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Undergraduate programs

Chemistry is the study of the reactions of atoms and molecules, the stuff from which people and their physical environment are made. With a relatively small knowledge of atoms and molecules, it is possible to have a considerable understanding of many chemical phenomena we see and use. A comprehensive knowledge of chemistry is essential for the person who wishes to help solve the problems of today—problems of illness and disease, problems of wise use of our resources—and for the person who wants to do basic research in chemistry or who wants to work in the chemical industry.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to maintaining a teaching program of excellence at the undergraduate level as well as having a graduate program emphasizing cutting-edge research in the chemistry of the environment, novel materials and biological systems. Courses tailored for the student desiring only an introduction to the field are offered on a regular basis. A wide variety of other courses in the program are designed to offer fundamental training for students majoring in chemistry or for students in other science areas, such as biology or health-related occupations.

The curriculum, faculty, library, and facilities of the department are approved by the American Chemical Society. Graduating chemistry majors are eligible for certification to become members of the ACS after two years of professional experience.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Chemistry B.A./B.S.

Chemistry Minor

Chemistry Secondary Education Program

Chemistry Secondary Education Program

Adviser: G. Shusterman

Students who plan to obtain a teaching license with an endorsement to teach chemistry at the high school level should complete a baccalaureate degree with a major in chemistry (preferred) or in general studies/science. The degree program should include the following courses:

Requirements

Courses

Ch 221General Chemistry I

4
Ch 222General Chemistry II

4
Ch 223General Chemistry III

4
Ch 227General Chemistry Laboratory

1
Ch 228General Chemistry Laboratory

1
Ch 229General Chemistry Laboratory

1
Ch 320Quantitative Analysis

4
Ch 321Quantitative Analysis Laboratory

2
 
Ch 334Organic Chemistry I

4
Ch 335Organic Chemistry II

4
Ch 336Organic Chemistry III

4
Ch 337Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

2
Ch 338Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (nonmajors)

2
Or
Ch 327Elements of Organic Chemistry Laboratories I

2
Ch 328Elements of Organic Chemistry Laboratories II

2
Ch 331Elements of Organic Chemistry I

4
Ch 332Elements of Organic Chemistry II

4
  

One of the following:

Ch 440Physical Chemistry I

4
Ch 350Biochemistry

4
Ch 490Biochemistry: Structure and Function

4

Also required:

Ph 201General Physics

4
Ph 202General Physics

4
Ph 203General Physics

4
Or
Ph 211General Physics (with Calculus)

4
Ph 212General Physics (with Calculus)

4
Ph 213General Physics (with Calculus)

4
And
Ph 204LLab for Ph 201

1
Ph 205LLab for Ph 202

1
Ph 206LLab for Ph 203

1
Or
Ph 214Lab for Ph 201, 202, 203 or Ph 211, 212, 213 or Ph 221, 222, 223

1
Ph 215Lab for Ph 201, 202, 203 or Ph 211, 212, 213 or Ph 221, 222, 223

1
Ph 216Lab for Ph 201, 202, 203 or Ph 211, 212, 213 or Ph 221, 222, 223

1

Total Credit Hours: 52-60

Those majoring in general studies/science are advised to strengthen their preparation for teaching by taking additional chemistry and physics courses as their degree programs permit. Consult with the secondary education adviser for suitable courses. Chemistry teachers in many schools also teach physics, so it is recommended that additional physics courses be taken in preparation for eventually adding a physics endorsement to the license.

Courses should be taken for differentiated grades, except those offered only on a pass/no pass basis. A positive departmental recommendation for admission to the fifth-year teacher-education program will depend on at least a C- in all chemistry and physics courses, as well as a combined 2.25 GPA for these courses.