Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Academic Programs

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Open for Admission)

English
126 credits
For students entering the program at the Freshman level
(Please click here for more info on the Freshman program)
96 credits
For students entering the program at the Sophomore level
(holders of a recognized Baccalaureate or Freshman diploma - equivalent to 30 credits)

Courses

General Education
Arts and Humanities
6 credits
Behavioral and Social Sciences
3 credits
Civic Engagement
2 credits
English Communication
3 credits
French Communication
3 credits
MAT216General Mathematics
3 credits
This course provides the basics needed by students to progress in their specialty courses. Topics covered include: function of a real variable, elementary functions, Taylor's expansion, simple integral and methods of integration, differential equations, multivariable functions, continuity, partial derivative, the chain rule, differential, introduction to double integrals, methods of integration, Matrix calculus, determinants, and linear systems.
History of Lebanon
3 credits
STA220Probability and Applied Statistics
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: MAT213 Or MAT215 Or MAT216 Or MAT218 Or NUT210 Or NTR210
This course prepares students for the practical use of probability and statistics in the biomedical field (agronomy, chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition, medicine, etc.). Topics covered are: elements of descriptive statistics, population, statistical unit, frequency distribution characteristic of central tendency and dispersion; concepts of probability and combinatorics, conditional probability and Bayes' formula, applications, discrete and continuous random variables, expectation and moments, weak law of large numbers, empirical frequencies and probabilities customary laws (Binomial, Multinomial, Poisson, Normal) and asymptotic behavior, the law of large numbers, sampling and estimation, introduction to the use of hypothesis tests, and the Chi­2 contingency table.
Religious Sciences
3 credits
Sports
1 credits
Common Core
CHM222Chemistry of Solutions
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM212
This course brings together the necessary knowledge to understand the reactions in solutions that are the fundamentals of many methods used both in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry or biology, as well as in pharmaceutical analysis. After a reminder of key points and generalities, the course develops four main components: acid­base equilibria, complexation equilibria, redox reactions and the formation reactions of poorly soluble compounds.
PHY211Fundamental of Physics for Life Sciences I
3 credits
BIO201General Biology I
3 credits
This course is an integrated approach to the biology of organisms, covering the chemical and cellular organization of life, the transfer of energy through living systems, as well as heredity, diversity and evolution.
CHM212General Chemistry
3 credits
The purpose of this course is to present a general outline on chemistry. Through this course chemistry is introduced in its various aspects: the structure of the atom, the various models, and the properties of the elements in the periodic table; various chemical bonds, the Lewis structure, VSEPR rules; thermochemistry, thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium; kinetic chemistry, reactions rate orders, the Arrhenius law; solutions chemistry, acids and bases and various acid­base equilibrium; complexation, liquid solid equilibrium and solubility product; and redox titration and electrochemical cells.
INF304Informatics for Chemistry and Life and Earth Sciences
3 credits
This course aims to familiarize students of chemistry, biochemistry and biology with the use of advanced software to provide models to illustrate their field of study. Topics include: advanced use of Excel and chemistry applications; tools for drawing molecules; processing molecules in 2D and 3D; introduction to cheminformatics, introduction to bioinformatics and molecular modeling; the structure of proteins (Protein Data Bank and pdb file); demonstration and use of PyMol; and sequence alignment using BioEdit.
BIO271Laboratory of General Biology I
1 credits    |    Pre-requisite: BIO201
This laboratory provides a hands-on approach of several biological processes and concepts that have been studied in the accompanying course.
CHM270Laboratory of General Chemistry
1 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM212 Or CHE212 Or CHM210 Or CHE210
The general chemistry laboratory aims to develop different skills for the practical application of theoretical knowledge of general chemistry. Techniques to be learned: preparation and dilution of solutions, experimental verification of the Nernst equation, realization of different types of acid­base and redox titration by volumetric, calorimetric, pH­metric or potentiometric monitoring, and the study of solubility and precipitation reactions and characterization of ions present in a given matrix. The goal of the lab course is to ensure that students are capable of understanding the chemical concepts and to carry out experiments safely and carefully in the laboratory, to obtain data accurately and to manipulate the data correctly.
CHM371Laboratory of Organic Chemistry
1 credits    |    Pre-requisite: (CHM311 Or CHM317) And CHM270
The objective of this practical work is to illustrate by experiment the concepts covered in the course of organic chemistry for students in chemistry and biochemistry and for medical students.
Laboratory of Physics I
1 credits
CHM317Organic Chemistry
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM212
Organic chemistry is an introduction to the structure, reactivity, and properties of organic compounds. This course is intended to introduce students to the major concepts in organic chemistry and prepare them for the upper level classes in chemistry and biochemistry they will take in the coming semesters and the organic chemistry requirements for medical schools. Topics to include: introduction and review of electronic structure and bonding in organic molecules; nomenclature of organic compounds; structure and properties of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and alkyl halides; stereoisomerism and chirality of organic compounds; and the structure, properties and reactivity of alkynes and alkenes.
BCH320Structural Biochemistry
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM317 Or CHM311 Or CHE311
This course is based on an understanding of the different biochemical processes taking place in the human body. It enables students to acquire a basic foundation in biochemistry so they are able to competently address all areas related to medical biochemistry. Structural biochemistry defines the structure of the various molecules of living matter such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, nucleotides and vitamins.
Specialization
CHM425Analysis Techniques
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM222
This course is intended to provide a set of basic knowledge on a number of methods encountered in chemical and biochemical analyzes, qualitative and quantitative, in sectors as varied as the chemical industry, food processing, environmental science, pollution and medical science.
CHM321Inorganic Chemistry
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM212
This course looks at: the different types of bonds in the solid (covalent, ionic, hydrogen, and van der Waals forces); crystallography structure and mesh patterns; the crystalline forms (cubic, hexagonal); crystal planes; Bravais lattice; stackings (degree of compactness, theoretical density); interstitial sites; ionic solids (some examples of the different types); structural defects (point defects, linear defects, interfacial defects); and solid characterization by XRD.
CHM490Internship
3 credits
CHM471Lab of Chromatography and Spectroscopy
1 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM370
This laboratory aims to introduce students to the different experimental techniques of quantification and characterization: the separation process and spectroscopic evaluation. All techniques deal with multidisciplinary skills for those with an interest in industrial chemistry, biochemistry and SVT.
CHM370Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry
1 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM222 And CHM270
The purpose of this lab is to give students the opportunity to practice the knowledge they have learned in class. They will use the following techniques: titration of a polyacid, preparation and properties of buffer solutions, titration by indirect redox, complexometric assay, conductometric titration, study of solubility, color indicators, and determination of an equilibrium constant by the method of partition coefficients.
CHM411Organic Chemistry II
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM311 Or CHM317
This course covers: types of reactions (substitution, addition, elimination, radical, rearrangement); energetic diagrams (kinetic); mechanisms and reaction intermediates (SN1, SN2, E1, E2, etc.); reactivity and reactions: alkanes, alkenes (Markovnikov rule, Kharash, polymerisation), dienes (Diels­Alder), alkynes; reactivity of halogenated derives (SN2 and Walden inversion, SN1, effect of different parameters, E2 and rule of Saîtzef, E1); benzenic hydrocarbons: electrophilic substitution SE2 (Friedel Crafts alkylation, acylation, effect of the substituent, etc.); aldehydes and ketones (Canizzaro, Wittig, etc.); and organometalics.
CHM325Physical Chemistry I
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM212
The objectives of this course are to provide knowledge and mastery of the basic tools of thermodynamics necessary for learning chemical sciences to assess observable phenomena characteristic parameters and apply some basic principles to other aspects of chemistry. Topics: first principle and enthalpy; thermochemistry; second principle and entropy; Gibbs; bioenergetic aspects; and chemical equilibria. The different kinds of chemical reactions are also covered in this course, in order to establish the fundamental bases to calculate the reaction rates of a system. Students will be introduced to concepts of chemical kinetics and surface chemistry. They will explore chemical kinetics: reaction rate, order of reaction, simple reactions, complex reactions, and activation energy. The course also covers kinetic theory, and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.
CHM412Physical Chemistry II
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM325
This course describes the aggregation states of matter: gas, liquid, solid. We introduce the thermodynamics of mixtures, physical transformations of pure substances, phase diagrams, thermodynamic criteria for equilibrium between phases, state equation, kinetic theory of gas, statistics distribution of Maxwell and Boltzmann, intermolecular collisions, effusion velocity, diffusion, viscosity, the vapor and sublimation pressure, surface tension, viscosity and solubility will be studied. Properties and interpretation of the conductivity of solids will be evaluated according to the chemical constitution of a solid. At the end of the course, students will present a research project on a selected topic in the field.
CHM422Process Chemistry
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM311 Or CHM317
This course provides students with an overview of industrial chemistry and enables them to develop a process diagram and prepare to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their subsequent studies. We also define the different types of chemical reactors, the balance mass and energy, the operating parameters of the processes and their acquisition mode. Finally, an economic and environmental study related to the chemistry of the process will be followed. At the end of the course, students will present a research project on a selected topic in the field.
CHM340Spectroscopic Methods
3 credits
This course focuses on various spectroscopic methods. The goal is to introduce students to the theory and practice of various spectroscopic techniques used in chemistry and related sciences. The students will also learn the instrumentation and applications (UV­vis, IR, SAA, fluorescence, NMR and mass spectroscopy).
CHM330Theoretical Chemistry
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM212
The course material covers quantum theory for chemists and introduces the basic theoretical concepts of molecular orbital theory and spectroscopy. The successful students will develop a clear understanding of the origin of molecular orbitals in chemistry, how they are used to understand chemical bonding, and know how simple quantum model systems can be applied to understand spectroscopic data.
Electives
GEO412Ecology and Environment
3 credits
CHM426Food Chemistry
3 credits    |    Pre-requisite: CHM311 Or CHM317
This course gives students information on various matter changes during conservation and technological treatments. It defines the main biochemical compositions of foodstuffs such as milk, meat, cereals, oils, etc. It also outlines the various toxic compounds naturally present in food as well as the range of additives.
BIO202General Biology II
3 credits
BCH470Laboratory of Biochemistry
1 credits    |    Pre-requisite: BCH410 Or BCH415 Or BCH320 Or BCM320
Students learn how to prepare a buffer solution and how to determine its capacity and its pKa. They also learn to distinguish major biochemical molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) by using specific qualitative tests for this purpose. Glucose in plasma, lipids, triglycerides, proteins in serum, and level of creatinine in urine are evaluated by using spectro­photo­colorimetric techniques.
BIO272Laboratory of General Biology II
1 credits
Laboratory of physics II
1 credits
CHM420Macromolecules, Polymers and Materials
3 credits
The purpose of this course is to introduce the field of polymers and the very large world of plastics to students. The various methods of synthesis and the types of classification of the polymers and copolymers will be detailed. The course then looks at physicochemical properties (structural and geometric, mechanical, thermal, electrical) and various additives used in the manufacture of plastics (plasticizers, fillers, lubricants, stabilizers) will be presented. The kinetic and thermodynamic data of the various steps in the reactions of polymerization and copolymerization will be studied (anionic, cationic and radical). The composition and structure of the copolymers will be evaluated according to the reactivity ratios.
BCH421Metabolic Biochemistry
3 credits
Physics I
3 credits

Mission

The mission of the BS Chemistry degree program is to provide students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, chemical research, industry, environment and education with a strong foundation of theory, practical lab skills, and research experiences. It helps them become self-learners and promotes an understanding that social consciousness and ethical behavior are essential features of a principled chemistry community.

Program Educational Objectives

1. Graduates will be ready for employment as: chemists, environmental consultant, Technical and sales support of products ranging from laboratory instrumentation to pharmaceuticals, or for graduate study in chemistry, or for acceptance to medical school.
2. Graduates will be able to develop an understanding of chemical principles; skill in analytical methods, including modern instrumentation; the ability to observe, record, critically interpret, and communicate experimental results; a facility in analytical and logical problem solving; and skills in quality control investigation.
3. Graduates will be able to participate effectively in multidisciplinary teams in both leadership and fellowship roles and worked with and welcomed diversity

Student Learning Outcomes

a. Students will apply knowledge of mathematics and applied and/or natural sciences to areas relevant to the discipline.
b. Students will design and conduct experiments, or test hypotheses, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
c. Students will identify and solve technical or scientific problems
d. Students will exhibit an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
e. Students will communicate effectively
f. Students will possess the broad education necessary to understand the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in a global and societal context
g. Students will recognize the need for and ability to engage in life-long learning
h. Students will appreciate the knowledge of contemporary issues
i. Students will use the techniques, skills, and modern scientific and technical tools necessary for professional practice.
Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
Tel.: (+961) 9 600 000
Fax : (+961) 9 600 100
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