Mar 29, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2009-2010 
    
Undergraduate Record 2009-2010 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Chemistry


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Requirements for Major


All majors in chemistry require two years of fundamental courses. One sequence 141, 142, 241, 242 and the associated laboratories courses consist of introductory chemistry in the first year and organic chemistry in the second year. The second sequence 181, 182, 281, 282 and the associated laboratories courses examine structure, reactivity, thermodynamics and kinetics and integrates one year of organic chemistry. This sequence may be taken for credit by students with advanced placement in chemistry and is recommended for students with a strong background in chemistry. The following pairs of courses overlap and may not both be taken for credit: 141, 181; 142, 282; 241, 182; 242, 281. Students with advanced placement in chemistry may not also receive credit for 141, 142, but must complete the laboratory sequence 141L, 142L. Candidates for degrees must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses and approved electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry


The normal program for a  B.A. in Chemistry includes: CHEM 141, 142, 141L, 142L (or CHEM 181, 182, 181L, 182L); CHEM 241, 242, 241L, 242L (or CHEM 281, 282, 281L, 282L); 341, 342; 371, 372; and one other three-credit chemistry elective at the 400-level or higher. A year of physics with laboratory and MATH through122 or 132 are required for the B.A. in Chemistry. 

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry


 The Chemistry Department offers six programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. There is the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with specialization in Biochemistry (highly recommended for students preparing to study medicine or pharmacy). These are professional degrees that can qualify for accreditation by the American Chemical Society (ACS). In addition, the department offers the degree with specialization in Chemical Physics*, Environmental Chemistry*, Materials*, and Chemical Education (available only to students enrolled in the Curry School of Education).

*These degrees are eligible for ACS Certification if specified elective courses are taken.

Recommended ACS Certified B.S. in Chemistry


This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. Students must complete at least six hours of supervised research to qualify for ACS certification. It is possible to major in chemistry after taking PHYS 201, 202 rather than PHYS 231, 232. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible.

First Year - Credits: 32-37


  •  Language Credits: 8

Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 201. If this requirement is satisfied in less than three semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • Approved electives Credits: 3-6

  • CHEM 141, 141L, 142, 142L- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 181, 181L, 182, 182L – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits:12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 131, 132 – Calculus Credits:8

 

Second Year - Credits: 34


  • Language  Credits: 3

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 201. If this requirement is satisfied in less than three semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject. 

  • Approved electives Credits: 3 
    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 241, 241L, 242, 242L, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

    or

          CHEM 281, 281L, 282, 282L, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • MATH 231 - Calculus III Credits: 4

    or 

  • MATH 325 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

  • PHYS 231, 232, 203, 204 (PHYS 221 or 222 may be taken as the laboratory) Credits: 10

    or 

  • PHYS 201, 202, 203, 204 – Principles of Physics and Laboratory Credits: 10

Third Year - Credits: 30-33


  • Approved electives Credits: 12-15 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 222 – Solutions Chemistry Credits: 4

  • CHEM 341, 342 - Physical Chemistry I, II Credits: 6

    or

          CHEM 381, 382 Physical Chemistry I, II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 371,372 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 6
  • CHEM 391 - Introductory Research Seminar Credits: 1
  • CHEM 392 - Introductory Research Seminar Credits: 1

Fourth Year - Credits: 30-33


The fourth-year program is adaptable to individual student interests. Students may choose elective courses from any 400 or greater level course in physical, organic, inorganic, analytical, or biological chemistry.

  • CHEM 432 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

  • CHEM 551 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis Credits: 3

  • CHEM 441 -  Biological Chemistry Credits: 3

  • Approved electives Credits: 15-21 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 395, 396 or 495,496 - Supervised Research in Chemistry Credits: 6*

* Required for ACS Certified degree

Specialization in Biochemistry


The department offers an opportunity for students to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Specialization in Biochemistry. This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. Students must complete at least six hours of supervised research to qualify for ACS Certification. It is possible to major in chemistry after taking PHYS 201, 202 rather than PHYS 231, 232. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible.

First Year - Credits: 31-34


 

  • Language Credits: 8

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • Approved electives Credits: 0-3 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 141, 141L, 142, 142L- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

    or

    CHEM 181, 181L, 182, 182L – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 121, 122 - Applied Calculus I and II  Credits: 6

    or

  • Math 131, 132 - Calculus I and II Credits: 8

Second Year - Credits: 30-32


 

  • Language Credits: 6

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • Approved electives Credits: 6 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • BIOL 201,202 - Introduction to Biology: Credits: 6

  • CHEM 241, 241L, 242, 242L, Organic Chemistry and laboratory Credits: 12

    or 

          CHEM 281, 281L, 282, 282L, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

Third Year - Credits: 30-32


  • Approved electives Credits: 6 or 8 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • BIOL 300 - Cell Biology and Biochemistry Credits: 3

    or 

          BIOL 301 – Genetic and Molecular Biology: Credits 3

  • CHEM 222 – Solutions Chemistry Credits:4

  • CHEM 441,442 - Biological Chemistry I & II Credits: 6 

  • PHYS 201, 202, 203, 204 – Principles of Physics and Laboratory Credits: 10

    or 

  • PHYS 231, 232, 203, 204 (PHYS 221 or 222 may be taken as the laboratory) Credits: 10

  • CHEM 395 - Introduction to Research Credits: 1 to 3

Fourth Year - Credits: 33


  • Approved electives Credits: 12

Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 341,342 - Physical Chemistry I and II Credits: 6

or

CHEM 381,382 Physical Chemistry I and II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 432 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
  • CHEM 451,452 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I & II Credits: 6
  • CHEM 495,496 Supervised Research Chemistry Credits 6*

* Required for ACS Certified degree

Specialization in Chemical Physics


 

The department offers an opportunity for a student to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Specialization in Chemical Physics.

 

This table shows the normal sequence of required courses.  Students may also complete the physics requirement by taking the PHYS 151, 152, 251, 252 sequence. Candidates not following the normal sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible.

First Year - Credits: 31-34


  • Language Credits: 8

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • Approved electives Credits: 0-3 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.     

  • CHEM 141, 141L, 142, 142L- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

or

CHEM 181, 181L, 182, 182L – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

 

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 131, 132 - Calculus I  and II Credits: 8

  • PHYS 151,152 Introductory Physics I, II Credits: 6

Second Year - Credits: 33


  • Language Credits: 6

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • CHEM 241, 241L, 242, 242L, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

or

CHEM 281, 281L, 282, 282L, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • MATH 231 - Calculus III Credits: 4

    or

    MATH 325 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

  • PHYS 221 or 222 or PHYS 203, 204 Physics Laboratory Credits: 4

  • PHYS 251, 252 – Introductory Physics III, IV Credits: 8

Third Year - Credits: 33


  • PHYS ___ Two approved PHYS electives Credits: 6

  • Approved electives Credits: 9 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 381,382 - Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6
  • CHEM 371,372 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 6

Fourth Year - Credits: 33


  • Approved electives Credits: 24*

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements

  • CHEM 521 - Advanced Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
  • CHEM 522 - Advanced Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3

*CHEM 432 and CHEM 441 are required for ACS Certification

Specialization in Environmental Chemistry


The department offers an opportunity for a student to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Specialization in Environmental Chemistry.

Recommended B.S. in Chemistry with Specialization in Environmental Chemistry


First Year - Credits: 31-35


  • Language Credits: 8

Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • Approved electives Credits: 0-3 

Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 141, 141L, 142, 142L- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 181, 181L, 182, 182L – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3
  • MATH 121,122 - Applied Calculus I Credits: 6

          or

          MATH 131,132 - Calculus I Credits: 8

Second Year - Credits: 32


  • Language Credits: 6

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. . If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • CHEM 241, 241L, 242, 242L, Organic Chemistry Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 281, 281L, 282, 282L, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • EVSC ___ Two core courses and labs Credits: 8 

    Student must take at least two EVSC core courses and labs. These include EVSC 280/280L, 320/320L, 340/340L, and 350/350L.

  • Approved electives Credits: 5 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.    

Third Year Credits: 32


  • Approved electives Credits: 12 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 222 or 1 semester of CHEM 395, 396

  • CHEM 341,342 - Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6

or

          CHEM 381,382 – Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 551 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis Credits: 3

and

  • PHYS 201, 202, 203, 204 - Principles of Physics and Laboratory II Credits: 10
  • PHYS 231,232, 203, 204 Principles of Physical Chemistry and Laboratory – (PHYS 221, 222 may be taken as the lab). Credits: 8

 

Fourth Year - Credits: 30


  • Two Approved upper-level CHEM or EVSC electives Credits: 6*

    Two additional courses at 400-level CHEM or above, or approved upper-level EVSC courses (300 to 500 level). Examples include EVSC 386, 427, 480, 493, or additional EVSC core courses.   Students cannot double count courses.

  • Approved electives Credits: 21 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 432 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

    *CHEM 441 is required for ACS Certification

Specialization in Materials


The department offers an opportunity for a student to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Specialization in Materials.

Recommended B.S. in Chemistry with Specialization in Materials


First Year - Credits: 34


  • Language Credits: 8

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • MSE 209 - Intro to Materials Science Credits: 3

  • CHEM 141, 141L, 142, 142L- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 181, 181L, 182, 182L – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 131, 132 - Calculus I & II Credits: 8

Second Year - Credits: 34


  • Language Credits: 6
Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.
  • CHEM 241, 241L, 242, 242L, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

          or

          CHEM 281, 281L, 282, 282L, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • CHEM 222 Solutions Chemistry Credits: 4
  • MATH 231 - Calculus III Credits: 4

or

          MATH 325 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

  • PHYS 231,232 - Classical and Modern Physics I, II Credits: 8

  • PHYS 203,204 Physics Laboratory Credits: 2

          or

    PHYS 221 or 222 – Advanced Physics Laboratory Credits: 6

Third Year - Credits: 32


  • Approved electives Credits: 12 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 381,382 - Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 371 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 3

  • CHEM 551 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis Credits: 3

  • MSE 209 - Introduction to the Science and Engineering of Materials Credits: 3

  • MSE 305 - Phase Diagrams and Kinetics of Materials Credits: 3

Fourth Year - Credits: 30


  • MSE 300 Level or higher

    or 

  • CHEM 300 level or higher Credits: 3*

    Students are required to take one 400-level elective in CHEM or an approved elective in material science (e.g., MSE 301, MSE 304, ENGR 497).

  • Approved electives Credits: 24 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 432 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

    *CHEM 441 is required for ACS Certification

Specialization in Chemical Education


The Specialization in Chemical Education is for students who intend to teach chemistry/science K-12; it is taken in conjunction with the Curry School’s five-year Master of Teaching program, to which students must seek admission. This option is available only to students in the five-year Teachers Education Degree Program, and students must complete all requirements and comply with all regulations of the Curry School of Education as applicable to its Teachers Education Degree Program.

B.S. in Chemistry with Specialization in Chemical Education


The Specialization in Chemical Education is for students who intend to teach chemistry/science K-12; it is taken in conjunction with the Curry School’s five-year Master of Teaching program, to which students must obtain admission. This option is available only to students in the five-year Teachers Education Degree Program, and students must complete all requirements and comply with all regulations of the Curry School of Education as applicable to its Teachers Education Degree Program.

This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. It is possible to major in chemistry after taking PHYS 201, 202 rather than PHYS 231, 232. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible.

First Year - Credits: 31-34


  • Language Credits: 8
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202.
      If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • Approved electives Credits: 0-3 

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

  • CHEM 141, 141L, 142, 142L- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

    or

    CHEM 181, 181L, 182, 182L – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 121,122 - Applied Calculus I Credits: 6

    or

         MATH 131,132 - Calculus I & II Credits: 8

 

Second Year - Credits: 30-32


  • Language Credits: 6

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • CHEM 241, 241L, 242, 242L, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

          or

          CHEM 281, 281L, 282, 282L, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • Two of the following courses: Credits 6

  • BIOL 201 - Introduction to Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics Credits: 3

  • BIOL 202 - Introduction to Biology: Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Credits: 3

  • EVSC 280 - Fundamentals of Geology Credits: 3

  • EVSC 320 - Fundamentals of Ecology Credits: 3

  • EVSC 340 - Physical Hydrology Credits: 3

  • EVSC 350 - Atmosphere and Weather Credits: 3

  • Approved electives Credits: 6-9

    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

Third Year - Credits: 30


 

  • Approved electives Credits: 13
  • CHEM 432 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

  • PHYS 201,202 203, 204 - Principles of Physics and Laboratory Credits: 10

or

  • PHYS 231, 232, 203, 204 - Classical and Modern Physics I, II Credits: 8
and either
  • CHEM 441 - Biological Chemistry I Credits: 3

or

  • BIOL 501 - Biochemistry Credits: 4

Fourth Year - Credits: 30


  • Approved electives Credits: 18

  • CHEM 371 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 3

    or

  • CHEM 451 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 3         

  • CHEM 551 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis Credits: 3
  • CHEM 341, 342- Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6

Distinguished Majors Program


Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or higher after five semesters may apply for the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP). Applications and inquiries must be made to the Undergraduate Programs Office prior to the beginning of the seventh semester. The DMP consists of specified course requirements within the B.A. or B.S. programs and two semesters (six credits) of study or research under the supervision of a faculty member. The results of the research will be submitted in written form and presented to a public audience and to a faculty committee. Additional information can be obtained from the Undergraduate Programs Office of the Department of Chemistry.

Requirements for Minor


A minor in chemistry requires the satisfactory completion of CHEM 141, 142, 141L, 142L, 241, 242, 241L, 242L or CHEM 181, 182, 181L, 182L, 281, 282, 281L, 282L; CHEM 341 and one other chemistry course at the 300-level or higher (except chemistry research courses). Students who receive advanced standing credit for CHEM 141, 142 and who take CHEM 181, 282 may count both CHEM 141, 142 and CHEM 181, 282 toward the minor. Students taking CHEM 141, 142 may use CHEM 222 as the elective.

Students are responsible for breakage charges.

Additional Information


For more information, contact the head of Undergraduate Advising, Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Building, P.O. Box 400319, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4319; (434) 924-3344; www.virginia.edu/chem (departmental information) or www.people.virginia.edu/~jnd/chem-maj.htm (undergraduate information).

Course Descriptions


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