Chemistry

Earn a B.S. in Chemistry and unlock a world of possibilities in the fascinating field of chemical sciences. Our comprehensive Chemistry program is designed to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills to excel in this dynamic discipline.

Immerse yourself in a rigorous curriculum that encompasses a wide range of chemistry courses, including Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Through engaging classroom lectures, hands-on laboratory experiments, and chemical research projects, you will gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques of chemical analysis, synthesis, and molecular structure.

Our program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills necessary for success in the field of chemistry. Explore the intricacies of chemical reactions, the complexities of chemical bonding, and the dynamics of chemical kinetics. Dive into specialized areas such as polymer chemistry, environmental chemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry, discovering their applications and impact in various industries.

In our Chemistry program, you'll be mentored by experienced faculty who are experts in their fields. Benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, where you'll conduct experiments, analyze data, and apply theoretical concepts to practical applications. The hands-on experience you'll gain will be invaluable in preparing you for the real-world challenges of a career in chemistry.

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Program Information

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is an intensive and comprehensive undergraduate program with course work, laboratory experience and research requirements that prepares students for advanced degrees in the sciences and for careers in allied health professions.

Program Type

Major, Minor

Degree

Bachelor's

Academic Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

120

Hear From An Alum

A picture of Ella Milback

"Every professor that I had in the Chemistry department demonstrated a level of personal investment in their students that surpassed anything I could have expected coming to such a well-known research university. Not only did my professors know my name, but they also knew my interests and goals, and continuously worked to help me succeed at the highest level."

Ella Milback BS in Chemistry, '23

Prepared For Anything

Graduate Education

Graduates with an advanced degree in Chemistry are highly sought after in academia, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and various industries where innovation and scientific expertise are valued. Whether you aspire to conduct groundbreaking research, pursue an academic career, or advance your expertise for industry leadership, graduate studies in Chemistry provide the platform for achieving your goals.

Pursuing advanced education in Chemistry allows you to delve deeper into specialized areas and gain advanced knowledge and research skills. Explore advanced topics such as chemical synthesis, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, theoretical chemistry, or medicinal chemistry. Engage in cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with esteemed faculty, and contribute to scientific advancements. 

Explore Graduate Programs

After Duquesne

As a Chemistry graduate, you'll have a wide range of career prospects available to you. From research and development in chemical industries to quality control in manufacturing, your expertise in chemical sciences will be highly sought after. Pursue exciting job opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, environmental agencies, government laboratories, and more. The versatility of a Chemistry degree also opens doors to graduate studies in specialized areas or further research in academia.

Suggested Course Sequence

To assist students in achieving their academic goals within the B.S. in Chemistry program, we recommend the following course sequence. It is important to note that BRDG courses can be completed in any order throughout the undergraduate curriculum, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling. All prerequisites must be met with a C or higher.

Undergraduate research is highly encouraged. Our department recognizes the value of research and the significant contributions it can make to the scientific community.

Fall Semester (17 credits)
  • CHEM 151 Atomic & Molec Principles (4 credits)
  • CHEM 151L Intro to Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 111 / 111L Biology I / Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • MATH 115 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • CHEM 153 Career Op in Chem and Biochem I (1 credit)

Spring Semester (17 credits)
  • CHEM 152 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
  • CHEM 152L Quantitative Analysis Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 112 / 112L Biology II / Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature (3 credits)
  • MATH 116 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills (1 credit)
Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 228 Structure, Mech & React (4 credits)
  • CHEM 228L Org Struct & Properties Lab (1 credit)
  • PHYS 211/R Gen Analy Phys I/Rec (3 credits)
  • PHYS 211L GAP I Lab (1 credit)
  • MATH 215 Calculus III (4 credits)
  • EQ xxx Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)

Spring Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 229 Reacts, Synths & Spectroscopy (4 credits)
  • CHEM 229L Organic Synthesis Lab (1 credit)
  • PHYS 212/R Gen Analy Phys II/Rec (3 credits)
  • PHYS 212L GAP II Lab  (1 credit)
  • ENGL 302W Scientific Writing (3 credits)
  • Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Elective (3 credits)
  • CHEM 154 Career Op in Chem and Biochem II (1 credit)
Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 328 Quantum Chemistry (3 credits)
  • CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
  • CHEM 419 Adv Biochemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHEM 305L/R Adv Lab Skills/R (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Critical Think & Prob Solv (3 credits)


Spring Semester (13 credits)
  • CHEM 329 Thermodynamics (3 credits)
  • CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
  • Chem/Biochem Elective (3 credits)
  • SPRG 108 Service Learning in Science (0-1 credits)
  • General Elective (Theology) (3 credits)
  • CHEM 155 Career Op in Chem and Biochem III (1 credit)
Fall Semester (13 credits)
  • CHEM 426L/R Adv Exp Tech/Applct (4 credits)
  • Chem/Biochem Elective (3 credits)
  • Chem/Biochem/Math Elective (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Social & Hist Reasoning (3 credits)


Spring Semester (12 credits)
  • Chem/Biochem/Math Elective (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • General Elective (Philosophy) (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Cultural Fluency (3 credits)

To complete a minor in Chemistry, you need to take the following courses:

  • CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L
  • CHEM 122 and CHEM 122L
  • CHEM 211 and CHEM 211L
  • CHEM 212 and CHEM 212L

Additionally, you must earn 3 more credits from Chemistry Department courses numbered 300 or above.

Elective Offerings

Students must take four advanced electives. At least two of these electives must be chemistry or biochemistry electives. The remaining two electives may be chemistry, biochemistry, or math electives from the approved lists.

  • CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry l
  • CHEM 452 Environmental Chemistry
  • CHEM 503 Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 519 Advanced Biochemistry I
  • CHEM 526 Organotransition Metal Chemistry
  • CHEM 528 Polymer Chemistry
  • CHEM 540 Molecular Visualization and Sim Methods
  • CHEM 544 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 547 Reaction Mechanisms
  • CHEM 549 Single Crystal X-ray Crystallography
  • CHEM 565 Advanced Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 566 Mass Spectrometry Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 567 Statistical Thermodynamics
  • CHEM 590 Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 598 Special Topics
  • CHEM 508 Biomolecular Structure and Function
  • CHEM 527 Biophysical & Biochem Char of Macro
  • CHEM 529 Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanisms
  • CHEM 541 Structural Proteomics
  • CHEM 543 Protein Nucleic Acid Interactions

  • BIOL 315 Human Physiology
  • BIOL 319 General Microbiology
  • BIOL 332 Virology
  • BIOL 424 Immunology
  • BIOL 460 Endocrinology
  • BIOL 468 Human Genetics
  • BIOL 475 Neurobiology
  • MATH 215 Calculus lll
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra
  • MATH 314 Differential Equations
  • MATH 335 Biostatistics Il