Chemistry Undergraduate Programs - Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences

Chemistry Undergraduate Programs

A chemistry degree serves as an integral component of modern research in medicine, the environment, new materials and energy technology. Chemists study the atomic and molecular properties of materials and are easily placed in thriving professional opportunities.

Beyond careers in chemistry, chemists are needed in engineering, medicine, business, education and law where a technical background is highly recommended for work in patents and environmental law.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in chemistry. Students also can pursue a combined bachelor’s and master’s program to complete both degrees in five years.

The bachelor’s degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. Supporting work in mathematics and physics and a personal selection of electives allow each student to customize his or her degree to match their career objectives.

The bachelor of arts option is well suited for students with an interest in chemistry but with career aspirations in law, business, education or fields requiring technical literacy.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biochemistry

    1. Describe the structure, composition and properties of various chemical substances.
    2. Plan the synthesis of inorganic and organic substances resulting in the successful synthesis of the compounds.
    3. Characterize substances based upon analysis of their physical and chemical properties.
    4. Use theories of microscopic properties to explain macroscopic behavior.
    5. Explain the role of energy in determining structure and reactivity.
    6. Employ chemical theory to explain the rate and outcome of chemical reactions.
  • Degree Options

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    Provides students with a diverse background in chemistry.

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    Degree option in chemistry consists of chemistry, physics, mathematics, writing and humanities courses that serve as the groundwork for graduate or advanced professional study.

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    Study the atomic and molecular properties of materials and acquire a background in general and organic chemistry.

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    Provides foundational knowledge of the structure and function of the brain and nervous system.



  • Typical Four-Year Schedule
    FRESHMAN – FALL SEMESTER FRESHMAN – SPRING SEMESTER
    Introduction to Chemistry Calculus II
    Block I – Exposition and Argumentation General Physics I and Lab
    Calculus I General Chemistry II and Lab
    General Chemistry I and Lab Block II – Historical and Social Interpretation
    General Elective
    SOPHOMORE – FALL SEMESTER SOPHOMORE – SPRING SEMESTER
    Calculus III Molecular Modeling
    General Physics II and Lab Organic Chemistry II and Lab
    Organic Chemistry I and Lab Technical Elective
    General Elective General Elective
    Sophomore Seminar
    JUNIOR – FALL SEMESTER JUNIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Physical Chemistry I and Lab Writing for the Professions
    Biochemistry I Physical Chemistry II and Lab
    Block II – Historical and Social Interpretation Analytical Chemistry I and Lab
    Technical Elective General Elective
    General Elective Block I – Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience
    Junior Seminar
    SENIOR – FALL SEMESTER SENIOR – SPRING SEMESTER
    Analytical Chemistry II and Lab Inorganic Synthesis
    Introduction to Research Technical Elective
    Inorganic Chemistry Technical Elective
    Technical Elective General Elective
    Block II – Historical and Social Interpretation Block II – Historical and Social Interpretation
    Senior Project

  • Professional Opportunities
    • Industrial chemist
    • Food scientist
    • Forensic scientist
    • Environmental inspector/technician
    • Secondary ed chemistry teacher
    • Materials engineer