The Chemistry Major

A major in chemistry consists of:

The chemistry CORE curriculum

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Concentration Requirements

Additional concentration requirements allow students to choose from one of three tracks: Major in Chemistry, Major in Chemistry with ACS Approval, or Major in Chemistry with Biochemistry Emphasis

CORE curriculum (taken by all chemistry majors)

CHM 211, 212: Chemical Principles I & II
CHM 221: Analytical Chemistry
CHM 311, 312: Organic Chemistry I and II
CHM 412: Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CHM 413: Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Statistical Mechanics
CHM 494: Independent Research (0.5 credits)
CHM 496-499: Chemistry Seminar Sequence (0.25 credits each, 1.0 total)
MTH 151, 152: Calculus I and II
PHY 121, 122: General Physics I and II

Concentration Requirements (Select from one of three concentrations below)

B.S. Chemisty

This is the most flexible track and is appropriate for students planning to go directly into industry or secondary school teaching, those that would like flexibility in scheduling to accomodate other majors and/or minors, or students wishing to have a broad choice of chemistry upper-level electives.

Requirements for Major in Chemistry:

Chemistry CORE curriculum
(12.5 credits, see above)

CHM 422-426: Chemical Instrumentation
(0.25 credits each, 1.25 total)

Three additional advanced chemistry courses at the 300 or 400 level
(3.0 course credits total)

Note: Students interested in secondary school teaching work closely with both the Chemistry and Education Departments to complete chemistry major and teacher certification requirements. Students must apply for admission to education programs. Students must complete the Basic Skills Test and meet minimum GPA requirements to be admitted into the secondary certification program. A suggested course sequence for Education courses is provided here: Suggested Course Sequence - Secondary Education. Additional courses and exams are needed for certification within the State of Illinois. See the teacher certification officer or the coordinator of secondary education in the Department of Education for current requirements.

B.S. Chemistry - ACS Approval

The department is approved by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training and offers a Major in Chemistry with ACS Approval. The ACS approved degree provides both a strong foundation and a wide breadth of in-depth courses. This major is particularly recommended for students who want to go to graduate school in chemistry.

Requirements for Major with ACS Approval:

Chemistry CORE curriculum (12.5 credits, see above)

CHM 422-426: Chemical Instrumentation
(0.25 credits each, 1.25 total)

CHM 315: Introduction to Biochemistry
(1.0 credit)

CHM 432: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
(1.0 credit)

Two additional advanced courses:
Choose from chemistry courses with CHM 412 prerequisite, advanced math or advanced physics with a Calculus II prerequisite (2.0 course credits total)

B.S. Chemistry - Biochemistry

This is an interdisciplinary course of study that combines the core curriculum of a the chemistry major with additional specialization in Biochemisty and Biology. This major is designed for students intending to pursue careers in medicine, biochemistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, food and agricultural chemistry, medical technology and other professional health-related areas.

Requirements for Major with Biochem Emphasis:

Chemistry CORE curriculum
(12.5 credits, see above)

CHM 315: Introduction to Biochemistry
(1.0 credit)

CHM 316: Intermediate Biochemistry
(1.0 credit)

CHM 423, 425: Chemical Instrumentation
(0.25 credits each, 0.5 total)

BIO 200, 201: General Biology I & II
(2.0 credits)

BIO 315: Genetics (1.0 credit)

Note: Additional courses may be required for admission to specific professional schools. Students interested in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary and other health-realted fields should consult with their academic advisors and the Dr. Dennis J. Patterson Center for the Health Professions for course requirements for entry into professional programs. See: Preprofessional Programs of Study for more information.