Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Bridging the gap between the life sciences and physical sciences, we live among the discoveries and creations of chemists: from the synthetic fabrics we wear, to the detergents used to wash them, from pharmaceuticals to plastics, cleaner fuels to more abundant food.
Program Description
In the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of the five areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical, biochemistry and physical chemistry) to build a strong foundation for the field. Then you'll explore advanced concepts in areas that Stevens has unique strengths, including drug discovery, medicinal, and computational chemistry.
The chemistry undergraduate program incorporates hands-on research to develop essential skills like open-ended problem solving which are necessary for a career in chemistry. You'll have the unique opportunity to participate in a year of research in areas like drug discovery and medicinal chemistry with expert faculty who are some of the brightest minds in the field.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Concentrations
Currently, no concentrations are offered for the Chemistry undergraduate program.
Program Objectives and Outcomes
The objectives of the chemistry program are to prepare students such that, within several years of graduation, they will:
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Be able to create and evaluate scientific solutions to important chemical, biochemical, and environmental problems and articulate their anticipated societal impact
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Be able to work collaboratively with peers from a variety of cultural and scientific backgrounds and to promote an inclusive and supportive professional environment
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Become life-long learners from the perspectives of furthering career advancement, embracing technology, and generating societal impact
Student Objectives and Outcomes
By the time of graduation, chemistry students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of chemistry, biology, math, physics, and computational methods to investigate and evaluate problems in chemical and biochemical systems at the molecular level to create innovative solutions (Scientific Foundations)
- Apply modern techniques and instrumentation in chemistry to characterize the structure and function of molecules to explain and predict chemical, and physical properties and their impact on biochemical systems and the environment (Technical Foundations)
- Employ an inquiry-based approach to science to form and articulate testable hypothesis, to design and conduct experiments with current chemical and analytical techniques particularly in the context of drug discovery, computational chemistry, and sustainability (Experimentation)
- Examine, analyze, and critique primary chemical literature (Critical Thinking)
- Communicate and articulate scientific ideas effectively both in writing and orally (Scientific communication)
- Work effectively as a leader or member of a multidisciplinary team creating an inclusive and supportive environment (Teamwork, Leadership, and Inclusiveness)
- Conduct basic and applied scientific research in an ethical and professional manner (Professionalism)
- Develop innovative ideas using knowledge in chemical sciences for societal impact (Innovation)
- Recognize the impact of chemical research in our society, and understand how policy decisions are shaped by new scientific discoveries (Societal Issues)
Chemistry Curriculum
Term I
| BIO 181 | Biology and Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIO 182 | Introductory Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| CAL 103 | Writing and Communications Colloquium | 3 |
| CH 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 117 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CH 179 | Career Pathways in Chemical and Biological Sciences | 1 |
| MA 121 | Differential Calculus | 2 |
| MA 122 | Integral Calculus | 2 |
Term II
| BIO 291 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| CAL 105 | CAL Colloquium: Knowledge, Nature, Culture | 3 |
| CH 116 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 118 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CH 189 | Seminar in Chemistry and Biology | 1 |
| MA 125 | Vectors and Matrices | 2 |
| MA 126 | Multivariable Calculus I | 2 |
Term III
| | |
| BIO 301/CH 301 | Professional Ethics for Scientific Research | 1 |
| Or | |
| CH 301/BIO 301 | Professional Ethics for Scientific Research | 1 |
| | |
| CH 243 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 245 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| ENGR 241 | Probability and Statistics with Data Science Applications | 4 |
| PEP 111 | Mechanics | 3 |
HUM
| Humanities | 3 |
Term IV
| CH 244 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 246 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CH 321 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| | |
| CS 105 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3 |
| Or | |
| CS 115 | Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| | |
| PEP 112 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PEP 221 | Physics Lab I for Scientists | 1 |
HUM
| Humanities | 3 |
Term V
| | |
| BT 243 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| Or | |
| BT 244 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| | |
| CH 362 | Instrumental Analysis I - Spectroscopy and Chromatography | 4 |
| CH 550 | Spectra and Structure | 3 |
| CH 580 | Biochemistry I - Cellular Metabolism and Regulation | 3 |
| MGT 103 | Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinking | 2 |
| PEP 222 | Physics Lab II for Scientists | 1 |
Term VI
| CH 398/BIO 398 | Research Proposals for Undergraduate Research | 1 |
| CH 421 | Chemical Dynamics | 4 |
| CH 461 | Instrumental Analysis II - Electrochemistry | 4 |
| CH 581 | Biochemistry II: Biomolecular Structure and Function | 3 |
HUM
| Humanities | 3 |
Term VII
| CH 412 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CH 498/BIO 498 | Senior Capstone Research Project I | 3 |
| CH 520 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| IDE 401 | Senior Innovation II: Value Proposition | 1 |
G.E.
| General Elective | 3 |
T.E.
| Technical Elective | 3 |
Term VIII
| CH 499/BIO 499 | Senior Capstone Research Project II | 3 |
| CH 582 | Biophysical Chemistry | 3 |
| IDE 402 | Senior Innovation III: Venture Planning and Pitch | 1 |
G.E.
| General Elective | 3 |
T.E.
| Technical Elective | 3 |
HUM
| Humanities | 3 |
Notes:
(1) Technical Electives can be selected from available CH and BIO 300, 400, and 500- level courses that are not already included in your degree program requirements. Suggested technical electives for the Chemistry program include the following:
- BIO 392, BIO 487, BIO 526, BIO 586, BIO 583, BIO 584, CH 574, BME 505, BME 515, BME 561, CHE 560, MT 581, CS 544, BME 504, PME 530/CHE 530, BME 508 /MT 508, EN 510, EN 517, EN 530, EN 551, EN 377, EN 506, EN 570
If you are interested in a taking a course related to chemistry in another department not on this list, please contact your academic advisor.
(2) General Electives can be selected from available courses offered by programs in SES, SSE, SOB and HASS (including CH courses). Approval from the student’s advisor and the course instructor may be required.
- Recommended general elective if planning to pursue an engineering master's would be: MA 221 Differential Equations.
- Recommended general elective courses connected to the major include: EN 250 Quantitative Biology and PEP 242 Modern Physics.
(3) Humanities: Please see Humanities Requirements for specific requirements.