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A professional degree that can be certified by the American Chemical Society (if specific requirements are satisfied) and caters to students having a strong interest in biology and biological chemistry by incorporating biologically-related lecture and laboratory courses.  Many students in this program plan to attend medical or dental school, but a significant fraction pursue graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, or related areas.

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.

The B.S. Chemistry degree with specialization in Biochemistry has been accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Beginning in Spring 2017, graduating students can take the ASBMB certification exam to earn an ASBMB certified degree. The evaluators recognized several strengths of our program:

• Excellent opportunities for independent research
• Emphasis on teamwork and communication skills
• Inquiry components integrated into multiple courses
• Strong experiential learning throughout the curriculum

This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses.  Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an adviser as early and as often 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: 5-18
• 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: 0-9
• BIOL 2100, 2200 – Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Cell Biology & Genetics and Introduction to Biology w/Laboratory: Organismal & Evolutionary Biology – Credits: 8
• 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
• 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 Worshops – 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.

Third Year – Credits: 24-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 6-16
• BIOL 3000 – Cell Biology – Credits: 3
  or
  BIOL 3010 – Genetic and Molecular Biology – Credits: 3
• 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
  (Please note that research used in place of CHEM 3721 cannot be used to satisfy the ACS research requirement below.)
• CHEM 3410, 3420 – Physical Chemistry-Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry-Thermodynamics – Credits: 6
• CHEM 4410, 4420 – Biological Chemistry I and II – Credits: 6

Fourth Year – Credits: 9-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 15-25
• CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 – Undergraduate Research – Credits: 6*
  (Please note that research used in place of CHEM 3721 cannot be used to satisfy this research requirement.)
• CHEM 4320 – Inorganic Chemistry – Credits: 3
• CHEM 4411, 4421 – Biological Chemistry Laboratory I and II – Credits: 6

*Required for ACS Certified degree only.  If you wish to pursue ACS Certification, please fill out this form and return it to Cindy Knight in CHM 413.  For more information on ACS Certification and its significance, click here.

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