Chemistry, Bachelor of Science (BS)
The Slippery Rock University Chemistry Degree is certified by the American Chemistry Society or ACS. In order to earn ACS certification, students must complete 2 credits of Independent Study and 1 credit of Research in addition to the BS requirements. Students can also choose an option concentration in order to broaden their background in chemistry or to gain additional experience if they wish to pursue other interests.
Concentrations are available in the following areas:
- Biochemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Education
- Environmental Chemistry
- Forensic Chemistry
- Health Sciences
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
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 45 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major/Concentration Requirements | 54 | |
| Natural Science and Mathematics College Wide Requirement | 12 | |
| ACS Certification – Optional | 0-3 | |
| Electives | 21 | |
* 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I 2,3 | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab 2,3 | 4 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab 2,3 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 4 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take in first major subject
- 2
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 3
Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.
- 4
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.
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
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
- 27 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 27 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Introductory Chemistry Courses | ||
| CHEM 108 | General Chemistry II 1,2 | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II Lab 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Required Foundation Chemistry Courses | ||
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I 1,2 | 3 |
| CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 301 | Physical Chemistry 1 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 321 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory I 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 335 | Biochemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Biochemistry Laboratory I 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 350 | Analytical Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 351 | Analytical Chemistry Lab 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 442 | Inorganic Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 452 | Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 20 | |
| Required In-Depth Chemistry Courses | ||
| CHEM 202 | Organic Chemistry II 1,2 | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 302 | Physical Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 425 | Instrumental Analysis 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 426 | Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 460 | Materials Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 14 | |
| Additional Required In-Depth Chemistry Courses | ||
| Select one lecture and one laboratory course: | 4 | |
| Biochemistry II 1 | ||
| Biochemistry Laboratory II 1 | ||
| Air Quality Assessment 1 | ||
| Water Quality Assessment 1 | ||
| Forensic Analysis 1 | ||
| Forensic Analysis Lab 1 | ||
| Advanced Organic Synthesis 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Cognate Courses | ||
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab 1 | 4 |
| MATH 230 | Calculus II 1,3 | 4 |
| PHYS 217 | University Physics 2 with Lab 1 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 54 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
A ‘C’ or better must be earned in course to register for Chemistry courses 300 or above.
- 3
Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.
- *
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 Requirement
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I 1,2 | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab 1 | 1 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I 1,3 | 4 |
| PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab | 4 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
A ‘C’ or better must be earned in course to register for Chemistry courses 300 or above.
- 3
Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.
ACS Certification – Optional
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 490 | Independent Study 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 496 | Research 1 | 1 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
- 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:
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes (e.g., Organic Chemistry II Lab)
- Student-faculty research
- Student leadership development (Chemistry Club)
- Career education and development
- Internships
- Student teaching (serve as Lab Assistants and tutors)
- 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 - BS (6118)
This program is effective as of Summer 2022
Revised 07.06.2022
UCC 03.22.2022
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| 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 | ||
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| 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 | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery | 3 |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| 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 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 202 & CHEM 212 |
Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II |
4 |
| MATH 230 | Calculus II (if necessary) | 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 Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Third 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 Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4-7 | |
In odd years, select: |
||
| Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Materials Chemistry | ||
In even years, select: |
||
| Physical Chemistry II | ||
| Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory |
||
| Select one of the following In Depth Chemistry Elective (1 lecture and 1 lab): | 4 | |
| Biochemistry II and Biochemistry Laboratory II |
||
| Air Quality Assessment | ||
| Water Quality Assessment | ||
| Forensic Analysis and Forensic Analysis Lab |
||
| Advanced Organic Synthesis | ||
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 17-20 | |
| 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 Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select one of the following: | 7 | |
In odd years, select: |
||
| Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Materials Chemistry | ||
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 |
||
| Advanced Organic Synthesis | ||
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 20 | |
| Total Hours** | 131-137 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take in first major subject
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
- **
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
** 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: 6118
Revised date: 07.10.2023