Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

[1] Purposes

The Department of Chemistry  and Biochemistry curriculum provides a broad range of instruction in chemistry. It includes a general education course and lower-division courses in general chemistry and organic chemistry for students with a wide variety of career goals such as a major in one of the natural sciences, pre-healing arts (nursing, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine), engineering, or secondary school teaching.

Students majoring in chemistry receive instruction in the fundamental areas of chemistry subsequently supplemented by more advanced courses in appropriate areas. Laboratory instruction is emphasized at all levels, and students are encouraged to participate in collaborative laboratory research with faculty members. Students completing a chemistry major program of study are prepared for careers as professional chemists as well as for graduate study in chemistry or other postgraduate professional schools.

The chemistry department curriculum is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

[2] Honors in Chemistry

Students who major in Chemistry and who demonstrate exceptional ability may be invited to enter the Honors in the Major Program. For details, see Honors in the Major Program.

[3] Baccalaureate Degree: Bachelor of Science

The degree of Bachelor of Science, with a major described below, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major and minor requirements in chemistry listed below.

Mathematics Pathways: First-time, first-year students majoring in Chemistry enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390. Students with an ACT Math subscore between 22 and 26 should enroll in MATH 1486 Calculus Preparation. Students with an ACT Math subscore of 27 or greater should enroll in MATH 1496 Calculus I.

[3.1] Major in Chemistry (ACS-certified)

[3.1.1] Standard Track (48 hours)

Required Chemistry Courses

CHEM 4301 Laboratory Management is excluded from the ACS-certified major.

Other Required Courses

No minor required.

[3.1.2] Biochemistry Track (44 hours)

Required Chemistry Courses

NOTE: CHEM 4301, Laboratory Management, is excluded from the ACS-certified major.

Other Required Courses

No minor required.
Elective options: Any UD CHEM course (except for CHEM 4301); BIOL 4431, BIOL 4V90 (with department chair’s prior approval), BIOL 3420, BIOL 4425, BIOL 4350, BIOL 4360, BIOL 4414, PHYS 3412

[3.2] Major in Chemistry (non-ACS certified) (38 hours)

Required Chemistry Courses

Note: CHEM 4301, Laboratory Management, is excluded.

Other Required Courses

Minor required.

Note 1

[3.3] Minor in Chemistry (24 hours)

[3.4] Major in Environmental Science

See Environmental Science – Chemistry Track page (Interdisciplinary Programs).

[3.5] Major in General Science

See the General Science page (Interdisciplinary Programs).

[3.6] Minor in Physical Science

See Department of Physics and Astronomy.

[4] Teacher Licensure

Note: A path to licensure in science education at the undergraduate level is currently under development. Alternatively, students may complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) graduate degree after completion of a BS in Chemistry. Contact UCA’s Department of Teaching and Learning for more information.

[5] Courses in Chemistry (CHEM)

Follow this link for CHEM course descriptions: course link.