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Undergraduate Record 2010-2011 
    
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Undergraduate Record 2010-2011 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Chemistry

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Requirements for Major

All majors in chemistry require two years of fundamental courses. One sequence 1410, 1420, 2410, 2420 and the associated laboratories courses consist of introductory chemistry in the first year and organic chemistry in the second year. The second sequence 1810, 1820, 2810, 2820 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: 1410, 1810; 1420, 2820; 2410, 1820; 2420, 2810. Students with advanced placement in chemistry may not also receive credit for 1410, 142, but must complete the laboratory sequence 1411, 1421. 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 1410, 1420, 1411, 1421 (or CHEM 1810, 2820, 1811, 2821); CHEM 2410, 2420, 2411, 2421 (or CHEM 1820, 2810, 1821, 2811); 3410, 3420 (or CHEM 3810, 3820);  3811, 3821; and one other three-credit chemistry elective at the 4000-level or higher. A year of physics with laboratory and MATH through 1220 or 1320 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 are 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 also 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 by taking PHYS 2010, 2020 rather than PHYS 2310, 2320. 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 2010. 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 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits:12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 1310, 1320 – Calculus Credits:8

 

Second Year - Credits: 34

  • Language  Credits: 3

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 2010. 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 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

    or

          CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • MATH 2310 - Calculus III Credits: 4

    or 

  • MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

    or

 

  • APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

     

  • PHYS 2310, 2320, 2030, 2040 (PHYS 2630 or 2640 may be taken as the laboratory) Credits: 10

    or 

  • PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – 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 2220 – Solutions Chemistry Credits: 4

           or

  • CHEM 3951,3961,4951,or 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits:3

 

  • CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry I, II Credits: 6

    or

          CHEM 3810, 3820 Physical Chemistry I, II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 3811,3821 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 6
  • CHEM 3910 - Introductory Research Seminar Credits: 1
  • CHEM 3920 - 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 4000 or greater level course in physical, organic, inorganic, analytical, or biological chemistry.

  • CHEM 3951,3961,or 4951,4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits:6

  • CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

  • CHEM 4410 - Biology Chemistry I Credits:3

                    or

  • CHEM 4420 - Biology Chemistry II Credits: 3

  • CHEM 5710 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis 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.

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 by taking PHYS 2010, 2020 rather than PHYS 2310, 2320. 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 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

    or

    CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 1210, 1220 - Applied Calculus I and II  Credits: 6

    or

  • MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I and II Credits: 8

 

Second Year - Credits: 30-32

 

  • Language Credits: 6

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 2020. 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 2010,2020 - Introduction to Biology: Credits: 6

  • CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421, Organic Chemistry and laboratory Credits: 12

    or 

          CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821, 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 3000 - Cell Biology and Biochemistry Credits: 3

    or 

          BIOL 3010 – Genetic and Molecular Biology: Credits 3

  • CHEM 2220 – Solutions Chemistry Credits:4

                      or

  • CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 3

  • CHEM 4410, 4420 - Biological Chemistry I & II Credits: 6 

  • PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics and Laboratory Credits: 10

    or 

  • PHYS 2310, 2320, 2030, 2040 (PHYS 2630 or 2640 may be taken as the laboratory) Credits: 10

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 3410,3420 - Physical Chemistry I and II Credits: 6

or

CHEM 3810, 3820 Physical Chemistry I and II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
  • CHEM 4411,4421 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I & II Credits: 6
  • CHEM 3951,3961 or 4951, 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits 6*

* Required for ACS Certified degree only

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 1610, 1620, 2610, 2620 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 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

or

CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

 

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I  and II Credits: 8

  • PHYS 1610, 1620 Introductory Physics I, II Credits: 6

Second Year - Credits: 33

  • Language Credits: 6

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 2020.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

or

CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • MATH 2310 - Calculus III Credits: 4

    or

    MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

           or

  • APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

  • PHYS 2630 or 2640 or PHYS 2030, 2040 Physics Laboratory Credits: 4

  • PHYS 2610, 2620 – 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 2220 - Solutions Chemistry Credits: 4

          or

  • CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 3
  • CHEM 3810, 3820 - Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6
  • CHEM 3811, 3821 - 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 5210 - Advanced Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
  • CHEM 5220 - Advanced Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
  • CHEM 3951, 3961 or 4951, 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 6*
  • CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3*
  • CHEM 4410 - Biology Chemistry Credits: 3*

*Required for ACS Certified degree only

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 2020. 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 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3
  • MATH 1210,1220 - Applied Calculus I Credits: 6

          or

          MATH 1310,1320 - Calculus I Credits: 8

Second Year - Credits: 32

  • Language Credits: 6

    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 2020.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421, Organic Chemistry Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821, 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 2800/2801, 3200/3201, 3400/3401, and 3500/3501.

  • 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 2220 - Solutions Chemistry Credits: 4

           or

  • CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 3

  • CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6

or

 

          CHEM 3810, 3820 – Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 5710 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis Credits: 3

and

  • PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 - Principles of Physics and Laboratory II Credits: 10

           or

  • PHYS 2310, 2320, 2030, 2040 Principles of Physical Chemistry and Laboratory – (PHYS 2630, 2640 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 4000-level CHEM or above, or approved upper-level EVSC courses (3000 to 5000 level). Examples include EVSC 3860, 4270, 4933, 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 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

  • CHEM 3811, 3821 – Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 6*

  • CHEM 3951, 3961 or 4951, 4961 - Supervised Research in Chemistry Credits: 6*

  • CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry Credits:3*

    *Required for ACS Certified degree only

 

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 2020.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • MSE 2090 - Intro to Materials Science Credits: 3

  • CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

          or

          CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I & II Credits: 8

Second Year - Credits: 34

  • Language Credits: 6
Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 2020.  If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

  • CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

          or

          CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • CHEM 2220 Solutions Chemistry Credits: 4

           or

  • CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 3

  • MATH 2310 - Calculus III Credits: 4

 

          or

          MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

          or

  • APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 4

  • PHYS 2310, 2320 - Classical and Modern Physics I, II Credits: 8

  • PHYS 2030, 2040 Physics Laboratory Credits: 2

          or

    PHYS 2630 or 2640 – 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 3810, 3820 - Physical Chemistry I & II Credits: 6

  • CHEM 3811 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 3

  • CHEM 5710 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis Credits: 3

  • MSE 3050 - Phase Diagrams and Kinetics of Materials Credits: 3

 

Fourth Year - Credits: 30

  • MSE 3000 Level or higher (e.g., MSE 3080)

  • MSE 3101 - Materials Science Laboratory 

  • CHEM 4000 level or higher Credits: 3*

  • 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 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

  • CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry Credits: 3*

  • CHEM 3951, 3961 or 4951, 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 6*

    *Required for ACS Certified degree only

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 by taking PHYS 2010, 2020 rather than PHYS 2310, 2320. 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 2020.      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 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory Credits: 10

    or

    CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • ENWR 110 - Accelerated Academic Writing Credits: 3

  • MATH 1210, 1220 - Applied Calculus I Credits: 6

    or

         MATH 1310, 1320 - 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 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421, Organic Chemistry Credits: 12

          or

          CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821, Chemical Principles and Laboratory Credits: 12

  • BIOL 2010 - Introduction to Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics Credits: 3

          or

          BIOL 2020 - Introduction to Biology: Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Credits: 3

  •      One of the following courses:            

          EVSC 2800 - Fundamentals of Geology Credits: 3

          EVSC 3200 - Fundamentals of Ecology Credits: 3

          EVSC 3300 - Atmosphere and Weather Credits: 3

          EVSC 3600 - Physical Hydrology 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 2220 - Solutions Chemistry Credits: 4

          or

  • CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 3

  • CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3

  • PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 - Principles of Physics and Laboratory Credits: 10

or

  • PHYS 2310, 2320, 2030, 2040 - Classical and Modern Physics I, II Credits: 8

  • CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I Credits: 3

or

  • BIOL 5010 - Biochemistry Credits: 4

Fourth Year - Credits: 30

  • Approved electives Credits: 18

  • CHEM 3811 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation Credits: 3

    or

  • CHEM 4411 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 3         

  • CHEM 5710 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis Credits: 3
  • CHEM 3410, 3420- Physical Chemistry I, II Credits: 6

           or

  • CHEM 3810, 3820 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 or at http://chem.virginia.edu/undergraduate-studies/distinguished-majors-program 

Requirements for Minor

A minor in chemistry requires the satisfactory completion of CHEM 1410, 1420, 1411, 1421, 2410, 2420, 2411, 2421 or CHEM 1810, 1820, 1811, 1821, 2810, 2820, 2811, 2821; CHEM 3410 and one other chemistry course at the 3000-level or higher (except chemistry research courses). Students who receive advanced standing credit for CHEM 1410, 1420 and who take CHEM 1810, 2820 may count both CHEM 1410, 1420 and CHEM 1810, 2820 toward the minor. Students taking CHEM 1410, 1420 may use CHEM 2220 as the elective.

Additional Information

Students are responsible for breakage charges.

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;  http://chem.virginia.edu/ (departmental information) or http://chem.virginia.edu/undergraduate-studies/

Course Descriptions

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