Chemistry

Degree

Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
School of Molecular and Physical Sciences

Contact

Amy Deveau, Ph.D.
Academic Director, School of Molecular and Physical Sciences
adeveau@une.edu

Mission

Chemistry and physics are both fundamental sciences that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us. Chemistry is the study of matter: its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany those processes.

Chemistry often is referred to as the central science. It rests upon the foundation of mathematics and physics and in turn is the essential basis for the life sciences such as biology and medicine. Chemistry is largely an experimental science and has applications in such diverse areas of research as the development of new drugs, the search for solutions to problems of environmental pollution, and the derivation of alternative energy sources. Much cutting-edge research in biology and medicine is being carried out at the level of atoms and molecules, the particles of matter upon which the study of chemistry is based.

Physics, too, is the study of matter and energy, viewed from a different perspective. Understanding living systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them.

In addition to offering majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Laboratory science, and minors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, the School of Molecular and Physical Sciences fills a significant role for students in other programs through its introductory courses in chemistry and physics. Because of the fundamental roles of chemistry and physics in the biological, environmental, and health sciences, students in these programs benefit from the conceptual, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills stressed in the introductory courses, which form the foundation for later courses in the students' majors.

Major Description

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry stresses the fundamental aspects of chemistry as a discipline, including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry. 

Coursework in the core areas of chemistry is complemented with laboratory experiments designed to illustrate important chemical principles, theories, and applications through discovery with the integration of practical instrumental techniques that are essential in the field. While the chemistry core courses provide both depth and breadth in the basic areas of chemistry, students also have the opportunity to intensely study selected areas of modern in advanced elective courses and in undergraduate research. 

The School of Molecular and Physical Sciences' faculty members are highly committed to excellence in undergraduate education and offer many opportunities for students to engage in collaborative, mentored undergraduate research. Additionally, the department is well equipped with modern laboratory instrumentation, available to students in laboratory courses and in undergraduate research projects.

The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training. Since the School of Molecular and Physical Sciences courses stress the integration of theory and experiment, the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the cultivation of oral and written communication skills, students are well-prepared for direct entry into the workforce, or into competitive graduate programs in the physical sciences and other related technology fields. Chemistry graduates are also well prepared for entry into professional programs such as medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary schools.

Curricular Requirements

CAS Core RequirementsCredits
Total Credits43
Program Required CoursesCredits
CHE 150/150L – University General Chemistry I w/Lab*4
CHE 151/151L – University General Chemistry II w/Lab*4
CHE 250/250L/250S – University Organic Chemistry I w/Lab and LabLecture*5
CHE 251/251L/251S – University Organic Chemistry II w/Lab and LabLecture*5
CHE 280/280L – Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry w/Lab3
CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis w/Lab5
CHE 350/350L – Biochemistry I: Proteins w/Lab5
CHE 370/370L – Physical Chemistry I w/Lab4
CHE 371 – Physical Chemistry II3
CHE 375 – Advanced Laboratory2
CHE 401 – Seminar1
CHE 417/417L – Instrumental Methods of Analysis w/Lab4
MAT 190 – Calculus ICredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
MAT 195 – Calculus II4
MAT 200 – Calculus III4
PHY 210 – University Physics I*4
PHY 211 – University Physics II*4
Total Credits61
Select a Minimum of One (1) Course from the Following (for a total of three (3) credits)Credits
CHE 320 – Mechanistic Organic Chemistry3
CHE 380 – Inorganic Chemistry3
CHE 405 – Medicinal Chemistry3
CHE 410 – Research I1–4
CHE 411 – Research II1–4
CHE 420 – Spectroscopic Methods of Structural Analysis3
CHE 450 – Advanced Biochemistry Lab3
Total Credits3
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

*Matriculated majors are expected to enroll in the University course sequences for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. The following substitutions may be made with program permission: CHE 110 for CHE 150; CHE 111 for CHE 151; CHE 210 for CHE 250; CHE 211 for CHE 251; PHY 110 for PHY 210; and/or PHY 111 for PHY 211.

Students wishing to pursue teacher certification in Physical Science can complete a double major with Chemistry and Middle and Secondary Education, or a major in Middle and Secondary Education and a concentration in Chemistry. For more information, see the Middle and Secondary Education catalog page.

Academic and Technical Standards

A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all required science and mathematics courses used toward graduation in chemistry/secondary education, and a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average in the sciences is a requirement for graduation.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to describe and apply advanced chemical information and concepts.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in safe laboratory practices and use of instrumentation standard to the discipline.
  • Students will be able to clearly communicate chemical information in both oral and written forms.
  • Students will be able to work collaboratively in various team settings.
  • Students will be able to compete successfully for placement in graduate programs or employment relevant to the field of study.

Minor

A student with a major in another program may minor in Chemistry with the permission of the Academic Director. Twenty-three (23) hours of coursework is required for the Minor in Chemistry as specified below. This minor indicates a significant level of accomplishment in the important foundation areas of Chemistry.

Required CoursesCredits
CHE 110/110L – General Chemistry I w/Lab**4
CHE 111/111L – General Chemistry II w/Lab**4
CHE 210/210L – Organic Chemistry I w/Lab**5
CHE 211/211L – Organic Chemistry II w/Lab**5
CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis w/Lab5
Minimum Total Required Credits23

The chemistry course grade point average must be maintained at 2.00 (C) or better.

**The following course substitutions may be made with advisor permission: CHE 150 for CHE 110; CHE 151 for CHE 111; CHE 250 for CHE 210; and/or CHE 251 for CHE 211.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their major advisor. 

Transfer Credit

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. A transferred course must align in scope and content to the required course offered at SWAGÊÓƵ. Otherwise, a course may transfer as a general elective.

All courses completed must be no older than five (5) years.

Transferred courses for matriculated students must be approved by the Academic Director.

Other restrictions apply.

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Admissions

Preferred conditions for entry into the chemistry major are completion of at least three (3) years of high school mathematics and three (3) years of high school science, including biology, chemistry, and physics.

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the SWAGÊÓƵ for the 2024–2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The SWAGÊÓƵ reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.

While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.