (1 Credit)
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 Credits)
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 Lab I. (1 Credit)
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 305. Organic Chemistry I. (3 Credits)
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 Co-requisite: CHEM 307 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I.
CHEM 306. Organic Chemistry II. (3 Credits)
A continuation of CHEM 305. Pre-requisite: CHEM 305 Organic Chemistry I Co-requisite: CHEM 308 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II.
CHEM 307. Organic Chemistry Lab I. (1 Credit)
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 Lab II. (1 Credit)
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 Credits)
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 CHEM Laboratory II. (1 Credit)
Experiments in Instrumental Analysis Co-requisite: CHEM 318 Analytical Chemistry II.
CHEM 320. Org Reaction Mech/Mod Inst. (3 Credits)
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: Infrared spectroscopy; Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy; Mass spectrometry; and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Pre-requisite: CHEM 306 Organic Chemistry II.
CHEM 330. Intro Chemical Research. (2 Credits)
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 Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 308 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory.
CHEM 340. Forensics Chemistry. (3 Credits)
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 Credit)
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 361. Environmental Chemistry I. (3 Credits)
Chemical aspects of the atmosphere and air pollution: greenhouse effect and global climate change; CFCs, the ozone layer, and the ozone hole; carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and photochemical smog, particulate matter; radon, asbestos, indoor air pollution; sulfur oxides and acid deposition, particularly relating to atomospheric reactions and control options.
CHEM 362. Environmental Chemistry II. (3 Credits)
An in-depth look at chemical aspects of water and water pollution: alkalinity; acid deposition, particularly relating to lake and stream aciidification and forest decline; drinking water treatment and THMs; wastewater treatment; detergents, builders, and eutrophication; pesticides; other toxic organic compounds such as PCBs and dioxin; hazardous wates; toxic elements such as Pb, Hg, Sn, Cd, and Se.
CHEM 363. Environmental Chemistry Lab. (1 Credit)
Applicability of modern day chemical instrumentation to the solution of present-day environomental problems. Includes instruction in operation of instrumentation, calculations, and interpretation of results from environmental analyses of a variety of air, water and soil samples.
CHEM 400. Special Topics In Chemistry. (3 Credits)
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 Credits)
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 201 Calculus II or consent of instructor.
CHEM 402. Physical Chemistry II. (3 Credits)
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 Chem. (1 Credit)
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 Credits)
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. Adv Inorganic Chemistry Lab. (1 Credit)
Laboratory experiments in inorganic synthesis and spectroscopic methods in inorganic chemistry. Co-requisite: CHEM 414 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry.
CHEM 418. Advanced Organic Chemistry. (3 Credits)
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: Infrared spectroscopy; Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy; Mass spectrometry; and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Pre-requisite: CHEM 306.
CHEM 420. Seminar In Chemistry. (1 Credit)
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 Credits)
An introduction to the chemistry of life processes, the composition of living matter and the changes associated with biological processes Pre-requisites: CHEM 306 Organic Chemistry II; CHEM 308 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II.
CHEM 423. Biochemistry Laboratory I. (1 Credit)
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 Credits)
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 Credit)
A continuation laboratory course in which the properties of biochemical molecules are explored and common biochemical reactions are examined. Pre-requisite: CHEM 422 Biochemistry I; CHEM 423 Biochemistry Laboratory I Co-requisite: CHEM 424 Biochemistry II.
CHEM 441. Research Laboratory I. (2 Credits)
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 Credits)
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 Lab I. (2 Credits)
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, CHEM 341 Forensics Chemistry Laboratory, and CJUS 380 Criminal Procedures,
CHEM 444. Advanced Forensics Lab II. (2 Credits)
A continuation of CHEM 443. Pre-requisites: CHEM 443 Advanced Forensics Laboratory I.
CHEM 445. Internship in Criminalistics. (3 Credits)
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.