Faculty Directory
Kevin Welch headshot
KW

Kevin David Welch

Assistant Professor
+1 (434) 924-6316
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Department of Chemistry
Office location and address
Room 361, Chemistry Building
409 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Biography

Professor Kevin Welch is interested in developing curricula for undergraduate instruction in general chemistry and organic chemistry.  In particular, his focus is on updating these courses to accommodate the diverse educational background in chemistry of the students enrolling in chemistry at the University of Virginia, as well as providing a strong chemical foundation for the students as they continue on in their educational and post-educational careers in a variety of fields.  In the past, he has taught undergraduate courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and scientific writing.

In addition to a focus on undergraduate education, Kevin’s interests in chemistry involve research investigating metal-ligand bonding interactions and the use of transition metal complexes to address challenges in fuel generation and energy storage.

A native of northern Virginia, Kevin received his B.S. in chemistry from Gettysburg College in 2002, and his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia in 2007, where he focused on synthetic organometallic chemistry. He spent three years in central Washington as a Department of Energy Postdoctoral Researcher at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, working on the development of transition metal catalysts for energy storage and fuel cell technology. From 2010 to 2016, Kevin was a visiting assistant professor at Swarthmore College outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he taught and conducted research with undergraduate students. He returned to the University of Virginia in the fall of 2016 and currently teaches courses in general chemistry and laboratories for organic chemistry.

Recent courses as listed in the Student Information System (SIS) Course Catalog:
CHEM 1410: Introductory College Chemistry I
Credits: 3
Introduces the principles and applications of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical equations and reactions, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. For students planning to elect further courses in chemistry, physics, and biology and to fulfill prehealth prerequisites. CHEM 1411 may be taken concurrently or after completing 1410. Drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1410, requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1411. A grade of C- or higher is required to take CHEM 1420.
CHEM 1411: Introductory College Chemistry I Laboratory
Credits: 1
Introduction to experimental chemistry, developing laboratory skills & safety. Students plan & implement chemistry experiments in cooperative 4-person teams using a guided inquiry approach. Process skills include developing procedures, data analysis, oral & written communication. Mathematica as a computational tool. Topics: glassware characterization & accuracy, unknown identification of & applications of solubility. 3 1/2 hour lab meets weekly. CHEM 1410, 1610, or 1810 must be taken concurrently or prior to CHEM 1411. Drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1410, 1610, or 1810, requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1411.
CHEM 1420: Introductory College Chemistry II
Credits: 3
Introduces the principles and applications of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical equations and reactions, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. For students planning to elect further courses in chemistry, physics, and biology and to fulfill prehealth prerequisites. Prerequisites: CHEM 1410, 1610, or a C- in CHEM 1810 is required. CHEM 1421 may be taken concurrently or after completing 1420. Drop or withdrawal from CHEM 1420, requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1421. C or higher required for CHEM 2410.
CHEM 1610: Introductory Chemistry I for Engineers
Credits: 3
Introduces the principles and applications of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical equations and reactions, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. For students planning to elect further courses in chemistry, physics, and biology and to fulfill prehealth prerequisites. Prerequisite: CHEM 1611 or 1411 may be taken concurrently or after completing 1610. Drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1610, requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1611/1411. A grade of C- or higher required for CHEM 1620.
CHEM 1620: Introductory Chemistry II for Engineers
Credits: 3
Introduces the principles and applications of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry, chemical equations and reactions, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. For students planning to elect further courses in chemistry, physics, and biology and to fulfill prehealth prerequisites. Prerequisites: CHEM 1410, 1610, or 1810. CHEM 1621 may be taken concurrently or after completing 1620. Drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1620, requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1621. C or higher required for CHEM 2410.
CHEM 1811: Principles of Chemical Structure Laboratory (Accelerated)
Credits: 2
Students will grow as scientists by designing experiments independently, building technical writing & communication skills, drawing connections between chemistry class & the real world, practicing fundamental laboratory techniques, and generating experimental support for concepts covered in CHEM 1810. "Wet lab" and computational experiments encompass & expand beyond those offered in CHEM 1411. Prerequisite: A strong background in high school chemistry. CHEM 1810 must be taken concurrently or prior to CHEM 1811. Drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1810 requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 1811.
CHEM 2311: Organic Chem Lab I for Non-Chemistry Majors/Minors
Credits: 1
Focuses on the development of skills in methods of preparation, purification and identification of organic compounds. One hour lab lecture and four hour laboratory meets biweekly. This course is designed for students who are pre-health students and NOT chemistry majors/minors. Prerequisite: CHEM 1421, 1621, or 1811. CHEM 2410 or 1820 must be taken concurrently or prior to CHEM 2311. Drop/withdrawal from CHEM 2410/1820, requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 2311.
CHEM 2321: Organic Chem Lab II for Non-Chemistry Majors/Minors
Credits: 1
Focuses on the development of skills in methods of preparation, purification and identification of organic compounds. This course is designed for students who are pre-health students but NOT chemistry majors/minors. Prerequisite: CHEM 2311 or 2411. CHEM 2420 or 2810 must be taken concurrently or prior to CHEM 2321. Drop/withdrawal from CHEM 2420 or 2810, requires drop/withdrawal from CHEM 2321.
CHEM 2820: Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics (Accelerated)
Credits: 3
Focuses on the macroscopic properties of chemical systems. Topics include states of matter, physical equilibria, chemical equilibria, thermodynamic relationships, kinetic theory, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 2810