Undergraduate programs
Chemistry is the study of the reactions of atoms and molecules, the stuff from which people and their physical environment are made. With a relatively small knowledge of atoms and molecules, it is possible to have a considerable understanding of many chemical phenomena we see and use. A comprehensive knowledge of chemistry is essential for the person who wishes to help solve the problems of today—problems of illness and disease, problems of wise use of our resources—and for the person who wants to do basic research in chemistry or who wants to work in the chemical industry.
The Department of Chemistry is committed to maintaining a teaching program of excellence at the undergraduate level as well as having a graduate program emphasizing cutting-edge research in the chemistry of the environment, novel materials and biological systems. Courses tailored for the student desiring only an introduction to the field are offered on a regular basis. A wide variety of other courses in the program are designed to offer fundamental training for students majoring in chemistry or for students in other science areas, such as biology or health-related occupations.
The curriculum, faculty, library, and facilities of the department are approved by the American Chemical Society. Graduating chemistry majors are eligible for certification to become members of the ACS after two years of professional experience.
Chemistry Secondary Education Program
Students who plan to obtain a teaching license with an endorsement to teach chemistry at the high school level should complete a baccalaureate degree with a major in chemistry (preferred) or in general studies/science. The degree program should include the following courses:
Requirements
Courses
| Ch 221 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| Ch 222 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| Ch 223 | General Chemistry III | 4 |
| Ch 227 | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Ch 228 | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Ch 229 | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Ch 320 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| Ch 321 | Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| Ch 334 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| Ch 335 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| Ch 336 | Organic Chemistry III | 4 |
| Ch 337 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
| Ch 338 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (nonmajors) | 2 |
One of the following:
| Ch 440 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| Ch 350 | Biochemistry | 4 |
| Ch 490 | Biochemistry: Structure and Function | 4 |
Also required:
| Ph 201 | General Physics | 4 |
| Ph 202 | General Physics | 4 |
| Ph 203 | General Physics | 4 |
| | or | |
| Ph 211 | General Physics (with Calculus) I | 4 |
| Ph 212 | General Physics (with Calculus) II | 4 |
| Ph 213 | General Physics (with Calculus) III | 4 |
| | And | |
| Ph 214 | Lab for Ph 201 or Ph 211 or Ph 221 or Ph 231 | 1 |
| Ph 215 | Lab for Ph 202 or Ph 212 or Ph 222 or Ph 232 | 1 |
| Ph 216 | Lab for Ph 203 or Ph 213 or Ph 223 or Ph 233 | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: 56
Those majoring in general studies/science are advised to strengthen their preparation for teaching by taking additional chemistry and physics courses as their degree programs permit. Consult with the secondary education adviser for suitable courses. Chemistry teachers in many schools also teach physics, so it is recommended that additional physics courses be taken in preparation for eventually adding a physics endorsement to the license.
Courses should be taken for differentiated grades, except those offered only on a pass/no pass basis. A positive departmental recommendation for admission to the fifth-year teacher-education program will depend on at least a C- in all chemistry and physics courses, as well as a combined 2.25 GPA for these courses.