Majors, Minors, & Requirements

 

The Department is certified by the American Chemical Society as complying with its requirements for the professional training of chemists.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY LEADING TO THE B.S. DEGREE

1. Chemistry 120-120L, 211-212, 212L, 240 and 240L 311-312, 312L,and at least 2 additional courses from the following list: 406, 408, 414, 416, 422, 442, 451-452 (total of four credits).
2. Physics 111-112, 113L-114L.
3. Mathematics 121-122.
4. Chemistry 485 or 486 or 415.

These requirements may be tailored to suit the interests and goals of the student. Some suggestions include:

1. Chemistry graduate school: 406, 408, 414,451-452.
2. Biochemistry graduate school in a chemistry department: 414, 416, 451 452. (Note: students interested in graduate biochemistry may also wish to consider the Biochemistry-Molecular Biology major.)

REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION BY THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

1. Chemistry 211, 240 and 240L, 311, 408, 414 - these serve as the foundation courses. Then the in-depth courses are 212 and 212L, 312 and 312L, 406 and 415.
2. Physics 111-112 111L-112L.
3. Mathematics 121-122.
4. Chemistry 485 or 486.
5. At least 4 credit hours of research (chem 451 and/or 452).

HONORS IN CHEMISTRY

1. Courses required: those listed for the B.S. degree as well as Chemistry 495 and 496.
2. An original investigation of some problem in chemistry or biochemistry, usually related to research being carried on by a member of the department, is required. A creditable thesis must be presented at the end of the project. The honors project and its outcome must be approved by the student’s Honors Committee.
3. A public presentation on the honors work is required by the department.