Department of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry

Third and Fourth Years

*******WARNING: You must declare a major by the end of your 4th semester.********

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I wish to declare a major in the Chemistry Department.  What should I do?

First, pick up a handout from Cindy Knight in Room 464 or from the rack outside her office.  This outlines the various programs available, and what the requirements are for each of them.  Once you are ready to declare your major, follow the steps outlined on our website Chemistry Major | Department of Chemistry

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I want to change my Chemistry B.A. to the B.Sc. Bio Specialization (or vice versa or a different specialization).  Do I have to re-declare?

Yes, it will be necessary to fill out a declaration form.  Follow the same steps above regarding declaring your major except mark the box that says this replaces my previous major.

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What does it mean to have ACS Certification?  Does it really matter if I have it or not? 

Here is a document from the American Chemical Society that discusses ACS Certification and it’s significance.

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I’d like to change my adviser.  What do I need to do? 

Fill out this form and return it to Monroe Hall.

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I would like to substitute a required course with a different one.  What should I do? 

If you wish to petition to substitute a required course with a different one, please fill out this form, take it (along with a copy of your unofficial transcript) to Cindy Knight (CHM 463).  He will present your request to the Undergraduate Advising Committee.  You will be emailed once a decision has been reached.

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I’m considering Medical School after this.  Is there anything I should do to prepare? 

Meet with one of the Chemistry Department advisers.  Also, University Career Services has a great resource – Prehealth Prerequisite Course Stategies.

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I will be taking/have taken a chemistry course at another institution.  How do I obtain approval for transfer of credit?

You must obtain approval before you take the course; otherwise you run the risk of not having your class approved.  You will need to send a copy of the syllabus to Cindy Knight. She will have the syllabus reviewed to determine equivalency. Once equivalency is determined, complete a Transfer Credit form and send it to Cindy Knight.

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I have taken approved courses at another university.  How will this affect my GPA?

Approved transfer courses satisfy UVa requirements and give you hours toward your degree.  The grades on non-UVa courses are not included in your UVa transcript, nor are they used to compute your GPA.  For job, graduate or medical school applications you will have to request a separate transcript for each school at which you have taken classes.

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I took Chem 2410/3410 (whatever) and got a really low passing grade in it.   If I retake the class and get a better grade, will it improve my GPA and my transcript?

Here is the Repeated Courses policy for the College of Arts and Sciences Repeated Courses in the College of Arts & Sciences — UVA College of Arts & Sciences

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What is the lowest GPA a chemistry major is allowed to have?

In order to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and graduate, all University of Virginia College of Arts & Sciences students must earn 120 credits of course work in 8 semesters with an average of C or a grade point average of 2.0.  Currently, there is no minimum GPA for your chemistry courses.

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Do any chemistry courses fulfill the Second Writing Requirement?

Yes, we have two or three courses that satisfy the Second Writing Requirement. Please consult the current semester course offerings on SIS to see what is being offered. 

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I am interested in doing research. What do I do next?

Go to the undergraduate research page.

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I am doing research in a lab in (Biology/Chemistry/the hospital/etc.) and have been getting credit for it in the Chemistry Department under Chem 4961 and have finished the sequence.  I don’t want to quit doing research.  Can I still get credit for it in the Chemistry Department?

Absolutely! Chem 4961 is set up to repeat for credit. 

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I’m a Fourth Year and planning to graduate.  What do I need to do? 

If you have questions about the Chemistry Department’s Graduation Ceremony, click here.