You're seeing this message because you're using an older version of Internet Explorer that is unsupported on our website. Please use these links to upgrade to a modern web browser that fully supports our website and protects your computer from security risks.
HOME | INDEX | SEARCH | DIRECTORIES
Jump to
Degree Programs
The Department of Chemistry offers four pathways by which you can earn a B.A. or B.S. in chemistry. The four tracks share a common core that provides you with laboratory and research skills and experiential learning opportunities while building a solid background in general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. The common core also provides the physics and calculus fundamentals you need to succeed in chemistry. Our capstone course allows you the opportunity to engage in their own research and critically evaluate the research of others.
Click on the link below to view the requirements for the Chemistry Major and Minor from the 2011-2013 catalog. For requirements from earlier catalog years, contact the department chair. Descriptions of the tracks and concentrations follow.
Chemistry Major, Minor and Teaching Certification option (2011-2013 Catalog)
All chemistry majors are required to take the same common core courses. The common core consists of 47 credit-hours - 31 in Chemistry, 8 in Mathematics and 8 in Physics. The common core courses are:
CHEM 201 & 202 General Chemistry I & II
CHEM 301 & 302 Organic Chemistry I & II
CHEM 304 Computational Techniques in Chemistry
CHEM 305 Research Methods in Chemistry
CHEM 320 Quantitative Analysis
CHEM 441 Physical Chemistry Lecture I
CHEM 445 Physical Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 491 Seminar in Chemistry
CHEM 492 Capstone Experience
PHYS 215 & 216 General Physics I & II -or- PHYS 261 & 262 Principles of Physics I & II
MATH 236 & 237 Calculus I & II
The Traditional Track provides additional experience in analytical and physical chemistry. This track is designed to prepare you for entry level positions in the chemical industry or related industries. The Traditional Track requires 8 additional credit-hours in Chemistry and 4 additional credit-hours in Mathematics beyond the common core:
CHEM 421 Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 442 Physical Chemistry Lecture II
CHEM 446 Physical Chemistry Lab II
MATH 238 Calculus III
All chemistry majors in this track must earn a C or better in CHEM 201, 202, 301, 302, 320, and 441.
The Professional Concentration
The Professional Concentration provides a more comprehensive experience, including biochemistry and inorganic chemistry, as well as advanced research projects. The Professional Concentration is designed to prepare you for graduate programs in chemistry or a related science as well as careers in chemistry. The Professional Concentration requires 21 additional credit-hours in Chemistry, 4 additional credit-hours in Biology, and 4 additional credit-hours in Mathematics beyond the common core:
Required (24 credit-hours)
CHEM 411 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 421 Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 442 Physical Chemistry Lecture II
CHEM 446 Physical Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 455 Biochemisty I
CHEM 493 Advanced Chemistry Research
BIOL 149 General Biology I
MATH 238 Calculus III
Electives (5-6 credit-hours)
CHEM 420 Enviromental Chemical Analysis
CHEM 438 Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHEM 456 Biochemistry Lab
CHEM 457 Biochemistry II
CHEM 460 Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 490 Selected Topics in Chemistry
All chemistry majors in this concentration must earn a C or better in CHEM 201, 202, 301, 302, 320, and 441.
The Biochemistry Concentration
The Biochemistry Concentration includes several biology courses, including mircobiology, genetics, and molecular biology, and focuses on developing laboratory and research techniques in biochemistry. The Biochemistry Concentration is designed to prepare you for graduate progams or employment in biochemistry, bioengineering, and related fields. The Biochemistry Concentration is also an excellent choice if you plan to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy schools. The Biochemistry Concentration requires 10 addition credit hours in Chemistry and 15 additional credit-hours in Biology.
Required (24 credit-hours)
CHEM 455 Biochemisty I
CHEM 456 Biochemistry Lab
CHEM 457 Biochemistry II
BIOL 149 General Biology I
BIOL 304 Microbiology
BIOL 350 Genetics
BIOL 435 Molecular Biology
Electives (1-3 credit-hours)
CHEM 411 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 420 Enviromental Chemical Analysis
CHEM 421 Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 442 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 493 Advanced Chemistry Research
MATH 238 Calculus III
All chemistry majors in this concentration must earn a C or better in CHEM 201, 202, 301, 302, 320, and 455.
The Teaching Certificate Option
The Teaching Certificate Option is a collaboration with the Department of Educational Professions and includes the education courses necessary to prepare you to teach chemistry in secondary school classrooms. This option is designed to help you become the most awesome high school chemistry teacher ever! The Teaching Certification Option requires 11 additional credit-hours in Chemistry, 4 additional credit-hours in Biology, 4 additional credit-hours in Mathematics, and completion of the Professional Education Sequence for Secondary Programs (42.5 credit-hours).
Required (19 credit-hours)
CHEM 442 Physical Chemistry Lecture II
CHEM 446 Physical Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 455 Biochemisty I
CHEM 460 Environmental Analysis
CHEM 493 Advanced Chemistry Research
BIOL 149 General Biology I
MATH 238 Calculus III
All chemistry majors in this option must earn a C or better in CHEM 201, 202, 301, 302, and 320.
A Minor in Chemistry requires 25 credit-hours of coursework in chemistry: 16 credit-hours of required courses, and 9 credit-hours of electives. The 16 required credit-hours are courses required by most medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools. The 9 elective credit-hours cane be framed around a particular discipline in chemistry. Some examples follow.
Required (16 credit-hours)
CHEM 201 & 202 General Chemistry I & II
CHEM 301 & 302 Organic Chemistry I & II
Electives (9 credit-hours)
May be drawn from Chemistry courses at the 300 or 400 level except
CHEM 491 Seminar in Chemistry, CHEM 492 Capstone Experience,
CHEM 493 Advanced Chemical Research, CHEM 495 Chemistry Internship,
and CHEM 499 Special Topics in Chemistrty.
Example Elective Paths:
Biochemistry: CHEM 455 Biochemistry I, CHEM 456 Biochemistry Lab, CHEM 457 Biochemistry II
The preparation programs for Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, and Medical Technogology require at least four semesters of chemistry. If you are interested in these programs are encouraged to contact Dr. Mary Mumper, Chair of the Health Professions Avisory Committee. Click on the links below to view the requirements for these programs from the 2011-2013 catalog.
Medical Technology Preparation (Pre-Professional Program)
Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine Preparation (Pre-Professional Programs)
Pharmacy Preparation (Pre-Professional Program)
