Program Overview

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Chemistry, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Health Sciences

The Slippery Rock University Chemistry Degree is certified by the American Chemistry Society (ACS). To earn ACS certification, students must complete 2 credits of Independent Study and 1 credit of Research in addition to the BS requirements. Students can also choose an option concentration to broaden their background in chemistry or gain additional experience.

Concentrations

Concentrations are available in the following areas:

• Biochemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Education
• Environmental Chemistry
• Forensic Chemistry
• Health Sciences

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the main disciplines of chemistry, namely Organic, Analytical, Biological, Physical, and Inorganic chemistry.
• Students will demonstrate development of technical skills for practical applications of chemistry.
• Students will present collected experimental data in written and oral reports.
• Students and faculty will participate in faculty-led research projects.

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

• Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
• Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Course List

The following courses are required:

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

• Foundations of Academic Discovery 1
• Critical Writing
• Critical Reading
• Calculus I
• Select one of the following: Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice, Ethics and Civil Discourse, or Civil Discourse and Democracy
• Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
• Humanities Inquiry
• Social Science Inquiry
• Natural Sciences Inquiry
• General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab
• University Physics 1 with Lab
• Thematic Thread

Basic Math Requirement

• Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course.
• Complete one of the following: Beginning Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus I, or Calculus II

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Requirement

• Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.

Major/Concentration Requirements

• 27 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
• 27 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
• Required Introductory Chemistry Courses: General Chemistry II, General Chemistry II Lab
• Required Foundation Chemistry Courses: Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, Physical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Laboratory I, Biochemistry I, Biochemistry Laboratory I, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Lab, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
• Required In-Depth Chemistry Courses: Organic Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry Laboratory II, Physical Chemistry II, Instrumental Analysis, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, Materials Chemistry
• Additional Required In-Depth Chemistry Courses: Select four credits (must include one lecture and one lab)
• Cognate Courses: Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab, University Physics 2 with Lab, Calculus II

Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements

• General Chemistry I
• General Chemistry I Lab
• Calculus I
• University Physics 1 with Lab

Health Sciences Concentration

• Genetics with Lab
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• Microbiology/Lab
• Medical Terminology
• Introduction to Psychology
• Elementary Statistics I

ACS Certification Optional

• Independent Study
• Research

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities, including:

1. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
2. Student-faculty research
3. Student leadership development
4. Career education and development
5. Internships
6. Student teaching
7. Volunteering

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories.

Recommended Four-Year Plan

A recommended four-year plan is provided to help students stay on track with their degree requirements. The plan includes the following courses:

First Year

• Fall: General Chemistry I, General Chemistry I Lab, Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab, Critical Writing, FYRST Seminar
• Spring: General Chemistry II, General Chemistry II Lab, Genetics with Lab, Elementary Statistics I, Foundations of Academic Discovery

Second Year

• Fall: Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Critical Reading, University Physics 1 with Lab
• Spring: Organic Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry Laboratory II, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Calculus II, University Physics 2 with Lab

Third Year

• Fall: Select one of the following: Biochemistry I, Biochemistry Laboratory I, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 1, Physical Chemistry Laboratory I, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Lab
• Spring: Select one of the following: Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Materials Chemistry, Biochemistry II, Biochemistry Laboratory II, Air Quality Assessment, Water Quality Assessment, Forensic Analysis, Forensic Analysis Lab, Advanced Organic Synthesis

Fourth Year

• Fall: Select one of the following: Biochemistry I, Biochemistry Laboratory I, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 1, Physical Chemistry Laboratory I, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Lab
• Spring: Select one of the following: Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Materials Chemistry, Biochemistry II, Biochemistry Laboratory II, Air Quality Assessment, Water Quality Assessment, Forensic Analysis, Forensic Analysis Lab, Advanced Organic Synthesis

Total Hours: 134-138

Major Code: 6118 Concentration Code: CHHS Revised date: 09.23.2025