Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

About

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry degree is an intensive undergraduate program that includes introductory and foundational course work in chemistry, with a substantial laboratory experience. The program provides greater flexibility in the selection of advanced chemistry course work along with elective courses offered by the Department, the College of Sciences, and other colleges within the university.

A degree in chemistry provides a wide variety of career opportunities in areas as diverse as the chemical industry, the petroleum industry, food industry, pharmaceuticals, mining, environmental analysis, and cosmetics, as well as many others. It is also an excellent steppingstone for admissions to graduate schools in chemistry and related sciences, as well as professional schools.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

1. General Chemistry – foundational courses that are also identified as service courses required by other degree programs. Foundational courses cover topics including but not limited to states of matter, atomic structure, electron configurations, formulas, nomenclature, periodic properties of the elements, mole concepts, molecular/formula mass, empirical and molecular formulas, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, intermolecular and intramolecular forces, balancing equations, stoichiometry, solution chemistry and reactions, gas laws, chemical equilibrium, acid – base chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry. These topics make up the essential framework of all college level general chemistry courses for science and engineering majors. Outcome: Upon completion of these foundational courses, students will demonstrate an understanding of, and competence with the application of the topics listed above in their study of general chemistry.
2. Organic Chemistry – foundational and in-depth courses that are also identified as service courses required by other degree programs. Separate laboratory courses for chemistry majors provide the hands-on in-depth experiences with synthesis, chemical separations, measurement of chemical properties, and use of modern instrumentation. Topics include but are not limited to, atomic and electronic structure of carbon as it applies to the chemistry of various types of organic compounds such as aliphatic and aromatic compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, and carbohydrates among others. These studies include structures, nomenclatures, synthesis and reactions of each functional group, physical and chemical properties and applications of separation and purification as well as instrumental analytical techniques. These topics provide the foundational and some of the in-depth topics common to organic chemistry courses that are part of programs approved by the American Chemical Society. Outcome: Upon completion of these foundational and in-depth courses, students will demonstrate an understanding of, and competence with the application of the topics listed above in their study of organic chemistry.
3. Biochemistry – foundational course that is also identified as a service course required by other degree programs. This courses includes such topics as the structure and function of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes, cellular and specialized membranes, metabolism and metabolic (catabolic and anabolic) mechanisms, and metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Outcome: Upon completion of this foundational course, students will demonstrate an understanding of, and competence with the application of the topics listed above in their study of biochemistry.
4. Analytical Chemistry – a lecture and laboratory experience providing foundational and in-depth course topics such as gravimetric, titrimetric, complexometric, potentiometric, colorometric, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. These and other topics are presented with emphasis upon chemical calculations including computational data analysis and modeling, and equilibrium considerations to prepare graduates to perform in a modern chemical laboratory. Outcome: Upon completion of these foundational and in-depth courses, students will demonstrate an understanding of, and competence with the application of the topics listed above in their study of analytical chemistry.
5. Physical and Inorganic Chemistry – a lecture and laboratory experience providing foundational and in-depth course topics such as thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, quantization, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electronic structure, bond formation, molecular orbitals, crystal structures, symmetry, and computational methods in quantum chemistry. Outcome: Upon completion of these foundational and in-depth courses, students will demonstrate an understanding of, and competence with the application of the topics listed above in their study of physical and inorganic chemistry.
6. Instrumental Analysis – a lecture and laboratory experience providing in-depth course topics using traditional and modern instrumental theory and laboratory analytical techniques, including but not limited to spectroscopy, electrochemical methods, thermal analysis, computational data analysis, and modeling. Outcome: Upon completion of these in-depth courses, students will demonstrate an understanding of, and competence with the application of the topics listed above in their study of Instrumental Analysis.
7. Summary Outcomes – Upon completion of these foundational and in-depth courses, students should have mastered the vocabulary, concepts, and skills required to be a practicing chemist.

Career Possibilities

A B.A. degree in chemistry provides a wide variety of career opportunities in areas as diverse as the chemical industry, the petroleum industry, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, mining, environmental analysis, and cosmetics, as well as many others. It is also a solid stepping stone for admission to graduate schools in chemistry and related sciences, as well as professional schools.

Requirements

Chemistry (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry is an intensive undergraduate program that includes introductory and foundational course work in chemistry, with a substantial laboratory experience. The program provides greater flexibility in the selection of advanced chemistry course work along with elective courses offered by the Department, the College of Sciences, and other colleges within the university.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of all undergraduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, students will have a broad understanding of chemistry's subdisciplines by satisfactorily completing:

• Introductory and foundational course work in chemistry, and in-depth course work in chemistry; all with laboratory emphasis. Additionally;
  • Students completing the B.S. program in Chemistry will complete intensive and comprehensive courses as identified by the American Chemical Society Guidelines for Bachelor Degree Programs including a research experience that provides for the development of the skills needed to be an effective professional chemist. The B.S. program in Chemistry is recognized by the ACS-CPT, and has enjoyed this status for over 40 years. Only about 30% of B.S. Chemistry programs in the United States have achieved this recognition.
  • Students completing the B.S. program in Biochemistry will complete most of the same intensive and comprehensive courses in Chemistry with laboratory emphasis as students in the B.S. ACS program above. Additionally, students in this program will complete four intensive and comprehensive courses in Biochemistry along with an advanced Biochemistry Lab. This program also provides for flexibility in the selection of in-depth Biology course electives to complement the rigorous chemistry foundation of the program. Students completing the B.A. program in Chemistry will complete much of the in-depth course work in chemistry along with elective courses offered by departments from within the College of Sciences as well as other colleges within the university. There is greater flexibility in program design for customization of the program to individual student's career interests.
  • Build and develop communication skills through writing laboratory reports, term papers, and presentation of seminars and poster seminars.
  • Develop critical thinking. Critical thinking skills, development of problem solving abilities are implemented in the very first introductory courses common to all undergraduate programs offered. These skills are developed as students progress through the sequence of courses (meeting each course pre-requisite in a well thought out and logical pattern) required for graduation in all of our programs.
  • Develop intellectual growth by integrating into all of our courses concepts of ethics, laboratory safety and environmental stewardship applicable to the profession as well as to local, state, regional, national and international communities and society. Emphasis will be placed on the development of UULOs regarding Global/Multicultural Knowledge and Awareness, and Citizenship and Ethics.
  • Graduates shall be able to demonstrate technical competency in the performance of basic laboratory operations, including solution preparation and standardization, common synthetic procedures, standard qualitative and quantitative analysis procedures, and operation of standard laboratory equipment.
  • Graduate shall have an in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis of chemistry, as well as areas of application of chemical principles.

Career Possibilities

A B.A. degree in chemistry provides a wide variety of career opportunities in areas as diverse as the chemical industry, the petroleum industry, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, mining, environmental analysis, and cosmetics, as well as many others. It is also a solid stepping stone for admission to graduate schools in chemistry and related sciences, as well as professional schools.

Advising

Please see advising information at the UNLV College of Sciences Advising Center.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Transfer Policy

Biology, chemistry, physics, and math transfer courses will be accepted to fill specific degree requirements only with a grade of C or better.

University Graduation Requirements

Please see Graduation Policies for complete information.

Chemistry (BA) Degree Requirements - Total: 120 Credits

General Education Requirements - Subtotal: 33-36 Credits

First-Year Seminar - Credits: 2-3

It is strongly recommended that students take SCI 101 to satisfy the First-Year Seminar requirement.

English Composition - Credits: 6

• ENG 101 - Composition I
• ENG 102 - Composition II

Second-Year Seminar - Credits: 3

Constitutions - Credits: 4-6

Mathematics

Fulfilled by Major Requirements

Distribution Requirements - Credit: 18

Please see Distribution Requirements for more information.

• Humanities and Fine Arts: 9 Credits
  • Two courses 3 credits each from two different humanities areas - 6 credits
  • One course in fine arts- 3 credits
• Social Science: 9 Credits
  • Three 3 credits social science courses
• Life and Physical Sciences and Analytical Thinking:
  • Automatically satisfied by Major requirements

Multicultural and International

Multicultural, one 3 credit course required International, one 3 credit course required

These courses may overlap with general education and major requirements. A single course may not meet the multicultural and international requirements simultaneously. For the list of approved multicultural and international courses, go to:

Major Degree Requirements - BA in Chemistry - Subtotal: 63 Credits

• Mathematics - Credits: 8
  • MATH 181 - Calculus I
  • MATH 182 - Calculus II
• Computer Science - Credits: 3
  • CS 117 - Programming for Scientists and Engineers
  • or
  • CS 135 - Computer Science I
  • or
  • CS 138 - Programming for Data Science in Python I
• Physics - Credits: 8
  • PHYS 151A - General Physics I
  • PHYS 151L - General Physics I Lab
  • PHYS 152A - General Physics II
  • PHYS 152L - General Physics II Lab
• Chemistry Major Requirements - Credits: 44
  • CHEM 121A - General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 121L - General Chemistry Laboratory I
  • CHEM 122A - General Chemistry II
  • CHEM 122L - General Chemistry Laboratory II
  • CHEM 241 - Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM 242 - Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM 347 - Laboratory Techniques of Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM 348 - Laboratory Techniques of Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM 355 - Quantitative Analysis
  • CHEM 355L - Quantitative Analysis Laboratory
  • CHEM 421 - Physical Chemistry I
  • CHEM 474 - Biochemistry I
  • CHEM 455 - Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 489 - Senior Poster Seminar
• and eleven credits (including at least two credits of advanced laboratory) selected from:
  • CHEM 312 - Introduction to Radiochemistry
  • CHEM 422 - Physical Chemistry II
  • CHEM 423 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory
  • CHEM 428 - Quantum Chemistry
  • CHEM 431 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 442 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 447 - Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
  • CHEM 455L - Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
  • CHEM 472 - Biochemistry Laboratory
  • CHEM 475 - Biochemistry II
  • CHEM 490 - Senior Independent Study in Chemistry
  • or
  • CHEM 492 - Advanced Topics in Chemistry

General Electives: 15-25 Credits

The number of general electives necessary for each student varies based on how many credits a student uses to satisfy the requirements identified above. The minimum credits required to earn a degree from the College of Sciences is 120.

Total Credits: 120

Notes

1. It is strongly recommended that students take SCI 101 to satisfy the First-Year Seminar requirement.
2. At least 40 credits must be earned at the upper-division level (300 and above).
3. The sequence PHYS 180-PHYS 181-PHYS 182 (including labs) is an acceptable replacement for PHYS 151A-PHYS 152A (including labs) sequence; however, any two course combination from PHYS 180, PHYS 181, and PHYS 182 is not an acceptable replacement.
4. CHEM 355 and CHEM 355L are Milestone Experience courses for Chemistry B.A.
5. CHEM 491 and CHEM 493 and CHEM 494 are Culminating Experience courses for Chemistry B.A.