Chemistry

Description

Chemistry is one of the three basic areas that form the foundation of all science and is essential for a complete understanding of the physical world. Focusing on the study of matter, the field of chemistry includes a wide variety of basic areas ranging from the study of atoms, the chemical bond, and basic chemical reactions to the exploration of applied topics, including biochemistry, medicinal and drug chemistry, forensic science, physical and quantum chemistry, and instrumentation.

Stevenson University's chemistry program, planned in accordance with the requirements of the American Chemical Society (ACS), offers a broad selection of courses for students in chemistry and provides an excellent background for any scientific or technological career. Laboratory work and research are emphasized throughout the curriculum. With modern instrumentation and laboratory facilities, students develop excellent laboratory and analytical skills, preparing them for employment in the chemical industry, graduate study in chemistry, or a career in a variety of professional arenas, including pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry.

Objectives

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of chemical principles to the understanding of the world at a molecular level.
2. Plan, design, safely execute and interpret scientific experiments using the scientific method.
3. Communicate scientific knowledge in clear notebook entries, laboratory reports and oral and poster presentations.
4. Evaluate scientific discovery for its scientific merit and in terms of its ethical, societal and global implications using knowledge of chemical principles.
5. Exhibit behaviors consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.

Requirements

Major Requirements:

Senior Capstone Experiences (Select One):

CHEM 450, CHEM 460 or CHEM 460H Sr. Research Capstone in Chemistry

CHEM 455, CHEM 465, or CHEM 465H Sr. Internship Capstone in Chemistry

Chemistry electives

Select two:

Suggested Course Sequence

Suggested Course Sequence

Policies

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major, and the lowest acceptable grade is a "C" in all major and Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE) courses. No student, regardless of major, will be permitted to take a science or math course unless he/she earns a grade of "C" or better in all prerequisite courses.

A student may not earn a grade of “C-” or lower in any science or math course more than three times during the program. If a fourth grade of “C-” or lower is earned in any science or math course, the student will be automatically dismissed from the chemistry major.

Probation: The student who earns any combination of two grades of “C-” or lower in a science or math course will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she is on probation in the School of the Sciences.

Final Probation: The student who earns any combination of three grades of “C-” or lower in a science or math course will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she is on final probation in the School of the Sciences.

Dismissal: If a fourth grade of “C-” or lower in any science or math course is earned, the student will be notified, in writing, by the department chair that he or she is dismissed from the major.

Minor in Chemistry

A minor in chemistry is available. A student wishing to take any chemistry course for the chemistry minor must meet the prerequisite(s) for the particular course. Student must take six courses that count in the chemistry major, excluding seminar and one or two credit courses. Students majoring in biochemistry may not earn a minor in chemistry. Please see the chair of the Department of Chemistry for more information. Specific information regarding minor requirements may be found in the Academic Information section of the catalog.

Other Options

BS/MS Option: The BS/MS option is available for students majoring in chemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in forensic sciences in the chemistry or crime scene investigation track. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degrees in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into this BS/MS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. Please see the Forensic Sciences  section of this catalog for more information.

BS/MAT Option: The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in biology who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. Please see Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.

Course Descriptions

See Chemistry Course Descriptions