Chemistry Major (BA, BS)

Description

Technical solutions are sought to address many societal needs such as,

• Development of new batteries, solar panels, and fuel cells,
• Replacement of current plastic materials with biodegradable ones,
• Developing new tests and drugs to detect and treat diseases,
• Making chemical manufacturing greener and more sustainable,
• Improving and expanding reuse and recyclability of materials.

The study of chemistry will open the door for you to enter a work force that is engaged in finding these technical solutions. The Chemistry major offers a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience in the areas of inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry as well as biochemistry to develop students’ skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and scientific inquiry. The ACS-Certified Chemistry major provides additional in-depth preparation especially useful for students who wish to pursue a Master’s, a Doctoral, or a professional degree after graduating from Brockport. Also consider the Biochemistry major or the Neuroscience major for entering the work force related to the life sciences and medicine. If you seek a career in chemical education, we offer two BS degree programs, the Chemistry Adolescence Education major and the Chemistry Adolescence Inclusive Generalist Education major.

Admission to the Program

Any undergraduate student can declare a major in chemistry.

Program Requirements

Students in the chemistry major pursue a Bachelor of Science degree, and must complete the corresponding degree’s requirements.

Minimum grades of “C” in CHM 205 and CHM 206 are required before students are allowed to take further chemistry courses in the major.

General Education Requirements (34* credits)

• GEP 100 Academic Planning Seminar (1 credit)
• ENG 112 College Composition (3 credits) (Q)
• Oral Communication (3 credits) (Y)
• Social Science (3 credits) (S)
• Humanities (3 credits) (H)
• US History & Civic Engagement (3 credits) (V)
• World History & Global Awareness (3 credits) (O)
• World Language (3 credits) (R)
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (3 credits) (D)
• Arts (3 credits) (F)
• Contemporary Issues (3 credits) (I)
• Perspectives on Gender (3 credits) (W)

Major Department Requirements (39 credits)

• CHM205 College Chemistry I (4 credits)*(L)
• CHM206 College Chemistry II (4 credits)
• CHM301 Chemical Safety (1 credit)
• CHM302 Inorganic Chemistry I (4 credits)
• CHM303 Quantitative Chemical Analysis (4 credits)
• CHM305 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
• CHM306 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
• CHM400 Seminar I (1 credit)
• CHM401 Seminar II (1 credit)
• CHM405 Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
• CHM406 Physical Chemistry II (3 credits)
• CHM408 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
• CHM409 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1 credit)
• One additional lecture course chosen from: a CHM 300 or 400 level lecture not already required (excluding CHM 373); MTH 203, or MTH 255 (3 or 4 credits)
• Any 300 or 400 level CHM lab not already required (excluding CHM 399) (1 credit)

Cognate or Additional Requirements (16 credits)

• MTH201 Calculus I (4 credits)*(M)
• MTH202 Calculus II (4 credits)
• PHS235 Physics I (4 credits)
• PHS240 Physics II (4 credits)

Prerequisites (0-6 credits)

• MTH 111 College Algebra
• MTH 122 Pre-Calculus (or three years high school math)

Electives (24-31 credits)

Total Credits (120 credits)

*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

Additional Degree Requirements

• Chemistry majors must earn a grade of C or better in CHM 205 and 206
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
• Completion of all college-wide degree requirements

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding and apply the principles of:

1. chemical nomenclature.
2. atomic structure and quantum theory.
3. molecular structure and reactivity.
4. stoichiometric calculations based upon chemical formulae and balanced chemical equations including oxidation-reduction reactions.
5. chemical energetics and thermodynamics including chemical equilibrium.
6. reaction dynamics (kinetics and mechanisms).
7. descriptive chemistry of the elements, compounds, and trends in the periodic table.

Students will be able to

1. critically assess primary literature.
2. contribute positively and effectively as a member of a team while addressing a chemical issue.
3. understand and apply the tenets and principles of safe laboratory practice and waste handling.
4. demonstrate proficiency in carrying out basic and advanced laboratory manipulations and use of common laboratory equipment and instruments.
5. demonstrate proficiency in managing experimental data including thoroughly recording procedure and observations, tabulating data, and analyzing results.
6. effectively communicate chemistry content, both orally and in writing, to audiences with varying levels of scientific understanding.
7. recognize and analyze ethical implications related to scientific issues in society and within their profession.