University General Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
    Dec 13, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2024-2025

Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry Emphasis), B.S. in Chem.


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.

The Environmental Chemistry Emphasis provides rigorous training in experimental and theoretical chemistry, and includes undergraduate research and specialized courses chosen according to the student’s interests. This emphasis is recommended for students interested in employment as an environmental chemist or in graduate study in environmental science.

This emphasis has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as satisfying rigorous national standards for ACS certification.

Program Learning Outcomes


Students will be able to:

  • demonstrate a thorough knowledge of basic principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, and the chemical and physical properties of substances.
  • evaluate and interpret chemical, numerical, and general scientific information. (QR)
  • design and perform effective laboratory experiments to gather and analyze data and to test hypotheses. (CT)
  • communicate scientific work and ideas in oral and written formats. (C)

Contact Information


213 Chemistry Building
(775) 784-6041

College of Science Academic Advisors: https://www.unr.edu/science/student-resources/advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno


Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking Print degree planner icon at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement  if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements


  • Total Units | 120
  • Cumulative GPA | 2.0
  • University GPA | 2.0
  • Major GPA | 2.0
  • Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
  • Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
  • Upper-Division Requirement | 40 Upper-Division Units

I. Core General Education Requirements (27-30 units)


NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy  .”

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course description.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3


B. Quantitative Reasoning (4 units) - CO2


  • (4 units) CO2
  • NOTE: Students are expected to place into MATH 181 or higher. Students who do not place into MATH 181 may be required to take additional credits.  

C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (8 units) - CO4, CO4L


D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO6 courses .

E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7 courses .

F. History & Culture; Constitution (6 units) - CO5, CO8


Refer to the Core Curriculum   chapter in this catalog.

II. Additional Core Requirements (12 units maximum)


Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV).  Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

A. Science, Technology & Society - CO9


B. Diversity & Equity - CO10


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO10 courses .

C. Global Context - CO11


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO11 courses .

D. Ethics - CO12


E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13


F. Application - CO14


III. Additional Requirements (0 units)


IV. Major Requirements (71 units)


B. Required Related Courses (26 units)


C. Environmental Science Courses (6-7 units)


V. Minor Requirements (0 units)


VI. Electives (7-10 units)


One year of foreign language recommended.

VII. Recommended Schedule


Example for students seeking an ACS-certified degree with the Environmental Chemistry Specialization. Assumes placement into MATH 181  in first semester. Please see department advisor for individualized schedule.

Use the Planner in MyNEVADA to build a custom graduation plan. Review and adjust the plan in each academic advisement session.

A. First Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (15 units)


B. Second Year


C. Third Year


D. Fourth Year


Fall Semester-Odd Years (15-16 units)


Fall Semester-Even Years (15-16 units)