Courses & Advising
University of Minnesota Morris chemistry classes are challenging, but are taught by faculty who find teaching a great reward and are prepared to help students do their best. In addition, the Academic Assistance Center offers convenient drop in tutoring for many chemistry classes. Because multiple sections are offered for introductory classes, students and faculty alike get to know one another well. Upper-division classes are small, with a student-to-faculty ratio averaging 10:1.
Curricular information about the chemistry major and minor, the biochemistry subfield and teaching licensure requirements can be found in the Morris Online Catalog. Current chemistry offerings and availability of courses can be found in the class schedule and at the course status site.
The faculty member with the primary responsibility for teaching each of the following courses in the chemistry discipline's core curriculum is listed below, along with the chemistry electives being offered for the next two years.
| Course | Primary Faculty |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry I | Mensinger, Pappenfus |
| General Chemistry II | Goodnough, Mensinger |
| Organic Chemistry I & II Organic Chemistry Lab I |
Carpenter, Fischer and Soderberg |
| Introduction to Research | Carpenter, Pappenfus |
| Analytical Chemistry | Goodnough |
| Physical Chemistry I | Alia |
| Physical Chemistry II Physical Chemistry Lab |
Alia |
| Bioorganic Chemistry | Soderberg |
| Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Disease | Mensinger |
| Chemistry of Sustainable Energy | Carpenter |
| Inorganic Chemistry & Lab | Pappenfus |
| Instrumental Analysis | Goodnough |
| Macromolecules | Pappenfus |
| Molecular Spectroscopy | Fischer/Alia |
| Synthesis & Lab | Carpenter |
| Theoretical Chemistry | Alia |
CHEMISTRY ELECTIVES FOR 2009–16
(The schedule below is TENTATIVE and subject to staffing availability. Updated March 2014. Note that Bioorganic is offered every spring unless otherwise noted. Also note that Biol 4211/4611, Biochemistry with lab, is an acceptable chemistry elective that is taught every fall in the biology discipline. Check the class schedule to ensure that it is being taught.)
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | Synthesis | Inorganic Chemistry with optional lab Molecular Spectroscopy |
| 2013-14 | Chemistry of Sustainable Energy | Instrumental Analysis Inorganic Chemistry with optional lab |
| 2014-15 | Synthesis | Polymer Chemistry and the Environment (with optional lab) Molecular Spectroscopy |
| 2015-16 | Chemistry of Sustainable Energy | Instrumental Analysis Inorganic Chemistry with optional lab |
Advising for chemistry majors rely on the one-to-one relationship between student and chemistry faculty. Course and career choices are made in consultation with your adviser, who can guide you to undergraduate research opportunities, internships, directed studies or specialized studies in interdisciplinary areas such as forensic science, geochemistry or environmental studies. The Academic Advising website has a plethora of valuable information:
- Four year plan for the chemistry major
- Worksheets listing all courses for the majors and minors
Interested in pursuing the ACS-certified degree in chemistry?
PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSEWORK AT MORRIS
Many chemistry majors are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences, including medicine. The Morris campus prides itself on its top-quality advising, and advising for pre-meds is no exception. Professor Tim Soderberg is the chair of Morris's Pre-med Advising Committee.
STUDY ABROAD AND THE CHEMISTRY MAJOR
Study abroad is something every Morris chemistry major should consider. The number of requirements for the major and the sequential nature of these requirements mean that chemistry majors will need to plan carefully for their study abroad experience. Planning should start early—preferably in during freshman year. Students interested in studying abroad should schedule an appointment to talk with Tim Soderberg, the chemistry discipline study abroad advisor. Another great resource for study abroad opportunities is the Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) located in the Student Center. In addition, the American Chemical Society has a very useful link for students considering studying abroad.
SECONDARY EDUCATION LICENSURE
Many Morris chemistry majors are interested in teaching at the high school level. The fine folk in the Division of Education maintain a licensure information website to answer all of your questions (with help from your advisor, of course!) about this career path.