Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry, Chemistry Major, B.S.


Program Description


The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the B.S. degree for a major in chemistry, with concentrations that meet the American Chemical Society Accredited Programs requirements. The programs are designed to provide the theoretical and practical instruction in chemistry and related areas to prepare students for careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, paramedical areas, forensic sciences, chemical engineering and other technology-based areas.

Degree and Major Requirements


Degree Requirements Credit Hours
General Education 1 41
Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education 2 3
Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education 2 3-4
Major requirements 34
Cognate requirements 16-18
Electives

Total

20-23

120

Footnotes


1 The General Education program  contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.

2 The quantitative and scientific literacy requirements are met by courses required in the major.

Major Requirements Total: 34 Credit Hours


Total: 16-18 Credit Hours


Footnote


1 CHEM 131L -CHEM 132L  may be substituted.

Electives


The well-prepared student is encouraged to take as many of the additional departmental offerings as possible as electives with attention being given to junior and/or senior research projects.

Three credits of undergraduate research (CHEM 390/CHEM 497/CHEM 499A) may be used to satisfy chemistry elective requirements if the research project is completed with the same faculty mentor over multiple semesters.

Additional Information


Students completing a B.S. degree in Chemistry must select either a major in Chemistry or Biophysical Chemistry. They cannot earn a major in both areas. Students majoring in Chemistry must also select one of six concentrations and complete all course work in that concentration. The credit hours for major requirements will vary based on the chosen concentration. 

Each student majoring in Chemistry, in consultation with their faculty adviser, will choose one of the following program concentrations.

Chemistry Concentrations


All ACS Certified Programs require a minimum of 400 hours of laboratory and research.

Concentration I: American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Chemistry Concentration


Students completing concentration I must complete the courses below in addition to core courses.

American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Chemistry Concentration Total: 21 Credit Hours


Concentration II: American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Biochemistry Concentration


This program meets the recommended undergraduate degree requirements of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for a major in biochemistry. Students completing concentration II must complete the courses below in addition to core courses.

American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Biochemistry Concentration Total: 31 Credit Hours


Concentration III: American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Materials Chemistry Concentration


Students completing concentration III must complete the courses below in addition to core courses.

Choose one of the following: 3-4 Credit Hours


American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Materials Chemistry Total: 28-29 Credit Hours


Concentration IV: American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Chemical Education Concentration


Students completing concentration IV must complete the courses below in addition to core courses.

American Chemical Society Certified Curriculum in Chemical Education Concentration Total: 30 Credit Hours


Concentration V: General Program in Chemistry Concentration


Students completing concentration V must complete the Degree and Major courses and the courses below in addition to core courses.

General Program in Chemistry Concentration Total: 10 Credit Hours


Concentration VI: Chemistry/Business Program


This program is designed for business-oriented chemistry students preparing for careers in patent law, technical sales, technical service and related areas. Chemistry Business students should declare a General Business minor for ease in enrolling in College of Business courses. Students completing concentration VI must complete the courses below in addition to core courses.

Chemistry/Business Program Total: 31 Credit Hours


Footnote


1 Although business electives may be taken by students in this concentration, the total number of business credit hours may not exceed 27.

Recommended Schedule for Majors


First Year Total: 30-31 Credit Hours


Second Year Total: 30 Credit Hours


Third Year Total: 30 Credit Hours


Fourth Year


Fourth Year Total: 29 Credit Hours


Program Total: 120 Credit Hours