Chemistry (B.S.)
The major is generally oriented toward preparing students to become professional scientists. At the same time, the curriculum is rigorous, yet flexible enough to prepare students for immediate employment, graduate study, or work in an allied profession. From introductory through advanced courses, students have access to departmental instrumentation and facilities. The faculty values a hands-on approach to chemical education. The major is structured to provide a strong foundation and to allow for faculty-directed independent research or interdisciplinary study.
Students considering a major in Chemistry should consult a member of the faculty for advice on the sequence of courses, as the courses in related fields described below are prerequisites for upper-level Chemistry courses.
A version of this degree with careful selection of upper level electives is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Completion of this program leads to a B.S. in Chemistry with American Chemical Society Certification.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (64 credits) | ||
| Core Courses (32) | ||
| CHEM-111 | General Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM-112 | Gen Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM-221 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM-222 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM-340 | Physical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM-350 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM-360 | Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM-370 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| Upper-Level Chemistry Courses (12 Credits) | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Synthesis & Characterization | ||
| Empirical Physical Chemistry | ||
| Experimental Chemical Analysis | ||
| Select ONE additional Chemistry courses at the 300/400 level | 4 | |
| Related Field Courses (20 Credits) | ||
| BIO-110 | Molecules & Cells | 4 |
| MATH-211 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH-212 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS-141 | College Physics I | 4 |
| or PHYS-241 | University Physics I | |
| PHYS-142 | College Physics II | 4 |
| or PHYS-242 | University Physics II | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
Institutional Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Explorations Requirements | 40 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Requirements | 120 | |
| Electives must be taken to reach at least 120 credits, (including GEE, major or minor credits), to satisfy degree completion requirements for the college. | ||
| 40 credits must be at the 300 or 400-Level. | ||
Upon completion of the Chemistry B.S. degree, students will be able to:
- Understand a broad range of knowledge in analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
- Apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems in chemistry.
- Understand the basic theory and use of modern instrumentation. Specifically, to be able to demonstrate the ability to acquire, interpret, and analyze data using instrumental methods.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills appropriate to the study of chemistry, including the ability to perform quantitative or qualitative chemical measurements.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills appropriate to the study of chemistry, including the ability to perform basic synthetic reactions.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills appropriate to the study of chemistry, including the ability to maintain a laboratory notebook.
- Demonstrate laboratory skills appropriate to the study of chemistry, including the ability to work safely in a laboratory setting.
- Prepare effective written scientific reports and oral presentations assisted by the use of computer technology (word processing, spreadsheets, chemical structure drawing programs, and chemical information retrieval services).
- Understand the importance of chemistry as it applies to industrial, economic, environmental, and social issues, and maintain an interest in the study and practice of chemistry.
- Be successful in pursuing graduate studies or employment in chemistry or a chemically-related field.