A major in chemistry at Mount Saint Mary College prepares a student for a variety of career options, including an entry level position in the chemical industry, graduate studies in chemistry or allied fields, professional schools such as medical school or dental school, etc., or careers in teaching.
Program Requirements for Chemistry Major
A chemistry major pursues a rigorous course of study that includes a number of prescribed courses: Chemical Principles (CHM 1510 - CHM 1520), Organic Chemistry (CHM 2010 - CHM 2020), Analytical Chemistry (CHM 3110), Physical Chemistry (CHM 3070 - CHM 3080 ), and the Natural Science Seminars (CHM 3910, CHM 3920, and CHM 4900). One more upper-level laboratory course is required to meet the total credits required. This can be accomplished by taking Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis (CHM 4110) or Biochemistry (CHM 4310) or Special Problems in Scientific Research (CHM 4910), or four credits of Independent Study (CHM 4970/4980/4990).
There are several support courses that chemistry majors are required to take. These include Biological Principles (BIO 1130 - BIO 1140), General Physics (PHY 2010-PHY 2020) and math courses through Calculus III (MTH 2530). Chemistry majors are also encouraged to participate in research or independent study.
All chemistry courses have a pre-requisite of a C or above in any other pre-requisite course(s).
A limited number of substitutions authorized by the Division of Natural Sciences may be made in the preceding requirements.
Students interested in Chemistry education can obtain a teaching certification through the School of Education or participate in the 5-year BA/MSed program if they meet all the requirements.
Required Courses (36 Credits)
Electives (choice of one of the courses listed below for a total of 4 credits)
Support Courses (24 credits)
Note *Care must be taken in scheduling upper level courses since they are not offered every year.
Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall and in Chemistry courses to be eligible for the degree.