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-111	GENERAL CHEMISTRY AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS I	3
CHE-111L	GEN CHEMISTRY & QUAL ANLYS I LAB	1
CHE-343	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I	3
CHE-343L	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I	1
CHE-344	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II	3
CHE-344L	ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LAB	1
PHY-201	GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I	3
PHY-201L	GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY I	1
-
-	Or
-
PHY-211	UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I	3
PHY-211L	UNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY I	1
PHY-202	GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II	3
PHY-202L	GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS LABORATORY	1
-
-	Or
-
PHY-212	UNIVERSITY PHYSICS	3
PHY-212L	UNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY II	1
MAT-212	CALCULUS II	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-321	QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS	4
CHE-356	PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I	3
CHE-357	PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II	3
CHE-360	INORGANIC CHEMISTRY	3
CHE-360L	INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB	1
CHE-366	PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY	2
CHE-421	INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS	4
CHE-490	SENIOR SEMINAR	2
CHE-	electives
MAT-212	CALCULUS 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).