Chemistry BS

Earn a B.S. in Chemistry and open the door to a world of opportunities in the dynamic field of chemical sciences. Our program 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 applications in academia, industry and professional careers.

Through a rigorous curriculum of lectures, hands-on laboratories and research projects, you will develop practical laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis and safe laboratory practices. You will learn to apply the scientific method to analyze experimental data with integrity and ethics, communicate scientific outcomes effectively through oral and written methods, and apply your knowledge to solve original research problems, culminating in a capstone project or research thesis.

Mentored by experienced faculty and working in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, you will gain the critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills necessary to thrive in chemistry. Explore specialized areas such as polymer, environmental and pharmaceutical chemistry while preparing to make meaningful contributions to science and society.

Request info APPLY NOW VISIT US

Program Information

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is an intensive 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 years

Required Credit Hours

123

Modality

In-Person

From A Goldwater Scholar

A picture of a girl in a glovebox, smiling

“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 BS Chemistry '26
Hear More From Alayna

 

Research. Lead. Achieve.

 
two girls holding beakers

Join A Research Group

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.

Explore Research Opportunities
two people making liquid nitrogen ice cream

Find Your Club

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 Student Organization
a student a professor standing in front of a poster

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.

See What URP Offers

 

Advanced Chemistry Degrees

Advance your career with our BS/MS, MS, 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.

three people working in a lab

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.

M.S. Chemistry

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

a male in a cap and gown hugging someone with a puffy vest

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

girl in a grey jacket
 

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)
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (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)

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 452 Environmental Chemistry
  • CHEM 503 Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • CHEM 523 Organic Total Synthesis
  • 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 529 Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanisms
  • CHEM 541 Structural Proteomics
  • CHEM 543 Protein Nucleic Acid Interactions
  • CHEM 550 Protein Engineering
  • MATH 215 Calculus lll
  • 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 accreditation 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.