Chemistry (BS.CHE)

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Chemistry is the study of the properties of matter and the ways in which matter interacts. combines and changes. It is inherently interdisciplinary in nature, with connections to the life sciences, geology, physics and mathematics.

The Chemistry major consists of a set of core chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses plus a flexible selection of upper level courses. This allows students to explore topics of interest and prepare for a wide range of graduate programs, careers and professions. All Chemistry majors will develop strong laboratory skills and have experience with state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation.

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry will demonstrate:

Proficiency in laboratory skills related to safety, use of equipment and instrumentation, and solution preparation.
Ability to develop a systematic method of analysis in order to answer a scientific question.
Understanding of basic chemical principles of chemical structure, bonding, reactivity, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
Understanding of qualitative and quantitative instrumentation (tools) used by the chemist to characterize samples of all states of matter.
Ability to communicate scientific findings (understandings) both orally and in the written form.
Ability to search the current Chemistry literature of peer reviewed journals to extract information of interest.
Understanding of Quantum Mechanics and its relationship to energy of bonds, molecules, and reactions.

If desired, students may choose a Biochemistry or Environmental Chemistry concentration:

The concentration in Biochemistry prepares students for careers and advanced studies in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine.
The concentration in Environmental Chemistry prepares students for careers and advanced studies in analytical chemistry, environmental remediation and engineering, laboratory positions, and other environmentally relevant fields. This concentration provides a more theoretical background than the Environmental Science major.

(The BS in Chemistry cannot be combined with a BS in Biology or BS in Environmental Science.)

Complete the following courses (53 cr):

CHE 1051 - Chemistry I 4 cr (grade of C or higher required)
CHE 1052 - Chemistry II 4 cr (grade of C or higher required)
CHE 2111 - Organic Chemistry I 4 cr
CHE 2112 - Organic Chemistry II 4 cr
CHE 3020 - Analytical Chemistry 4 cr
CHE 3031 - Physical Chemistry I 4 cr
CHE 3032 - Physical Chemistry II 4 cr
CHE 3150 - Inorganic Chemistry 3 cr
MAT 1531 - Calculus I 4 cr
MAT 2532 - Calculus II 4 cr
PHY 2110 - Physics I 4 cr
PHY 2210 - Physics II 4 cr
SCI 1230 - Pathways to Science 1 cr (should be taken during the freshman year)
SCI 2100 - Science Colloquium 1 cr (mandatory during sophomore year; recommended during junior and senior years; however, only 1 credit counts toward the major)
And take ONE of the following:
BIO 1121 - Biology I 4 cr (grade of C or higher required)
MAT 2036 - Biostatistics 4 cr

And complete 9 additional credits at the 3000 level or higher

The 9 credits must have CHE prefixes. Up to 3 credits may be earned through CHE 4920 - Research in Chemistry

(Total credits required: 62 cr)

And complete the university's Gen Ed requirements

Review the Gen Ed requirements.