Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the main disciplines of chemistry, namely Organic, Analytical, Biological, Physical, and Inorganic chemistry.
  • Students will demonstrate development of technical skills for practical applications of chemistry.
  • Students will present collected experimental data in written and oral reports.
  • Students and faculty will participate in faculty-led research projects. Students are expected to be actively working in the laboratory under the supervision and guidance of a faculty mentor.

Related Links

Chemistry, BA Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements45
Modern Language Requirement0-9
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements40
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements12
Electives35

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 225Calculus I 24
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
CHEM 107General Chemistry I 23
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab1
Physical Sciences Inquiry
PHYS 216University Physics 1 with Lab4
Subtotal17
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 312
Total Hours45
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take in first major subject

2

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

3

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

BA Modern Language Requirement

BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.

Complete 0-9 credits0-9
Total Hours0-9

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major/Concentration Requirements

  • 20 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 20 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Required Chemistry Courses
CHEM 108General Chemistry II 13
CHEM 112General Chemistry II Lab 11
CHEM 201Organic Chemistry I 13
CHEM 211Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 11
CHEM 202Organic Chemistry II 13
CHEM 212Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 11
CHEM 301Physical Chemistry 1 13
CHEM 321Physical Chemistry Laboratory I 11
CHEM 335Biochemistry I 13
CHEM 336Biochemistry Laboratory I 11
CHEM 350Analytical Chemistry 13
CHEM 351Analytical Chemistry Lab 11
CHEM 442Inorganic Chemistry 13
CHEM 452Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory 11
Subtotal28
Chemistry Elective
Select four credits (must include one lecture and one lab):4
Biochemistry II 1
Biochemistry Laboratory II 1
Air Quality Assessment 1
Water Quality Assessment 1
Instrumental Analysis 1
Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 1
Materials Chemistry 1
Advanced Organic Synthesis 1
Independent Study 1
Subtotal4
Required Math and Science Courses
MATH 230Calculus II 14
PHYS 217University Physics 2 with Lab 14
Subtotal8
Total Hours40
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements

CHEM 107General Chemistry I 13
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab 11
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab 14
or PHYS 216 University Physics 1 with Lab
MATH 125Precalculus 14
or MATH 225 Calculus I
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes (e.g., Organic Chemistry II Lab)
  2. Student-faculty research
  3. Student leadership development (Chemistry Club)
  4. Career education and development
  5. Internships
  6. Student teaching (serve as Lab Assistants and tutors)
  7. Volunteering

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

CHEMISTRY - BA (6 12)
This program is effective as of Fall 2021
Revised 07.29.2021
UCC 04.13.2021 

Recommended Four-Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
CHEM 107
CHEM 111
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
BIOL 114 Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab 4
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
Select one of the following: 3-4
Intermediate Algebra (if necessary)
Precalculus (if necessary)
Calculus I (if necessary)
Calculus II
 Hours15-16
Spring
CHEM 108
CHEM 112
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
Select one of the following: 4
Precalculus (if necessary)
Calculus I (if necessary)
Calculus II
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 3
 Hours14
Second Year
Fall
CHEM 201
CHEM 211
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
4
Select one of the following: 4
Calculus I (if necessary)
Calculus II
PHYS 216 University Physics 1 with Lab 4
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
 Hours15
Spring
CHEM 202
CHEM 212
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
4
MATH 230 Calculus II 4
PHYS 217 University Physics 2 with Lab 4
Civil Discourse Requirement - select one 3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
 Hours18
Third Year
Fall
Select one of the following based on even or odd year: 7-8
In even years, select:
Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry Laboratory I
Inorganic Chemistry
In odd years, select:
Physical Chemistry 1
and Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
Analytical Chemistry
and Analytical Chemistry Lab
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
 Hours16-17
Spring
Select one of the following: 7
In odd numbered years, select:
Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
In even years, select:
Physical Chemistry II
Instrumental Analysis
and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
Select one of the following In Depth Chemistry Electives (1 lecture and 1 lab): 4
Biochemistry II
and Biochemistry Laboratory II
Air Quality Assessment
Water Quality Assessment
Forensic Analysis
and Forensic Analysis Lab
Materials Chemistry
Advanced Organic Synthesis
Independent Study
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
 Hours17
Fourth Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 7-8
In even years, select:
Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry Laboratory I
Inorganic Chemistry
In odd years, select:
Physical Chemistry 1
and Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
Analytical Chemistry
and Analytical Chemistry Lab
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
 Hours16-17
Spring
Select one of the following: 7
In odd numbered years, select:
Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
In odd years, select:
Physical Chemistry II
Instrumental Analysis
and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
Select one of the following In Depth Chemistry Electives (1 lecture and 1 lab): 4
Biochemistry II
and Biochemistry Laboratory II
Air Quality Assessment
Water Quality Assessment
Forensic Analysis
and Forensic Analysis Lab
Materials Chemistry
Advanced Organic Synthesis
Independent Study
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
Inquiry/Thread/Elective 3
 Hours17
 Total Hours**128-131
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take in first major subject

*

Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.

** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses.  However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year. 

Major Code: 6 12
Revised date: 08.03.2023