Chemistry Department
University of Hawai`i at Hilo


200 W. Kawili Street
Hilo, HI 96720-4091
email
FAX: (808) 933-3693


Program Information


...Always


Introduction

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the changes that they undergo.Everything that is known in the physical universe is made up of either matter or energy and the rest is just empty space.Chemistry is often referred to as the central science. All other branches of the physical sciences touch upon the subject of chemistry and indeed, here at UH HILO all majors in the Natural Sciences Division except for Mathematics and Physics are required to take courses in Chemistry. Chemistry will play an important role in your lives in many ways. Many of the political decisions about the environment today have their basis in chemically oriented questions. This is in part due to the integral role that chemistry plays in the development of modern high technology. It is also an essential part of everyday living. As you cook, eat, and clean in and around your homes, you are made aware of the many "chemicals" that are constantly in your daily life.

Chemistry at UH Hilo

The Chemistry program at UH Hilo offers two distinct plans, the traditional Chemistry major with a Physical emphasis and another plan with a Health Science emphasis. The first two years of both plans are almost identical, requiring the General and Organic Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. The next two years diverge. The Physical emphasis major requires more upper division courses in Chemistry while the Health Sciences major requires upper division courses in Biology along with Chemistry courses. Both plans lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. Either plan prepares a student for the job market immediately after graduation or for further pursuing their education in graduate or professional schools. As the name implies, the Health Science emphasis is designed for those students who are seeking careers in health realted fields such as medicine.

Why Study Chemistry

Chemists contribute in a myriad of ways to our society today and will continue to do so practically and theoretically. This notion becomes more apparent as we head into a future that is becoming more technologically oriented. Our lives are becoming more dependant upon what chemistry can do. The study of life itself can be approached as a question of chemistry. Chemistry is omnipresent and it can be overwhelming, however, it can also be enlightening and comforting to be able to have a better understanding of our physical universe by studying Chemistry.

Degree Requirements

General Requirements

These are outlined in the UH-Hilo General Catalog
45 semester credit hours (Physical)
35 semester credit hours (Health Science)

Physical Emphasis

Courses (Credit hours)
CHEM 124/L - 125/L General Chemistry/Laboratory (10)
CHEM 241/L - 242/L Organic Chemistry/Laboratory (8)
CHEM 330/L Analytical Chemistry/Laboratory (4)
CHEM 331/L Instrumental Analysis/Laboratory (4)
CHEM 351/L - 352/L Physical Chemistry/Laboratory (8)
CHEM 421 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHEM XXX Chem. Electives numbered 300 or above (6)
CHEM 495A - B Chemistry seminar (2)
MATH 205 - 206 Calculus I - II (8)
MATH 231 Calculus III (3)
PHYS 170/L - 171/L Physics I - II/Laboratory (10)
Total Requirements (semester credits) (66)

Health Sciences Emphasis

Courses (Credit Hours)
CHEM 124/L - 125/L General Chemistry/Laboratory (10)
CHEM 241/L - 242/L Organic Chemistry/Laboratory (8)
CHEM 330/L Analytical Chemistry/Laboratory (4)
CHEM 331/L Instrumental Analysis/Laboratory (4)
CHEM 350/L Physical Chem. (Life Sciences)/Lab (4)
CHEM 421 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 495A - B Chemistry seminar (2)
BIOL 243/L - 244/L Human Anatomy - Physiology (8)
BIOL 410/L Biochemistry/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 466/L Genetics/Laboratory (4)
MATH 205 Calculus I (4)
MATH 206 or 121 Calculus II or Statistics (4/3)
PHYS 106/L - 107/L Physics I - II (non-calculus based) (10)
Total Requirements (semester credits) (67/66)


CHEMISTRY - Course Descriptions

111 Chemistry for Non-Science Majors (3) (Y)

A basic principles course designed for students in the humanities and social sciences. Current problems and the factors affecting them are presented from a simplified chemical viewpoint.

111L Chemistry for Non-Science Majors Laboratory (1 3-hr. lab)

(1) (Y)

Laboratory principles and techniques presented from the non-science major viewpoint. When possible, experiments will involve everyday phenomena.

114 Introductory Chemistry (3) (S)

Introduction to basic chemical principles. Pre: algebra recommended but not required.

114L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory (1 3-hr. lab) (1) (S)

Introduction to basic chemical laboratory principles and techniques. Pre: concurrent registration in Chem 114.

124 125 General Chemistry I, II (4 4) Yr. (S)

A mathematically rigorous introduction to chemistry designed for majors in the natural sciences. Includes one hour of recitation per week. Pre: high school chemistry (or Chem 114) and high school algebra (or Math 103 or 104) or placement by exam. Concurrent registration in Chem 124L 125L. (Chem 124 and 124L satisfy General Education requirements)

124L 125L General Chemistry Laboratory I, II (1 3-hr. lab) (1 1) Yr. (S)

Experiments illustrating the fundamental principles and techniques of chemistry. Pre: concurrent registration in Chem 124 125.

141 Survey of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (3) (Y)

Brief introduction to organic chemistry, and selected topics in biochemistry of interest to students in health and related fields. Pre: Chem 114.

141L Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory (1 4-hr. lab) (1) (Y)

Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry laboratory principles and techniques. Pre: concurrent registration in Chem 141.

241 242 Organic Chemistry (3 3) Yr. (Y)

The study of carbon compounds. Topics include molecular structure, stereochemistry, molecular spectroscopy, reactions and methods of preparation of principal classes of organic compounds. Reaction mechanisms. Pre: Chem 125 125L or consent of instructor.

241L 242L Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1 4-hr. lab) (1 1) Yr.

Techniques of organic chemistry, including synthesis and qualitative analysis. Applications include spectroscopy and chromatography. Pre: concurrent registration in Chem 241 242.

299 Directed Studies (1 3)

Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: sophomore standing and consent of instructor.

330 Quantitative Analysis (2)

The principles of modern quantitative analysis. Pre: Chem 125 125L and concurrent registration in Chem 330L.

330L Quantitative Analysis Laboratory (2 3-hr. lab) (2)

The techniques of modern quantitative analysis. Pre: concurrent registration in Chem 330.

331 331L Instrumental Analysis (2 lec., 2 3-hr. lab) (4)

Introductory instrumental analysis for chemistry majors but recommended for other natural science majors. Pre: Chem 330 330L or consent of instructor.

341 341L Qualitative Organic Analysis (2 lec., 2 3-hr. lab) (4)

Identification and characterization of organic compounds and mixtures by chemical and spectroscopic techniques. Pre: Chem 242 242L or consent of instructor.

350 Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences (3)

Principles and theories of Physical Chemistry as applied to the life sciences. For Chemistry majors and other natural science majors. Pre: Chem 242, Math 205 or consent of instructor.

350L Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences Laboratory (1 3-hr lab) (1)

Laboratory techniques in Physical Chemistry with emphasis in the life sciences. Pre: Chem 125L and Chem 350, which may be taken concurrently.

351 Physical Chemistry I (3)

Principles and theories of physical chemistry at the macroscopic level such as thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and kinetics. For chemistry majors and other natural science majors. Pre: Chem 242, Math 205, or consent of instructor. Math 206 is recommended.

351L Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1 4 hr. lab) (1)

Laboratory techniques in physical chemistry at macroscopic level. Pre: Chem 351, which may be taken concurrently.

352 Physical Chemistry (3)

Principles and theories of physical chemistry at the microscopic level such as quantum mechanics, molecular spectroscopy, and reaction dynamics. For chemistry and other natural science majors. Pre: Chem 242, Chem 331, Math 206, Phys 171, or consent of instructor. Math 231 is recommended.

352L Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1 4 hr. lab) (1)

Laboratory techniques in physical chemistry at microscopic level. Pre: Chem 352, which may be taken concurrently.

361 Radiochemistry and Nuclear Reactions (3)

Radioactive decay processes, radiation effects and detection, and nuclear phenomena including applications. Pre: Chem 352L or consent of instructor.

371 Analog Chemical Instrumentation (3)

Servo systems, solid state devices, including operational feedback controls. Emphasis placed on devices used in modern laboratory research. Pre: Chem 352 352L and Phys 171.

394 Special Topics in Chemistry (3)

Advanced topics chosen by the instructor. The course content will vary. It may be repeated for credit, provided that a different topic is studied. Pre: junior standing and consent of instructor.

399 Directed Studies (1 3)

Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: junior standing and consent of instructor.

421 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry (3)

The classification of inorganic compounds, description and fundamental theories. Course includes molecular orbital consideration. Pre: credit or concurrent registration in Chem 352. Math 206 is recommended.

441 Intermediate Organic Chemistry (3) (AY)

The study of more advanced topics in organic chemistry, such as physical organic chemistry, natural products, advanced synthesis, macromolecules, and molecular spectroscopy. Pre: Chem 242.

451 Intermediate Physical Chemistry (3) (AY)

Advanced topics in Physical Chemistry such as chemical kinetics, molecular spectroscopy, electrochemistry, thermodynamics and statistical thermodynamics, surface chemistry, and crystallography. Pre: Chem 352 or consent of instructor.

471 Digital Chemical Instrumentation (3) (IO)

The concepts of digital systems and instrumentation from simple switching devices, such as semiconductor diodes and transistors, to the latest high speed integrated circuits. Principles of digital measurement will be stressed. Pre: Chem 371.

495A 495B Seminar (1 1) Yr. (S)

Seminar presentations of topics in the physical sciences by faculty, enrolled students and invited speakers. The first semester (495A) is taken CR/NC; in the second semester (495B), students are required to present a seminar for a letter grade. Pre: senior standing or consent of instructor. (Same as Astr 495A 495B, Phys 495A 495B, Geol 495A 495B and Math 495A 495B)

499 Directed Studies (1 3) (S)

Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: senior standing and consent of instructor.

The Faculty

Dr. Guy Dority, Ph.D.,
Hawai`i-Manoa,
Organic Chemistry,
Organo-fluorine Synthesis


Dr. Leonore Findsen, Ph.D.,
Carnegie Mellon,
Physical Chemistry,
Computational Drug Design


Dr. Edward Herlicska, Ph.D.,
Hawai`i-Manoa,
Analytic and Inorganic Chemistry

Dr. Ernest Kho, Ph.D.,
UC-Santa Cruz,
Department Chairman
Organic Chemistry,
Marine Natural Products


Dr. Satya Sood, Ph.D.,
Hawai`i Manoa,
Physical Chemistry,
Kinetics of Polymers

Back to UHH Chemistry Home Page
The University of Hawai`i at Hilo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, handicap, or age.
created by Ken Ikeda / Department of Chemistry / University of Hawai`i - Hilo / Hilo, HI 96720
Last Updated: 3 January 1996
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