Chemistry, B.A.

Return to: College of Arts & Sciences: Degree Programs

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.).

Universal Curriculum Requirements

To be awarded a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete universal curriculum requirements in addition to the program requirements provided below. The school universal curriculum requirements can be found on the school Degree Programs page .

Grade Standards

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: 24-34

General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 05-20

Each of the Following:
CHEM 1410 - Introductory College Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHEM 1411 - Introductory College Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 1
CHEM 1420 - Introductory College Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHEM 1421 - Introductory College Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 1
OR
CHEM 1810 - Principles of Chemical Structure (Accelerated) Credits: 3
CHEM 1811 - Principles of Chemical Structure Laboratory (Accelerated) Credits: 2
CHEM 1820 - Principles of Organic Chemistry (Accelerated) Credits: 3
CHEM 1821 - Principles of Organic Chemistry Laboratory (Accelerated) Credits: 3
Each of the Following:
MATH 1210 - A survey of Calculus I Credits: 3
MATH 1220 - A Survey of Calculus II Credits: 3
OR
MATH 1310 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MATH 1320 - Calculus II Credits: 4

Second Year - Credits: 24-34

General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 4-17

Each of the Following:
CHEM 2410 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHEM 2411 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 3
CHEM 2420 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHEM 2421 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 3
OR
CHEM 2810 - Principles of Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHEM 2811 - Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory (Accelerated) Credits: 3
CHEM 2820 - Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics (Accelerated) Credits: 3
Each of the Following:
PHYS 1425 - Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers Credits: 3
PHYS 2415 - Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers Credits: 3
PHYS 1429 - Introductory Physics 1 Workshop Credits: 1
PHYS 2419 - Introductory Physics 2 Workshop Credits: 1
OR
PHYS 2010 - Principles of Physics 1 for Pre-Health Students Credits: 3
PHYS 2020 - Principles of Physics 2 for Pre-Health Students Credits: 3
PHYS 2030 - Principles of Physics 1 Workshop Credits: 1
PHYS 2040 - Principles of Physics 2 Workshop Credits: 1

Third Year - Credits: 24-34

General Area Requirements or electives - Credits: 12-22

Each of the Following:
CHEM 3410 - Physical Chemistry - Quantum Theory Credits: 3
CHEM 3420 - Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics Credits: 3
CHEM 3811 - Physical Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 3
CHEM 3821 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 3

Fourth Year - Credits: 3-34

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: 0-31
CHEM Elective – 4000-level or higher, excluding laboratory research courses - Credits: 3

Distinguished Majors Program

Students may apply for the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) anytime but no later than January 15th of their graduating year. Applications and inquiries should be made to the Undergraduate Programs Coordinator prior to the beginning of the seventh semester. The DMP consists of a cumulative GPA of 3.400 or higher by the time the student graduates, along with 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://chemistry.as.virginia.edu/distinguished-majors-program

Additional Information

Students are responsible for breakage charges.

For more information, contact the Director of Undergraduate Programs, Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Building, P.O. Box 400319, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4319; (434) 924-3344; http://chemistry.as.virginia.edu/ (departmental information) or http://chemistry.as.virginia.edu/undergraduate