The Chemistry major is designed to provide both the conceptual framework and the practical experience necessary to prepare students for a career in chemistry. Graduates from the program have been employed in chemical industries, regulatory agencies, forensic laboratories, clinical laboratories, and schools. Careers include chemical analysis, chemical preparation, teaching, research, development, sales, management, and health professions.

In addition, the chemistry major provides an excellent preparation for graduate studies in chemistry and chemistry-related fields. The Chemistry major also provides the necessary foundation for entry into medical, dental, and pharmacy schools. Typically, half of the graduates attend graduate, medical, dental, or pharmacy school; with most of the remaining graduates obtaining positions within chemical industries, regulatory agencies, or schools.

PROGRAMS OFFERED
To accommodate the broad array of career and advanced educational opportunities available in Chemistry, the Chemistry major provides two tracks: the Chemistry track and the Biochemistry track. The choice depends upon the student’s career goals and interests.

  • The Chemistry track is designed for students who plan to continue their chemistry education in graduate school pursuing one of the traditional areas of Chemistry (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, or Physical Chemistry). The Chemistry track meets entrance requirements for graduate programs in Chemistry in the United States.  This track is also well suited for students who wish to work within the Chemical industry or teach upon graduation.
  • The Biochemistry track is designed more for students who plan to go directly into a career in the biomedical field upon graduation, or who plan to attend graduate or professional school in Biochemistry. In addition, this track provides excellent preparation for students planning to attend medical, dental, or pharmacy school upon graduation. This track also provides greater flexibility for a student who might want to earn a double major.

 

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

 
A major in Chemical Engineering is available at several affiliated institutions through the dual degree program. Students wishing to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering should refer to the Engineering section within this catalog. Chemistry majors must earn a "C" (2.0) or better in any course utilized as a prerequisite.

Chemistry Track Requirements

Code Course Credit
CHEM 103/104 General Chemistry I & II 4/4
CHEM 222 Analytical Chemistry 4
CHEM 301/302 Organic Chemistry I & II 4/4
CHEM 321 Inorganic Chemistry 4
CHEM 323 Instrumental Analysis 4
CHEM 401/402 Physical Chemistry I & II 4/4
CHEM 412WS Chemistry Communications 3
CHEM 490 Senior Project1 3
MATH 140 Calculus I 4
MATH 141 Calculus II 4
MATH 300 Calculus III 4
PHYS 151/152 General Physics 4/4
 

 Total:

 62

1. A three-credit internship may be substituted for CHEM 490.

For students planning to attend graduate school in chemistry the following courses are recommended:

Code Course Credit
CS 158
   or 170		 Application Development I
Intro to Scientific & Engineering Programming		 3
CS 160 Application Development II 3
MATH 331 Differential Equations 3
 

Biochemistry Track Requirements

Code Course Credit
CHEM 103/104 General Chemistry I & II 4/4
CHEM 222 Analytical Chemistry 4
CHEM 301/302 Organic Chemistry I & II 4/4
CHEM 404 Physical Biochemistry 3
CHEM 425 Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology I 4
CHEM 426WI Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology II 4
CHEM 412WS Chemistry Communications1 3
CHEM 490 Senior Project2 3
BIOL 170 & 170L Introduction to Ecology and Evolution and lab 4
BIOL 208 Introduction to Cellular, Genetic & Molecular Biology 4
BIOL 301WI
   or 402WI		 Microbiology
Cell Biology		 4
MATH 140 Calculus I3 4
PHYS 111/112 Principles of Physics I & II3 4/4
 

 Total:

 61

1. BIOL 223S (3 credit hours) may be substituted for CHEM 412.
2. A three-credit internship may be substituted for CHEM 490.
3. Students planning to attend graduate school in biochemistry also should take Calculus II (MATH 141), Calculus III (MATH 300), and substitute calculus based General Physics (PHYS 151 & 152) for Principles of Physics I & II (PHYS 111 & 112).

Students who wish to double major in Biochemistry and Biology or Marine Science will only be allowed to double count those courses specifically required for both majors. Upper division electives may not be counted towards both majors simultaneously. 

Students who wish to major in Biochemistry and minor in Biology or Marine Science must take CHEM 425 (Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology I) and CHEM 426WI (Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology II) to satisfy the requirements of the Biochemistry major.

 

MINOR REQUIREMENTS


Students who plan to minor in Chemistry must earn a "C" (2.0) or better in any course utilized as a prerequisite.

Code Course Credit
CHEM 103 General Chemistry I  4
CHEM 104 General Chemistry II  4
CHEM 222 Analytical Chemistry  4
   Total:  12

Addtionally, students must choose two (2) CHEM courses numbered above 300 for a minimum of 20 credit hours.

 

CHEMISTRY EDUCATION - SECONDARY LEVEL


Students who plan to teach Chemistry on the secondary level should complete the education minor in consultation with the School of Education early in their academic careers to determine the specific requirements.

 

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