Chemistry ACS-BS

Pursue your passion for chemistry with our ACS-Certified B.S. in Chemistry program, earning a degree recognized by the American Chemical Society for upholding the highest standards of excellence in chemical education. Our curriculum provides a strong theoretical foundation in Organic, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, supported by essential knowledge in biology, physics and mathematics, preparing you for diverse careers in academia, industry and research.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiments and engaging coursework, you will develop practical laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and safe lab practices, while learning to apply the scientific method to analyze data with integrity and ethics. You will gain expertise in chemical research, analysis and synthesis, exploring molecular structure, chemical reactions, bonding and kinetics.

You can tailor your education to fit your specific interests by specializing in areas such as polymer, environmental, forensic or pharmaceutical chemistry, applying your knowledge to solve original research problems through capstone projects or a research thesis. Our program emphasizes effective scientific communication, equipping you to share experimental results confidently through both oral and written methods and preparing you to thrive as a professional and innovative chemist.

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Program Information

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.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

Academic Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Duration

4 years

Required Credit Hours

123

Modality

In-Person

From Our Goldwater Scholars

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“Managing my own research and mentoring younger students has shaped me as a scientist and a leader. Duquesne gave me the opportunities to grow—and now I get to inspire the next generation of researchers.”

Alayna Funke, 2025 Goldwater Scholar President, Duquesne ACS Chapter, BS Chemistry '26
Alayna Shares Her Experience
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“The class size creates an intimate learning environment where, if you do struggle, the professors are there for you. That’s the differentiator between Duquesne and a large school—it’s very much a one-on-one learning experience.”

Trista Newman, 2025 Goldwater Scholar Vice President, Duquesne ACS Chapter, BS Biochemistry ’26
Listen To Trista

 

Discover. Engage. Innovate.

 
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Research Areas & Facilities

Explore interdisciplinary fields in biochemistry, organic, physical, materials, inorganic, analytical, forensic and biophysical chemistry, all within our state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot research facility equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation.

Take a look inside our labs
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Student Organizations

Explore our clubs and organizations, spanning interests in chemistry, biochemistry, and other STEM programs, including our award-winning ACS Student Organization. You'll have the opportunity to organize events, pursue your passions, build meaningful relationships with students who share your interests, and develop your professional and leadership skills.

Join A Club
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Summer Research Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research program is a paid internship where you'll gain essential research experience for careers in STEM-based fields. Engage in community projects, present your findings at a research symposium and connect with faculty, industry professionals and peers, while building meaningful relationships within the scientific community.

Explore Research Opportunities

 

Advanced Chemistry Degrees

Advance your career with our B.S./M.S., M.S., or Ph.D. programs in Chemistry. Gain specialized knowledge, research experience and expertise sought by academia, industry and research institutions. Engage in cutting-edge projects, explore advanced topics, and collaborate with expert faculty to drive innovation and achieve your professional goals.

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B.S./M.S. Dual Degree

Maximize your B.S. in Chemistry by earning an M.S. in just one additional year, gaining specialized skills and increased career opportunities.

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M.S. Chemistry

Gain advanced expertise, hands-on research experience and professional development opportunities with our M.S. in Chemistry.

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Ph.D. Chemistry

Receive expert-level training in chemistry, engage in faculty-mentored research and become an independent scientist through our Ph.D. program.

Questions? Contact Us!

Lexie Vincenty

Enrollment Coordinator

School of Science and Engineering

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Suggested Course Sequence

This is the suggested course sequence for the ACS-Certified Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree. Students are required to take CHEM 528 Polymer Science and one semester of CHEM 490W Undergraduate Research. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

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 (15 credits)
  • CHEM 328 Quantum Chemistry (4 credits)
  • CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
  • CHEM 419 Adv Biochemistry I (4 credits)
  • CHEM 305L/R Adv Lab Skills/R (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)


Spring Semester (14 credits)
  • CHEM 329 Thermodynamics (4 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 (16 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)
  • General Elective (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)

Elective Offerings

Students must take four advanced electives. Two electives must be chemistry or biochemistry electives. The remaining two electives may be chemistry, biochemistry, biology or math electives from the approved lists.

  • CHEM 452 Environmental Chemistry
  • CHEM 503 Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • 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 563 Advanced Main Group Chemistry
  • CHEM 565 Advanced Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 566 Mass Spectrometry Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 567 Statistical Thermodynamics
  • CHEM 590 Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 598 Special Topics
  • CHEM 436 Advanced Biochemistry ll
  • CHEM 508 Biomolecular Structure and Function
  • CHEM 527 Biophysical & Biochem Char of Macro
  • CHEM 541 Structural Proteomics
  • CHEM 543 Protein Nucleic Acid Interactions
  • CHEM 550 Protein Engineering
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra
  • MATH 314 Differential Equations
  • MATH 335 Biostatistics Il

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.

Accreditation

ACS accreditiation ensures our undergraduate chemistry program meets rigorous national standards, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel as scientific professionals. It also enhances the program’s reputation, attracts top students and faculty, and prepares graduates for technical careers.