The world is full of questions. We turn to scientists for answers to many of them. Is this water safe to drink? Will these two things explode if I mix them together? Whether you want to be a toxicologist testing the safety of our water and soil, a materials scientist designing the next solar cell, or a forensic chemist analyzing crime scene evidence, we need people like you—people with answers. Chemists work to remediate air pollution or create novel antibiotics. They study gold nanoparticles, crystal engineering, and organic superconductors. Our chemistry degree will prepare you to make a career out of solving problems and answering tough questions that have a real impact on our lives and environment.
Overview of Courses
Our program structure includes thorough course work in chemistry with supporting classes in mathematics, physics, and biology so you’re prepared for anything. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to learn and do:
- General Chemistry Lecture + Lab
This course covers the fundamental principles of general chemistry, including the development of modern atomic theory and its role in chemical bonding, structure and reactivity, an introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics, and development of equilibria concepts. - Organic Chemistry Lecture + Lab
Students build a strong foundation in organic chemistry and combine knowledge with practical skills by synthesizing, purifying, and identifying organic compounds. Techniques include: acid/ base extraction, recrystallization, distillation, organic reactions, IR spectroscopy, refractive index, melting point and NMR. - Physical Chemistry II Lecture
This is an advanced course in physical chemistry treating elementary quantum theory and spectroscopy with an introduction to statistical thermodynamics. - Instrumental Analysis
This lecture/lab applies advanced principles of electrochemical, spectrochemical, and chromatographic analysis through work on instrumentation, sample preparation, data analysis, and recent developments in analytical techniques.
Curriculum
- CHEM A105/107 General Chemistry I Lecture/Lab
- CHEM A106/108 General Chemistry II Lecture/Lab
- CHEM A300/302 (or 305) Organic Chemistry I Lecture/Lab
- CHEM A301/303 Organic Chemistry II/Lab
- CHEM A306 Physical Chemistry I
- CHEM A307 Physical Chemistry II
- CHEM A320 Integrated Chem Lab I
- CHEM A330 Integrated Chem Lab II
- CHEM A350 Inorganic Chemistry I
- CHEM A400 Biochemistry I
- CHEM A410 Instrumental Analysis
- CHEM A493 Capstone
- Plus 5 crs of chemistry electives CHEM A400-A499
Chemistry Course Information
Find out more about the chemistry major:
Teacher Education
Students seeking teacher preparation in Chemistry follow a unique version of the B.S. in Chemistry that includes focus-area courses for teacher education. See the degree plan here, and the list of teacher-education course descriptions here.