B.S. Specialization in Chemical Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.) with Specialization in Chemical Physics is a professional degree that can be certified by the American Chemical Society (if specific requirements are satisfied) and is designed for students who plan to become chemists, either by going to graduate school or by working in the chemical industry.

The B.S. in Chemistry is characterized by “400-track” courses in general chemistry (CHEM 1410, 1420), organic chemistry (CHEM 2410, 2420), and physical chemistry (CHEM 3410, 3420), along with their associated laboratories. An “800-track” chemistry course is an acceptable substitute for a corresponding “400-track” course and is recommended for students with a particularly strong background in chemistry, usually with advanced placement in chemistry.

This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses.  Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an adviser as early and as often as possible.  Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an adviser; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc.).

First Year – Credits: 24-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 0-10
• CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 – Introductory College Chemistry I and II and Laboratories – Credits: 8
  or
  CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Lab and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Lab – Credits: 11
• MATH 1310, 1320 – Calculus I and II – Credits: 8

• PHYS 1420, 2410 – Introductory Physics I and II – Credits: 10
  or
  PHYS 1425, 2415 - Introductory Physics 1 and 2 for Engineers – Credits: 8
  ***Note: ECE 2200 can be used to satisfy Physics II

Second Year – Credits: 24-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 5-19
• CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 – Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories – Credits: 12
  or
  CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 – Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Lab and Principles of Thermodynamics and Kinetics – Credits: 9
• One of the following math courses:
  MATH 2310 - Calculus III - Credits: 4
  APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus - Credits: 4
  MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
  APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
  MATH 3350 - Applied Linear Algebra - Credits: 4
  MATH 3351 - Elementary Linear Algebra - Credits: 4
  APMA 3080 - Linear Algebra - Credits: 4
• PHYS 2620 – Modern Physics – Credits: 4
• PHYS 2630, 2640 – Elementary Laboratory I and II – Credits: 6
  or
  PHYS 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics 1 and 2 Workshops for Pre-Health Students – Credits: 2
  or
  PHYS 1429, 2419 – Introductory Physics 1 and 2 Workshops for Engineers – Credits: 2

Third Year – Credits: 24-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 3-13
• CHEM 3721 – Analytical Chemistry Laboratory – Credits: 3
  (CHEM 3121 - Advanced Synthesis Lab can be used as an alternative)
  or
  CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 – Undergraduate Research – Credits: 3
  (Please note that research used in place of CHEM 3721 cannot be used to satisfy the ACS research requirement below.)
• CHEM 3410, 3420 – Physical Chemistry-Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry-Thermodynamics – Credits: 6
• CHEM 3811, 3821 – Physical Chemistry I and II Laboratory – Credits: 6
• PHYS ELECTIVES - Two 3000-level or higher physics courses – Credits: 6

Fourth Year – Credits: 6-34

• General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 0-28
• CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 – Undergraduate Research – Credits: 6*
  (Please note that research used in place of CHEM 3721 cannot be used to satisfy this research requirement.)
• CHEM 4320 – Inorganic Chemistry – Credits: 3*
• CHEM 4410 or 4440 – Biological Chemistry I or Biochemistry for Pre-Health – Credits: 3*
• Two of the following:
  CHEM 5210 – Advanced Physical Chemistry I – Credits: 3
  CHEM 5220 – Advanced Physical Chemistry II – Credits: 3
  CHEM 5224 – Reaction Kinetics and Dynamics – Credits: 3
  CHEM 5250 – Molecular Spectroscopy – Credits: 3

*Required for ACS Certified degree only.  If you wish to pursue ACS Certification, please fill out this form and return it to Cindy Knight in CHM 413. For more information on ACS Certification and its significance, click here.

Click here for information on Reduced Course Load and Part-Time Enrollment.