Chemistry

Return to: College of Science

213 Chemistry Building
(775) 784-6041

The department offers courses leading to the degrees of bachelor of science, master of science, and doctor of philosophy.

Undergraduate Chemistry Programs

Chemistry majors complete courses providing a solid background in the physical sciences and mathematics, together with a sequence of courses in general, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Lecture classes are complemented by laboratories that give hands-on experience in chemical methods and instrumentation. The department also strongly encourages undergraduate students to become involved in laboratory research under the supervision of a faculty member. Undergraduate research is an outstanding learning opportunity that cannot be found in class work alone.

Three bachelor’s degree programs are available for undergraduate students majoring in chemistry. The bachelor of science in chemistry degree is offered with the professional chemistry specialization (BS-CHP) and the environmental chemistry specialization (BS-CEC). Both specializations provide rigorous training in experimental and theoretical chemistry, and include undergraduate research and specialized courses chosen according to the student`s interests. The professional chemistry specialization is designed for students who are interested in a career as a chemist in industry or government, or in graduate school in chemistry or related areas. The environmental chemistry specialization is recommended for students interested in employment as an environmental chemist or in graduate study in environmental science. The third program, a regular bachelor of science degree with a field of concentration (major) in chemistry (BS-CH), has a more flexible curriculum that provides basic training for careers in chemistry or other areas, such as health sciences or teaching. Majors planning to pursue medicine, dentistry, or other health professions are advised to take life sciences courses as electives. Those seeking employment as chemists should take recommended upper-division courses as electives. A minor in chemistry is also offered for students majoring in other fields.

The bachelor of science in chemistry degree has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as satisfying rigorous national standards. The environmental chemistry specialization also satisfies the extra ACS requirements for environmental chemistry. To obtain ACS certification of their degrees, students completing the bachelor of science in chemistry with the professional chemistry specialization or the environmental chemistry option must take Introductory Biochemistry ( BCH 400  ) as one of their chemical science electives. Contact a departmental advisor for information about current requirements for certification.

Graduate Programs in Chemistry

The chemistry department offers graduate programs leading to the master of science in chemistry and the doctor of philosophy in chemistry. Two Master of Science degree plans are available. Plan A includes a thesis on original research; Plan B includes a professional paper but no thesis. A Ph.D. degree in chemical physics is also offered (see the Interdisciplinary section of this catalog). Students wishing to pursue one of these degrees should read the Graduate School section of this catalog and obtain the Graduate Studies in Chemistry and Chemical Physics brochure from the department.

As part of the graduate degree, the student is expected to pursue a program of original research under the direction of a faculty advisor. Research study emphases in the department include: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, chemical physics, physical organic chemistry, bio-organic chemistry, bio-inorganic chemistry, and organometallic chemistry. The student’s research program culminates in the writing of a thesis or dissertation.

The program of study is planned in consultation with the faculty advisor and is subject to approval by the student’s advisory committee. Depending on research area, the committee in some instances may require coursework in related fields outside the chemistry department. Detailed requirements are specified in the department’s Graduate Study Guidelines.

Return to: College of Science