George Fox University | Academics | Chemistry

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry Major (B.S.)

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for the chemistry major consist of 36 semester hours in chemistry and 19 additional hours in mathematics and physics to include the following:

Chemistry
CHEM 211, 212 General Chemistry
CHEM 310 Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 325, 326 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 401, 402 Physical Chemistry

Students must take two of the following three courses:
CHEM 320 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 390 Organic Synthesis and Analysis
CHEM 410 Advanced Chemical Measurements
Plus an additional 3 hours of upper-division chemistry courses.

Mathematics
MATH 201, 202, 301 Calculus I, II, III are required.

Physics
PHYS 201, 202 General Physics is required.

The mathematics and physics courses also fulfill up to 12 hours of the sciences requirement for general education. A minimum grade of C- must be obtained in all chemistry courses for graduation.

Thesis Option

Philosophy: The opportunity to pursue a chemistry thesis is an honor. Consequently, the thesis option will be noted on a student's transcript. The thesis is designed to enhance a student's preparation for graduate or professional school. The heart of the thesis is original research conducted under the guidance of a chemistry faculty member.

Eligibility: The thesis option may be pursued by any chemistry major in good academic standing. Students wishing to pursue a thesis must:

1. Consult with their research advisor about an acceptable research project.
2. In writing, notify the chemistry thesis committee (composed of the chemistry department faculty) of their intention to conduct research. The thesis committee must receive notification by the end of the fall semester of the student's junior year.

After the beginning of the spring semester of a student's junior year, students must petition the department thesis committee for permission to pursue thesis research.
Requirements: Students who pursue the thesis option must:

1. Enroll in at least 1 hour of Chemical Research (CHEM 495) each semester, beginning the spring semester of their junior year, through the spring semester of their senior year.
2. Submit the first copy of a written thesis to the thesis committee by April 1 of their senior year. The final, edited copy is due to the thesis committee the last day of classes during the spring semester.
3. Prepare a poster and give an oral presentation of their research. In some cases, students may apply research conducted off campus to the CHEM 495 requirement. Students who participate in off-campus research programs may petition the thesis committee for special consideration of the thesis option. The thesis committee must receive the petition by the beginning of the fall semester of the student's senior year. The thesis committee may elect to substitute the off-campus experience for a portion of the CHEM 495 requirement.