2007-2008 Academic Catalog

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Chemistry Major (BS) - Chemistry Concentration

The chemistry major offers a 57-59-semester-hour course of study, designed for students who plan to enter a variety of careers, including teaching, chemical research, environmental chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, graduate school, and medicine. Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.

Special General Education Requirements

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

Major Requirements

Chemistry (38-40 hours)

CHEM 211 General Chemistry (4)
CHEM 212 General Chemistry (4)
CHEM 310 Analytical Chemistry (4)
CHEM 320 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (4)
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry (4)
CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry (4)
CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry (4)
CHEM 402 Physical Chemistry (4)

Students must choose 2 of the following courses:
CHEM 341 Biochemistry (4)
CHEM 380 Advanced Organic Chemistry (4)
CHEM 430 Advanced Instrumental Analysis (3)

Students must choose 3-4 additional semester hours of upper-division chemistry courses

Mathematics (11 hours)

MATH 201 Calculus I (4)
MATH 202 Calculus II (4)
MATH 301 Calculus III (3)

Physics (8 hours)

Students must choose one of the following sequences:
PHYS 201 and PHYS 202 General Physics (8)
PHYS 211 and PHYS 212 General Physics with Calculus (8)

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. Students who pursue the thesis option must:

1. Enroll in at least 1 hour of Chemical Research (CHEM 465) 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 465 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 465 requirement.