Chemistry
Chemistry is an interdisciplinary subject based on physics and mathematics. Course work at the advanced and upper division levels in chemistry is divided into five sub-areas of the field: Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, and Biochemistry. Students wishing to pursue graduate work in chemistry should have a minimum of two courses in organic, physical, and analytical chemistry and at least one course in inorganic or biochemistry. Analytical chemistry should include a course in instrumentation with a laboratory. These requirements exceed the concentration requirements, but are strongly suggested for students planning graduate study in Chemistry.
Concentration Requirements
A concentration designated as Chemistry may be established in one of two ways:
Option 1. A minimum of 39 credits, at the appropriate levels, in the following subjects:
| Introductory Chemistry with laboratory | 8 cr |
| Organic Chemistry with laboratory (not upper level credits) | 8 cr |
| Inorganic Chemistry with/without laboratory | 3-4 cr |
| Physical Chemistry with/without laboratory | 3-4 cr |
| Instrumental Analysis | 4 cr |
| Calculus | 6-8 cr |
| Physics | 4 cr |
| CHE 499: Capstone | 3 cr |
At least one upper level course in addition to instrumentation must include a laboratory (physical, inorganic, advanced organic or biochemistry).
Option 2. The GRE Subject Test in Chemistry evaluated at 24 credits (15 lower, 9 upper), plus at least 12 additional credits. Because the GRE does not include any laboratory component, students who use this option are required to complete two upper level laboratory courses; at least one of the these should be a laboratory course in instrumentation unless the student meets this outcome through job experience, plus 3 credit capstone.
Recommended Courses:
- Computer Literacy
- MAT 105: Statistics
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a concentration in Chemistry will be able to:
- demonstrate thorough knowledge of general and organic chemistry, calculus, and physics to support upper level courses;
- demonstrate upper level knowledge in at least three of the five areas of chemistry to provide a broad understanding of the fields;
- demonstrate laboratory skills in at least two different upper division areas of chemistry, in addition to those in basic organic chemistry;
- demonstrate skills in instrumentation;
- utilize information literacy skills to find and read articles in chemical literature;
- demonstrate skills in technical writing and oral communication through lab reports, research papers, and oral presentations of their work; and
- apply ethical principles in implementing decisions.