Program Overview
Chemistry is the science that deals with the properties, composition and structure of matter, changes that occur in matter, and energy relationships involved in those changes. The chemistry program at the University is designed to give the undergraduate student a sound background in chemistry as a whole, thereby providing preparation for employment or further study in any of the large number of specialized areas that may be entered after graduation, including graduate school, medical school, dental school, and pharmacy school. Faculty are involved in five areas of chemical education and research: analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The chemistry department now offers three degree plans: a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry.
Explanation of laboratories: some laboratory courses are considered as separate courses and separate grades are given for the laboratories and corresponding lectures. These generally have separate course numbers; for example: CHEM 1302 and CHEM 1203L. For these pairs of courses, enrollment in a laboratory course requires concurrent enrollment in the corresponding lecture course or completion of that course in a previous semester. Other laboratory courses are considered as part of the lecture course, even though they meet at separate times and may have different instructors. These are generally designated with an ‘L’ following the lecture course number; for example: CHEM 3421 and CHEM 3421L. Concurrent enrollment in both the lecture and the laboratory is required for completion of the course, and one grade is assigned for the combination.
Policy on registration for repeat enrollment in Chemistry and Biochemistry courses:
For Chemistry and Biochemistry courses in the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, students who have made three attempts in a particular Chemistry course (an attempt is defined as any grade recorded on the transcript including the non-passing grades of D, W, or F) will not be allowed to register for that course again. Cross-listed courses taught by the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are counted as the same course (e.g. CHEM 4351 and BIOL 4351 are both counted for attempts for CHEM 4351 or BIOL 4351).
Under truly extraordinary circumstances a student may appeal this rule in the form of a letter (attached as an e-mail which includes a contact telephone number) addressed to the Dean of Student Success. The student should be as specific and concise as possible.
Appeal Process:
A student may appeal for an exception by emailing the Dean of Student Success. The email must include your name and contact number as well as a learning plan that details what you plan to do to be successful if granted another attempt. The Dean will review the learning plan and assign to a designated advisor to prepare a learning contract. This learning contract, approved by the designated Student Success advisor and signed by the student, will constitute approval to register for the course. Students with three or more prior attempts who have not successfully appealed will be dropped from the course two weeks prior to the start of classes. A successful appeal does not guarantee a space in a class.
Requirements
A minimum of 120 credit hours are required to complete the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree program.
Students contemplating a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry should begin the introductory and organic chemistry sequence (CHEM 1301, CHEM 2311, and CHEM 2312) the fall semester of their freshman year or as soon as they satisfy the math pre-requisite. MATH 2312 and MATH 2313 should be completed by the end of the sophomore year if possible.
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
| UIW Core Curriculum |
| Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
| Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
| Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
| History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
| Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
| Second Language |
6 credit hours |
| Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
| |
43 total core credit hours |
| |
|
| Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Support Coursework
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Introductory Coursework
*Note: CHEM 1203L, General Chemistry Laboratory, is equivalent to the combination of CHEM 1101, Chemical Principles I Laboratory, and CHEM 1102, Chemical Principles II Laboratory.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Foundation Coursework
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry In-Depth Coursework
Two semesters of CHEM 4160 may be substituted for CHEM 4260.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Elective Coursework
One 3 or 4 hour chemistry course selected from any upper-division chemistry offering not listed in the program requirements. MATH 2303 and CHEM 4352 are highly recommended for Chemistry majors but are not required.
| MATH 2303 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| CHEM 4352 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3-6 |
General Elective Coursework
Electives must be selected to complete the 120 credit hour program requirement.
Total Credit Hours: 120