Chemistry

Pursue your passion for chemistry our ACS-Certified B.S. in Chemistry program. As a student in our program, you will embark on an exciting educational journey, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree that is recognized by the American Chemical Society (ACS), a prestigious accreditation that ensures the highest standards of excellence in chemical education.

Our comprehensive chemistry program offers a carefully crafted curriculum that encompasses a wide range of chemistry disciplines. Dive into the fascinating realms of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, gaining a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and theories that govern these fields.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiments, and engaging coursework, you will develop essential skills in chemical research, analysis, and synthesis. Explore the intricacies of molecular structure, unravel the complexities of chemical reactions, and delve into the world of chemical bonding and kinetics. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as polymer chemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, or pharmaceutical chemistry, tailoring your education to align with your career aspirations.

Our program emphasizes practical experience, offering numerous laboratory experiments that provide real-world application of theoretical concepts. Engage in cutting-edge research projects, working alongside experienced faculty members who are at the forefront of their respective fields. Develop expertise in chemical analysis and synthesis, honing your ability to manipulate and understand the properties of various substances.

Learning Outcomes

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Request info   Apply to this program

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-year

Required Credit Hours

123

The Student Experience

A picture of Dani Beres

"Duquesne has granted me an opportunity of a lifetime by allowing me to conduct research at such an early age. This experience established my passion for synthetic chemistry and now I will be able to lead on my research project, constantly advancing my laboratory skills."

Dani Beres ACS-Certified B.S. in Chemistry, '22

Prepared For Anything

Graduate Education

Our program sets the stage for further academic pursuits, serving as an excellent stepping stone for graduate studies in chemistry or related disciplines. Expand your knowledge, explore advanced research opportunities, and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in the field.

Explore Graduate Programs

After Duquesne

Upon completion of the ACS-Certified B.S. in Chemistry program, a wide array of exciting career opportunities awaits you. Unlock doors to the industry as a chemist, researcher, or scientist in fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials, environmental science, or forensic analysis. The demand for chemists in various sectors continues to grow, providing a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.

Suggested Course Sequence

Students are required to take 528 Polymer Science and one semester of CHEM 490W Undergraduate Research. All prerequisites must be met with a 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