Chemistry, BS

Program Description

The BS in chemistry is a professional degree program accredited by the American Chemical Society, designed to prepare the student for a career in chemistry; this includes those anticipating admission to graduate study in chemistry. The program is not intended as a preparation for the study of medicine. Premedical students who wish to major in chemistry should elect the BA pre-health professional degree with a major in chemistry.

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 analytical and biological chemistry are introduced in general chemistry and organic chemistry. They are then treated in detail in advanced courses in analytical chemistry. Inorganic chemistry is introduced in general chemistry. A two-semester lecturelaboratory sequence in inorganic chemistry is taken by seniors after they have had physical chemistry. The inorganic courses are founded upon modern theories of bonding and orbital symmetry.

Organic chemistry is covered in a one-year sequence featuring a rigorous laboratory program where synthetic and spectroscopic methods are introduced. A comprehensive treatment of the principles of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, kinetics, and spectroscopy is encompassed in the two-semester physical chemistry sequence.

The BS in chemistry program requires a strong preparation in mathematics through calculus and three semesters of physics.

Students wishing to pursue graduate study in chemistry should select independent study projects involving laboratory work by their junior year.

BS, Chemistry Curricular Programs

Suggested four-year sequences of courses are shown below. The courses required for the BS degree are implicit in this sequence. Students who have started their programs by taking CHEM 100 or 101, and who decide to major in chemistry or another science, should take the CHEM 103-106 sequence. Students electing the BS degree who have taken CHEM 331, 332, 333, 334 before deciding to major in chemistry should take two hours of credit in CHEM 940 (Independent Study) in organic chemistry or CHEM 338.

Students are required to select three upper-division electives in chemistry. Two may be CHEM 940-6.