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. General Area Requirements and 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, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is a flexible program designed to prepare the student for further study in a wide range of fields. With a minimum number of required courses, the program permits the student to design an undergraduate program uniquely suited to individual needs. This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. General Area Requirements and electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc.). Candidates for degrees must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
First Year - Credits: 28-37
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 14-17
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Principles of Organic Chemistry and Laboratories - Credits: 12
- MATH 1210, 1220 – Applied Calculus I & II - Credits: 6
or
- MATH 1310, 1320 – Calculus I & II – Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 26-32
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 9-12
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
or
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Laboratory and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics - Credits: 9
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 1429, 2419 – General Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
(PHYS 2030, 2040 or 2630, 2640 may be taken as the laboratory)
or
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
Third Year - Credits: 27-30
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 15-18
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry - Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811, 3821 - Physical Chemistry I Laboratory and Physical Chemistry II Laboratory - Credits: 6
In addition, CHEM 3721 – Analytical Chemistry Laboratory is highly recommended prior to enrollment in advanced laboratories. It is best taken in the spring semester of the third year.
Fourth Year - Credits: 24-30
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. It need not be specified at the time of declaring the major.
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 21-27
- CHEM Elective
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 suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. General Area Requirements or 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, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
First Year - Credits: 30-37
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 14-17
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- 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: 27-33
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 6-9
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
or
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Laboratory and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics - Credits: 9
- MATH 2310 - Calculus III - Credits: 4
or
- MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
or
- APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 1429, 2419 General Physics I and II - Credits: 8
(PHYS 2030, 2040 or 2630, 2640 may be taken as the laboratory)
or
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
Third Year - Credits: 27-31
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 12-15
- CHEM 3721 – Analytical Chemistry Laboratory- Credits: 4
or
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry -Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry Thermodynamics - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811, 3821 - Physical Chemistry I Laboratory and Physical Chemistry II Laboratory - Credits: 6
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-36
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits:15-21
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 6
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4090 - 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 suggested sequence of required courses. Students must complete at least six hours of supervised research to qualify for ACS Certification. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. General Area Requirements or 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, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
First Year - Credits: 28-37
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 14-17
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- 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
or
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I and II - Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 33-42
- General Area Requirements or electives Credits: 8-14
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
or
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Laboratory and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics - Credits: 9
- BIOL 2100, 2200 - Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Cell Biology & Genetics and Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Organismal & Evolutionary Biology - Credits: 8
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 1429, 2419 General Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
(PHYS 2030, 2040 or 2630, 2640 may be taken as the laboratory)
Third Year - Credits: 30-37
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 12-18
- BIOL 3000 - Cell Biology - Credits: 3
or
- BIOL 3010 – Genetics and Molecular Biology - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3721 – Analytical Chemistry Laboratory - Credits: 4
or
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry - Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics - Credits: 6
- CHEM 4410, 4420 - Biological Chemistry I and II - Credits: 6
Fourth Year - Credits: 21-36
- General Area Requirements or 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 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Specialization in Chemical Physics is a professional degree that can be approved by the American Chemical Society (if specific requirements are satisfied) and is designed to prepare the student for a career in chemistry.
This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. General Area Requirements or electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc). Candidates for degrees must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
First Year - Credits: 33-40
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421- Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- 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: 29-42
- General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 6-12
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
or
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Laboratory and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics - Credits: 9
- MATH 2310 - Calculus III - Credits: 4
or
- MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
or
- APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- PHYS 2610, 2620 – Introductory Physics III and Modern Physics - Credits: 8
- PHYS 2630, 2640 – Elementary Laboratory I and II – Credits: 6
or
- PHYS 2030, 2040 - Basic Physics Laboratory I and II - Credits: 2
Third Year - Credits: 30-34
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 9-12
- CHEM 3721 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory - Credits: 4
or
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry - Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811, 3821 - Physical Chemistry I Laboratory and Physical Chemistry II Laboratory - Credits: 6
- Two approved PHYS electives - Credits: 6
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-42
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 20-24
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 6*
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3*
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I - 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 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Specialization in Environmental Chemistry is a professional degree that can be approved by the American Chemical Society (if specific requirements are satisfied) and is designed to prepare the student for a career in chemistry.
This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. General Area Requirements and electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc). Candidates for degrees must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
First Year - Credits: 25-34
- General Area Requirements or electives Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- 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
or
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I and II - Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 31-37
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 6-9
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
or
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Laboratory and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics - Credits: 9
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 1429, 2419 – General Physics I and II and Laboratories – (PHYS 2030, 2040 or 2630, 2640 may be taken as the lab) - Credits: 8
or
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 - Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
- 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, 3300/3301, and 3600/3601).
Third Year Credits: 27-31
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 12-15
- CHEM 3721 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory - Credits: 4
or
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry Thermodynamics - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811 – Physical Chemistry I Laboratory - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4090 - Analytical Chemistry - Credits: 3
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-39
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 12-21
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 – Undergraduate Research – Credits: 6*
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I - 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 4090).
*Required for ACS Certified degree only
Specialization in Materials Science
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Specialization in Materials Science is a professional degree that can be approved by the American Chemical Society (if specific requirements are satisfied) and is designed to prepare the student for a career in chemistry.
This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. General Area Requirements and electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc). Candidates for degrees must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
First Year - Credits: 30-37
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- 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: 29-42
- General Area Requirements or electives – Credits 6-12
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
or
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics - Credits: 9
- MATH 2310 - Calculus III - Credits: 4
or
- MATH 3250 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
or
- APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
- PHYS 1425, 2415 - General Physics I and II - Credits: 8
- PHYS 1429, 2419 - General Physics Lab I and II - Credits: 2
or
- PHYS 2030, 2040 - Basic Physics Laboratory I and II - Credits: 2
or
- PHYS 2630, 2640 – Elementary Physics Laboratory I and II - Credits: 6
Third Year - Credits: 28-34
- General Area Requirements or electives Credits: 12-15
- CHEM 3721 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory - Credits: 4
or
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 3
- CHEM 3410, 3420 – Physical Chemistry - Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry Thermodynamics – Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4090 - Analytical Chemistry - Credits: 3
- MSE 3050 - Phase Diagrams and Kinetics of Materials - Credits: 3
Fourth Year - Credits: 27-42
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 18-21
- CHEM 3951, 3961, 4951, and/or 4961 - Undergraduate Research - Credits: 6*
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I - 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
In addition, ENGR 2500 - Introduction to Nanoscience and Technology is highly recommended.
*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. For more information on the Curry School program and to carefully plan your course schedule in advance to make sure they fulfill all degree requirements (for both the Curry School and the College of Arts and Sciences), contact Cheryl Gittens at cbg6n@virginia.edu.
This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an advisor as early as possible. General Area Requirements and electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc). Candidates for degrees must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses, General Area Requirements, and electives. Student must also meet all other College degree requirements.
First Year - Credits: 25-34
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 11-14
- CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 - Introductory Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- 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
or
- MATH 1310, 1320 - Calculus I & II - Credits: 8
Second Year - Credits: 28-34
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 12-15
- CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 - Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 12
or
- CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics - Credits: 9
- BIOL 2100 - Introduction to Biology and Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics - Credits: 4
or
- BIOL 2200 - Introduction to Biology w/Laboratory: Organismal and Evolutionary Biology - Credits: 4
- 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: 27-30
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 13-15
- CHEM 4320 - Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 3
- CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I - Credits: 3
or
- BIOL 3030 - Biochemistry - Credits: 4
- PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 - Principles of Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
or
- PHYS 1425, 2415, 1429, 2419 – General Physics I and II and Laboratories - Credits: 8
(PHYS 2030, 2040, or 2630, 2640 may be taken as the laboratory)
Fourth Year - Credits: 30-34
- General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 18-21
- CHEM 3410, 3420 - Physical Chemistry-Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry Thermodynamics - Credits: 6
- CHEM 3811 - Physical Chemistry I Laboratory - Credits: 3
or
- CHEM 4411 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I - Credits: 4
- CHEM 4090 - 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 should 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, 1411, 1420, 1421, 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 or CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821, 2810, 2811, 28201; CHEM 3410 and one other chemistry course at the 3000-level or higher (except chemistry research courses). Students may use CHEM 3721 as the elective.
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