Chemistry, BS
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Chemistry majors develop a fundamental understanding of basic principles, concepts, models, and practices employed by chemists in characterizing the structure and behavior of matter.
The chemistry major is structured to ensure that this fundamental knowledge is based on experiences that include the four major divisions of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical). The chemistry program is designed to foster development of an understanding of (1) the nature of the underlying scientific processes employed in the acquisition of chemical knowledge, (2) the application of current principles and modern practices used in solving chemical problems, (3) the current state of chemical knowledge, and (4) the applications of the concepts of chemistry in addressing societal needs. The program is particularly well-suited to prepare students for careers in chemistry or related areas and for admission to graduate, medical, or other professional schools.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will correctly use the fundamental concepts of chemistry.
- Students will solve problems by understanding and implementing the stages of the research process.
- Students will effectively communicate and disseminate the results of the scientific process to a diverse audience.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, locate, and evaluate primary literature.
- Students will work both individually and collaboratively with other students and faculty.
- Students will exhibit the skills of a successful professional.
Degree Requirements
General College Requirements
General College Requirements (see Curriculum section), including the following requirements to satisfy the major
Required Chemistry Core Courses (28 credit hours)
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 with a grade of C or a 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 106 with grades of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 311 with a grade of C- or better is required for CHEM 312.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106, PHYS 141 or PHYS 151, and MATH 152, or consent of the instructor. CHEM 451 is a prerequisite for CHEM 452.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 451 or consent of the instructor.
Required Cognate Courses
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected. MATH 151 is a prerequisite for MATH 152.
OR
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 141 or PHYS 151.
OR
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 141 or PHYS 151.
Elective Courses
Option 1: ACS-Certified Major
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 or consent of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better.
Elective (Required) one of the 4 options:
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 420 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): Topics prerequisites will be listed on a case by case basis.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 231 or PHYS 251, MATH 256, and consent of the instructor. Students with several chemistry courses may seek the instructor’s permission to have the PHYS 251
Option 2: non-ACS-Certified Major
Four credits hours selected from the following list of options:
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106 PHYS 142
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 or consent of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): Topics prerequisites will be listed on a case by case basis.
Prerequisite(s): Learning contract filed in the Office of the Registrar.
Prerequisite(s): Learning contract filed in the Office of the Registrar.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 231 or PHYS 251, MATH 256, and consent of the instructor. Students with several chemistry courses may seek the instructor’s permission to have the PHYS 251
St. Mary’s Project
Every chemistry major must complete a St. Mary’s Project. This project may be in chemistry or in another major discipline or study area. The guidelines established in the selected area apply.
Minimum Grade and GPA Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses listed above, and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or better in these required courses.
Sequence of Study
First Year:
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 with a grade of C or a 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected.
Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with high school trigonometry is expected. MATH 151 is a prerequisite for MATH 152.
Sophomore Year:
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 106 with grades of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CHEM 311 with a grade of C- or better is required for CHEM 312.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 141 or PHYS 151.
Junior Year:
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106, PHYS 141 or PHYS 151, and MATH 152, or consent of the instructor. CHEM 451 is a prerequisite for CHEM 452.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 451 or consent of the instructor.
Senior Year:
- Mary’s Project
- Core Curriculum requirements
- and elective courses