Chemistry, BS

Chair:

Timothy M. Korter, 1-014 Center for Science and Technology, 315-443-0269, tmkorter@syr.edu

Faculty

Mark S. Braiman, Carlos Castañeda, Joseph Chaiken, Arindam Chakraborty, John D. Chisholm, Robert P. Doyle, John M. Franck, James L. Hougland, Bruce S. Hudson, Tara Kahan, James Kallmerten, Ivan V. Korendovych, Timothy M. Korter, Yan-Yeung Luk, Mathew M. Maye, Karin Ruhlandt, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler, Nancy I. Totah, Weiwei Zheng, Jon Zubieta

Chemistry, the science concerned with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic, elemental, and molecular systems, is taught through courses in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and through direct participation in original research.

Undergraduate majors in chemistry may elect one of three programs, two leading to a B.A. degree, with an emphasis in either chemistry or biological chemistry, and one to the B.S. degree. Either B.A. degree program requires fewer credits in chemistry than the B.S. option, and yet provides a foundation in the discipline adequate for either immediate professional engagements or for graduate studies. Students studying for a B.S. degree in chemistry gain a more extensive background as they fulfill a broader range of requirements; they must file a petition with the department chair indicating their intent to secure the B.S. degree before it can be awarded.

Students interested in a B.S. degree in biochemistry should see the biochemistry section here .

For information about certification to teach chemistry at the secondary school level, see Education/Arts and Sciences (dual program) in this section of the catalog.

B.S. Degree Requirements

At least 45 credits in chemistry are required for the B.S. degree. Each student’s course of study should include the following:

Group 1

Group 2

At least 3 credits in a lecture course chosen from

CHE 427 - Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
CHE 436 - Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHE 474 - Structural and Physical Biochemistry
CHE 546 - Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure
CHE 575 - Organic Spectroscopy
selected graduate courses with the instructor’s approval

Group 3

One year of calculus and physics

Additional Information

If taken in an appropriate area of research, additional credit in CHE 450 beyond the 3 credits required in (1) above may be substituted for up to 4 laboratory credits with the department’s approval.

B.S. Degree Requirements: Medicinal Chemistry Track

At least 37 credits in chemistry are required for the B.S. degree with the Medicinal Chemistry Track. Each student’s course of study should include the following:

At least 37 credits in Chemistry:

At least 7 credits in Biology:

One year of calculus:

MAT 285 - Life Sciences Calculus I and
MAT 286 - Life Sciences Calculus II
or
MAT 295 - Calculus I and
MAT 296 - Calculus II
PHY 211 - General Physics I
PHY 212 - General Physics II
PHY 221 - General Physics Laboratory I
PHY 222 - General Physics Laboratory II
If taken in an appropriate area of research, additional credit in CHE 450 beyond the 3 credits required in (1) above may be substituted for up to 4 laboratory credits with the department’s approval.

Students who receive a score of 5 on the AP chemistry exam will receive credit for CHE 106/116 and CHE 107/117 (8 credits)*

*Pre-medical students should consult with Health Professions Advising before accepting AP chemistry credit.

Degree with Distinction

Distinction in Chemistry is awarded by the chemistry department upon completion of the chemistry major and a high-quality chemistry thesis. The thesis will be evaluated and judged by a committee consisting of the research advisor and two other chemistry faculty members. Other requirements include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 by the end of the senior year, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in chemistry department courses. See Professor Totah for additional requirements.