Chemistry & Physics

Chemistry Programs

Student working with chemical reactions

Chemistry Major

The chemistry major can prepare students for graduate study in chemistry, for teaching chemistry at the high school level, or for a career as a professional chemist in government or industrial labs. In addition, a major can prepare students for work in such fields as environmental control and science marketing and sales.

A major in chemistry consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours in Chemistry. Each student, in conjunction with her/his advisor and subject to the approval of the department, selects specific courses to be required for that student’s intended application of the major, the selection to be made as early as possible in the undergraduate years. In selecting their courses, all majors are required to complete one of the seminar classes (Chemistry 369, Chemistry Seminar; or Chemistry 370, Biochemistry Seminar) or an independent research project (Chemistry 398, Research).

In addition to the courses in chemistry, supporting courses in mathematics and physics are required. Chemistry majors are also encouraged to take courses in computer science and biology where appropriate. Shown below are the courses students would normally be expected to take in preparation for graduate study in chemistry. Also shown is a list of the core courses on which a student may build a major to suit his/her individual interests. Students should be aware that the more rigorous graduate preparation track is the most versatile in terms of future career options. In either case, a wide variety of combinations of courses is possible through the use of electives.

Students planning to pursue graduate study in chemistry should plan to take the following:

Required:  (Hours)

  • Chem 101/102 Bonds & Structure I/II (8)
  • Chem 201/202 Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
  • Chem 205 Quantitative Analysis (4)
  • Chem 301/302 Physical Chemistry I/II (6)
  • Chem 307 Instrumental Analysis (4)
  • Chem 369/370 Chemistry/Biochemistry Seminar (1.5)
  • Chem 398 Research (1)
  • Chemistry Electives (4-9)

Total  (36.5-41.5)

Required Supporting Courses: (Hours)

  • Math 151/152 Calculus I/ II (8) (additional math may be needed for students planning to study certain areas of chemistry)
  • Phys 191/192 General Physics I/II (8)

(16)

The minimum expectations for other applications of the major are given below:

  • Chemistry Courses
  • Chem 101/102 Bonds & Structure I/II (8)
  • Chem 201/202 Organic Chemistry I/II (8)
  • Chem 205 Quantitative Analysis (4)
  • Chem 369 Chemistry Seminar OR Chem 370 Biochemistry Seminar 1-1.5 OR Chem 398 Research
  • Chemistry Electives (minimum) 9

30-30.5

Required Supporting Courses: (Hours)

  • Math 140 Elements of Calculus OR Math 151 Calculus I (recommended) (4)
  • Phys 151/152 Principles of Physics I/II OR Phys 191/192 General Physics I/II (8)

(12)

Students should consult with the department chairperson to determine the chemistry electives and supporting courses best suited for the intended application of the major. A wide variety of combinations of courses is possible.

Chemistry Minor

A chemistry minor will consist of five chemistry courses in the department which must include at least one course in General Chemistry (101, 102), one course in Organic Chemistry (201,202), and one course in Analytical Chemistry (205, 307). The two elective courses must be approved by the department. In addition, competency in algebra (Mathematics 130) is expected. Since most students will need to take both courses in general chemistry, the typical minor will be as follows:

Required:  (Hours)

  • Chem 101/102 Bonds and Structure I/II (8)
  • Chem 201 Organic Chemistry I (4)
  • Chem 205 Quantitative Analysis OR Chem 307 Instrumental Analysis (4)
  • Chemistry Elective (3-4)

Total  (19-20)

View course descriptions for Chemistry, Physics and Math

Last Updated: 6/11/09