Chemistry involves the understanding of the structure and reactivity of matter from atomic- and molecular-level perspective. Degrees in Chemistry involve training in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Elective courses are also available allowing students to pursue interests in materials, biological, and other advanced areas of chemistry.
The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students interested in an in-depth preparation, including advanced lab work. This degree is an excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing Chemistry or Biochemistry as a career. It also serves as excellent preparation for students applying to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health allied fields. This degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. ACS-approved programs offer a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.
Admissions
See Admissions for information about entrance pathways and application instructions.
Degree Requirements
BS Chemistry Checklist - ACS Certified (PDF)
*note clicking on a subject (EX. CHEM) will take you to the course catalog for that subject, hovering on a course number will tell you the title and clicking on a course number will take you to the MyPlan course description of the course, clicking on "choose one" will take you to the information about course sequences.
Mathematics (choose one sequence)
One Additional Math Course from the Following.
Physics (choose one sequence)
Calculus-based series is recommended. One credit lab is included in the calculus-based physics series.
One credit of laboratory:
PHYS 117, 118, 119 (1)
General Chemistry (choose one sequence)
- Regular: CHEM 142 (5), 152 (5), 162 (5)
- Honors: CHEM 145 (5), 155 (5), 165 (5)
- Accelerated: CHEM 143 (6), 153 (6)
Analytical Lab
Inorganic Chemistry
Students completing 155 and 165 must take CHEM 416 (3) in place of CHEM 312.
Organic Chemistry (choose one sequence)
Physical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Advanced Chemistry
The two parts of this requirement must total a minimum of 8 credits.
- a) Choose one 400 level lab from the following:
Honors students only may apply CHEM 399 or 499 for Part B.
Sample Schedule
| Year | Autumn Courses | Winter Courses | Spring Courses |
| 1st Year | Chem 142 (5) Math 124 (5) English Composition (5) |
Chem 152 (5) Math 125 (5) A&H "W" (5)* |
Chem 162 (5) Math 126 (5) SSc (5)* |
| 2nd Year | Chem 237 (4) Chem 321 (5) Phys 121 (5) |
Chem 238 (4) Chem 241 (3) Phys 122 (5) Math 207 (3) |
Chem 239 (4) Chem 242 (3) Phys 123 (5) Elective (3) |
| 3rd Year | Bioc 405 (3) Chem 455 (3) A&H "W" (5)* Foreign Language 101 (5) |
Chem 312 (3) Chem 456 (3) A&H (5)* Foreign Language 102 (5) Chem 399/499 (2)** |
Chem 317 (4) Chem 457 (3) SSc (4)* Foreign Language 103 (5) Chem 399/499 (2)** |
| 4th Year | Chem 416 (3) Chem 461 (3) SSc (5) Chem 399/499 (2)** |
Chem 426 (3) Advanced Chem Lab (3) SSc (5)* Chem 499 (2)** |
Advanced Chem Course (3) A&H (5)* Electives (4) Chem 499 (2)** |
Undergraduate advisers can help set up individual schedules according to students’ needs and constraints.
* Arts and Humanities (A&H), Social Sciences (SSc). Students are expected to understand and complete all general education requirements as detailed in the General Catalog. .
** Students are strongly encouraged to include undergraduate research in their schedule. Every student can count research credits as elective credits. Chem 299 and 499 can also meet the Writing "W" requirements.
Grade Point Average Requirements
- Degree requires a minimum of 183 credits. Depending on the courses chosen, the required credits to complete the degree may be higher than 183.
- Minimum grade of 2.0 is necessary for each required chemistry course.
- Overall cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is required.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is required for all CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and/or BIOC courses used to satisfy the major requirements.
- Model schedule shows that students may need to take more than the standard 15 credits per quarter to complete the degree in four years. The schedule is provided to show the progression of courses, the inclusion of research, and the college requirements integrated into the major. Some students elect to stay an additional quarter or take credits during the summer to reach the required total with the standard course load.
Continuation Policy
Beginning Spring quarter 2010, students enrolled in degree programs in biochemistry and chemistry must maintain both a cumulative GPA and individual-course grades consistent with requirements for their degree. Students pursuing B.S. degrees must maintain a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.50 and minimum 2.0 for individual courses required for the major. Students pursuing a B.A. degree must maintain a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.00 and minimum 1.7 for individual courses required for the major. Failure to maintain these GPA and grade standards results in the student being placed on departmental academic probation for one quarter, and dropped from the major if marked improvement in academic performance is not achieved. Students who experience extraordinary circumstances may petition for one or more additional probationary quarters.