Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

The bachelor of science major is designed for students who plan a career in chemistry or related fields. The program prepares students for further study in graduate programs, or to enter the workplace directly. The BS degree is certified by the American Chemical Society if the nine department-approved electives come from a designated set of upper-division courses within chemistry. This program provides a foundations in descriptive and theoretical chemistry. During the first two years the various curriculum options emphasize fundamental topics in chemistry, mathematics and physics. After these foundation courses are completed, chemistry majors choose from a variety of advanced courses to fill the major requirements. In addition to the wide variety of course options, the department offers an active undergraduate research program; students are encouraged to become involved in research activities early in their academic careers to augment the information they receive in their course work. Students are also encouraged to be a Teaching Assistant for the Chemistry Department to help them solidify fundamental concepts.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: • Demonstrate proficiency in the concepts and skills designated in curriculum learner outcomes for courses in the relevant disciplines of chemistry. • Communicate clearly and accurately, using the language and style appropriate to the field of chemistry. • Demonstrate critical thinking skills that will allow for the explanation of chemistry-related principles and techniques, as well as quantitative problem solving, and demonstrate the ability to design experiments to test hypotheses. • Retrieve and critically analyze chemical literature, demonstrate the ability to use software-based tools for data and statistical analysis, and use computers to interface with scientific equipment in a lab environment. • Utilize established safety protocols for standard chemistry procedures and locate available tools to establish new safety protocols.