College of Natural Sciences
www.chem.uni.edu
Staff:
W. Harwood, Head. D. Bartak, J. Bumpus, R. Chin, S. Coon, D. Del Carlo, J. Elbert, M. Elioff, N. Goonesekere, C. Hanson, K. Manfredi, P. Rider, I. Simet, N. Simet, W. Stigliani, L. Strauss.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the following undergraduate and graduate programs. Specific requirements for these programs are listed within this Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry section in the following order:
Undergraduate Majors (B.S.)
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry Emphasis
Undergraduate Majors (B.A.)
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Combined B.A./M.S. Program Chemistry
Chemistry-Teaching
Chemistry-Marketing
Minors
Graduate Majors (M.A.)
Graduate Majors (M.S.)
Graduate Majors (P.S.M.)
Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry
Major programs are offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in two baccalaureate degree areas: the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts, and three master=s degree areas: Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Professional Science Master's.
Students considering a baccalaureate chemistry major should complete two semesters of general chemistry, 860:044 and 860:048, in the freshman year. Well-prepared students may be permitted to take 860:070, an accelerated course in general chemistry, during their first semester. It is strongly recommended that chemistry majors complete requirements in mathematics and physics within the first two years.
Bachelor of Science Degree Programs
Biochemistry Major
The B.S. Biochemistry major requires a minimum of 126 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 126 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
The Bachelor of Science Biochemistry major is accredited by the American Chemical Society. This major prepares students for careers and/or advanced study in biochemistry. It also provides partial preparation appropriate for medical school and other health-related programs.
Required: |
|
8 hours |
|
8 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048, or 860:070; 860:110; 860:120; 860:121; 860:123; 860:132; 860:137; 860:140; 860:141; 860:143 (2 hrs.); 860:154; 860:155; 860:156; 860:180 (2 hrs.) |
43-46 hours |
8 hours |
|
Additional advanced study: 3 hours in a 100-level biology course |
3 hours |
Total |
70-73 hours |
Chemistry Major
The B.S. Chemistry major requires a minimum of 126 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 126 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
The Bachelor of Science Chemistry major is accredited by the American Chemical Society. This program is recommended for students who wish to prepare for careers as professional chemists. It also provides the most complete preparation for post-graduate study in the field of chemistry.
Required: |
|
8 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048, or 860:070; 860:110; 860:120; 860:121; 860:123; 860:132; 860:137; 860:140; 860:141; 860:143 (2 hrs.); 860:145; 860:149; 860:154; 860:180 (2 hrs.) |
44-47 hours |
Physics: 880:130 and 880:131; or 880:054 and 880:056 and one 100-level cognate elective of at least 3 hours |
8-11 hours |
Elective: a chemistry lecture course carrying a physical chemistry prerequisite |
3 hours |
Total |
63-69 hours |
- Notes:
To satisfy American Chemical Society guidelines for certification of the Chemistry major, the two hours of 860:180 Undergraduate Research required for this program must be taken after completion of either 860:140 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics or 860:141 Physical Chemistry: Kinetics, Quantum Mechanics, and Spectroscopy. In addition, completion of a final written report is required.
- The elective course should be chosen with the help of the major advisor to assure consistency on these certification guidelines of the American Chemical Society; an appropriate advanced course in another science may be substituted with department head approval.
Emphasis-Environmental Chemistry
The B.S. Environmental Chemistry emphasis requires a minimum of 126 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 126 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This emphasis prepares students for careers in the area of environmental chemistry. This degree is also appropriate for students planning graduate work in multidisciplinary fields including environmental science.
.
Required: |
|
8 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048 or 860:070; 860:120; 860:121; |
34-37 hours |
8 hours |
|
Environmental Science core: 840:051; 840:052; 870:031; and one of the following: |
15-16 hours |
Economics: 920:024* |
3 hours |
Total |
68-72 hours |
*Students may substitute both 920:053 and 920:054 for 920:024 if 920:123 is selected. Taking either 920:024 or both 920:053 and 920:054 will satisfy Category 5B of the Liberal Arts Core.
Emphasis-Honors Research
This emphasis is available to qualified students pursuing the Bachelor of Science program by invitation at the beginning of their junior year. Completion of Honors Research requires 5 credit hours in 860:180 Undergraduate Research (at least 2 hours of which must be taken after completion of 860:140 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics or 860:141 Physical Chemistry: Kinetics, Quantum Mechanics, and Spectroscopy) and the writing of a senior research thesis. The research credit may be applied to the elective hours of the B.S. degree.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs
Biochemistry Major
The B.A. Biochemistry major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This program provides experience in most basic areas of chemistry, with a focus on biochemistry. With appropriate choice of university electives, the B.A. Biochemistry major meets the needs of pre-medical students and students preparing for additional study in related areas such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, clinical chemistry, and toxicology. It is also suitable for students who wish to combine a chemistry major with a major in another discipline.
Required: |
|
Mathematics: 800:060 |
4 hours |
12 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048, or 860:070; 860:110 or 860:132; 860:120; |
28-31 hours |
8 hours |
|
Total |
52-55 hours |
*Students with better preparation in mathematics (800:060 and 800:061) may elect 860:140 and 860:141 to fulfill the physical chemistry portion of this program.
Chemistry Major
The B.A. Chemistry major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This program provides experience in all basic areas of chemistry. With appropriate choice of university electives, the B.A. Chemistry major meets the needs of pre-medical students and students preparing for additional study in related areas such as biochemistry, industrial hygiene, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, clinical chemistry, and toxicology. It is also suitable for students who wish to combine a chemistry major with a major in another discipline.
Required: |
|
8 hours |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048, or 860:070; 860:110; 860:120; |
31-34 hours |
8 hours |
|
Total |
47-50 hours |
Combined B.A./M.S. Program Chemistry
The B.A./M.S. degree program is a five-year program offered on the thesis option only, leading to both the B.A. and M.S. degrees in chemistry. This program prepares students for doctoral graduate studies in chemistry and it provides training for work as a chemist in industrial and government laboratories. Students interested in this program can declare their intent by the end of the junior year, provided they have completed 860:141 and have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above. An Application for Admission to Graduate Study should be completed and the student's interest in the Combined B.A./M.S. Program in Chemistry indicated on the application itself. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
Once admitted to the program, undergraduate students (who are classified as seniors) may register for graduate credit as a senior, with the approval of the department head. The student presents a signed Student Request form (with appropriate signatures) when registering for graduate credit as a senior. Students earning this type of credit are classified as seniors but will pay graduate tuition for the semester hours for which they will receive graduate credit. The maximum tuition will be the full-time graduate rate for the student's residence classification. The combined total of course credits, both undergraduate and graduate, may not exceed 15 hours in a semester or 8 hours in a summer session. Graduate work completed on the early admission basis will be counted as graduate credit only if the student actually earns the bachelor's degree within one year from the time the student took the course and will not be counted toward the undergraduate degree. Students must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry upon transition from undergraduate to graduate status at the end of the senior year. Actual admission to graduate study and classification as a graduate student commences the semester after the student has completed the baccalaureate.
Chemistry Major-Teaching
The B.A. Chemistry-Teaching major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements , the Professional Education Requirements, and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This program provides preparation for chemistry teachers.
Required: |
|
Mathematics: 800:060 |
4 hours |
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048; 860:063; 860:110; |
23 hours |
8 hours |
|
Methods: |
|
8 hours |
|
Electives in chemistry and biochemistry |
1 hour |
Total |
44 hours |
Notes:
- Well-prepared students may substitute 860:070 for 860:044 and 860:048; these students must also substitute 860:120 and 860:121 and 860:123 for 860:063 and the one-hour elective.
- Students who complete both 860:140 and 860:141 may count the latter course toward their elective hour total.
Chemistry- Marketing Major
The B.A. Chemistry-Marketing major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes Liberal Arts Core requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours. Liberal Arts Core courses included in major program requirements are distinguished by italics.
This program provides preparation for students interested in the sales and marketing aspects of the chemical industry.
Required: |
|
6 hours |
|
12 hours |
|
Management: 150:153 |
3 hours |
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048, or 860:070; 860:120; 860:121; 860:123; |
24-27 hours |
3 hours |
|
Total |
48-51 hours |
Note:
Students on this major are strongly encouraged to complete 130:108. Additional prerequisites for 130:108 are 150:080, 800:072, 920:020, and 920:070.
*All listed marketing courses have either 920:024 or 920:053 as a prerequisite. Either 920:024 or both 920:053 and 920:054 will satisfy Category 5B of the Liberal Arts Core.
Minors
Chemistry Minor
Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.
Required: |
|
5-8 hours |
|
Electives in chemistry and biochemistry beyond 860:048 or 860:070 |
12 hours |
Total |
17-20 hours |
Chemistry Minor--Teaching
Liberal Arts Core courses included in minor program requirements are distinguished by italics.
The Chemistry-Minor-Teaching provides for second endorsement approval by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and requires first endorsement approval (major) in another science discipline or general science.
Required: |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:044 and 860:048, or 860:070; 860:063*; 860:132; 860:142 |
16-19 hours |
8 hours |
|
Total |
24-27 hours |
*Students seeking greater familiarity with organic chemistry may substitute 860:120 and 860:123.
Master of Arts Degree Programs
Major in Chemistry
This major is available as a non-thesis plan for students interested in careers in secondary and community college education. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers students a friendly environment featuring regular interaction with their faculty mentors. Students interested in the program must submit a complete application, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credits to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
A minimum of 30 semester credit hours is required for this degree. A minimum of 15 semester hours of 200-level course work is required. Specialization is available in the areas of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical education, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry; students generally select a faculty mentor during their first semester of study. Students must submit a research paper.
Successful completion of a final written comprehensive examination is required.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
Required: |
|
Science: 820:200 |
2 hours |
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:292 |
3 hours |
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:299 |
3 hours |
Electives (including at least 7 additional hours of 200-level course work in chemistry |
22 hours |
Total |
30 hours |
Master of Science Degree Program
Major in Chemistry
This major is available on the thesis option for students seeking an extensive research experience in a friendly environment featuring regular interaction with their faculty mentors. Graduates of the program are well prepared for technical positions in industrial or government laboratories or for continued study in doctoral programs in chemistry. Students interested in the program must submit a complete application, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credits to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
A minimum of 30 semester hours, including 9 hours of thesis research 860:299, is required for this degree. A minimum of 20 hours of 200-level course work is required. Research specialization is available in the areas of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical education, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry; students generally select faculty mentors during their first semester of study.
Students are required to pass an oral comprehensive examination in defense of their final thesis.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
Required: |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:289 (1 hr.); 860:292 (1 hr.); 860:299 (9 hrs.) |
11 hours |
Electives (including at least 9 additional hours of 200-level course work in chemistry and biochemistry) |
19 hours |
Total |
30 hours |
Professional Science Master's Degree Program
Major in Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry
This non-thesis degree which prepares students for career opportunities in businesses utilizing chemical and/or biochemical processes and instrumentation, is open to students who have earned a bachelor=s degree in chemistry or biochemistry. It combines chemistry course work featuring advanced topics and hands-on use of modern instrumentation with business course work focused on problem-solving and decision-making. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required. A minimum of 18 hours of 200-level course work is required. Students interested in the program must submit to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry a complete application, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work. Graduate information and application for graduate admission can be found at http://www.grad.uni.edu/admission/default.aspx.
The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program. A TOEFL score of 600 is required for international students who are non-native English speakers.
Required: |
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry: 860:211 plus one of the following: 860:210, 860:220, 860:240 (3 hrs.). 860:241, 860:242, or 860:254 |
6 hours |
Professional Science: Science and Science Education: 820:289 (2 hrs.); 820:295; plus |
15 hours |
Electives from the following: Biology: 840:129, 840:280. |
9 hours |
Total |
30 hours |
Other courses may be used as electives with permission of the Chemistry and Biochemistry P.S.M. Steering Committee.
Notes:
- Electives may include 200-level chemistry and biochemistry courses beyond the required minimum 6 credit hours.
- Any student who has not previously taken a biochemistry course must take 860:154 as an elective.