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

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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 General Emphasis major program in chemistry provides strong training for careers in chemistry and flexibility to pursue other areas, such as allied health sciences or K-12 teaching.

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

ENG 101 - Composition I (3 units)
ENG 102 - Composition II (3 units) CO1, CO3
NOTE: See the Core Curriculum section for information on CO1&3 placement. Students who place in ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101.

B. Quantitative Reasoning (4 units) - CO2

MATH 181 - Calculus I (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

CHEM 201 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers I (4 units) CO4L
CHEM 202 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers II (4 units) CO4L
NOTE: CHEM 121 or CHEM 121A /CHEM 121L and CHEM 122 or CHEM 122A /CHEM 122L are acceptable.

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 (15 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.