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Courses

student's hand stirring solution in a beakerThe Chemistry Department offers courses of study leading to the Master of Science degree in chemistry, the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, (ACS and Non-ACS Certified), the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with biochemistry concentration, and the Bachelor of Science degree with secondary education certification.

 

Requirements for the M.S. in Chemistry

Course work in the program, except in unusual circumstances, cannot begin until the student has completed the equivalent of CHE 370-371 - Physical Chemistry I & II, and CHE 372-373 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory I & II.

The Master of Science degree in chemistry requires completion of a total of 30 credits (or approximately 10 courses) with a "B" or better average.  Of the required courses, not more than two courses may be undergraduate chemistry courses at the 300 or above level; not more than two courses may be graduate courses  in related areas,  e.g., computer science, biology, etc., for a total of not more than nine (9) credits, three courses; in addition,  two courses may be transferred from another college.

All students in the program must complete a core consisting of the following four courses with a "B" or better average.  Additionally, an overall "B" or better average must be maintained throughout the program.

  • CHE 500  Advanced Organic Chemistry I
  • CHE 520  Advanced Physical Chemistry I
  • CHE 532  Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I
  • CHE 540  Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  • CHE 550  Advanced Biochemistry
  • CHE 560  Advanced Environmental Chemistry

The remaining courses are elected from the list-approved cognate chemistry courses with the consent of the adviser.

Requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry

  • CHE 120-121 General Chemistry I & II (8 cr.)
  • CHE 240 Quantitative Analysis (4 cr.)
  • CHE 260-261 Organic Chemistry (8 cr.)
  • CHE 301 Preparation of Scientific Documents (1 cr.)
  • CHE 370-371 Physical Chemistry I & II (6 cr.)
  • CHE 372-373 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I & II (2 cr.)
  • CHE 434 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
  • CHE 445 Chemical Hazards and Laboratory Safety (1 cr.)
  • CHE 496 Chemistry Seminar (1 cr.)

Two electives in advanced chemistry, at least one of which must be a laboratory course (10-12 cr.). In addition, students must complete the cognate courses listed below.

 

Requirements for B.A./B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry Concentration)

  • CHE 120-121 General Chemistry I & II (8 cr.)
  • CHE 240 Quantitative Analysis (4 cr.)
  • CHE 260-261 Organic Chemistry (8 cr.)
  • CHE 301 Preparation of Scientific Documents (1 cr.)
  • CHE 370-371 Physical Chemistry I & II (6 cr.)
  • CHE 372-373 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I & II (2 cr.)
  • CHE 434 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
  • CHE 445 Chemical Hazards and Laboratory Safety (1 cr.)
  • CHE 496 Chemistry Seminar (1 cr.)
  • CHE 450-451 Biochemistry I & II (8 cr.)

One elective (B. A. degree) (3-4 cr.) or two electives (B. S. degree) (6-8 cr.) in either advanced chemistry or advanced biology. In addition, students must complete the cognate courses listed below.

 

Requirements for B.A./B.S. in Secondary Education

  • CHE 120-121 General Chemistry I & II (8 cr.)
  • CHE 240 Quantitative Analysis (4 cr.)
  • CHE 260-261 Organic Chemistry (8 cr.)
  • CHE 301 Preparation of Scientific Documents (1 cr.)
  • CHE 370-371 Physical Chemistry I & II (6 cr.)
  • CHE 372-373 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I & II (2 cr.)
  • CHE 434 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
  • CHE 445 Chemical Hazards and Laboratory Safety (1 cr.)
  • CHE 450-451 Biochemistry I & II (8 cr.)
  • CHE 496 Chemistry Seminar (1 cr.)

One elective (3-4 cr.) in advanced chemistry. In addition, students must also complete specific professional requirements for Initial Teaching Certification in Connecticut.  These are listed under the heading "Professional Program Requirements" in the School of Education.

 

ACS-Approved Degree in Chemistry

The Chemistry department at SCSU is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to certify to the society those students who complete the curriculum requirements as outlined in the ACS Guidelines.  For a student to receive certification from the ACS, the student must meet the requirements outlined in the Bachelor of Science degree and the following additional requirements: CHE 440 -Instrumental Analysis (or research CHE 495, 499), and CHE 450 - Biochemistry I are required courses and cannot be included as an advanced elective.  Courses that can be counted as an advanced elective include CHE 340, CHE 451, CHE 456, CHE 490-492, CHE 498, and any graduate courses for which the student has met all prerequisites.

 

Specializations:

 These areas of specialization are intended to assist students in selecting areas and courses of interest.

 

Environmental Chemistry

This specialization guides the student with a special emphasis on environmental considerations.  By supplementing their major program with CHE 340 (environmental chemistry) and courses from related departments, students learn about the relationship between specific chemical phenomena and the large environmental systems -- biological, geological, and geographical -- while preparing for careers in the chemical industry or the environmental field. Cognate courses courses include aquatic biology, microbiology, marine biology, meteorology, genetics, oceanography, environmental science, and ecology.

 

Medicinal Chemistry

This specialization allows the student to obtain special preparation in the allied health sciences.  Chemistry courses such as medicinal chemistry, or related courses such as microbiology, prepare the student for careers in clinical chemistry, pharmacology, medical technology, or basic medical research.

 

Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental or Pre-Veterinary Medicine

This specialization guides the student with an emphasis on preparation for entrance into programs in medical school, dental school, and schools of veterinary medicine.  Students specializing in this area are advised to register with the University Pre-Medical Committee.

 

Cognate Courses

  • PHY 230-231 Physics I & II (8 cr.)
  • MAT 150-151 Calculus I & II (8 cr.)
  • MAT 252 Calculus III (4 cr.)
  • CSC *** Computer Science course
  • (must be a language) (3 cr.)

 

Minor in Chemistry - Liberal Arts and Secondary Programs

Upon completion of CHE 120-121, the student should complete three additional chemistry courses at the 200 or higher level.  In addition, one semester of physics (PHY 230) is required, and the second semester (PHY 231) is recommended.

 

Residency Requirements

In order to receive a degree in chemistry from SCSU, along with satisfying the requirements listed above for the various programs, majors must complete a minimum of 16 credits of advanced chemistry courses (300 level or above) at this university.