Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2006-2007 
    
Undergraduate Record 2006-2007 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Chemistry


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Requirements for Major


Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry


The normal program for a conventional 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 122 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) that are professional degrees accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and designed to prepare the student for a career in chemistry. In addition, the department offers the Chemical Physics, Environmental Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Education (available only to students enrolled in the Curry School of Education).

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.

Recommended ACS Certified B.S. in Chemistry


This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. Students who have taken CHEM 141, 142, 141L, 142L and wish to obtain a B.S. should complete CHEM 222. CHEM 222 may not be taken for credit by students who complete CHEM 181, 282, 181L, 282L. 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 201. German or Russian are recommended but not required. If this requirement is satisfied in less than three semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.
  • Approved electives Credits: 0-3
  • Approved electives Credits: 0-3

Second Year - Credits: 34


  • Language  Credits: 3
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 201. German or Russian are recommended but not required. 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.

Third Year - Credits: 30-33


  • Approved electives Credits: 10-13 
    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

Fourth Year - Credits: 30


The fourth-year program is adaptable to individual student interests in that there are no specific required courses. Students may choose from any 400 or greater level course in physical, organic, inorganic, analytical, or biological chemistry.

  • CHEM ___  Approved elective (above 400) Credits: 3
  • 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.

Specialization in Biochemistry


The department offers an opportunity for students to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Specialization in Biochemistry. Candidates for the degree must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses and approved electives.

Recommended ACS Certified B.S. in Chemistry with Specialization in Biochemistry


This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. Students who have taken CHEM 141, 142, 141L, 142L and wish to obtain a B.S. should complete CHEM 222. CHEM 222 may not be taken for credit by students who complete CHEM 181, 282, 181L, 282L. 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. German or Russian are recommended but not required. 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.

Second Year - Credits: 30


  • Language Credits: 6
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. German or Russian are recommended but not required. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.
  • 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: 30


  • 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.

Fourth Year - Credits: 30


  • Approved electives Credits: 15 
    Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an advisor; they must include courses that meet other College requirements.

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. Candidates for the degree must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.000, a minimum of 120 credits of required courses and approved electives.

B.S. in Chemistry with Specialization in Chemical Physics


This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. Students who have taken CHEM 141, 142, 141L, 142L and wish to obtain the B.S. should complete CHEM 222. 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. German or Russian are recommended but not required. 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.

Second Year - Credits: 30


  • Language Credits: 6
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. German or Russian are recommended but not required. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

Third Year - Credits: 30


  • 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.

Fourth Year - Credits: 30


  • 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.

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


This table shows the normal sequence of required courses. Students who have taken CHEM 141, 142, 141L, 142L and wish to obtain a B.S. should complete CHEM 222. CHEM 222 may not be taken for credit by students who complete CHEM 181, 282, 181L, 282L. 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. German or Russian are recommended but not required. 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.

Second Year - Credits: 30


  • Language Credits: 6
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. German or Russian are recommended but not required. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.
  • 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: 30


Two of the following courses:

  • Approved electives Credits: 13

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. Candidates for the degree must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.0, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses and approved electives.

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


First Year - Credits: 31-34


  • Language Credits: 8
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. German or Russian are recommended but not required. 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.

Second Year - Credits: 32


  • Language Credits: 6
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. German or Russian are recommended but not required. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.
  • 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.

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. By taking EVSC 485 and two upper-level EVSC courses as electives, a student qualifies for a minor in environmental sciences.
  • 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.

Specialization in Materials


The department offers an opportunity for a student to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Specialization in Materials. Candidates for the degree must complete, with a grade point average of at least 2.0, a minimum of 120 credits composed of required courses and approved electives.

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. German or Russian are recommended but not required. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.
  • MSE 102 - Intro to Science Materials Credits: 3

Second Year - Credits: 34


  • Language Credits: 6
    Students are required to complete the equivalent of Language 202. German or Russian are recommended but not required. If this requirement is satisfied in less than four semesters, the student may elect other language courses or a different subject.

Third Year - Credits: 30


  • 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.

Fourth Year - Credits: 30


  • MSE ___
    or
  • CHEM ___ Elective 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.

Distinguished Majors Program


Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.400 or higher after five semesters may apply for the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP). Applications and inquiries must be made to the Undergraduate Programs Committee 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 Committee 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). CHEM 222 may be presented as the elective course if CHEM 142 is included in the program.

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 degree.

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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