The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.) with Specialization in Chemical Education is for students who intend to teach chemistry/science K-12. Students can seek admission to Curry School’s Master of Teaching program in their fourth year. For more information on the Curry School program and to carefully plan your course schedule in advance to make sure they fulfill all degree requirements (for both the Curry School and the College of Arts and Sciences, contact Professor Frackson Mumba at fm4v@virginia.edu.

The B.S. in Chemistry is characterized by “400-track” courses in general chemistry (CHEM 1410, 1420), organic chemistry (CHEM 2410, 2420), and physical chemistry (CHEM 3410, 3420), along with their associated laboratories. An “800-track” chemistry course is an acceptable substitute for a corresponding “400-track” course and is recommended for students with a particularly strong background in chemistry, usually with advanced placement in chemistry.

This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an adviser as early as possible. Approved electives are chosen by the student in conference with an adviser; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc.).

First Year – Credits: 24-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 5-20
• CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 – Introductory College Chemistry I and II and Laboratories – Credits: 8
  or
  CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Lab and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Lab – Credits: 11
• MATH 1210, 1220 – Survey of Calculus I and II – Credits: 6
  (MATH 1190 may be taken in place of MATH 1210)
  or
  MATH 1310, 1320 – Calculus I and II – Credits: 8

Second Year – Credits: 24-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 5-18
• CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 – Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories – Credits: 12
  or
  CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 – Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Lab and Principles of Thermodynamics and Kinetics – Credits: 9
• BIOL 2100 – Introduction to Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics – Credits: 4
  or
  BIOL 2200 – Introduction to Biology: Organismal and Evolutionary Biology – Credits: 4
• One of the following courses:
  EVSC 2800 – Fundamentals of Geology – Credits: 3
  EVSC 3200 – Fundamentals of Ecology – Credits: 3
  EVSC 3300 – Atmosphere and Weather – Credits: 3
  EVSC 3600 – Physical Hydrology – Credits: 3

Third Year – Credits: 24-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 7-17
• CHEM 3721 – Analytical Chemistry Laboratory – Credits: 3
  (CHEM 3121 - Advanced Synthesis Lab can be used as an alternative)
  or
  CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 – Undergraduate Research – Credits: 3
• CHEM 4320 – Inorganic Chemistry – Credits: 3
• CHEM 4410 – Biological Chemistry I – Credits: 3
  or
• 4440 – Biochemistry for Pre-Health – Credits: 3
• PHYS 1425, 2415, 1429, 2419 – Introductory Physics 1 and 2 for Engineers and Workshops – Credits: 8
  (PHYS 2030, 2040 or 2630, 2640 may be taken as the workshops/laboratories)
  or
  PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics 1 and 2 for Pre-Health Students and Workshops – Credits: 8
• ***Note that the 1425 sequence is calculus based; The 2010 sequence is algebra based. We, along with grad/med schools, accept both. It's whatever you are most comfortable with.

Fourth Year – Credits: 12-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 0-22
• CHEM 3410, 3420 – Physical Chemistry-Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry-Thermodynamics – Credits: 6
• CHEM 3811 – Physical Chemistry I Laboratory – Credits: 3
  or
  CHEM 4411 – Biological Chemistry Laboratory I – Credits: 3
• CHEM 4090 – Analytical Chemistry – Credits: 3 

Click here for information on Reduced Course Load and Part-Time Enrollment.