Major in Chemistry

Chemists study the atomic and molecular structure of physical matter and analyze how it changes. More specifically, they investigate how basic atomic and molecular components are combined and can be manipulated to produce useful or improved products. They also develop methods to measure atomic and molecular properties and their interactions, enabling insight into a range of processes from mining to clinical diagnostics. Chemistry majors develop a solid foundation in general chemistry and mathematics followed by course work in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. The curriculum is rounded out by courses in the liberal and communications arts. 

Chemistry majors are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research. Ample opportunities exist for undergraduate students to become involved in ground-breaking research in the laboratories of individual faculty members. Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment in faculty laboratories and the Central Instrument Facility including NMR, FTIR, UV/Vis, fluorescence, and mass spectrometers, vacuum lines, x-ray diffractometers and many more. Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged for any student considering a career in chemistry and many students complete supervised research for academic credit.

Learning Outcomes

Chemistry students will:

• Organize, critically evaluate, and present chemical information coherently through oral and written discourse
• Upon obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, demonstrate contemporary skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level positions in chemical industry and allied fields, or for admission to a graduate or professional school
• Demonstrate original research skills, namely the ability to plan investigations allowing them to resolve research questions, conduct such theoretical and/or laboratory experimentation, solve problems arising in such situations and interpret and communicate results

Potential Occupations

Chemists are employed in a vast array of professional fields in private industry, government, and education. Chemists work in research and development, analysis and testing, consulting, industrial quality control and assurance, environmental resource management, and forensics. Principal employers are petrochemical firms, biotechnology firms, consumer chemical firms, environmental testing laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural companies, governmental regulatory agencies, governmental and educational research laboratories, and manufacturing firms. Many chemists are also engaged in startup companies. Chemistry is also an excellent major for those preparing for careers in veterinary medicine and the health professions. Students whose career goals involve teaching at the secondary school level have the opportunity to complete the teacher licensure program through the School of Education.

Many possible occupations for chemists include, but are not limited to: agricultural chemist, air and water quality analyst, biochemical technician, chemical sales and marketing representative, clinical chemist, consultant, educator, forensic analyst, laboratory technician/bench chemist, materials analyst, patent examiner, pharmaceutical chemist, polymer technician, technical writer, and toxicologist.

Concentrations

• ACS Certified Concentration (No new students are being accepted into this concentration.)
• Non-ACS Certified Concentration (No new students are being accepted into this concentration.)

Effective Fall 2020

Chemistry majors must achieve a minimum grade of C (2.000) in all the listed courses required for the major in chemistry.

In-depth Chemistry Course List (9-12 credits)

• Students who complete organic chemistry Group A sophomore year (CHEM 241, CHEM 242) must select a minimum of 12 credits; students who complete organic chemistry Group B sophomore year (CHEM 341, CHEM 343, CHEM 344) must select a minimum of 9 credits.

• At least 5 credits must come from AUCC 4B designated courses: CHEM 431, CHEM 440, CHEM 445, CHEM 461, CHEM 476.

• At least 3 credits must come from laboratory course or lab components of lecture/laboratory courses: CHEM 431, CHEM 433, CHEM 440, CHEM 462, CHEM 477, or CHEM 498. 

Advanced Electives List (17 credits)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ATS 350	Introduction to Weather and Climate	2
ATS 351	Introduction to Weather and Climate Lab	1
ERHS 320	Environmental Health--Water Quality	3
ERHS 332	Principles of Epidemiology	3
ERHS 410	Environmental Health-Air and Waste Management	3
ERHS 446	Environmental Toxicology	3
ERHS 450	Introduction to Radiation Biology	3
Upper-Division regular courses (300-379; 400-479) from the following subject codes:
AA
AB
ANEQ
BC
BIOM
BMS
BSPM
BZ
CBE
CHEM
CS
CT
ESS
FTEC
FW
HES
HORT
LIFE
MATH
MIP
NR
NSCI
PH
PSY
SOCR
STAT

1	CHEM 499 Senior Thesis by department approval. Students fulfilling the AUCC 4C requirement with CHEM 499 must write a thesis and present it to the department.
2	Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
TO PREPARE FOR FIRST SEMESTER:   The curriculum for the new American Chemical Society Certified Chemistry major assumes students enter college prepared to take calculus. Entering students who are not prepared to take calculus will need to fulfill pre‐calculus requirements in the first semester. CHEM 111 and CHEM 120 require Algebra II as a prerequisite (this prerequisite is met by having Algebra II by test credit, transfer credit, or placement out of MATH 117 and MATH 118 on Math Placement Exam). Earned grades of C (2.000) or better are required in all listed courses for the major in chemistry.

If organic chemistry Group A is selected Freshman and Sophomore years:

If organic chemistry Group B is selected Freshman and Sophomore years: