Chemistry Major

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College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – Department of Chemistry and Food Science

The Department of Chemistry and Food Science is unique in that it offers strong majors in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science. The programs complement one another, producing Food Science majors with an exceptionally strong background in chemistry and providing Chemistry and Biochemistry majors with the opportunity to take electives in more applied areas such as food chemistry and food analysis. Undergraduate research opportunities are also enhanced by the combination of these program areas. An excellent undergraduate education is provided by the structured curricula for the Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science majors coupled with a strong general education component. The strength of these programs is clearly indicated by the excellent graduate school placement, achievement records, and employment opportunities enjoyed by graduates.

The Chemistry major offers two concentrations: one is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the other is a general chemistry concentration. The ACS-approved curriculum allows flexibility to specialize in a particular area through choice of the elective, the advanced course, and the senior research project. The General Chemistry concentration requires a minor.


Pre-Health Program

A pre-health curriculum for pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary studies is also offered in cooperation with the Biology Department.

 

The General Education Requirement

All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of ten (10) courses outside of the major department. The General Education Domain II-B (Natural Sciences) and laboratory requirement are satisfied through the completion of the Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science majors.

 

Course Prerequisites

Courses may have specified conditions for enrollment, such as prior completion of less advanced courses, permission of the instructor, or appropriate placement test scores. Students should refer to course descriptions in the department listings for prerequisite requirements.

 

Requirements for the Major in Chemistry (U_CH)

Major Core Requirements (8)

The following eight (8) core requirements are required of Biochemistry majors in all concentrations:

  • CHEM 107 Principles of Chemistry
  • CHEM 108 Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis
  • CHEM 207 Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM 208 Organic Chemistry II
  • MATH 219 Calculus I (Gen. Ed. Domain II-A)
  • MATH 220 Calculus II
  • PHYS 211 Principles of Physics I
  • PHYS 212 Principles of Physics II

 

CONCENTRATIONS

All students majoring in Chemistry must choose one (1) of the two (2) concentrations: ACS-Approved Program or General Chemistry.

 

American Chemical Society Approved Biochemistry Concentration (UCHA)

Concentration Requirements (11):

  • CHEM 301 Biochemistry I
  • CHEM 303 Physical Chemistry I
  • CHEM 304 Physical Chemistry II
  • CHEM 321 Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 332 Biochemistry II
  • CHEM 401 Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 480 Chemical Research I
  • CHEM 481 Chemical Research II
  • CHEM ___ An Advanced Chemistry course*
  • CSCI ___  Computer Science elective
  • CSCI ___  Computer Science elective
  • MATH 221 Calculus III

    *The course in advanced chemistry can be selected from the list below depending upon interest and graduate study pursuits:
    • CHEM 332 Biochemistry II
    • CHEM 390 Special Topics in Chemistry
    • FDSC 405 Food Analysis
    • FDSC 408 Food Chemistry

 

General Chemistry Concentration (UCHG)

Concentration Requirements (6):

  • CHEM 303 Physical Chemistry I
  • CHEM 321 Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 401 Inorganic Chemistry
  • CSCI 120 Introduction to Information Technology
  • Choose two (2) chemistry elective courses from:
    • CHEM 301 Biochemistry I
    • CHEM 304 Physical Chemistry II
    • CHEM 390 Special Topics in Chemistry
    • FDSC 405 Food Analysis
    • FDSC 408 Food Chemistry

A minor in one the following areas is required with the General Chemistry concentration: business, computer science, earth science, secondary education, or mathematics. Other minors may be approved by the Department of Chemistry and Food Science. Students choosing to minor in secondary education must take CHEM 301 Biochemistry I.

 

PROGRAM IN EDUCATION

Chemistry majors with a concentration in General Chemistry may minor in secondary education to obtain Initial licensure at the high school level.

 

Effective as of the 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog