Academic Programs Catalog

College of Natural Science

Undergraduate Programs


Chemistry - Bachelor of Science

The degree Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry is designed to provide a thorough foundation in the various fields of chemistry and the related sciences, as well as a proper educational balance in the liberal arts. The program is intended for students planning careers in industry or in governmental laboratories and for those planning graduate study in chemistry.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society.

The completion of one or more semesters of independent research (Chemistry 400H or 420) is strongly recommended for students in this program.
A detailed description of this program may be obtained from the Department of Chemistry. 
 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Chemistry major is met by completing Chemistry 395, 415, 435, and 495. Those courses are referenced in items 3. b. (3) and 3. b. (4) below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
                   
    a. The following courses outside the Department of Chemistry (28 to 33 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (3 or 5 credits):
    BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    LB 145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology 5
    (2) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    (3) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    LB 119 Calculus II 4
    MTH 133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 153H Honors Calculus II 4
    (4) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    LB 220 Calculus III 4
    MTH 234 Multivariable Calculus 4
    MTH 254H Honors Multivariable Calculus 4
    (5) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    MTH 340 Ordinary Differential Equations I 3
    MTH 347H Honors Ordinary Differential Equations 3
    (6) One of the following groups of courses (8 or 10 credits):
    (a) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists II 1
    (b) PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists II 1
    PHY 193H Honors Physics I - Mechanics 4
    PHY 294H Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism 4
    (c) LB 273 Physics I 4
    LB 274 Physics II 4
    (d) PHY 173 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 5
    PHY 174 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 5
    (7) The following course (3 credits):
    BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3
    b. The following courses in the Department of Chemistry (46 or 47 credits):
    (1) One of the following pairs of courses (7 or 8 credits):
    (a) CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    (b) CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I 4
    CEM 182H Honors Chemistry II 4
    (c) LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB 172 Principles of Chemistry II 3
    (2) One of the following groups of courses (5 credits):
    (a) CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    (b) CEM 185H Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    (c) CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    LB 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    LB 172L Principles of Chemistry II - Reactivity Laboratory 1
    (3) All of the following courses (31 credits):
    CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CEM 355 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    CEM 356 Organic Laboratory II 2
    CEM 395 Analytical/Physical Laboratory 2
    CEM 411 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 4
    CEM 434 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3
    CEM 435 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory 3
    CEM 444 Chemical Safety 1
    CEM 483 Quantum Chemistry 3
    CEM 484 Molecular Thermodynamics 3
    CEM 495 Molecular Spectroscopy 2
    (4) The following capstone course (3 credits):
    CEM 415 Advanced Synthesis Laboratory 3

Chemistry - Bachelor of Arts

Many occupations require a moderate training in chemistry combined with training in one or more other areas. Accordingly, the Bachelor of Arts degree is intended for the students desiring a lesser degree of specialization than required for the Bachelor of Science degree. Students who desire chemistry as a major while pursuing programs in prehealth, prelaw, or education, or as training for many professional or industrial positions, may elect this program. Ample opportunity in the choice of electives is provided for students who are planning to obtain positions such as the following: technical writers, technical librarians, technical sales personnel, and patent lawyers. Additional collateral work may be necessary if this program is presented for admission to a school of graduate studies. A more detailed statement may be obtained from the Department of Chemistry. 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Chemistry major is met by completing Chemistry 333 and 425.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. b. (5) below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
                   
    a. The following courses outside the Department of Chemistry (21 to 27 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
    BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 182H Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
    ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
    IBIO 150 Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations 3
    LB 144 Biology I: Organismal Biology 4
    LB 145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology 5
    MMG 141 Introductory Human Genetics 3
    MMG 201 Fundamentals to Microbiology 3
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PSL 250 Introductory Physiology 4
    (2) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    (3) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    LB 119 Calculus II 4
    MTH 133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 153H Honors Calculus II 4
    (4) One of the following groups of courses (8 or 10 credits):
    (a) PHY 231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY 232 Introductory Physics II 3
    PHY 251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II 1
    (b) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists II 1
    (c) LB 273 Physics I 4
    LB 274 Physics II 4
    (d) PHY 173 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 5
    PHY 174 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 5
    (e) PHY 221 Studio Physics for Life Scientists I 4
    PHY 222 Studio Physics for Life Scientists II 4
    (5) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
    BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3
    b. The following courses in the Department of Chemistry (36 or 37 credits):
    (1) One of the following pairs of courses (7 or 8 credits):
    (a) CEM 141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM 142 General and Inorganic Chemistry 3
    (b) CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    (c) CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I 4
    CEM 182H Honors Chemistry II 4
    (d) LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB 172 Principles of Chemistry II 3
    (2) One of the following groups of courses (5 credits):
    (a) CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    (b) CEM 185H Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    (c) CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    LB 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    LB 172L Principles of Chemistry II - Reactivity Laboratory 1
    (3) One of the following pairs of courses (6 credits):
    (a) CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 252 Organic Chemistry II 3
    (b) CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
    (4) One of the following courses (2 credits):
    CEM 255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
    CEM 355 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    (5) All of the following courses (13 credits):
    CEM 333 Instrumental Methods and Applications 3
    CEM 383 Introductory Physical Chemistry I 3
    CEM 384 Introductory Physical Chemistry II 3
    CEM 425 Chemistry Communication and Professional Development (W) 3
    CEM 444 Chemical Safety 1
    (6) The following capstone course (3 credits):
    CEM 311 Inorganic Chemistry 3


Chemical Physics

The major in Chemical Physics provides a strong foundation in chemistry, physics and mathematics for those students who have a professional interest in the areas of overlap between chemistry and physics. It is particularly suitable for students planning to pursue a graduate degree in the area of chemical physics or physical chemistry.

A detailed description of this program may be obtained from the Department of Chemistry.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Physics

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Physics.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Chemical Physics major is met by completing two enrollments of Chemistry 499.  That course is referenced in item 3. b. (6) below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
                   
    a. The following courses outside the Department of Chemistry (51 to 60 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
    BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 182H Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
    ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
    IBIO 150 Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations 3
    LB 144 Biology I: Organismal Biology 4
    LB 145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology 5
    MMG 141 Introductory Human Genetics 3
    MMG 201 Fundamentals to Microbiology 3
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PSL 250 Introductory Physiology 4
    (2) The following course (4 credits):
    CMSE 201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
    (3) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    LB 118 Calculus I 4
    MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    (4) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    LB 119 Calculus II 4
    MTH 133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 153H Honors Calculus II 4
    (5) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    LB 220 Calculus III 4
    MTH 234 Multivariable Calculus 4
    MTH 254H Honors Multivariable Calculus 4
    (6) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    MTH 340 Ordinary Differential Equations I 3
    MTH 347H Honors Ordinary Differential Equations 3
    (7) One of the following sets of courses (4 to 7 credits):
    (a) MTH 299 Transitions 4
    MTH 309 Linear Algebra I 3
    (b) MTH 299 Transitions 4
    MTH 314 Matrix Algebra with Computational Applications 3
    (c) MTH 317H Honors Linear Algebra 4
    (8) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    MTH 310 Abstract Algebra I and Number Theory 3
    MTH 320 Analysis I 3
    MTH 327H Honors Introduction to Analysis 3
    MTH 415 Applied Linear Algebra 3
    MTH 418H Honors Algebra I 3
    MTH 441 Ordinary Differential Equations II 3
    MTH 442 Partial Differential Equations 3
    MTH 451 Numerical Analysis I 3
    (9) One of the following groups of courses (8 or 10 credits):
    (a) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists II 1
    (b) PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists II 1
    PHY 193H Honors Physics I - Mechanics 4
    PHY 294H Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism 4
    (c) LB 273 Physics I 4
    LB 274 Physics II 4
    (d) PHY 173 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 5
    PHY 174 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 5
    (10) All of the following courses (12 credits):
    PHY 215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics 3
    PHY 321 Classical Mechanics I 3
    PHY 471 Quantum Physics I 3
    PHY 481 Electricity and Magnetism I 3
    (11) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    PHY 410 Thermal and Statistical Physics 3
    PHY 415 Methods of Theoretical Physics 4
    PHY 422 Classical Mechanics II 3
    PHY 431 Optics I 3
    PHY 472 Quantum Physics II 3
    PHY 480 Computational Physics 3
    PHY 482 Electricity and Magnetism II 3
    PHY 491 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics 3
    PHY 492 Introduction to Nuclear Physics 3
    PHY 493 Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics 3
    b. The following courses in the Department of Chemistry (29 to 31 credits):
    (1) One of the following pairs of courses (7 or 8 credits):
    (a) CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    (b) CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I 4
    CEM 182H Honors Chemistry II 4
    (c) LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB 172 Principles of Chemistry II 3
    (2) One of the following groups of courses (5 credits):
    (a) CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    (b) CEM 185H Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    (c) CEM 262 Quantitative Analysis 3
    LB 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    LB 172L Principles of Chemistry II - Reactivity Laboratory 1
    (3) One  of the following pairs of courses (6 credits):
    (a) CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 252 Organic Chemistry II 3
    (b) CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
    (4) One of the following courses (2 or 3 credits):
    CEM 333 Instrumental Methods and Applications 3
    CEM 395 Analytical/Physical Laboratory 2
    CEM 495 Molecular Spectroscopy 3
    (5) All of the following courses (7 credits):
    CEM 444 Chemical Safety 1
    CEM 483 Quantum Chemistry 3
    CEM 484 Molecular Thermodynamics 3
    (6) The following capstone course (2 credits):
    CEM 499 Chemical Physics Seminar 2
    The completion of Chemistry 499 fulfills the department's capstone requirement. Two enrollments in Chemistry 499 are required, 1 credit per enrollment.