CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

FACULTY:  Kevin Lloyd Bartlett, E. Lawrence  Gulberg, Benjamin James McFarland, John K Mouser, Lyle Bernard Peter, Gregory D Phelan, Karisa M Pierce, Daisy  Zhang

Chemistry is primarily concerned with matter, energy, and their interactions. Chemists do a wide variety of things, including the following:

• They make new substances, including new materials and medicines.
• They design new ways to make known compounds.
• They isolate and determine chemical structures of naturally occurring substances.
• They elucidate the chemical bases of biological processes.
• They attempt to explain the changes matter undergoes.
• They develop and apply analytical techniques for criminal investigations and environmental problems.
• They sell chemicals, teach chemistry, and apply chemical knowledge to solve other societal and technological problems.

Chemists are concerned about the effect their work and technology have on society and on individuals. They are in the forefront of efforts to make sure that technology serves humankind rather than vice versa. The curriculum is designed to serve persons desiring to enter a career in chemistry, biochemistry, or science education, as well as those interested in pursuing further study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, and the other sciences. To qualify for admission to the major or minor, a student must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average in SPU chemistry courses. A student must complete the major requirements in effect when the student is admitted to the major.

Requirements for the Chemistry Major
We are near the end of a phase-in of a new curriculum. Senior continuing students and transfers should consult the 2003–04 SPU Undergraduate Catalog.

CHM 1100, CHM 1110, and CHM 1330 cannot be counted in the chemistry major or minor. 

B.S. in Chemistry
67 credits in chemistry, including 51 upper-division; an additional 15 credits in math and 15 in physics
This course of study is recommended for a professional degree in chemistry or for those interested in doing graduate and other advanced work in chemistry, certain aspects of molecular biology, toxicology, and forensic science. It is guided by recommendations of the American Chemical Society and should prepare the student for graduate work in chemistry or for employment as a chemist.

In order to complete this degree in four years, generally a student should begin with CHM 1211 and MAT 1234 in the first quarter of the freshman year. Required Chemistry Courses  Required Mathematics and Physics Courses

For students planning graduate studies in chemistry, additional mathematics (e.g., MAT 2401, MAT 3238, MAT 3237, and MAT 3360) may be recommended by the advisor.

For the older literature, a reading knowledge of German is helpful for those who plan to do graduate work in chemistry. All students are urged to seek advising by a member of the chemistry/biochemistry faculty as early in their programs as possible.

B.A. in Chemistry
52 credits in chemistry, including 36 upper-division; an additional 10 credits in mathematics and 15 credits in physics
This option is suited for students preparing for medical or dental school, careers in medical technology, pharmacy or related fields, or to teach chemistry at the secondary level. Those interested in careers in medicine, dentistry, or other health related fields should refer to Pre-Professional Health Programs.
Required Chemistry Courses | Required Mathematics and Physics Courses

B.S. in Biochemistry
67 credits in chemistry and biology, including 46 upper-division in biology and chemistry; an additional 20 credits in mathematics and 15 credits in physics
The molecular aspects of the life sciences call for an interdisciplinary course of study in chemistry and biology, plus background support in physics and mathematics. This degree prepares students for graduate study in biochemistry and molecular biology. Biochemistry students interested in health sciences should refer to Pre-Professional Health Programs.

In order to complete this degree in four years, generally a student should begin with CHM 1211 and MAT 1234 in the first quarter of the freshman year.
Required Chemistry and Biology Courses | Required Mathematics and Physics Courses

CHM 1100, CHM 1110, and CHM 1330 cannot be counted in the chemistry major or minor.

Chemistry Minor
35 credits in chemistry/biochemistry, including 20 upper-division
Must include CHM 1212 General Chemistry II (5 credits), CHM 3371, 3372 Organic Chemistry (10 credits). Chemistry courses must include at least two of these five areas: organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry. Required Chemistry Minor Courses

Chemical Education. Students preparing for the teaching profession at the elementary level should take at least CHM 1100 or CHM 1211. (For general science major requirements in elementary teaching, see the School of Education.) For junior high level a supporting endorsement provides an appropriate basis. A supporting endorsement can be obtained by completing a minor including CHM 1212, CHM 2540, CHM 3371, CHM 3372, and CHM 3225. CHM 3410 is also recommended. See School of Education for a definite description of the supporting endorsement. Students preparing for a secondary certificate should complete the requirements for a B.A. in chemistry including at least two quarters of physical chemistry.

Pre-Professional Health. The B.S. in biochemistry, or the B.S. or B.A. in chemistry including biochemistry courses, provide preparation for professional education in medicine, dentistry, and similar health-related careers.

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