Requirements for Major
All majors in chemistry require two years of fundamental courses. One sequence, 1410, 1420, 2410, 2420 and the associated laboratories, 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, 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, 1420, but must complete the laboratory sequence 1411, 1421. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. 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 1210, 1220 or 1310, 1320 are required for the B.A. in Chemistry. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The Chemistry Department offers six programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry satisfies the requirements for the American Chemical Society (ACS) to certify the degree. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with specialization in Biochemistry (highly recommended for students preparing to study medicine or pharmacy), Chemical Physics, Environmental Chemistry, and Materials Science are eligible for ACS Certification. The Bachelor of Science with 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. ACS Certified B.S. in Chemistry
This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. It is possible to major in chemistry by taking PHYS 2010, 2020 rather than PHYS 1425, 2415, although the calculus-based 1425, 2415 are the preferred classes. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. First Year - Credits: 32-37
Approved electives - Credits: 14-17
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 1310, 1320 – Calculus I & II - Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 30-35
Approved electives - Credits: 6-9
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 2310 - Calculus III - Credits: 4
- MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 2030, 2040 (PHYS 2630 or 2640 may be taken as the laboratory) – General Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
Third Year - Credits: 29-33
Approved electives - Credits: 12-15
- CHEM 2220 – Solutions Chemistry - Credits: 4
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3810, 3820 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811, 3821 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3910, 3920 - Introductory Research Seminar I and II - Credits: 2
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-36
The fourth year of the 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.
- Approved electives - Credits:15-21
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 6
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits:3
- CHEM 4410 - Biology Chemistry I - Credits: 3
- CHEM 5710 - Analytical Chemistry - Credits: 3
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 1425, 2415, although the calculus-based 1425, 2415 are the preferred classes. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. First Year - Credits: 30-37
Approved electives - Credits: 14-17
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 1210, 1220 - Applied Calculus I and II - Credits: 6
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I and II - Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 34-42
Approved electives Credits: 8-14
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- BIOL 2010, 2020 - Introduction to Biology - Credits: 6
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 2030, 2040 (PHYS 2630 or 2640 may be taken as the laboratory) - General Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
Third Year - Credits: 30-39
Approved electives - Credits: 12-18
- BIOL 3000 - Cell Biology - Credits: 3
- BIOL 3010 – Genetics and Molecular Biology - Credits: 3
- CHEM 2220 – Solutions Chemistry - Credits: 4
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3810, 3820 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3910, 3920 - Introductory Research Seminar I and II - Credits: 2*
- CHEM 4410, 4420 - Biological Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
Fourth Year - Credits: 21-33
Approved electives Credits: 12-18
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 - Undergraduate Research – Credits: 6*
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4411, 4421 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I and II - 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. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. First Year - Credits: 35-40
Approved electives Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I and II - Credits: 8
- PHYS 1610, 1620 - Introductory Physics I and II - Credits: 6
Second Year - Credits: 34-42
Approved electives – Credits: 6-12
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 2310 - Calculus III - Credits: 4
- MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- PHYS 2610, 2620 – Introductory Physics III and Modern Physics - Credits: 8
- PHYS 2630 or 2640 – Elementary Laboratory I and II – Credits: 6
- PHYS 2030, 2040 - Physics Laboratory - Credits: 4
Third Year - Credits: 30-36
Approved electives - Credits: 9-12
- CHEM 2220 - Solutions Chemistry - Credits: 4
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3810, 3820 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811, 3821 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3910, 3920 – Introductory Research Seminar I and II - Credits: 2*
- Two approved PHYS electives - Credits: 6
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-48
Approved electives - Credits: 24-30
- CHEM 3951, 3961 4951, and/or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 6*
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3*
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry - Credits: 3*
- CHEM 5210 - Advanced Physical Chemistry I – Credits: 3
- CHEM 5224 - Reaction Kinetics and Dynamics - 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.
This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. It is possible to major in chemistry by taking PHYS 2010, 2020 rather than PHYS1425, 2415, although the calculus-based 1425, 2415 are the preferred classes. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. First Year - Credits: 27-34
Approved electives Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 1210, 1220 - Applied Calculus I and II - Credits: 6
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I and II - Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 32-39
Approved electives - Credits: 6-9
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- PHYS 1425, 1425, 2030, 2040 – General Physics I and II and Laboratories – (PHYS 2630, 2640 may be taken as the lab) - Credits: 8
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 - Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- Two core EVSC 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). Third Year Crdits: 24-32
Approved electives - Credits: 12
- CHEM 2220 - Solutions Chemistry - Credits: 4
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3810, 3820 – Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811 – Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation I - Credits: 3*
- CHEM 3910, 3920 – Introductory Research Seminar I and II - Credits: 2*
- CHEM 5710 - Analytical Chemistry - Credits: 3
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-39
Approved electives - Credits: 21
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 – Undergraduate Research – Credits: 6*
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry - Credits: 3*
- 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 4270, 4933, or additional EVSC core courses. Students cannot double count co-listed courses (e.g., EVSC 4090 and CHEM 5710).
*Required for ACS Certified degree only Specialization in Materials Science
The department offers an opportunity for a student to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Specialization in Materials.
This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. It is possible to major in chemistry by taking PHYS 2010, 2020 rather than PHYS1425, 2415, although the calculus-based 1425, 2415 are the preferred classes. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. First Year - Credits: 32-37
Approved electives – Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I & II - Credits: 8
- MSE 2090 - Intro to Materials Science - Credits: 3
Second Year - Credits: 32-48
Approved electives – Credits 6-12
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 2310 - Calculus III - Credits: 4
- MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- PHYS 1425, 2415 - Classical and Modern Physics I and II - Credits: 8
- PHYS 2030, 2040 - Physics Laboratory - Credits: 2
- PHYS 2630, 2640 – Physics Laboratory - Credits: 6
Third Year - Credits: 30-33
Approved electives Credits: 12
- CHEM 2220 - Solutions Chemistry - Credits: 4
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 – Physical Chemistry I & II – Credits: 6
- CHEM 3810, 3820 - Physical Chemistry I & II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation I - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3910, 3920 - Introductory Research Seminar I and II - Credits: 2*
- CHEM 5710 - Analytical Chemistry - Credits: 3
- MSE 3050 - Phase Diagrams and Kinetics of Materials - Credits: 3
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-39
Approved electives - Credits: 18
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 6*
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry - Credits: 3*
- CHEM ELECTIVE - 4000 level or higher - Credits: 3*
- MSE 3101 - Materials Science Investigations – Credits: 3
- MSE ELECTIVE - 3000 Level or higher – Credits: 3
*Required for ACS Certified degree only 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. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements. First Year - Credits: 27-37
Approved electives Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 1210, 1220 - Applied Calculus I and II - Credits: 6
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I & II - Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 30-33
Approved electives Credits: 12-15
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820, 2821 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- BIOL 2010 - Introduction to Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics - Credits: 3
- 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 Third Year - Credits: 25-30
Approved electives - Credits: 13
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I - Credits: 3
- BIOL 5010 - Biochemistry - Credits: 4
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 - Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 10
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 2030, 2040 (PHYS 2630, 2640 may be taken as the lab) – General Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
Fourth Year - Credits: 30
Approved electives - Credits: 18
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3810, 3820 - Physical Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811 - Intermediate Techniques in Chemical Experimentation I - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4411 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I - Credits: 3
- CHEM 5710 - Analytical Chemistry - Credits: 3
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 may use CHEM 2220 as the elective. |
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