The BS in Chemistry is a professional degree program accredited by the American Chemical Society, and is designed to prepare the student for a career in chemistry or a related profession; this includes those anticipating admission to graduate study in chemistry or other professional schools. The BS in Chemistry requires more breadth and depth in chemistry, mathematics, and physics than the BA in chemistry. Students desiring a BS in chemistry are typically planning graduate studies in chemistry and/or careers as professional chemists in industry, private laboratories, and government agencies.
The program features courses from each of the main areas of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemistry. Aspects of all these areas are introduced in general chemistry and they are then treated in detail in year-long advanced courses.
Organic chemistry features a rigorous program where synthetic, mechanistic, and spectroscopic methods are introduced. A comprehensive treatment of the principles of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, kinetics, and spectroscopy is encompassed in the physical chemistry sequence. The principles of quantitative analysis, analytical separations, and instrumental methods are covered in analytical chemistry. The sequence in inorganic chemistry focuses on modern theories of bonding and orbital symmetry. The BS in Chemistry program also requires strong preparation in calculus and physics.
In addition to the skills students gain in their laboratory courses, chemistry and biochemistry majors-BS majors in particular-should consider electing CHEM 4904 Research: Upper Division, or CHEM 4905 Internship at least once during their academic career. Research provides a different kind of experience than traditional laboratory courses. Students must do sufficient planning to carry out experiments, and regular communication with their research supervisor is a necessary component of the research experience.
General Information
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry requires the following:
- A minimum of 56 credit hours of CHEM course work. At least 16 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
- 25 additional hours of auxiliary course work.
- A grade of C or better in all CHEM and auxiliary course work.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all CHEM course work.
- No more than 60 credit hours of CHEM course work may apply to the bachelor’s degree.
Additional course work is required to complete the Chemistry, BS degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.
Learning Outcomes
- Have knowledge of general, organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic areas of chemistry and biochemistry, and an integrated overview of chemistry.
- Have knowledge of additional areas of biology, mathematics, physics, and technology and be able to manipulate experimental data and understand the derivation of fundamental relationships.
- Be able to communicate effectively about the field of chemistry.
