2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
In the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, we prioritize your individual growth and provide a personalized and supportive environment for your academic journey. Our community consists of dedicated faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are committed to delivering excellence in chemical education. By offering a blend of advanced education, impactful research, and community engagement, we equip you with a strong theoretical foundation and practical laboratory skills essential for diverse career paths in industries, forensics, academia, and further studies in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry
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.
Learning Outcomes
- Achieve a Strong Theoretical Foundation in Chemistry - Students will acquire a deep understanding of the core concepts of Organic, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, preparing them for diverse applications of chemistry in academia, industry, and professional fields. This understanding will be supported through learning the basics of related scientific disciplines, including biology, physics and mathematics.
- Develop Proficiency in Practical Laboratory Skills in Chemistry and Biochemistry - Students will develop and demonstrate practical laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices, essential for careers in research and industry.
- Learn and Apply the Scientific Method to Analyze Data – Students will be able to apply the scientific method introduced early in the curriculum to analyze chemistry experimental data both in the classroom setting as well as in the research laboratory setting. They will understand the role of integrity and ethics in science.
- Communicate Scientific Outcomes Effectively Through Oral and Written Methods – Students will acquire the skills to be able to effectively disseminate their chemistry experimental results or those from the chemistry literature, both through oral presentations and written documents.
-
Apply Chemical Knowledge to Solving Original Research Problems – Students will be able to apply their acquired chemistry knowledge to solve original research problems, culminating in the capstone laboratory project and for some the writing of a research thesis in chemistry.
Bridges/University Core Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BRDG 100 | Research & Info Skills | 1 |
| BRDG 101 | Writing and Analysis | 3 |
| BRDG 102 | Writing and Literature | 3 |
| EQ xxx | Essential Questions Seminar | 3 |
| ENGL 302W | Scientific Writing | 3 |
| BRCT xxx | Critical Thinking & Problem Solving | 3 |
| BRDG 105 | Ethical Reasoning | 3 |
| BRCF xxx | Cultural Fluency | 3 |
| BRSH xxx | Social & Historical Reasoning | 3 |
| THEO xxx | General Elective (Theology) | 3 |
| PHIL xxx | Philosophy | 3 |
| SPRG 108 | Service Learning in Science | 0–1 |
Chemistry Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151 | Atomic & Molecular Principles | 4 |
| CHEM 151L | Intro to Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 152 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 152L | Quantitative Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 211 | Structure, Mechanism & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 211L | Organic Structures & Properties Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 212 | Reactions, Syntheses & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 212L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 340 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 301 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 452 | Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 361 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 401 | Advanced Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 440 or 460 | Advanced Experimental Techniques/App | 4 |
| CHEM 305/305R | Advanced Lab Skills / Recitation | 3 |
| CHEM 291 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem I | 1 |
| CHEM 392 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem II | 1 |
| CHEM 493 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem III | 1 |
Math & Science Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 115 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 116 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 215 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | General Analytical Physics I / Recitation | 3 |
| PHYS 211L | GAP I Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 212 | General Analytical Physics II / Recitation | 3 |
| PHYS 212L | GAP II Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 111/111L | Biology I + Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 112/112L | Biology II + Lab | 4 |
| Various | Chem/Biochem/Math Elective | 3 x 3 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Elective | 3 |
| Total Required | 120 credits* |
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry program involves training in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry as well as in biology, genetics, and biochemistry. Elective coursework is also available to pursue interests in a variety of advanced topics involving the chemistry of biological systems.
Learning Outcomes
- Achieve a Strong Theoretical Foundation in Chemistry - Students will acquire a deep understanding of the core concepts of Organic, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, preparing them for diverse applications of chemistry in academia, industry, and professional fields. This understanding will be supported through learning the basics of related scientific disciplines, including biology, physics and mathematics.
- Develop Proficiency in Practical Laboratory Skills in Chemistry and Biochemistry - Students will develop and demonstrate practical laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices, essential for careers in research and industry.
- Learn and Apply the Scientific Method to Analyze Data – Students will be able to apply the scientific method introduced early in the curriculum to analyze chemistry and biochemistry experimental data both in the classroom setting as well as in the research laboratory setting. They will understand the role of integrity and ethics in science.
- Communicate Scientific Outcomes Effectively Through Oral and Written Methods – Students will acquire the skills to be able to effectively disseminate their biochemistry experimental results or those from the biochemistry literature, both through oral presentations and written documents.
- Apply Chemical Knowledge to Solving Original Research Problems – Students will be able to apply their acquired chemistry knowledge to solve original research problems, culminating in the capstone laboratory project and for some the writing of a research thesis in chemistry.
Bridges/University Core Requirements
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
BRDG 100 |
Research & Info Skills |
1 |
|
BRDG 101 |
Writing and Analysis |
3 |
|
BRDG 102 |
Writing and Literature |
3 |
|
EQ xxx |
Essential Questions Seminar |
3 |
|
ENGL 302W |
Scientific Writing |
3 |
|
BRDG 105 |
Ethical Reasoning |
3 |
|
BRCT xxx |
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving |
3 |
|
BRCF xxx |
Cultural Fluency |
3 |
|
BRSH xxx |
Social & Historical Reasoning |
3 |
|
THEO xxx |
General Elective (Theology) |
3 |
|
PHIL xxx |
Philosophy |
3 |
|
SPRG 108 |
Service Learning in Science |
0–1 |
|
Various |
General Elective |
3 |
Chemistry Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151 | Atomic & Molecular Principles | 4 |
| CHEM 151L | Intro to Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 152 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 152L | Quantitative Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 211 | Structure, Mechanism & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 211L | Organic Structures & Properties Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 212 | Reactions, Syntheses & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 212L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 340 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 301 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 401 | Advanced Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 402 | Advanced Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 305R | Advanced Lab Skills / Recitation | 1 |
| CHEM 440/460 | Advanced Experimental Techniques / App | 4 |
| CHEM 291 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem I | 1 |
| CHEM 392 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem II | 1 |
| CHEM 493 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem III | 1 |
| Various | Biochemistry Elective | 3 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem Elective | 3 |
Math & Science Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 115 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 116 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | General Analytical Physics I / Recitation | 3 |
| PHYS 211L | GAP I Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 212 | General Analytical Physics II / Recitation | 3 |
| PHYS 212L | GAP II Lab | 1 |
| BIOL xxx | Intro to Biostatistics | 3 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Elective | 3 |
| BIOL xxx | Cell & Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 111/111L | Biology I / Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 112/112L | Biology II / Lab | 4 |
| Total Required | 120 credits* |
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry-Health Professions Track Curriculum
The B.S. in Biochemistry-Health Professions Track program covers all the coursework required for admission to most health-related postgraduate schools, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and biotechnology.
Learning Outcomes
- Achieve a Strong Theoretical Foundation in Chemistry - Students will acquire a deep understanding of the core concepts of Organic, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, preparing them for diverse applications of chemistry in academia, industry, and professional fields. This understanding will be supported through learning the basics of related scientific disciplines, including biology, physics and mathematics.
- Develop Proficiency in Practical Laboratory Skills in Chemistry and Biochemistry - Students will develop and demonstrate practical laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices, essential for careers in research and industry.
- Learn and Apply the Scientific Method to Analyze Data – Students will be able to apply the scientific method introduced early in the curriculum to analyze chemistry and biochemistry experimental data both in the classroom setting as well as in the research laboratory setting. They will understand the role of integrity and ethics in science.
- Communicate Scientific Outcomes Effectively Through Oral and Written Methods – Students will acquire the skills to be able to effectively disseminate their biochemistry experimental results or those from the biochemistry literature, both through oral presentations and written documents.
- Apply Chemical Knowledge to Solving Original Research Problems – Students will be able to apply their acquired chemistry knowledge to solve original research problems, culminating in the capstone laboratory project and for some the writing of a research thesis in chemistry.
Bridges/University Core Requirements
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
BRDG 100 |
Research & Info Skills |
1 |
|
BRDG 101 |
Writing and Analysis |
3 |
|
BRDG 102 |
Writing and Literature |
3 |
|
EQ xxx |
Essential Questions Seminar |
3 |
|
ENGL 302W |
Scientific Writing |
3 |
|
BRDG 105 |
Ethical Reasoning |
3 |
|
BRCT xxx |
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving |
3 |
|
BRCF xxx |
Cultural Fluency |
3 |
|
THEO xxx |
Theology |
3 |
|
PHIL xxx |
Philosophy |
3 |
|
SPRG 108 |
Service Learning in Science |
0–1 |
|
PSYC xxx |
Intro to Psychology |
3 |
|
SOCI xxx |
Survey of Sociology |
3 |
Chemistry Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 151 | Atomic & Molecular Principles | 4 |
| CHEM 151L | Intro to Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 152 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 152L | Quantitative Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 211 | Structure, Mech & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 211L | Org Struct & Properties Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 212 | Reacts, Synths & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 212L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 340 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 301 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 401 | Adv Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 402 | Adv Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 305R | Adv Lab Skills / Recitation | 1 |
| CHEM 440/460 | Adv Exp Tech / Application | 4 |
| CHEM 291 | Career Op in Chem and Biochem I | 1 |
| CHEM 392 | Career Op in Chem and Biochem II | 1 |
| CHEM 493 | Career Op in Chem and Biochem III | 1 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Elective | 3 (x2) |
| Various | Biochemistry/Chemistry Elective | 3 |
| CHEM xxx | Biomed Applications in Biochemistry | 3 |
Math & Science Requirements
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
MATH 115 |
Calculus I |
4 |
|
MATH 116 |
Calculus II |
4 |
|
PHYS 211 |
Gen Analy Phys I / Recitation |
3 |
|
PHYS 211L |
GAP I Lab |
1 |
|
PHYS 212 |
Gen Analy Phys II / Recitation |
3 |
|
PHYS 212L |
GAP II Lab |
1 |
|
BIOL xxx |
Intro to Biostatistics |
3 |
|
BIOL xxx |
Cell Molecular Biology |
4 |
|
BIOL 111/111L |
Biology I / Lab |
4 |
|
BIOL 112/112L |
Biology II / Lab |
4 |
Additional Electives
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC xxx | Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI xxx | Survey of Sociology | 3 |
| Total Required | 120 credits* |
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry ACS-certified Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry ACS-certified degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. This program offers a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education. Students seeking a higher level of respect and recognition in their field of study should focus on an ACS-Certified Degree.
Learning Outcomes
- Achieve a Strong Theoretical Foundation in Chemistry - Students will acquire a deep understanding of the core concepts of Organic, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, preparing them for diverse applications of chemistry in academia, industry, and professional fields. This understanding will be supported through learning the basics of related scientific disciplines, including biology, physics and mathematics.
- Develop Proficiency in Practical Laboratory Skills in Chemistry and Biochemistry - Students will develop and demonstrate practical laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices, essential for careers in research and industry.
- Learn and Apply the Scientific Method to Analyze Data – Students will be able to apply the scientific method introduced early in the curriculum to analyze chemistry experimental data both in the classroom setting as well as in the research laboratory setting. They will understand the role of integrity and ethics in science.
- Communicate Scientific Outcomes Effectively Through Oral and Written Methods – Students will acquire the skills to be able to effectively disseminate their chemistry experimental results or those from the chemistry literature, both through oral presentations and written documents.
- Apply Chemical Knowledge to Solving Original Research Problems – Students will be able to apply their acquired chemistry knowledge to solve original research problems, culminating in the capstone laboratory project and for some the writing of a research thesis in chemistry.
Bridges/University Core Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BRDG 100 | Research & Info Skills | 1 |
| BRDG 101 | Writing and Analysis | 3 |
| BRDG 102 | Writing and Literature | 3 |
| EQ xxx | Essential Questions Seminar | 3 |
| ENGL 302W | Scientific Writing | 3 |
| BRDG 105 | Ethical Reasoning | 3 |
| BRCT xxx | Critical Thinking & Problem Solving | 3 |
| BRCF xxx | Cultural Fluency | 3 |
| THEO xxx | Theology | 3 |
| PHIL xxx | Philosophy | 3 |
| SPRG 108 | Service Learning in Science | 0–1 |
| - | General Elective | 3 |
Chemistry Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 121 | Atomic & Molecular Principles | 4 |
| CHEM 121L | Intro to Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 122 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 122L | Quantitative Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 251 | Structure, Mechanism & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 251L | Organic Structure Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 252 | Reactions, Synthesis & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 252L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 313 | Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 324 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 425 | Advanced Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 426L | Advanced Lab Skills/Research | 3 |
| CHEM 490 | Advanced Experimental Techniques | 4 |
| CHEM 201 | Career Opportunities I | 1 |
| CHEM 202 | Career Opportunities II | 1 |
| CHEM 203 | Career Opportunities III | 1 |
| CHEM 324 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 313 | Quantum Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 426L | Advanced Lab Skills/Research | 3 |
| CHEM 490 | Advanced Experimental Techniques | 4 |
| CHEM XXX | Chem/Biochem Elective (x2) | 3 each |
| CHEM XXX | Chem/Biochem/Math Elective (x2) | 3 each |
Math & Science Requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 115 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 116 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 215 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | General Analytical Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 211L | GAP I Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 212 | General Analytical Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 212L | GAP II Lab | 1 |
| — | Chem/Biochem/Math Elective (x2) | 3 each |
| BIOL 111 | Biology I with Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | Biology II with Lab | 4 |
| Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Elective | 3 | |
| Total Required | 122 credits* |