Chemistry (BS)

BS graduates in chemistry work in laboratories developing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, energy resources, solutions to environmental problems, and other areas of modern industry. A chemistry bachelor’s degree is also excellent preparation for professional schools of medicine or dentistry, especially with the increasing dependence of medical research and practice on knowledge of living systems at the molecular level. With the M.S. or Ph.D., a scientist can take responsibility for planning research and supervising laboratories. Excellent career opportunities are found in private industry, in government laboratories, and on college and university faculties.

Sequencing Requirements

Students considering a major in chemistry should take CHEM 113 and CHEM 216 during their first year. Interested majors with a high level of chemistry proficiency in high school, such as completing AP Chemistry in addition to a full year of chemistry, are strongly encouraged to enroll in CHEM 115, where laboratory and research skills are the primary focus. MATH 101 will be recommended by advisors for students in chemistry who may need to review basic mathematical concepts. By the middle of the junior year, students should have taken MATH 220 and PHYS 114 and PHYS 115.

Program Requirements

First Year

CHEM 113General & Quantitative Chemistry I

4

OR

CHEM 115Intensive General Chemistry

4

CHEM 216 General & Quantitative Chemistry II

4

MATH 120Calculus I

4

MATH 121Calculus II

4

*Math 123 or BC Calculus is the equivalent of Math 120 + Math 121*
 

Sophomore Year

CHEM 224Organic Chemistry I

4

CHEM 225Organic Chemistry II

4

PHYS 114Fundamentals of Physics I

4

PHYS 115Fundamentals of Physics II

4

CHEM 248Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

4

Junior Year

CHEM 331/PHYS 331Thermodynamics & Kinetics

4

CHEM 332/PHYS 332Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure

4

MATH 220Multivariable Calculus

4

Senior Year

CHEM 355Independent Study with Thesis

Variable

CHEM 390/PHYS 390Chemistry Seminar

1

CHEM 345Biochemistry

4

OR

CHEM 223Principles of Biochemistry

4

CHEM 355: 8 semester hours

CHEM 390: required; 1 credit

300-level electives in chemistry include:

CHEM 325Green Asymmetric Synthesis Laboratory

2

CHEM 341Advanced Analytical Chemistry

4

CHEM 343Advanced Topics in Modern Chemistry

4

CHEM 345Biochemistry

4

CHEM 346Advanced Organic Spectral Interpretation

2

CHEM 347Advanced Topics in Biochemistry

4