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Introduction
Students who are majoring in Chemistry or Forensic Science will find useful information in this guide relating to many aspects of the Department of Chemistry and its programs. For further information, contact the department or the appropriate faculty member. The Department strives to maintain the accuracy and clarity of this guide. If you find errors or omissions, please notify the administrative secretary, Carla Supon (HOH 314) at 974-5018.
Contents
1. General Information
1.1. Departmental Contact Information 1.2. Chemistry Faculty and Staff 1.4. Financial Aid and Employment 1.7. Other Departmental Information
2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
2.1. Chemistry – ACS Certificate 2.3. Chemistry – Health Sciences 2.4. Science Education – Chemistry
3. Graduate Degree Programs in Forensic Science 3.1. Masters in Criminalistics 3.2. Masters in Forensic Nursing 3.3. Masters in Technical Investigations
4. Course Information and Scheduling Appendix A: Chemistry Course Sequence
1.1. Departmental Contact Information
The Department of Chemistry is one of seven departments in the College of Mathematics and Science. The others are Biology, Computer Science, Funeral Service, Mathematics, Nursing, and Physics and Engineering.
Mailing address: Department of Chemistry, Box 88 University of Central Oklahoma 100 N. University Drive Edmond, OK 73034-5209
Contact Person: Carla Supon, Administrative Secretary Phone: 405-974-5018 Email: csupon@ucok.edu
Internet Address: http://www.chemistry.ucok.edu
1.2. Chemistry Faculty and Staff
Faculty Sponsors of Student Organizations
Dr. Dallas New and Dr. Michael Ferguson: Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS)
Dr. David von Minden and Dr. Robert Bost: Student Academy of Forensic Sciences (SAFS)
1.3. Advisement
In addition to an academic advisor, students are assigned an advisor in the Department of Chemistry. It is helpful to seek advisement from the faculty in the department before enrolling each semester.
All new chemistry majors are especially encouraged to begin their enrollment in the Chemistry Department. Both UCO students and transfer students should bring transcripts of previous college work. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for advisement, although official transcripts are required for admission to the University.
1.4 Financial Aid and Employment
1.4.1. Laboratory Assistants
Undergraduate students may be offered the opportunity of serving as assistants in chemistry laboratories. Applications for employment should be submitted to Dr. Mike Jezercak (mjezercak@ucok.edu). Laboratory assistants are paid an hourly wage as set by the Department of Chemistry.
1.4.2 Tutors
There is usually a demand for tutors by chemistry and forensic science students. The Department will employ several tutors who are paid an hourly wage. Those interested in tutoring should apply to Dr. Luis Montes.
1.4.3 Scholarships
Tuition waivers and scholarships are awarded once a year to chemistry and forensic science majors. The deadline to apply is in February. For an application, contact Dr. Albahadily (974-5463) or Carla Supon (974-5018).
1.5.1 Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (Chemistry Club)
The Chemistry Club’s official name is SAACS, “Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society”. This student organization meets each month at a time and place to be announced. SAACS members participate in chemistry outreach activities, National Chemistry Week, field trips, community service and social events. SAACS offers a unique, out-of-class environment for students to get to know each other and the faculty, and to broaden their horizons in science. Watch for information on the bulletin board outside HOH 220.
1.5.2 Student Academy of Forensic Sciences (Forensics Club)
The Student Academy of Forensic Sciences (SAFS) meets twice a month, usually once in the afternoon and once in the evening, at a time and place to be announced. SAFS members are able to network with speakers from various fields of forensic science. Members also participate in field trips, sponsor community service events, host social activities, and attend professional meetings. The SAFS bulletin board is outside HOH 218.
1.6 Research Opportunities
1.6.1 Directed Research at UCO
Many members of the Chemistry Department are engaged in research, and most have projects which are suitable for an advanced undergraduate student. Students who wish to participate in a research project should discuss that opportunity with the individual professor. Students in the ACS certificate degree option are required to complete a project (CHEM 4502) under the direction of a faculty member.
1.6.2 Other Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Many chemistry programs at other universities around the country offer opportunities for undergraduates to do research, some of which are summer programs. The UCO Chemistry Department keeps this information on file. See Carla Supon (HOH 314) if you are interested. Special research opportunities are also available through several collaborative programs with researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and other state institutions. Visit the Jackson College of Graduate Studies and Research website (http://www.ucok.edu/graduate/index.html) for more information about research opportunities.
1.7. Other Department Information
1.7.1 Student Resource Room (HOH318) The Student Resource Room, HOH 318, is an area for students. The department tutors are available in the Student Resource Room. A variety of resources, including chemistry textbooks, spectral libraries, and information about graduate schools, and four computers equipped with mass spectrometry software are available. A list of Resource Room policies is posted in the room. Please note that the room closes at 5:00 p.m. everyday.
1.7.2. Lost and Found
There is a lost and found box in the Chemistry Department Office (HOH 314). Check there for items lost in chemistry classrooms or labs. The Dean’s Office (HOH 208) also has a lost and found, as do the Biology and Physics and Engineering offices.
1.7.3 Bulletin Boards
The department posts information on several bulletin boards. Job opportunities, academic information, and scholarship information are posted on the board in the chemistry office (HOH 314). Information on graduate schools and summer research opportunities are posted on the bulletin boards in the stairwell near the west door and the stairwell in the center for the building. Each of the student organizations maintains a bulletin board outside HOH218. Posted are announcements, club activities, and other information such as scholarship deadlines or professional meetings and seminars open to students.
1.7.4 Chemistry Office Policies
The Administrative Secretary will not allow students to use the office telephone, make copies, or use the fax machine. Please make other arrangements for these services.
1.7.5 Concerns and Complaints
If you have a concern about your grade ort another aspect of a course you are taking, contact your instructor during office hours. If you remain unsatisfied, please contact the department chair, Dr. Cheryl Frech.
1.7.6 Tutoring
Departmental tutors are available for assistance with course work in the Fall and Spring semesters. They are available in HOH 318 at the posted times. This service is free to students. A departmental list of approved private tutors to hire is also be available from the Administrative Secretary, Carla Supon.
1.7.7. Websites
The Department website and the SAACS website will have current information posted, including job opportunities and departmental, student organization, and university information announcements. The website also has the current newsletter, which includes articles about graduates and faculty. In addition, employers who have contacted the department about job positions are listed.
1.7.8. Information for majors A rack just inside of the Chemistry Office HOH318 contains past issues of journals and course requirements for each of the majors.
1.7.9. Lockers
There are 16 lockers available for chemistry majors, on a first-come basis. Senior chemistry majors have priority. See Carla Supon in HOH 314 has information about the lockers.
2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
The Department of Chemistry offers five bachelor’s degrees.
2.1. Chemistry – ACS Certificate (Major Code 6061)
This degree is accredited by the professional organization, the American Chemical Society. Employers and graduate schools will recognize the more rigorous content of this program.
2.2. Chemistry (Major Code 6060)
This program is very similar to the ACS certificate above, with the deletion of Biochemistry I. This course may be taken as an elective.
2.3. Chemistry – Health Sciences (Major Code 6062)
This program is offered to students who wish to pursue a career in the health sciences. The advanced hours include biochemistry and medical physics. Students planning to attend medical, dental, or optometry school, or who are interested in other pre-professional programs, will find a Chemistry-Health Science degree useful. Professional students should also consult with the Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Anne Ewing (974-5733) or aewing2@ucok.edu.
2.4. Science Education with Option in Chemistry (Major Code 6041)
Students who wish to teach chemistry in secondary school can select this major. 28 hours of chemistry course work are required, as well as foundation courses in biology and physics and engineering. 31 hours of professional teacher education are required to complete the degree. Students in this program should also meet with the Science Education Advisor, Dr. Elizabeth Allan (974-5775).
2.5. Forensic Science (Major Code 6080)
Students who wish to work in the field of forensic science may select this program. A minimum of 42-44 hours of chemistry are required, as well as foundations in physics, biology, and math. Courses related to legal aspects of forensic science (POL 3613, CJ 3643, and COMM 1113) are required. Dr. David von Minden is the coordinator of the undergraduate Forensic Science program.
3. Graduate Degree Programs in Forensic Science
The mission of the graduate program in Forensic Science is to produce graduates who are able to properly collect, preserve, analyze, and interpret forensic evidence and can provide expert testimony regarding this evidence. Students may choose one of three available options depending on their prior education background: Criminalistics, Forensic Nursing, or Technical Investigation. More detailed information than that below is available on the Chemistry Department website.
3.1 Masters in Criminalistics (Major Code 6610)
Criminalistics is the analysis, comparison, identification, and interpretation of physical evidence. The main role of the criminalist is to objectively apply the techniques of the physical and natural sciences to examine physical evidence, and thereby to help prove or disprove the existence of a crime and make connections. The criminalist provides information to investigators, attorneys, judges, or juries that is helpful in determining the innocence or guilt of the suspect.
3.2 Masters in Forensic Nursing (Major Code 6611)
Forensic Nursing is the application of nursing science to public or legal proceedings. This includes the application of the forensic aspects of health care combined with the bio-psychosocial education of the registered nurse in the scientific investigation and treatment of trauma and/or death of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity and traumatic accidents. The forensic nurse provides direct service to individual clients, consultation services to nursing, medical and law related agencies, as well as providing expert court testimony in areas dealing with trauma and/or questioned death investigative processes, adequacy of services delivery and specialized diagnoses of specific condition as related to nursing.
3.3 Masters in Technical Investigations (Major Code 6612)
Technical investigation is the application of scientific techniques, physical evidence, deductive and inductive reasoning, and their interrelationships to help determine the sequences of events surrounding the commission of a crime and to help determine the perpetrator(s) of a crime.
4. Course Information and Scheduling In order to complete a degree program within the expected time, you are encouraged to plan your schedule of courses several semesters in advance. Responsibility for completion of degree requirements falls to the student. Academic advisement (University Center) will help you set up your schedule and plan your order of coursework. Timber Sorochynskyi is the advisor for chemistry. Chemistry Faculty advisement is available for questions about degree choices, career opportunities, and specific courses. You can identify your academic advisor on a list posted in the Chemistry Department office. Your advisor will also be assigned to you by an email at least once a year. Dr. David von Minden is the coordinator for the undergraduate Forensic Science program and Dr. Dana Rundle is the director of the Graduate Program in Forensic Science, and they will also help you with planning your course sequence. Information in this guide, especially the course frequency offerings, will also help you make a degree plan. Most courses are offered in both fall and spring semesters. Exceptions are listed below. Keep in mind these offerings when planning your enrollment.
Fall Only CHEM 2203 Chemical Calculations CHEM 3503 Physical Chemistry I CHEM 4643 Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 3343 Communications and Careers in Chemistry (alternate years)
Spring Only CHEM 3203 Introductory Physical Chemistry CHEM 3513 Physical Chemistry II CHEM 3602 Experimental Physical Chemistry (to be taken concurrently with CHEM 3513) CHEM 4103 Biochemistry II CHEM 4454 Advanced Instrumental Analysis and Laboratory CHEM 4603 Advanced Organic Chemistry
Seminar Courses (CHEM 4913) Typically one course is offered each Fall and Spring term and occasionally one in the summer term. The following topics have been offered in recent years or will be offered this year: NMR Environmental Chemistry Nuclear Chemistry DNA Profiling Biotechnology Mass Spectrometry Molecular Techniques Analytical Toxicology Nature and Development of Chemistry
Summer Summer offerings vary, but thee courses are offered every summer. CHEM 1014/1014L Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory CHEM 1103/1112 General Chemistry I and Laboratory CHEM 1223/1232 General Chemistry II and Laboratory CHEM 3303/3312 Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory CHEM 3323/3332 Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory |
