Paul Craig, School Head
(585) 475-6145, Paul.Craig@rit.edu
Alicia Balkum, Academic Adviser
(585) 475-7474, aabsse@rit.edu
Program overview
The American Chemical Society (ACS)-approved chemistry major prepares students for positions in several fields of chemistry, including professional industrial work in processing and laboratory operations, research and experimental work, supervision of technical projects, and managerial positions. A substantial number of students continue their education and earn advanced degrees in chemistry or pursue careers in pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry.
The chemistry major allows for flexibility in the type and number of chemistry and university-wide elective courses taken by the student. The major also provides students the option of planning an elective concentration in a complementary field such as imaging science, business, graphic arts, psychology, biology, criminal justice, computer science, engineering, environmental science, forensics, mathematics, packaging science, or physics.
Cooperative education
The chemistry major may be completed in four or five years, depending on the amount of cooperative education experience each student elects to complete. Co-op may begin as early as the summer after the first year. Students may elect to complete the BS degree requirements in a traditional four-year program with three summers of co-op work experience. Students who choose to complete co-op requirements during the academic year may be required to extend the length of their program.
Curriculum
Chemistry, BS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CHEM-130 | Chemical Connections | 1 |
| CHEM-151 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM-155 | Chemistry Workshop | 2 |
| MATH-181 | LAS Perspective 7A: Project-based Calculus I | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2 | 6 | |
| CHMO-331 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-335 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH-182 | LAS Perspective 7B: Project-based Calculus II | 4 |
| First Year LAS Elective | 3 | |
| First Year Writing Seminar | 3 | |
| ACSC-010 | Year One: College Experience | 0 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CHMA-161 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHMA-165 | Analytical Methods Lab | 1 |
| CHMO-332 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMO-336 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHMI-351 | Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH-219 | Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-211 | LAS Perspective 5: University Physics I | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 3 | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| MATH-233 | Linear Systems and Differential Equations | 4 |
| Third Year | ||
| CHMA-261 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHMA-265 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHMP-441 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-212 | LAS Perspective 6: University Physics II | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 4 | 3 | |
| LAS Electives | 6 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| CHMP-442 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMP-445 | Experimental Physical Chemistry (WI) | 3 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CHMI-464 | Structural Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| Advanced Chemistry Electives§ | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| LAS Electives | 6 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Lab§ | 2 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 123 | |
Please see General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two Wellness courses.
§ Please see adviser for complete list of elective choices.
Accelerated dual degree options
Accelerated dual degree options are available to students who wish to earn both a BS and an MS in five years.
Chemistry, BS/MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| MATH-181, 182 | LAS Perspective 7A, 7B: Project-based Calculus I, II | 8 |
| CHEM-130 | Chemical Connections | 1 |
| CHEM-151 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM-155 | Chemistry Workshop | 2 |
| CHMO-331, 335 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry I and Lab | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2 | 6 | |
| First Year LAS Elective | 3 | |
| ACSC-010 | Year One: College Experience | 0 |
| First Year Writing Seminar | 3 | |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| MATH-219 | Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| CHMA-161 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHMO-332, 336 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry II and Lab | 5 |
| CHMA-165 | Analytical Methods Lab | 1 |
| PHYS-211 | LAS Perspective 5: University Physics | 4 |
| MATH-233 | Linear Systems and Differential Equations | 4 |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHMI-351 | Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 3 | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| PHYS-212 | LAS Perspective 6: University Physics II | 4 |
| CHMA-261, 265 | Instrumental Analysis and Lab | 4 |
| CHMP-441, 442 | Physical Chemistry I, II | 6 |
| CHEm-445 | Experimental Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 4 | 3 | |
| LAS Electives | 6 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 6 | |
| Graduate Chemistry Focus Courses (project) | ||
| CHEM-790 | Chemistry Research (Thesis) | |
| CHMI-464 | Structural Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM-771, 772 | Graduate Chemistry Seminar I, II | 2 |
| CHEM-670 | Graduate Chemistry Writing | 1 |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Elective | 3 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Lab Course | 3 | |
| LAS Electives | 6 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| CHEM-773, 774 | Graduate Chemistry Seminar III, IV | 2 |
| Approved Chemistry Graduate Courses | 15 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 4 | |
| CHEM-780 | Chemistry Project | |
| CHEM-790 | Research and Thesis | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 157 | |
Please see General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two Wellness courses.
Chemistry, BS degree/Materials science and engineering, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CHEM-130 | Chemical Connections | 1 |
| CHEM-151 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM-155 | Chemistry Workshop | 2 |
| MATH-181 | LAS Perspective 7A: Project-Based Calculus I | 4 |
| First Year LAS Elective | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2 | 6 | |
| CHMO-331 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-335 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| MATH-182 | LAS Perspective 7B: Project-Based Calculus II | 4 |
| First Year Writing Seminar | 3 | |
| ACSC-010 | Year One: College Experience | 0 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CHMA-161 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHMA-165 | Analytical Methods Lab | 1 |
| CHMO-332 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMO-336 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry II Lab | 2 |
| CHMI-351 | Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| MATH-219 | Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| MATH-233 | Linear Systems and Differential Equations | 4 |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-211 | LAS Perspective 5: University Physics I | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 3 | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| CHMA-261 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHMA-265 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHMP-441 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-212 | LAS Perspective 6: University Physics II | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 4 | 3 | |
| LAS Electives | 6 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| CHMP-442 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMP-445 | Experimental Physical Chemistry (WI) | 3 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CHMI-464 | Structural Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| Advanced Chemistry Electives§ | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Lab§ | 2 | |
| LAS Electives | 6 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| MTSE-601 | Introduction to Materials Science | 3 |
| MTSE-705 | Experimental Techniques | 3 |
| MTSE-790 | Thesis | 9 |
| MTSE-704 | Theoretical Methods | 3 |
| Graduate Elective§ | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 153 | |
Please see General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two Wellness courses.
§ Please see adviser for complete list of elective choices.
Additional information
Undergraduate research opportunities
Students are encouraged to meet the professors in the School of Chemistry & Materials Science early in their time on campus. Many of our students join research labs and engage in research starting as early as their first year. Participation in undergraduate research leads to opportunities to make presentations at local and national conferences. Many of our student researchers also become contributing authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only
Effective fall 2013, RIT converted its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.
Program overview
The chemistry program prepares students for positions in several fields of chemistry, including professional industrial work in processing and laboratory operations, research and experimental work, supervision of technical projects, and managerial positions. A substantial number of students continue their education and earn advanced degrees in chemistry or pursue careers in pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry.
The chemistry program allows for flexibility in the type and number of chemistry and university-wide elective courses taken by the student. The program also provides students the option of planning an elective concentration in complementary fields such as imaging science, business, graphic arts, psychology, biology, criminal justice, computer science, engineering, environmental science, forensics, mathematics, packaging science, and physics.
Cooperative education
The chemistry program may be completed in four or five years, depending on the amount of cooperative education experience each student elects. Co-op may begin as early as the summer after the first year. The five-year course schedule assumes that the student will participate in co-op assignments for a total of eight academic quarters. Students may elect to complete the BS degree requirements in a traditional four-year program with three summers of co-op work experience.
Curriculum
Semester conversion
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. Each program and its associated courses have been sent to the New York State Department of Education for approval of the semester plan. For reference, the following charts illustrate the typical course sequence for this program in both quarters and semesters. Students should consult their academic advisers with questions regarding planning and course selection.
Chemistry (ACS certified), BS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1010-200 | Chemical Safety | 1 |
| 1010-230 | Introduction to Cooperative Education and Chemical Careers | 1 |
| 1010-251, 252 | General Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1010-255 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 1008-261, 262 | Quantitative Analysis I, II | 7 |
| 1008-265, 266 | Quantitative Analysis Lab I, II | 3 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Second Year | ||
| 1008-311 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-318 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| 1008-312 | Separations Techniques | 3 |
| 1008-319 | Separations Techniques Lab | 1 |
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| 1013-431, 432, 433 | Organic Chemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| 1013-435, 436 | Preparative Organic Chemistry Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1013-437 | Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds III Lab | 2 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| 1016-306 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| 1017-311, 312, 313 | University Physics I, II, III | 12 |
| 1014-441 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 1014-445 | Chemical Thermodynamics Lab | 1 |
| Liberal Arts*§ | 12 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1014-442 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| 1014-446 | Quantum Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 1014-443 | Chemical Kinetics | 4 |
| 1014-447 | Chemical Kinetics Lab | 1 |
| 1010-401 | Chemical Literature | 2 |
| 1012-562, 563 | Inorganic Chemistry I, II** | 8 |
| 1009-502 | Biochemistry** | 3 |
| University-wide Electives‡ | ||
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Fifth Year | ||
| 1012-565 | Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Lab** | 3 |
| 1008-511 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis** | 3 |
| 1008-621 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis Lab** | 2 |
| Chemistry Electives§ | ||
| University-wide Electives‡ | ||
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (optional) | Co-op |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 182 | |
*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡Chemistry Research (1010-541, 542, 543) may be used as a university-wide elective and is highly recommended. Electives are necessary to bring the total quarter credit hours to 182 for graduation. Twelve quarter credit hours are necessary for full-time status.
**Required only for ACS certification.
Chemistry, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CHEM-130 | Chemical Connections | 3 |
| CHEM-151 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH-181 | LAS Perspective 7A: Project-Based Calculus I | 4 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | |
| CHMA-161 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHMA-165 | Analytical Methods Lab | 2 |
| CHMO-331 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHMO-335 | Comprehensive. Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH-182 | LAS Perspecitve 7B: Project-Based Calculus II | 4 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CHMA-221 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHMO-332 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMO-336 | Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHMI-351 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| MATH-219 | Multivariable Calculus | 3 |
| CHMA-222 | Chemical Separations | 3 |
| CHMB-402 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-211 | LAS Perspective 5: University Physics I | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 2 | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| CHMP-441 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS-212 | LAS Perspective 6: University Physics II | 4 |
| LAS Perspective 3, 4 | 6 | |
| LAS Elective | 6 | |
| Free Elective | 6 | |
| CHMP-442 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHMP-445 | Experimental Physical Chemistry (WI) | 3 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CHMI-352 | Inorganic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Advanced Chemistry Electives | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 2, 3 | 6 | |
| LAS Elective | 6 | |
| Free Elective | 6 | |
| Advanced Chemistry Lab | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 123 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Accelerated dual degree option
The BS chemistry program may be combined with the MS in materials science and engineering, allowing undergraduate students to acquire both a bachelor's and a master's degree in a total of five years.
Program discontinued
Effective June 2011, the BS/MS in chemistry will no longer accept new students. This change will not affect currently matriculated students.
Chemistry, combined BS (environmental chemistry option)/MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1010-200 | Chemical Safety | 1 |
| 1010-230 | Introduction to Cooperative Education and Chemical Careers | 1 |
| 1010-251, 252 | General Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1010-255 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 1008-261, 262 | Quantitative Analysis I, II | 7 |
| 1008-265, 266 | Quantitative Analysis Lab I, II | 3 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| 1001-201 | General Biology | 3 |
| 1001-205 | General Biology Lab | 1 |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Second Year | ||
| 1008-311 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-318 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| 1008-312 | Separations Techniques | 3 |
| 1008-319 | Separations Techniques Lab | 1 |
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| 1013-431, 432, 433 | Organic Chemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| 1013-435, 436 | Preparative Organic Chemistry Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1013-437 | Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds Lab | 2 |
| 1004-210 | Microbiology in Health and Disease | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| Liberal Arts*‡ | 12 | |
| 1016-306 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| 1008-511 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-621 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis Lab | 2 |
| 1017-311, 312, 313 | University Physics I, II, III | 12 |
| 1015-522 | Aquatic Toxicology and Chemistry | 3 |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1009-702 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| 1014-441 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 1014-445 | Chemical Thermodynamics Lab | 1 |
| 1014-442 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| 1014-446 | Quantum Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 1014-443 | Chemical Kinetics | 4 |
| 1014-447 | Chemical Kinetics Lab | 1 |
| 1015-720 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| 1012-562 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 4 |
| 1012-565 | Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
| Chemistry Electives§‡ | ||
| 1010-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance** | 3 |
| 1010-401 | Chemical Literature | 2 |
| Fifth Year†† | ||
| 1015-721 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 3 |
| 1010-870 | Chemistry Seminar | 2 |
| 1010-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance** | 6–13 |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 225 | |
*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information. Environmental studies concentration is recommended.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ACS (American Chemical Society) highly recommends a foreign language (preferably German).
§ A minimum of 36 hours of 700–level or higher chemistry courses is required to graduate with both a BS and MS degree.
**A student will be required to have 9 to 16 credit hours of Research and Thesis Guidance (1010-879).
††Course work in this year will be determined by the graduate committee and will need to fulfill the requirement of 225 credit hours.
Chemistry, combined BS/MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1010-200 | Chemical Safety | 1 |
| 1010-230 | Introduction to Cooperative Education and Chemical Careers | 1 |
| 1010-251, 252 | General Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1010-255 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 1008-261, 262 | Quantitative Analysis I, II | 7 |
| 1008-265, 266 | Quantitative Analysis Lab I, II | 3 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Second Year | ||
| 1008-311 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-318 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| 1008-312 | Separations Techniques | 3 |
| 1008-319 | Separations Techniques Lab | 1 |
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| 1016-306 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| 1013-431, 432, 433 | Organic Chemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| 1013-435, 436 | Preparative Organic Chemistry Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1013-437 | Systematic ID of Organic Compounds III Lab | 2 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| 1010-401 | Chemical Literature | 2 |
| 1017-311, 312, 313 | University Physics I, II, III | 12 |
| 1014-441 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 1014-445 | Chemical Thermodynamics Lab | 1 |
| Liberal Arts*‡ | 12 | |
| Chemistry Electives§ | ||
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1014-442 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| 1014-446 | Quantum Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 1014-443 | Chemical Kinetics | 4 |
| 1014-447 | Chemical Kinetics Lab | 1 |
| 1009-702 | Biochemistry†† | 3 |
| 1008-711 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis†† | 3 |
| 1008-621 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis Lab†† | 2 |
| 1012-562, 563 | Inorganic Chemistry I, II†† | 8 |
| 1012-765 | Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Lab†† | 3 |
| Chemistry Electives§ | ||
| 1010-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance** | 3 |
| Fifth Year§§ | ||
| 1012-870 | Chemistry Seminar | 2 |
| 1010-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance** | 6–13 |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 225 | |
*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ACS highly recommends a foreign language (preferably German).
§ A minimum of 6 to 8 quarter credit hours of 500-level course work.
§§ Course work in the fifth year will be determined by the graduate committee and will need to fulfill the requirement of 225 total credit hours. A minimum of 36 hours of 700-level or higher chemistry courses is required to graduate with both a BS and MS degree in chemistry.
**A student will normally have 9 to 16 credit hours of Research and Thesis Guidance.
†† Required only for ACS certification.
BS Chemistry/MS materials science and engineering option
The combined BS chemistry/MS materials science and engineering option is designed for students who wish to explore the industrial applications of chemistry in the areas of developing new materials (polymers, plastics, natural product substitutes), new processes for producing those materials, and research into new applications for existing materials.
Chemistry, BS/MS materials science and engineering degree option, typical course sequence (BS is ACS certified) (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 1010-200 | Chemical Safety | 1 |
| 1010-230 | Introduction to Cooperative Education and Chemical Careers | 1 |
| 1010-251, 252 | General Chemistry I, II | 7 |
| 1010-255 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| 1008-261, 262 | Quantitative Analysis I, II | 7 |
| 1008-265, 266 | Quantitative Analysis Lab I, II | 3 |
| 1016-281, 282, 283 | Calculus I, II, III | 12 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| 1105-051, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Second Year | ||
| 1008-311 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| 1008-318 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| 1008-312 | Separations Techniques | 3 |
| 1008-319 | Separations Techniques Lab | 1 |
| 1013-431, 432, 433 | Organic Chemistry I, II, III | 9 |
| 1013-435, 436 | Preparative Organic Chemistry Lab I, II | 2 |
| 1013-437 | Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds Lab | 2 |
| 1016-305 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| 1016-306 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| 1017-311, 312, 313 | University Physics I, II, III | 12 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| 1010-401 | Chemical Literature | 2 |
| 1014-441 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 4 |
| 1014-445 | Chemical Thermodynamics Lab | 1 |
| 1014-442 | Quantum Chemistry | 4 |
| 1014-446 | Quantum Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 1014-443 | Chemical Kinetics | 4 |
| 1014-447 | Chemical Kinetics Lab | 1 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| University-wide elective | 4 | |
| 1010-499 | Cooperative Education (summer) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 1008-511 (or 711) | Advanced Instrumental Analysis§ | 3 |
| 1008-621 | Advanced Instrumental Analysis Lab§ | 2 |
| 1009-502 | Biochemistry: Conformation and Dynamics§ | 3 |
| 1012-562, 563 | Inorganic Chemistry I, II§ | 8 |
| 1012-565 | Preparative Inorganic Chemistry Lab§ | 3 |
| Advanced Chemistry Elective‡ | ||
| 1028-701 | Introduction to Materials Science | 4 |
| 1028-702 | Introduction to Polymer Science | 4 |
| 1028-705 | Introduction to Experimental Techniques | 4 |
| 1028-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance§ | |
| Materials Science Electives‡ | ||
| Fifth Year | ||
| 1015-721 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 3 |
| 1028-703 | Solid State Science | 4 |
| 1028-704 | Introduction to Theoretical Methods | 4 |
| 1028-710 | Materials Properties and Selection | 4 |
| 1028-780 | Sensors and Actuators | 4 |
| 1028-785 | Sensors and Actuators Lab | 2 |
| Materials Science Elective‡ | ||
| 1028-879 | Research and Thesis Guidance** | |
| 1028-890 | Seminar | 1 |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 225 | |
*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡A minimum of 36 hours of 700–level or higher chemistry/materials science courses is required to graduate with both a BS and MS degree.
§ Required only for ACS certification.
** A student will be required to have 9 to 16 credit hours of Research and Thesis Guidance (1028-879).