for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)

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Chemistry is the study of matter at the molecular level. Professional chemists

• make new compounds, like pharmaceuticals,
• develop new ways to measure chemical reactions at the limits of space and time, and
• create new theoretical frameworks to understand and predict molecular behavior.

Through classwork and hands-on laboratory learning, you’ll develop the skills to tackle a variety of technical problems in environments that range from the chemical industry to aerospace. You’ll also have the opportunity to join research labs and take part in internships at various companies.

When you apply, you can choose to apply to either 

• Chemistry BS: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum), or  
• Chemistry BSLAS: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major in Chemistry. 

The Chemistry BS degree program provides a rigorous and research-oriented foundation in chemistry through advanced, specialized coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics; in-depth exposure to subareas of chemistry, such as analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; and mastery of laboratory techniques and scientific instrumentation required for chemical research. The Chemistry BS degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. It is intended for students wishing to pursue a career, research, or graduate studies in the chemical sciences.

Undergraduate Degree Programs in Chemistry

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)

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Specialized Curriculum

Graduation requires grade point averages of at least 2.0 overall and 2.0 in chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses.

Students in the Specialized Curriculum in Chemistry must include a course in Biochemistry in the Advanced Chemistry area or the Technical Electives area to be certified by the American Chemical Society as having met its specifications.

Departmental distinction: Students qualify for graduation with distinction by exhibiting superior performance in both course work and in senior thesis research. To be eligible, a student must have a Illinois coursework major grade point average of 3.25, must take CHEM 499 (normally for two semesters) and submit a senior thesis for evaluation, and must have their undergraduate research advisor submit to the department Head a letter of support attesting to the effort invested by the student. The minimum major GPAs for Distinction, High Distinction, and Highest Distinction are 3.25, 3.5, and 3.75, respectively. Final decisions on awarding Distinction honors will be made by the Head or designee.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

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.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Composition I		4-6
Advanced Composition		3
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)		6
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)		6
fulfilled by CHEM 202 & CHEM 204 or CHEM 102 & CHEM 104; PHYS 211, PHYS 212
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
fulfilled by MATH 220 or MATH 221, MATH 231, MATH 241; PHYS 211, PHYS 212
Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required)		0-15

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Orientation and Professional Development
LAS 101	Design Your First Year Experience	1
OR
LAS 100 & LAS 101	Success in LAS for International Students and Design Your First Year Experience	3
OR
LAS 102	Transfer Advantage	1
Total Hours		1 or 3

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Major Core Requirements and Electives
Core Chemistry		37
CHEM 150	First Semester Success in Chemistry (Transfer students may substitute 1 hour of 200 level or higher Chemistry, including CHEM 297, CHEM 397, CHEM 497, or CHEM 499, for the 1 hour of CHEM 150. This may not include CHEM 222 or CHEM 223 for students who took the CHEM 102, CHEM 103, CHEM 104, and CHEM 105 sequence instead of CHEM 202, CHEM 203, CHEM 204, and CHEM 205.)
CHEM 202	Accelerated Chemistry I
CHEM 203	Accelerated Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 204	Accelerated Chemistry II
CHEM 205	Accelerated Chemistry Lab II
If necessary, CHEM 102, CHEM 103, CHEM 104, CHEM 105, CHEM 222, and CHEM 223 may be substituted for CHEM 202, CHEM 203, CHEM 204, and CHEM 205.
CHEM 236	Fundamental Organic Chem I
CHEM 237	Structure and Synthesis
CHEM 312	Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 315	Instrumental Chem Systems Lab
CHEM 420	Instrumental Characterization
CHEM 436	Fundamental Organic Chem II
CHEM 442	Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 444	Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 445	Physical Principles Lab I
Advanced Chemistry		11
CHEM or BIOC courses numbered 300 or higher, which must include three laboratory courses from the following:
CHEM 317	Inorganic Chemistry Lab
CHEM 437	Organic Chemistry Lab
CHEM 447	Physical Principles Lab II
CHEM 483	Solid State Structural Anlys
BIOC 455	Technqs Biochem & Biotech
A student who has earned at least 6 credit hours in any combination of CHEM 397, CHEM 497, or CHEM 499 must complete only two laboratory courses from the list, one of which must be CHEM 317, CHEM 437, or CHEM 447.
Mathematics		16-19
MATH 220	Calculus
or MATH 221	Calculus I
MATH 225	Introductory Matrix Theory
or MATH 227	Linear Algebra for Data Science
or MATH 257	Linear Algebra with Computational Applications
or MATH 415	Applied Linear Algebra
MATH 231	Calculus II
MATH 241	Calculus III
MATH 285	Intro Differential Equations
Physics		10
PHYS 211	University Physics: Mechanics
PHYS 212	University Physics: Elec & Mag
PHYS 214	Univ Physics: Quantum Physics
Technical Electives		7-9
CHEM (300 or higher), BIOC, CHBE (200 or higher)
Courses in life sciences (all courses at 200 or higher)
Mathematics or computer science above the basic level
Other courses in the physical and biological sciences and engineering including CHEM 199 (Three hours maximum credit in CHEM 199. Additional courses in sciences and engineering can be taken, upon consultation with the SCS advisor and approval from the chemistry department. Approved courses must generally have a strong technical prerequisite, such as one year of college-level math or science.)

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)

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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.

First Semester

Requirements	Hours
LAS 101 - Design Your First Year Experience	1
CHEM 150 - First Semester Success in Chemistry	1
CHEM 202 - Accelerated Chemistry I	3
CHEM 203 - Accelerated Chemistry Lab I	2
MATH 220 - Calculus or MATH 221 - Calculus I	4
Language Other Than English (3rd level) or Composition I	4
Semester Hours	15

Second Semester

Requirements	Hours
CHEM 204 - Accelerated Chemistry II	3
CHEM 205 - Accelerated Chemistry Lab II	2
MATH 231 - Calculus II	3
PHYS 211 - University Physics: Mechanics	4
Composition I or Language Other Than English (3rd level)	4
Semester Hours	16

First Semester

Requirements	Hours
CHEM 236 - Fundamental Organic Chem I	4
CHEM 237 - Structure and Synthesis	2
PHYS 212 - University Physics: Elec & Mag	4
MATH 241 - Calculus III	4
General Education course	3
Semester Hours	17

Second Semester

Requirements	Hours
CHEM 436 - Fundamental Organic Chem II	3
Advanced Chemistry course (Lab)	3
PHYS 214 - Univ Physics: Quantum Physics	2
MATH 225 - Introductory Matrix Theory, MATH 227 - Linear Algebra for Data Science, MATH 257 - Linear Algebra with Computational Applications, or MATH 415 - Applied Linear Algebra	3
MATH 285 - Intro Differential Equations	3
General Education course	3
Semester Hours	17

First Semester

Requirements	Hours
CHEM 442 - Physical Chemistry I	4
CHEM 420 - Instrumental Characterization	2
CHEM 315 - Instrumental Chem Systems Lab	2
General Education course	3
General Education course	3
Semester Hours	14

Second Semester

Requirements	Hours
CHEM 444 - Physical Chemistry II	4
CHEM 445 - Physical Principles Lab I	2
CHEM 312 - Inorganic Chemistry	3
General Education course	3
General Education course	3
Semester Hours	15

First Semester

Requirements	Hours
Advanced Chemistry course	3
Advanced Chemistry course (Lab)	3
Technical Electives	5
General Education course	3
Semester Hours	14

Second Semester

Requirements	Hours
Advanced Chemistry course (Lab)	2
Technical Elective	3
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	3
Free Elective course	1
Semester Hours	12

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)

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Students graduating with the BS in Chemistry will have:

1. A thorough knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical dynamics and the chemical and physical properties of substances.
2. An exposure to the subfields of chemistry, such as analytical, organic, physical, materials, inorganic, as well as chemical biology.
3. The ability to read, evaluate, interpret, and present (via oral and written communication) numerical, chemical and general scientific data, information and literature.
4. The ability to carry out experiments, use appropriate experimental apparatus effectively, and demonstrate proper laboratory safety skills.

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for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)

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Chemistry

Chemistry website
Chemistry Faculty
SCS Academic Advising

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Liberal Arts & Sciences College & Admissions requirements
LAS website