2009-2010 Catalog 
    
    Nov 27, 2024  
2009-2010 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry, BA


This degree program is suitable for students wishing a major in chemistry that requires fewer credit hours in chemistry, physics, and mathematics than the BS degree. BA graduates may be students interested in a more general degree, pre-medical or pre-dental students, students having an interest in both biology and chemistry or chemistry and some other discipline, students who switch over to a chemistry major during their third or fourth year of college, or students who are unsure of their goals early in their college experience. Many BA students choose to go on to graduate school in chemistry and prepare themselves by taking sufficient courses in chemistry and related disciplines in order to qualify for acceptance.

There are five chemistry degree options within the BA: general, environmental, biochemistry, pre-health professional, and teacher education. Recommended year-by-year curricula for each option follow.

 

Chemistry BA, General Option—Four-Year Curriculum


Total Hours (120)


Chemistry BA, Environmental Option—Four-Year Curriculum


This BA program is designed for those students having an interest in environmental processes and problem solving from a chemical perspective. Many environmental issues are multi-dimensional and require the application of chemical principles, processes, and techniques within other disciplines. The strength of this program option is the combination of chemical principles with those of other earth systems. This degree program will give the student a solid foundation in chemistry while pursuing a multi-disciplinary approach that includes course work in biology, ecology, geography, and economics.

Total Hours (120)


Chemistry BA, Biochemistry Option—Four-Year Curriculum


This BA program has been established particularly for those students having an interest in biological chemistry and biochemistry. Biochemistry students really need a large part of two majors, one in chemistry and one in biology. The biochemistry option was designed to include as requirements those courses that are fundamental to the field of biochemistry.

The most important feature of the program is that two semesters of biochemistry are required as well as a biochemistry laboratory course. Genetics and molecular genetics are also required.

Total Hours (120)


Chemistry BA, Pre-Health Professional Option—Four-Year Curriculum


The BA degree in chemistry with pre-health option is designed for students who are interested in chemistry and who plan a career in a health-oriented profession such as medicine or dentistry. This option satisfies the course requirements of most medical and dental schools. 

Students who wish to work as chemists or to pursue graduate studies in chemistry should elect one of the other program options (either BS or BA) in chemistry rather than the Pre-Health Option.

Recommended Electives


It is recommended that students take one or two chemistry electives in addition to the required courses, e.g., CHEM 418 and 420 or a chemistry elective course such as CHEM 301, 341, 531, etc.

Total Hours (120)


Chemistry BA, Teacher Education Option—Four-Year Curriculum


The BA degree in chemistry with teacher education option is designed for students wishing to be high school chemistry teachers. This program has very specific requirements and no room for elective courses that will count towards graduation. It is important to consult with advisors from the Department of Chemistry and the College of Education.

Students who wish to work as chemists or to pursue graduate studies in chemistry should elect one of the other program options (either BS or BA) in chemistry rather than the Teacher Education option.

Note:


*Teacher Ed Option students, when registering for CHEM 405 Introduction to Lab Teaching, must contact the Chemistry Department chair three months prior to the start of the semester to determine an appropriate laboratory to teach.

Senior Year


  • Required Education courses (Consult with the College of Education) - 31 credits

Recommended Electives


This Teacher Education in Chemistry curriculum allows for little flexibility for completion in 128 credit hours. However, it is recommended that students take one or two chemistry elective courses in addition to the required courses. Be aware that taking these additional courses will require more than 128 credit hours for graduation.

Total Hours (128)