Chemistry

James Barrante
CHAIRPERSON

MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY
The Chemistry Department offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry, the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, and the Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education all with the major concentration in chemistry or biochemistry.


Bachelor of Arts Degree
Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education
The major in chemistry is designed to develop a mastery of the unifying theories and principles in this field by means of a carefully-planned sequence of courses and related laboratory experiences. The program qualifies graduates for teaching in the secondary school and for professional positions in industry and government as well as to satisfy requirements for advanced study.The student must complete the following course sequence:

CHE 120-121 — General Chemistry I, II
CHE 240 — Quantitative Analysis
CHE 260-261 — Organic Chemistry I, II
CHE 370-371 — Physical Chemistry I, II
CHE 372-373 — Physical Chemistry Laboratory I, II
CHE 434 — Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 445 — Chemical Hazards and Laboratory Safety
CHE 496 — Chemistry Seminar
Elective in Advanced Chemistry (3-4 credits)

As part of the background the student also is required to complete a fundamental computer science language course, one year of physics (PHY 230-231), and to pursue mathematics through MAT 252. Students majoring in chemistry need no minor. The various required cognate mathematics and science courses constitute a minor.

Secondary education majors must also complete specific professional requirements for Initial Teaching Certification in Connecticut. These are listed under the heading Major Pro-grams in Secondary Education in the School of Education.


Bachelor of Science Degree
The major in chemistry leading to the B.S. degree consists of nine courses (along with appropriate laboratory courses) beyond CHE 121. The student must complete the following course sequence:

CHE 120-121 — General Chemistry I, II
CHE 240 — Quantitative Analysis
CHE 260-261 — Organic Chemistry I, II
CHE 370-371 — Physical Chemistry I, II
CHE 372-373 — Physical Chemistry Laboratory I, II
CHE 434 — Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 445 — Chemical Hazards and Laboratory Safety
CHE 496 — Chemistry Seminar

Three electives in advanced chemistry (at least one of which must be a laboratory course) (10-12 credits)

As part of the background the student also is required to complete a fundamental computer science language course, mathematics through MAT 252, and one year of physics (PHY 230-231).


ACS Approved Degree in Chemistry
The Chemistry department at Southern Connecticut State University 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 Guide-lines. For a student to receive certification from ACS, the student must meet the requirements outlined in the Bachelor of Science degree and the following additional requirements: CHE 440- Instrumental Analysis, and CHE 450 are required courses and cannot be counted as an advanced elective. Courses which may be counted as advanced electives include CHE 340, CHE 451, CHE 456, CHE 490-492, CHE 498, and any graduate courses in which the student has met all prerequisites.

MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY (BIOCHEMISTRY CONCENTRATION)
The biochemistry concentration is designed for those students planning to pursue a career in biochemistry, either research or teaching, or for those students who are interested in entering medical or dental school. The beginning student should seek early counseling with respect to exact course sequence and selection. The student must complete the following course sequence:

CHE 120-121 — General Chemistry I, II
CHE 240 — Quantitative Analysis
CHE 260-261 — Organic Chemistry I, II
CHE 370-371 — Physical Chemistry I, II
CHE 372-373 — Physical Chemistry Laboratory I, II
CHE 434 — Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 445 — Chemical Hazards and Laboratory Safety
CHE 496 — Chemistry Seminar
CHE 450-451 — Biochemistry I, II

One elective (B.A. Degree) (3-4 credits) or 2 electives (B.S. Degree) (6-8 credits) in advanced chemistry or biology.

In addition, the student is required to pursue mathematics through MAT 252, a fundamental computer science language course, and must complete PHY 230-231.

The following specializations are intended only to assist students in selecting areas and courses of interest.


Environmental Chemistry
This specialization guides the student toward a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry with special emphasis on environmental considerations. By supplementing their major program with Environmental Chemistry—CHE 340, 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 include aquatic biology, microbiology, marine biology, meteorology, genetics, environmental studies courses, oceanography, and ecology.


Medicinal Chemistry
This specialization allows the student to obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry with 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 toward a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry with an emphasis on a 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.

Residency Requirements
In order to receive a degree in chemistry from Southern Connecticut State University, along with satisfying the requirements listed above for the various programs, major must complete a minimum of 16 credits of advanced chemistry courses (300 level or above) at this University.

Senior Research
Permission to do senior research will be granted to students only if they have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their chemistry courses, or have successfully completed CHE 240, CHE 260-261, and CHE 370.

MINOR IN CHEMISTRY
Liberal Arts and Secondary Programs
Upon completion of Chemistry 120-121, the student should elect three other chemistry courses at the 200 or higher level. In addition, one semester of physics is required and a second semester is recommended.

C O O R D I N A T O R S:
Dr. Susan Cusato
Dr. James Barante