Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is designed to provide students with a robust understanding of chemical principles, emphasizing lab work and analytical thinking. The program prepares students for graduate studies or careers in fields such as medicine, forensics, pharmacology, and environmental science.

Program of Study

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is a combined major and minor sequence, offering three tracks:

• General Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Forensic Chemistry

Each track features an honors program option. The chemistry curricula is designed according to American Chemical Society standards.

Program Tracks

Chemistry Emphasis

• Chemistry Courses:
  • General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
  • General Chemistry II or Advanced General Chemistry II or General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis Lab
  • Introduction to Biochemistry or Comprehensive Biochemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry I & II
  • Physical Chemistry Lab
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
  • Inorganic Chemistry I
  • 3 or 4 credits in advanced chemistry laboratories from Undergraduate Research in Chemistry or Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab
  • 3 credits in advanced chemistry in courses other than Retrieval and Presentation of Chemical Information, Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Chemistry, Undergraduate Research in Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry I or Biophysical Chemistry II
• Mathematics Courses:
  • Algebra and Calculus II or Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Calculus of Several Variables
• Physics Courses:
  • Physics I: Mechanics
  • Physics II: Electromagnetism
  • Physics Lab I & II

Chemical Biology Emphasis

• Chemistry Courses:
  • General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
  • General Chemistry II or Advanced General Chemistry II or General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis Lab
  • Physical Chemistry I or Biophysical Chemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry II or Biophysical Chemistry II
  • Physical Chemistry Lab
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
  • Inorganic Chemistry I
  • Comprehensive Biochemistry I & II
  • Chemical Biology Laboratory
• Biology Courses:
  • General Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Physiology
  • General Biology: Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Introduction to Biological Investigations I &II
  • Introductory Genetics
• Mathematics Courses:
  • Algebra and Calculus II or Calculus I
  • Calculus II
• Physics Courses:
  • Physics I: Mechanics
  • Physics II: Electromagnetism
  • Physics Lab I & II

Forensic Chemistry Emphasis

• Chemistry Courses:
  • General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
  • General Chemistry II or Advanced General Chemistry II or General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis Lab
  • Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
  • Introduction to Forensic Chemistry Lab
  • Introduction to Biochemistry or Comprehensive Biochemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry I or Biophysical Chemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry II or Biophysical Chemistry II
  • Physical Chemistry Lab
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
  • Inorganic Chemistry I
  • Instrumental Analysis
  • Instrumental Analysis Lab
  • Advanced Forensic Chemistry
  • Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab I & II
• Mathematics Courses:
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Algebra and Calculus II or Calculus I
  • Calculus II
• Physics Courses:
  • Physics I: Mechanics
  • Physics II: Electromagnetism
  • Physics Lab I & II

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options

Students can save time and money by beginning their graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees. Choose to combine your Chemistry undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:

• MS in Chemistry
• MS in Information Science
• MS in Secondary Education

Career Outcomes

A BS in Chemistry is an excellent building block for medical or dental school. You may also apply your education in chemistry to legal, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aerospace, teaching, writing, or environmental fields.

Potential job titles for a chemistry degree include:

• Chemical engineer
• Forensic scientist
• Pharmacist
• Science writer
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Toxicologist
• Chemistry teacher
• Aerospace engineer

Student Learning Objectives

• Development of analytical problem-solving skills in the major areas of chemical study.
• Understanding of the underlying theoretical principles that explain chemical behavior at the atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels.
• Development of laboratory skills, including preparative techniques, methods for the disposal and handling of toxic compounds, and usage of modern instrumentation.
• Preparation for employment or advanced study in chemistry or any of the allied fields listed in the B.A. objectives.