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 |
| BRET xxx | Intro to Ethical Reasoning | 3 |
| BRDG 105 | Ethical Reasoning & Moral Responsibility | 3 |
| BRCF xxx | Cultural Fluency | 3 |
| BRSH xxx | Social & Historical Reasoning | 3 |
| THEO xxx | General Elective (Theology) | 3 |
| PHIL xxx | General Elective (Philosophy) | 3 |
| SPRG 108 | Service Learning in Science | 0–1 |
| Various | General Elective (2) | 6 |
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 228 | Structure, Mechanism & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 228L | Organic Structures & Properties Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 229 | Reactions, Syntheses & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 229L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 340 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 329 | Thermodynamics | 4 |
| CHEM 328 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 312 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 419 | Advanced Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 426L/R | Advanced Experimental Techniques/Application - Capstone Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 305L/R | Advanced Lab Skills / Recitation | 1 |
| CHEM 153 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem I | 1 |
| CHEM 154 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem II | 1 |
| CHEM 155 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem III | 1 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem/Math/Electives (4) | 12 |
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 |
| Total Required | 123 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 |
Intro to Ethical Reasoning |
3 |
|
BRET xxx |
Ethical Reasoning & Moral Resp |
3 |
|
BRCF xxx |
Cultural Fluency |
3 |
|
BRSH xxx |
Social & Historical Reasoning |
3 |
|
THEO xxx |
General Elective (Theology) |
3 |
|
PHIL xxx |
General Elective (Philosophy) |
3 |
|
SPRG 108 |
Service Learning in Science |
0–1 |
|
Various |
General Elective (2) |
6 |
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 228 | Structure, Mechanism & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 228L | Organic Structures & Properties Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 229 | Reactions, Syntheses & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 229L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 340 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 329 | Thermodynamics | 4 |
| CHEM 419 | Advanced Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 436 | Advanced Biochemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 305L/R | Advanced Lab Skills / Recitation | 1 |
| CHEM 426L/R | Advanced Experimental Techniques / Application - Capstone Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 153 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem I | 1 |
| CHEM 154 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem II | 1 |
| CHEM 155 | Career Opportunities in Chem/Biochem III | 1 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem/Math/Biology Electives (4) | 12 |
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 |
| MATH 225 | Intro to Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 212 | Cell & Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 111/111L | Biology I / Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 112/112L | Biology II / Lab | 4 |
| Total Required | 123 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 |
Intro to Ethical Reasoning |
3 |
|
BRET xxx |
Ethical Reasoning & Moral Responsibility |
3 |
|
BRCF xxx |
Cultural Fluency |
3 |
|
THEO xxx |
General Elective (Theology) |
3 |
|
PHIL xxx |
General Elective (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 228 | Structure, Mech & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 228L | Org Struct & Properties Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 229 | Reacts, Synths & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 229L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 340 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 329 | Thermodynamics | 4 |
| CHEM 419 | Adv Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 436 | Adv Biochemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 305L/R | Adv Lab Skills / Recitation | 1 |
| CHEM 426L/R | Advanced Experimental Techniques / Application - Capstone Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 153 | Career Op in Chem and Biochem I | 1 |
| CHEM 154 | Career Op in Chem and Biochem II | 1 |
| CHEM 155 | Career Op in Chem and Biochem III | 1 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem/Math/Biol Electives (3) | 9 |
| CHEM 537 | 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 |
|
MATH 225 |
Intro to Biostatistics |
3 |
|
BIOL 212 |
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 101 | Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Survey of Sociology | 3 |
| Total Required | 123 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 | Intro to Ethical Reasoning | 3 |
| BRET xxx | Ethical Reasoning & Moral Responsibility | 3 |
| BRSH xxx | Social & Historical Reasoning | 3 |
| BRCF xxx | Cultural Fluency | 3 |
| THEO xxx | General Elective (Theology) | 3 |
| PHIL xxx | General Elective (Philosophy) | 3 |
| SPRG 108 | Service Learning in Science | 0–1 |
| Various | General Electives (2) | 6 |
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 228 | Structure, Mechanism & Reactivity | 4 |
| CHEM 228L | Organic Structure Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 229 | Reactions, Synthesis & Spectroscopy | 4 |
| CHEM 229L | Organic Synthesis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 328 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 329 | Thermodynamics | 4 |
| CHEM 312 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 340 | Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 419 | Advanced Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 305L/R | Advanced Lab Skills/Recitation | 3 |
| CHEM 426L/R | Advanced Experimental Techniques/Application - Capstone Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 153 | Career Opportunities I | 1 |
| CHEM 154 | Career Opportunities II | 1 |
| CHEM 155 | Career Opportunities III | 1 |
| CHEM 528 | Polymer Chemistry | 3 |
| Various | Biochem/Chem/Math/Biology Electives (3) | 9 |
| CHEM 490W | Undergraduate Research (at least one semester) | 0-2 |
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 |
| BIOL 111 | Biology I with Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | Biology II with Lab | 4 |
| Total Required | 123 credits* |