Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences
Department Chair: Jeremy R. Burkett
Description
Chemistry is one of the three basic areas that form the foundation of all science and is essential for a complete understanding of the physical world. Focusing on the study of matter, the field of chemistry includes a wide variety of basic areas ranging from the study of atoms, the chemical bond, and basic chemical reactions to the exploration of applied topics, including biochemistry, medicinal and drug chemistry, forensic science, physical and quantum chemistry, and instrumentation.
Stevenson University's chemistry program, planned in accordance with the requirements of the American Chemical Society (ACS), offers a broad selection of courses for students in chemistry and provides an excellent background for any scientific or technological career. Laboratory work and research are emphasized throughout the curriculum. With modern instrumentation and laboratory facilities, students develop excellent laboratory and analytical skills, preparing them for employment in the chemical industry, graduate study in chemistry, or a career in a variety of professional arenas, including pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of chemical principles to the understanding of the world at a molecular level.
- Plan, design, safely execute and interpret scientific experiments using the scientific method.
- Communicate scientific knowledge in clear notebook entries, laboratory reports and oral and poster presentations.
- Evaluate scientific discovery for its scientific merit and in terms of its ethical, societal and global implications using knowledge of chemical principles.
- Exhibit behaviors consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.
Policies
Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to take any science or math course unless they earn a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses.
If a student withdraws, audits, or does not pass a course required in the chemistry major with a grade of “C” or better, they may repeat that course without special permission. If a student withdraws, audits, or does not pass the course with a grade of “C” or better the second time, the student will be placed on probation in the major. To take a course for a third time, all SOS majors must meet with their advisor, and then apply in writing to the Dean of the School of the Sciences requesting permission to take the course for a third time using the university form for this request. Those who pass the course will no longer be on probation in the major. Those who do not successfully complete the required course with a grade of “C” or better after three attempts will be permanently dismissed from the chemistry major. Once dismissed from the chemistry major, students must choose a major for which the course they failed three times is not required.
Requirements
The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in chemistry. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE). Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.
Major Requirements:
| FYS 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 credit |
| CHEM 114 | General Chemistry I with Problem Solving | 3 credits |
| or | |
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHEM 115L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHEM 116L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHEM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHEM 211L | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 credit |
| CHEM 213 | Digital Information Literacy for Chemistry | 1 credit |
| CHEM 313 | Career Connections in Chemistry | 1 credit |
| CHEM 430 | Physical Chemistry | 3 credits |
| CHEM 470 | Capstone Internship | 3 credits |
| or | |
| CHEM 471 | Capstone Internship | 6 credits |
| CHEM 475 | Capstone Seminar | 3 credits |
| MATH 220 | Calculus I | 4 credits |
| PHYS 210 | General Physics I | 4 credits |
| or | |
| PHYS 215 | General Physics I with Calculus | 4 credits |
| PHYS 211 | General Physics II | 4 credits |
| or | |
| PHYS 216 | General Physics II with Calculus | 4 credits |
| SCI 215 | Writing in the Sciences | 3 credits |
Chemistry Electives:
Select six electives from the list below (at least one elective must be either BIOCH 345L or CHEM 346L, and at least four must be at the 300-400 level)
Notes: Special Topics in Chemistry (
CHEM 435) may be repeated multiple times with different topics. Research (
CHEM 365 and
BIOCH 365) can only count as two of the required electives.
Suggested Course Sequence
2024-25 SCS Chemistry
2024-25 SCS Chemistry MFS Option
Minor in Chemistry
The minor in chemistry requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with a CHEM prefix. For chemistry courses with a separate lab co-requisite, both the lab and lecture for the course must be taken; however, the lab does not count as a separate course toward the minor. Please see the chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for more information. General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the Minors section of the catalog.
Other Options
Chemistry Department Honors Requirements: Eligible students majoring in chemistry may elect to pursue honors within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The intention to pursue Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Honors must be declared before the start of their last semester before graduation. To declare the intent to pursue department honors, a student must have earned a science/math GPA of 3.50 or higher and a plan to finish the honors requirements outlined below.
Students graduating with Chemistry and Biochemistry Department honors will have this distinction noted on their official university transcript. In order to graduate with department honors, the following requirements must be met:
- Completion of one research experience.
- Completion of a second research experience or a 300-400 level CHEM or BIOCH elective that is not being used to fulfill a degree requirement in the major.
- An oral presentation of the research experience to the department.
- A science/math GPA of 3.5 or higher at graduation.
BA Option: Students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. The student must fulfill all SEE requirements, program requirements, and complete two semesters of a foreign language from the point of placement or completion of 202 level.
BS/MFS Option: The BS/MFS option is available for students majoring in chemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in forensic science in the chemistry track. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degrees in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into this BS/MFS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. Please see the Forensic Science section of this catalog for more information.
BS/MAT Option: The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in chemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. Please see Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.
Course Descriptions
See Chemistry Course Descriptions