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

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Chemical knowledge

• (a) Graduates will possess a broad spectrum of factual chemical knowledge concerning naming and chemical and physical properties of substances.
• (b) Graduates will possess 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.
• (c) Graduates will possess a thorough knowledge of the subfields of chemistry, including analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
• (d) Graduates will possess cognitive skills in areas such as mathematics and physics to facilitate the understanding and manipulation of fundamental chemical theories.

2. Quantitative reasoning skills

• (a) Graduates will possess an understanding of and the ability to apply the scientific method (formulating hypotheses and arriving at logically supported answers and conclusions).
• (b) Graduates will have a practical understanding of applied mathematics, including algebra, geometry, differential and integral calculus, and topics in differential equations, matrix theory, and probability theory.
• (c) Graduates will possess the ability to competently solve problems including the concepts of extrapolation, approximation, precision, accuracy, rational estimation, and statistical validity.
• (d) Graduates will possess the ability to evaluate and interpret chemical, numerical, and general scientific information.

3. Experimental skills

• (a) Graduates will possess the ability to perform accurate quantitative measurements, interpret experimental results, perform calculations on these results and draw appropriate and accurate conclusions.
• (b) Graduates will possess the ability to synthesize, separate, and characterize compounds using published methods, safe laboratory protocols, standard laboratory equipment, and modern instrumentation.
• (c) Graduates will possess an understanding of the theory and use of modern chemical instrumentation.
• (d) Graduates will be able to design and perform effective laboratory experiments, to gather and analyze data, and to test hypotheses.

4. Communication and information skills

• (a) Graduates will be proficient in the oral and written communication of their scientific work and ideas.
• (b) Graduates will possess the ability to make effective use of information resources, including (i) finding chemical information utilizing the primary literature, both in a traditional library and in electronic indexes and journals, (ii) critically evaluating chemical information, (iii) finding and evaluating chemical information utilizing secondary sources such as electronic databases.
• (c) Graduates will be proficient in the use of computers, modern computer software, and computer-based information systems, including (i) using a computer as a tool in technical writing, drawing chemical structures, and presenting data to effectively communicate scientific information, (ii) having a familiarity with the application of computational chemistry in the modeling and simulation of chemical phenomena, and (iii) having an appreciation of the applications of computers in data acquisition and processing.
• (d) Graduates will have a thorough understanding and appreciation of scientific and academic ethics, including such issues as avoidance of plagiarism, responsibility for scientific accuracy, documentation of experimental results, and protection of intellectual property.

5. Professional and career success

• (a) Graduates will be successful in their professional careers as demonstrated by their abilities to solve important chemistry problems, to solve problems in areas different from their training, and to develop new and valuable ideas.
• (b) Graduates will be able to work in a variety of professional environments as demonstrated by the abilities to work both in teams and independently, to provide project leadership, to mentor junior co-workers, and to communicate scientific results effectively to the chemistry community and the public.
• (c) Graduates will possess professional character as demonstrated by their ethical behavior, their pursuit of continuing education and involvement in professional associations, and their commitment to safety and protection of the environment.

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  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.

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.

III. Additional Requirements (0 units)

IV. Major Requirements (71 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.