Chemistry

Chemistry is the central science that involves the study of molecules, their structures, their combinations, their interactions, and the energy changes accompanying chemical processes.

The Department offers the following degrees: B.S., B.A., M.S., M.A., and Ph.D.

Prospective students desiring further information on programs in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry should visit the websites of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Biochemistry Program.

High School Preparation

In addition to the general University admission requirements, it is strongly recommended that a student take four years of mathematics, four (or more) years of science (earth and space science, biology, chemistry, and physics), four years of a modern or classical language, and four years of English.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Science Pathway

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Science pathway in Chemistry. This pathway is designed for academically strong undergraduate students who wish to begin graduate-level coursework prior to completion of the Bachelor of Science degree.

Students admitted to the accelerated pathway may complete 9 credits of approved upper-division coursework that applies toward both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. Upon completion of the BS degree and formal admission to the Graduate School, students complete the Master of Science in Chemistry. Please refer to the Chemistry M.S. catalog page for information about the requirements for the Master of Science degree. 

Students in the accelerated pathway must complete all requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry as published in this catalog. Students will not be formally admitted to the Graduate School until their undergraduate degree is complete, at which time the restricted credits will be transferred, and the students will officially gain graduate status.

Eligibility and Admission

Undergraduate students majoring in Chemistry may apply to the accelerated pathway during the spring semester of their junior year or summer prior to their senior year or by petition to the Accelerated Pathway Coordinator).

Admission requirements include:

• Junior standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 during application with admission upon entering their senior year.
• Formal admission when the student has completed a minimum of 105 undergraduate credits and demonstrated the capacity to pursue graduate-level coursework successfully.
• Approval by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Admission to the accelerated pathway does not constitute admission to the Graduate School. Students must meet all Graduate School admission requirements to formally matriculate into the Master of Science degree.

Double-Counting of Credits

Students admitted to the accelerated BS to MS pathway may apply up to 9 credits of approved 400- or 500-level Chemistry (CHMY) or Biochemistry (BCH) courses toward both degree programs. All 400-level courses must be taken with the graduate increment to count.

Double-counted courses must:

• De approved by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. 
• Be completed with grades meeting Graduate School requirements,
• Be approved by the Accelerated BS to MS Pathway Coordinator and be recording on the student's Degree Works audit.

Double-counted credits may not be applied toward any additional degree or certificate.

Biochemistry

The Biochemistry Program is a joint program between the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Division of Biological & Biomedical Sciences. Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary science that integrates chemistry and biology to understand the molecular basis of life. The Biochemistry Program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

Undergraduate majors receive a solid foundation in both chemistry and biology. Biochemistry courses are usually taken in the junior year allowing majors to become involved in research with faculty and to take electives in their senior year. The major also introduces students to computer science, an essential tool in modern biochemistry. The B.S. in Biochemistry prepares students for advanced degrees in biochemistry or biophysics, for medical, dental or veterinary schools and for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. A Health Professions concentration is also offered within the B.S. in Biochemistry for students whose career goals are in fields related to biochemistry, particularly medical school. This option is designed so that students can complete all coursework necessary for the MCAT and other exams required for health-related professional schools by the end of their third year. Students desiring a basic grounding in biochemistry to complement their primary major can choose to pursue a minor in Biochemistry. All students completing a major or minor in Biochemistry are eligible to take the ASBMB certification exam in their junior or senior year.

Prospective students desiring further information on these degrees should contact the Program Director by visiting the Biochemistry Program web site.

High School Preparation

In addition to the general University admission requirements, it is strongly recommended that a student take four years of mathematics, four years of science, and a language.