The Department of Chemistry offers BA and BS degrees in chemistry, both of which are liberal arts degrees. The BS degree is generally recognized as preparation for a career in chemistry at the bachelor’s level and hence offers a greater concentration in the field, whereas the BA program provides a greater flexibility in designing a plan of study. Both degrees provide a background in chemistry for graduate and professional study. The department also offers degrees with emphasis in materials chemistry and in biological chemistry, an ACS (American Chemical Society)-certified BS degree and a chemistry minor.
A GPA of 2.0 or better is the necessary average of all courses used to satisfy the requirements of a chemistry major. A grade of C- or better is necessary for a chemistry course to satisfy the requirements of a chemistry major.
Among courses used for the chemistry degree, no more than two with a grade of P may be included. However, CHEM 221, 231, 341, 351/361 are foundation courses that cannot be taken as Pass/Fail.
CHEM 391, Teaching Practicum, does not count toward the chemistry major or minor courses.
No more than 12 credits of CHEM 397 and 497/498 may be used to satisfy the major, and no more than four credits of CHEM 397 may be used to satisfy the major.
AP and IB Credit: °®¶¹´«Ã½ recognizes good performance on the Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam in chemistry. For a score of 5 on the AP exam, or a score of 6 or 7 on the IB exam, the University awards eight credits of CHEM 107 and 108. For a score of 4 on AP, or 5 on IB, the University awards four credits of CHEM 104, 107 or 111, and for a score of 3 on AP, or 4 on IB, the University awards four credits of CHEM 101, which can be counted toward the number of credits for graduation, but does not fulfill major requirements. The Chemistry Department offers two physical chemistry courses: CHEM 351 (Physical Chemistry) and CHEM 361 (Biophysical Chemistry). Chemistry BA majors can take either CHEM 351 or CHEM 361. CHEM 351 and 361 are both introductory physical chemistry courses covering the same subject, albeit with different emphases and examples. Therefore, students can obtain credit for only one of these courses, and if one is on their record, they cannot receive credit for the other.
Harpur College Requirements
Harpur College students must complete the following requirements in addition to those listed for the major:
- 126 credits
- 94 liberal arts and sciences credits
- Minimum of 46 upper-level credits
- Completion of the Harpur College writing requirement (four to five courses as described in the All-College Writing section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin. Maximum of one C/J course and two W courses may be transferred).
- Minimum of 44 credits in residence in Harpur College
- 2.0 or higher GPA
Harpur College requirements are described in detail in the Requirements for Graduation section of the Harpur College Undergraduate Information section of the Bulletin.
Note: The following course is required for the chemistry major: MATH 224. If students do not place into MATH 224, then MATH 223 and, if needed, MATH 108 are also required for completion of the major.
BA Degree Program
The major in chemistry leading to the BA degree requires the following courses: CHEM 111,* 221, 231, 332, 341, 351 or 361, 496; MATH 224/225 and 226/227; PHYS 131 (or 121) and 132 (or 122); one and one-half additional courses** from among CHEM 335, 422, 445, 455 and 497/498; two additional courses in chemistry; one additional course* within the Division of Science and Mathematics.
BA students must take CHEM 496 and at least six other chemistry courses in the major, including at least four upper-level chemistry courses, while in residence at °®¶¹´«Ã½ University.
* CHEM 107-108 may be substituted for CHEM 111. If this substitution is made, the additional course in the Division of Science and Mathematics is not required.
* CHEM 104-105-106 may be substituted for CHEM 111. If this substitution is made, the additional course in the Division of Science and Mathematics is not required.
** Subject to approval of the department, laboratory courses from other departments may be substituted.
The following sample sequences are offered as a general guide.
These requirements afford students considerable flexibility in designing courses of study suited to their particular needs and interests. To take full advantage of that flexibility, it is important to carefully plan the sequence of courses in the first two years of study. The student is required to seek early advice from a faculty member when declaring a chemistry major.
Sequence with CHEM 111
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 111 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 231 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 332 PHYS 131* |
CHEM 221** PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 351 or 361 |
CHEM elective CHEM elective |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 CHEM elective |
CHEM elective Science elective |
Sequence with CHEM 107-108
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 107 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 108 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 231 PHYS 131* |
CHEM 221** CHEM 332 PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 351 or 361 |
CHEM elective CHEM elective |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 CHEM elective |
CHEM elective |
* Physics with calculus (PHYS 131 and 132) is strongly recommended but not required. As an alternative, students may take non-calculus-based physics (PHYS 121 and 122).
** Pre-health students may prefer to defer CHEM 221 to the junior year.
These sequences allow the student to explore the various upper-division chemistry course offerings in the junior and senior years.
It is possible to begin specialization within the major early, by choosing a group of electives concentrated on one particular area of chemistry, such as organic, analytical, inorganic or physical chemistry. Students may also design a program interdisciplinary in nature, by choosing complementary electives in other disciplines such as biology, geology or physics. Especially in the case of tailored programs, students should obtain advice from Chemistry Department faculty as early as possible in their careers.
For those students desiring a broad background in chemistry, the following general track of chemistry electives is suggested:
- CHEM 335
- CHEM 422
- CHEM 442, 443, 444, 445 or 484
- CHEM 451 or 455
BS Degree Program
The major in chemistry leading to the BS degree requires the following courses: CHEM 111,* 221, 231, 332, 335, 341, 351, 422, 451, 455, 496, one course among CHEM 442, 443, 444, 445, 484; MATH 224/225, 226/227, PHYS 131 (or 121) and 132 (or 122); and four courses in the Division of Science and Mathematics, or professionally-related courses. Students should petition the Chemistry Department’s undergraduate program committee for professionally-related courses not in the Division of Science and Mathematics to count toward the chemistry BS major.
BS students must take CHEM 496 and at least seven other chemistry courses in the major, including at least five upper-level chemistry courses, while in residence at °®¶¹´«Ã½ University.
* CHEM 107-108 may be substituted for CHEM 111 in the Chemistry BS degree.
* CHEM 104-105-106 may be substituted for CHEM 111.
The following sample sequences are offered as a general guide.
These courses provide the student with a broader and more intense course of study than that obtained with the BA degree.
Sequence with CHEM 111
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 111 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 231 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 332 CHEM 335 PHYS 131* |
CHEM 221 Science elective PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 351 CHEM 422 |
CHEM 451 Inorganic II** CHEM 455 |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 Science elective |
Science elective Science elective |
Sequence with CHEM 107-108
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 107 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 108 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 231 PHYS 131* |
CHEM 221 CHEM 332 CHEM 335 PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 351 CHEM 422 |
CHEM 451 Inorganic II** CHEM 455 |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 Science elective Science elective |
Science elective Science elective |
* Physics with calculus (PHYS 131 and 132) is strongly recommended but not required. As an alternative, students may take non-calculus-based physics (PHYS 121 and 122).
** Inorganic II may be CHEM 442, 443, 444, 445 or 484.
Chemistry BS American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified
The major in chemistry leading to the ACS certified BS degree requires the following courses: CHEM 111,* 221, 231, 332, 335, 341, 351, 422; MATH 224/225, 226/227, PHYS 131 (or 121) and 132 (or 122); BIOL 113; BCHM 403; one course from among CHEM 442, 443, 444, 484; CHEM 455 and CHEM 496; and two credits from courses in the Division of Science and Mathematics, or professionally-related courses; CHEM 445 or two credits of advanced independent study (CHEM 497 or 498) involving laboratory work in inorganic chemistry and at least two additional credits of independent study (CHEM 397, 497 or 498) involving laboratory work. If CHEM 107-108 or CHEM 104-105-106 rather than CHEM 111 is taken, the two additional credits of laboratory work are not required, and four additional credits in the Division of Science and Mathematics, rather than two, are required. Students should petition the Chemistry Department’s undergraduate program committee for professionally-related courses not in the Division of Science and Mathematics to count toward the chemistry BS major.
BS students must take CHEM 496 and at least seven other chemistry courses in the major, including at least five upper-level chemistry courses, while in residence at °®¶¹´«Ã½ University.
* CHEM 107-108 may be substituted for CHEM 111 in any program.
* CHEM 104-105-106 may be substituted for CHEM 111.
The following sample sequences are offered as a general guide.
These courses provide the student with a broader and more intense course of study than that obtained with the BA degree.
Sequence with CHEM 111
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 111 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 231 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 332 PHYS 131* BIOL 113 |
CHEM 221 CHEM 335 PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 351 CHEM 422 |
CHEM 451 CHEM 455 BCHM 403 |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 Lab elective I Inorganic II** |
Lab elective II Science elective |
Sequence with CHEM 107-108
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 107 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 108 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 231 PHYS 131* BIOL 113 |
CHEM 221 CHEM 332 CHEM 335 PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 351 CHEM 422 |
CHEM 451 CHEM 455 BCHM 403 |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 Inorganic II** |
Science elective Lab elective II |
* Physics with calculus (Phys 131 and 132) is strongly recommended but not required. As an alternative, students may take non-calculus-based physics (PHYS 121 and 122).
** Inorganic II may be CHEM 442, 443, 444 or 484.
The science elective can be any course of at least two credits within the Division of Science and Mathematics (e.g., BIOL 114, PSYC 111, MATH 323 or chemistry elective).
Lab elective I is two credits of laboratory work.
Lab elective II can be either CHEM 445, or two credits of CHEM 497 or 498 involving inorganic chemistry and two credits of CHEM 397, 497 or 498.
BS Program with Emphasis in Biological Chemistry
The major in chemistry leading to the BS degree with emphasis in biological chemistry requires the following courses: CHEM 111,* 221, 231, 332, 335, 341, 361, 422, 451; MATH 224/225, 226/227, PHYS 131 (or 121) and 132 (or 122); BIOL 113 and 115, BCHM 403; one course from among CHEM 442, 443, 444, 445, 484; one chemistry course from among CHEM 434, 485K or other biologically-related chemistry courses; CHEM 455 and CHEM 496; and one course in the Division of Science and Mathematics, or professionally-related courses. Students should petition the Chemistry Department’s undergraduate program committee for professionally-related courses not in the Division of Science and Mathematics to count toward the chemistry BS major.
BS students must take CHEM 496 and at least seven other chemistry courses in the major, including at least five upper-level chemistry courses, while in residence at °®¶¹´«Ã½ University.
* CHEM 107-108 may be substituted for CHEM 111 in any program.
* CHEM 104-105-106 may be substituted for CHEM 111.
The following sample sequences are offered as a general guide.
Sequence with CHEM 111
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 111 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 231 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 332 PHYS 131* BIOL 113 and 115 |
CHEM 221 CHEM 335 PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 361 CHEM 422 |
CHEM 451 CHEM 455 BCHM 403 |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 Inorganic II** |
CHEM elective Science elective |
Sequence with CHEM 107-108
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 107 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 108 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 231 PHYS 131* BIOL 113 and 115 |
CHEM 221 CHEM 332 CHEM 335 PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 341 CHEM 361 CHEM 422 |
CHEM 451 CHEM 455 BCHM 403 |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 Inorganic II** |
CHEM elective Science elective |
* Physics with calculus (PHYS 131 and 132) is strongly recommended but not required. As an alternative, students may take non-calculus-based physics (PHYS 121 and 122).
** Inorganic II may be CHEM 442, 443, 444, 445 or 484.
The science elective can be any course within the Division of Science and Mathematics (e.g., BIOL 114, PSYC 111, MATH 323 or chemistry elective).
CHEM elective to be selected from a list of biologically-related chemistry including CHEM 434 and CHEM 485K.
BS Program with Emphasis in Materials
The major in chemistry with emphasis in materials leading to the BS degree requires the following courses: CHEM 111 (or 107/108 or 104/105/106), 221, 231, 332, 335, 341, 351, 422, 444, 455, 496; MATH 224/225, 226/227; PHYS 131 (or 121) and 132 (or 122); one course in the Division of Science and Mathematics; CHEM 451; one course from CHEM 445, 497/498 or other materials laboratory course; and two materials course electives at any level.
BS students must take CHEM 496 and at least seven other chemistry courses in the major, including at least five upper-level chemistry courses, while in residence at °®¶¹´«Ã½ University.
Sample Course Sequence for BS Degree with Emphasis in Materials Chemistry
| Fall | Spring | |
| First-Year |
CHEM 111 MATH 224/225 |
CHEM 231 MATH 226/227 |
| Sophomore |
CHEM 332 CHEM 335 PHYS 131* |
CHEM 221 Science elective PHYS 132* |
| Junior |
CHEM 351 CHEM 341 CHEM 422 |
CHEM 451 CHEM 444 Materials lab** |
| Senior |
CHEM 496 Materials elective |
CHEM455 Materials elective |
* Physics with calculus (PHYS 131 and 132) is strongly recommended but not required. As an alternative, students may take non-calculus-based physics (PHYS 121 and 122).
** Materials laboratory can be CHEM 445 or CHEM 497/498 on a materials chemistry project.
Chemistry Minor
Requirements for the minor are:
- CHEM 107 and 108 or CHEM 104 and 105 and 106
- Four CHEM courses numbered 200 or above (16 credits). At least two of these courses must be numbered 300 or above
No more than two credits of CHEM 397, 497 or 498 may be used to satisfy the minor. CHEM 391 cannot be used to satisfy the chemistry minor. Chemistry minor students must take four chemistry courses (16 credits) in the minor with at least two upper-level chemistry courses, while in residence at °®¶¹´«Ã½.
CHEM 111 may be substituted for CHEM 107-108. If this substitution is made, an additional chemistry course numbered 200 or above is required. Only courses that fulfill the chemistry major requirements may be used to fulfill the chemistry minor requirements. Keep in mind that the four chemistry courses numbered 200 or above must be different from the chemistry courses used to fulfill a student’s major requirement. Among the courses for the chemistry minor, no more than one with a grade of Pass may be included.
Honors Program
Graduation with honors in chemistry is granted for superior independent work. To qualify for admission to the honors program, a student must have demonstrated academic accomplishment of high quality and must have had prior enrollment in CHEM 497 Advanced Independent Study, and current enrollment in CHEM 498 Advanced Independent Research—Honors. The results of the honors project, presented in a thesis, are defended before an examining committee.
Successful completion of the program earns the recognition of distinguished independent work in chemistry. Detailed guidelines for the program are available from the department office and should be consulted by majors in their junior year.