Computer Science + Chemistry, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Computer Science + Chemistry
This is an interdisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in computer science to equip majors to apply computing technology, including high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, to the study of chemical and biochemical systems and the design of new molecules and materials. This program prepares majors for a variety of careers that may involve computer modeling and simulation of chemical and biochemical processes; statistical analyses of large datasets; and data visualizations of reaction pathways, molecular interactions, living chemical reactions, or other phenomena.
Undergraduate Degree Programs in Chemistry
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Major in Computer Science & Chemistry (Sciences and Letters)
- Major in Chemistry (Sciences and Letters)
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Computer Science + Chemistry
A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office by the beginning of the fifth semester (60-75 hours).
Please visit the computer science advisor as well as the Chemical Sciences advising office.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
Minimum hours required major and supporting course work: normally equates to 66 hours. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English, or completion of the third semester in two different languages other than English is required) | 0-20 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Computer Science Coursework | ||
| CS 100 | Computer Science Orientation (recommended; CS 100 is an orientation course aimed at first-year students, so students who declare the major after the freshman year are not required to complete it.) | 1 |
| CS 124 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 3 |
| CS 128 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 173 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CS 225 | Data Structures | 4 |
| CS 222 | Software Design Lab | 1 |
| Choose one of the following combinations | 8-11 | |
| Computer Architecture and System Programming | ||
| OR | ||
| Introduction to Computer Systems | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Statistical Analysis | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Probability & Statistics for Computer Science | ||
| CS 374 | Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation | 4 |
| CS 421 | Programming Languages & Compilers | 3 |
| Mathematics (may also fulfill the General Education Quantitative Reasoning I and II requirements) | ||
| MATH 221 | Calculus I | 4-5 |
| or MATH 220 | Calculus | |
| MATH 225 | Introductory Matrix Theory | 2 or 3 |
| or MATH 257 | Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| Required Chemistry Coursework - Minimum of 24 hours | ||
| Foundation Courses- 12 hours required | ||
| Select one of the following (General or Accelerated Chemistry): | 8 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I and General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | ||
or | ||
| Accelerated Chemistry I and Accelerated Chemistry Lab I and Accelerated Chemistry II | ||
| CHEM 232 | Elementary Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| or CHEM 236 | Fundamental Organic Chem I | |
| Advanced Chemistry Courses- 12 hours | ||
| CHEM 440 | Physical Chemistry Principles | 4 |
| or CHEM 442 | Physical Chemistry I | |
| In consultation with an advisor, choose 8 hours of 300- or 400- level chemistry courses (The following courses may not be used to complete the advanced chemistry hours: CHEM 315, CHEM 397, CHEM 445, CHEM 447, CHEM 492, CHEM 494, CHEM 496, CHEM 497 and CHEM 499; and any course in another unit, such as any BIOC or MCB course.) | 8 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Computer Science + Chemistry
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Free Elective course | 1 |
| General Education or Composition I | 3 |
| CS 100 - Computer Science Orientation | 1 |
| CS 124 - Introduction to Computer Science I | 3 |
| CHEM 102 - General Chemistry I or CHEM 202 - Accelerated Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 103 - General Chemistry Lab I or CHEM 203 - Accelerated Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH 220 - Calculus or MATH 221 - Calculus I | 5 |
| Semester Hours | 17 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II or CHEM 204 - Accelerated Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 105 - General Chemistry Lab II (or Free Elective course) | 1 |
| CS 128 - Introduction to Computer Science II | 3 |
| MATH 231 - Calculus II | 3 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 14 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CHEM 232 - Elementary Organic Chemistry I or CHEM 236 - Fundamental Organic Chem I | 4 |
| CS 173 - Discrete Structures | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 14 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Advanced Chemistry course | 3 |
| CS 225 - Data Structures | 4 |
| CS 222 - Software Design Lab | 1 |
| MATH 225 - Introductory Matrix Theory or MATH 257 - Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (4th level) | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 233 - Computer Architecture or CS 340 - Introduction to Computer Systems | 4 |
| Advanced Chemistry course | 3 |
| STAT 200 - Statistical Analysis, STAT 212 - Biostatistics, or CS 361 - Probability & Statistics for Computer Science | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 341 - System Programming (or CS 400-level course) | 4 |
| Advanced Chemistry course | 2 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 374 - Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation | 4 |
| CHEM 440 - Physical Chemistry Principles or CHEM 442 - Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CS 400-level course or Free Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 14 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| CS 421 - Programming Languages & Compilers | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Total Hours: 120
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Computer Science + Chemistry
By the time of graduation, students will have:
Computer Science:
- An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline
- An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
- An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs
- An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
- An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society
- A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development
- An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
- An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the trade-offs involved in design choices
- An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity
Chemistry:
- A thorough knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical dynamics and the chemical and physical properties of substances.
- An exposure to the sub-fields of chemistry, including analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
- The ability to read, evaluate, interpret, and present (via oral and written communication) numerical, chemical and general scientific information and literature.
- The ability to carry out experiments, use appropriate experimental apparatus effectively, and demonstrate proper laboratory safety skills.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Computer Science + Chemistry
Chemistry
CS + X Degrees
CS + Chemistry
Chemistry Department page
scs-advising@illinois.edu
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Liberal Arts & Sciences College & Admissions requirements
LAS website
Grainger College of Engineering
Grainger College of Engineering page
undergrad@cs.illinois.edu