Chemistry (B.S.)

Students electing a Chemistry major should have a satisfactory background in high school chemistry and a minimum of 3 years of college preparatory mathematics. For all degrees and programs in the department of physical sciences, a basic core of courses is required. After these foundational courses, the student is then free to choose from a variety of courses to fit their specific academic plan and career goals. The department offers a B.S. degree in chemistry, a B.S. degree in chemistry with a specialization in biochemistry, and programs for students interested in pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary specializations.

Bachelor of Science (120 credits)

Distribution/General Education Requirements

Chemistry Core Courses (28 credits)

CHE-111GENERAL CHEMISTRY AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS I

3

CHE-111LGEN CHEMISTRY & QUAL ANLYS I LAB

1

CHE-112GEN CHEMISTRY & QUAL ANALYSIS II

3

CHE-112LGENERAL CHEMISTRY AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS LABORATORY

1

CHE-343ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

3

CHE-343LORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I

1

CHE-344ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

3

CHE-344LORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LAB

1

PHY-201GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I

3

PHY-201LGENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I

1

-
 

-
Or

-
 

PHY-211UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I

3

PHY-211LUNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY I

1

PHY-202GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II

3

PHY-202LGENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY

1

-
 

-
Or

-
 

PHY-212UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II

3

PHY-212LUNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY II

1

MAT-211CALCULUS I

4

In addition to these core courses, students will design their schedules in conjunction with their advisors based on the area of study desired. The requirements for each program and specialization are listed below. Upper division courses may only count for one degree in a major or specialization.

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry prepares the student for graduate programs in chemistry; for medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school; for employment in industry, government, forensic, and environmental chemistry laboratories; and for chemistry teaching.

B.S. Chemistry (31 credits)

CHE-321QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

4

CHE-356PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I

3

CHE-357PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II

3

CHE-360INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

3

CHE-360LINORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB

1

CHE-366PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

2

CHE-421INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS

4

CHE-490SENIOR SEMINAR

2

CHE-
electives

MAT-212CALCULUS II

4

CHE electives: 300 and above, 5 credits

The Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with a specialization in biochemistry provides students with a strong background and preparation in current practices in biochemical processes. This training prepares students for graduate study in biochemistry; pre-professional fields such as pre-medicine, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary; as well as for employment in both the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors; and chemistry teaching. The degree requires a thorough foundation in chemistry with additional courses in biology, physics, and calculus to complete the educational preparation.

Students interested in graduate study in biochemistry are strongly encouraged to choose CHE-356, CHE-357, and CHE-366 as part of their elective chemistry courses. Many graduate schools require either a semester or a year of physical chemistry (depending on the school).