Chemistry
The Chemistry major is designed to provide both the conceptual framework and the practical experience necessary to prepare students for a career in chemistry. Graduates from the program have been employed in chemical industries, regulatory agencies, forensic laboratories, clinical laboratories, and schools. Careers include chemical analysis, chemical preparation, teaching, research, development, sales, management, and health professions.
In addition, the chemistry major provides an excellent preparation for graduate studies in chemistry and chemistry-related fields. The Chemistry major also provides the necessary foundation for entry into medical, dental, and pharmacy schools. Typically, half of the graduates attend graduate, medical, dental, or pharmacy school; with most of the remaining graduates obtaining positions within chemical industries, regulatory agencies, or schools.
Program Tracks Offered
To accommodate the broad array of career and advanced educational opportunities available in Chemistry, the Chemistry major provides two tracks: the Chemistry track and the Biochemistry track. The choice depends upon the student’s career goals and interests.
- The Chemistry track is designed for students who plan to continue their chemistry education in graduate school pursuing one of the traditional areas of Chemistry (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, or Physical Chemistry). The Chemistry track meets entrance requirements for graduate programs in Chemistry in the United States. This track is also well suited for students who wish to work within the Chemical industry or teach upon graduation.
- The Biochemistry track is designed more for students who plan to go directly into a career in the biomedical field upon graduation, or who plan to attend graduate or professional school in Biochemistry. In addition, this track provides excellent preparation for students planning to attend medical, dental, or pharmacy school upon graduation. This track also provides greater flexibility for a student who might want to earn a double major.
Major Requirements
Traditional Chemistry Track Requirements:
Total Credit Hours: 62
Chemistry Track Important Notes:
- Chemistry majors, pursuing either track, must earn a "C" (2.0) or better in any course utilized as a prerequisite.
- For students planning to attend graduate school in chemistry the following courses are recommended: Application Development I (CS 158) or Introduction to Scientific & Engineering Programming (CS 170), Application Development II (CS 160) and Differential Equations (MATH 331).
Requirements
Biochemistry Track Requirements:
Students planning to attend graduate school in biochemistry should also take Calculus III (
MATH 300), and substitute calculus based General Physics (
PHYS 151 &
PHYS 152) for Principles of Physics I & II (
PHYS 111 &
PHYS 112).
And seven credit hours selected from the following elective courses:
BIOL 301WR, BIOL 308, BIOL 337 and BIOL 402WR: Students should be aware that additional prerequisite courses may be required, that are not included in the biochemistry track required courses, to enroll in these courses.
Total Credit Hours: 63
Biochemistry Track Important Notes:
- Students who wish to double major in Biochemistry and Biology or Marine Science will only be allowed to double count those courses specifically required for both majors. Upper division electives may not be counted towards both majors simultaneously.
- Students who wish to major in Biochemistry and minor in Biology or Marine Science must take CHEM 435WI (Biochemistry I) and CHEM 436 (Biochemistry II) to satisfy the requirements of the Biochemistry major.