Students will obtain a solid foundation in chemistry and the other physical sciences as well as mathematics that will prepare them for employment, professional school or graduate school upon graduation. They will also learn to use the scientific literature and to communicate scientific information effectively.
The chemistry department is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and offers a program that leads to ACS certification upon graduation. This program of study is recommended for students planning to enter government or industrial laboratories as a chemist or for those students planning to enter chemistry graduate programs.
Required Courses for the Chemistry Major (14 courses):
CHEM 140 General Chemistry
CHEM 220 Introductory Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 228
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 230
Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 270 Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 312
Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 322
Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 325/340* Integrated Laboratory/Instrumental Analysis (total of 1.5 courses)
BIOC 330 Biochemistry
MATH 151
Calculus I
MATH 152
Calculus II
PHYS 130
Physics I
PHYS 132
Physics II
*Co-requisite courses (must be taken concurrently).
CHEM 350 A total of 4 semesters. Two semesters must be concurrent with enrollment in CHEM 430. This is required participation component of the degree; it does not count for credit.
CHEM 430
Research (0.5 course) Students are required to participate for at least two semesters; one semester must be in the senior year. May be taken for 0.25 or 0.5 course/semester.
The ACS Certified Degree:
Students may complete an ACS certified degree by taking the one of the following courses in addition to the major requirements:
CHEM 370 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 362
Advanced Physical Chemistry (0.5 course)
CHEM 380
Advanced Organic Chemistry (0.5 course)
BIOC 390
Advanced Biochemistry
Final certification is contingent upon completion of a thorough written report of a research project (CHEM 430).
Required Courses for the Chemistry Minor (5 courses):
CHEM 140
General Chemistry
CHEM 220
Introductory Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 228
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 230
Organic Chemistry II
One of the following two offerings
CHEM 312
Physical Chemistry I
BIOC 330 Biochemistry
Students seeking teacher certification in this area should refer to pages 58–65.