Chemistry, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Pre-Health Professions
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. (SRU UG 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Students will demonstrate development of technical skills for practical applications of chemistry. (SRU UG 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Students will present collected experimental data in written and oral reports. (SRU UG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- 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. (SRU UG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Related Links
Chemistry - Health Sciences, BS Program Page
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 | |
| Major/Concentration Requirements | 59-60 | |
| Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements | 12 | |
| ACS Certification –Optional | 0-3 | |
| Electives | 15-16 | |
* 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 | 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 | 4 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab 2 | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 3 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course 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.
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
- 30 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 30 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Introductory Chemistry Courses | ||
| CHEM 108 | General Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II Lab 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 4 | |
| Required Foundation Chemistry Courses | ||
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 301 | Physical Chemistry I 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 304 | Organic Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 425 | Instrumental Analysis 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 426 | Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 8 | |
| Cognate Courses | ||
| PHYS 217 | University Physics 2 with Lab 1 | 4 |
| Select one additional math course: | 3-4 | |
| Calculus II 1 | ||
| Elementary Statistics 1,3 | ||
| Subtotal | 7-8 | |
| Pre-Health Professions Concentration Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 209 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 309 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 337 | Biochemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 338 | Biochemistry Laboratory II 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 20 | |
| Total Hours | 59-60 | |
- 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab 1 | 1 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab 1 | 4 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
Pre-Health professions Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 209 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 309 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 337 | Biochemistry II 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 338 | Biochemistry Laboratory II 1 | 1 |
| Total Hours | 20 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
ACS Certification – Optional
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 490 | Independent Study 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 496 | Research 1 | 1 |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
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)
Concentration in Pre-Health Professions (CPHP)
This program is effective as of Summer 2026
Revised 06.01.2026
UCC 02.10.2026
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 |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab | 4 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Precalculus (if necessary) | ||
| Calculus I (if necessary) | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 201 & CHEM 211 |
Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I |
4 |
| BIOL 216 | Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I (if necessary) | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 304 & CHEM 314 |
Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II |
4 |
| BIOL 217 | Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab | 3 |
| MATH 230 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 217 | University Physics 2 with Lab | 4 |
| Select one of the following Civil Discourse Requirement): | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| 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 I and Physical Chemistry Laboratory I |
||
| Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Lab |
||
| EXER 250 | Medical Terminology | 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 (lecture and lab): | 4 | |
| Biochemistry II and Biochemistry Laboratory II |
||
| Air Quality Assessment | ||
| Water Quality Assessment | ||
| Forensic Analysis and Forensic Analysis Lab |
||
| Advanced Organic Synthesis | ||
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| 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 I 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: | 6-7 | |
In odd years, select: |
||
| Physical Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Materials Chemistry | ||
In even years, select: |
||
| Physical Chemistry II (even years) | ||
| Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory |
||
| Select one of the following In Depth Chemistry Electives (1 lecutre 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 | ||
| BIOL 330 | Microbiology/Lab | 3 |
| Inquiry/Thread/Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Total Hours** | 134-138 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
**This document serves as a guide. Earning a degree requires at least 120 credits, though some majors require more. Before registering for courses, consult your academic adviser and review your curriculum guide. Be sure to review and confirm your plan with your adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 6118
Concentration Code: CHHS
Revised date: 06.01.2026