Additional Chemistry and Physics Catalog Information

Chemistry (CHEM) Undergraduate Programs

358 ROBERT H. WICK SCIENCE BUILDING/(320) 308-3031
www.stcloudstate.edu/chemistry

Programs at a Glance

Degree programs

  • BS – Biochemistry
  • BS – Chemistry –  ACS Approved; options in
    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Chemical Physics
    • Environmental Chemistry
  • BS –  Chemistry/General Science Education, Grades 5-12
  • BS –  Chemistry Education, Grades 9-12
  • Minor
    • Chemistry
    • Forensic Science

Program admission and performance requirements

Admission – Teacher Education

  • grades of “C” in ENGL 191 and CMST 192
  • 2.50 GPA or higher overall
  • completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours, with at least 12 semester hours in residence at SCSU
  • submission of scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test

Graduation – Teacher Education

  • 2.50 GPA or higher overall
  • more information in sections on Teacher Education and School of Education

University minimum requirements for bachelor’s degrees

  • 120 credits
  • 40 credits in Liberal Education
  • 45 credits in upper-division (300-400) courses
  • 30 credits in residence at SCSU
  • 2.00 GPA overall, in major, and in minor (departments may set higher standards)

(See this section and the section on the College of Science and Engineering for more information.)

Also see College of Science and Engineering description and requirements.

Chairperson: Lakshmaiah Sreerama
Faculty: Dvorak, Jeannot, Krystyniak, Leenay, Mahroof-Tahir, McKenna, Mechelke, Neu,Petitto, Ramakrishnan, Sreerama, Winter

Courses in chemistry are offered as part of the education of every college student and as preparation for (1) careers in chemical industries or in government, forensic and environmental laboratories, (2) graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry and related fields, (3) professional careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, medical technology, nursing, and allied health professions, (4) teaching in secondary schools. Students planning to major in chemistry are urged to consult with the chemistry faculty at the earliest possible time.

All students majoring in chemistry must successfully complete CHEM 391 and 491. Normally, students register for CHEM 391 in the spring semester of the junior year, and CHEM 491 in the spring semester of the senior year. The successful completion of CHEM 391 and 491 satisfies the Upper Division Writing Requirement (UDWR) for all chemistry majors, excluding Chemistry Teaching.

The Chemistry and Physics Department provides programs approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Those students who wish to be certified by the ACS must complete all required courses for the Chemistry ACS Approved Major, or one of the options. For further details, students should consult with the chemistry faculty.

Note: In the B.S. Biochemistry Major, additional credits must be taken at the 300-400 level to meet the upper division university requirement.

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry (74)

This degree is designed to provide a basic chemistry curriculum along with additional courses in biology. The degree is intended primarily for students interested in a career in biochemistry or admission to medical, veterinary, or other professional schools.

CHEM 210, 211, 310, 311, 350, 391, 420 or 482, 450, 480, 481, 491; MATH 211, 212; PHYS 231, 232; BIOL 151, 152, 262, 360 and one from either 362, 476 or 486.

Bachelor of Science - ACS Approved

The Chemistry ACS Approved Major and ACS Approved Options are designed for those individuals who wish to obtain a professional chemistry degree and who are interested in chemical industries, chemical professions or graduate study in chemistry and its related fields. The ACS approved majors include a senior-year capstone experience involving chemical information (CHEM 391), student-faculty collaborative research (CHEM 489) or a pre-approved internship experience (CHEM 444) and Senior Thesis, an oral and written presentation (CHEM 491).

Chemistry ACS Approved Major (72)
CHEM +210, 211, 310, 311, 350, 391, 420, 421, 422, 423, 430, 431, 450, 480, 489 (2x for 1 credit each) or 444 (2 Cr.), 491; MATH 221, 222; PHYS 234, 235; plus at least 3 credits of electives from the following: CHEM 440, 444, 452, 453, 460-469, 481, 489, 490. Completion of these courses satisfies the requirements for approval by the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry ACS Approved Major - Biochemistry Option (87)
CHEM +210, 211, 310, 311, 350, 391, 420, 421, 422, 423, 430, 450, 480, 481, 489 (2x for 1 credit each) or 444 (2 Cr.), 491; MATH 221, 222; PHYS 234, 235; BIOL 151, 152, 262, 360. Completion of these courses satisfies the requirements for approval by the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry ACS Approved Major - Chemical Physics Option (78)
CHEM +210, 211, 310, 311, 350, 391, 420, 421, 422, 423, 430, 431, 450, 480, 489 (2x for 1 credit each) or 444 (2 Cr.), 491; MATH 221, 222; PHYS 234, 235, 328, 329, 346. Completion of these courses satisfies the requirements for approval by the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry ACS Approved Major - Environmental Chemistry Option (78)
CHEM +210, 211, 310, 311, 350, 391, 420, 421, 422, 423, 430, 431, 440, 450, 480, 489 (2x for 1 credit each) or 444 (2 Cr.), 491; MATH 221, 222; PHYS 234, 235; EAS 220, 300. Completion of these courses satisfies the requirements for approval by the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry Minor (27-28)
CHEM +210, 211, 240 or 310, 241 or 311, 350; CHEM electives (7 Cr. of CHEM electives with at least 3 Cr. at 300-400 level).  Departmental approval is required.

Forensic Science Minor (25)
The minor in Forensic Science is developed jointly by the Chemistry, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice departments. The program is designed to strengthen the student’s scientific background while providing expertise in the application of science to law.

CHEM 207, 307, ANTH 447, CJS 489, PESS 248; Electives: At least 10 credits (300 and/or 400 level) taken with the approval of minor program advisor. These courses can be drawn from Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Chemistry and Biological Sciences that are closely related to forensic sciences (theory and practice).

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry/General Science Education, Grades 5-12 (64)

This program provides the background required by State of Minnesota science-content and science-education licensure standards for science teachers in grades 5-8 and chemistry teachers grades 9-12. All students interested in science teaching must complete both the 5-8 science teaching core and a 9-12 science content emphasis. MATH 211 should be taken instead of MATH 193 in the General Education core. Students considering this major are encouraged to contact the science education adviser in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at the earliest opportunity.  In addition to your science courses, all teaching licensure candidates must complete professional education courses, offered through the School of Education, as well as the Liberal Education Program. Please contact your adviser for a complete listing of all required courses.

5-8 Science Education Component (43)
ASTR 106; BIOL 151, 152; CHEM 210, 211; AHS 205; PHYS 231, 232; SCI 420, 430, 440

9-12 Chemistry Education Component (21)
CHEM 310, 311, 350, 420, 489 (1 cr.); MATH 212

 

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Education, Grades 9-12 (64)

This program provides the background required by State of Minnesota science-content and science-education licensure standards for chemistry teachers in grades 9-12. Students considering this major are encouraged to contact the science education adviser in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at the earliest opportunity.  In addition to your science courses, all teaching licensure candidates must complete professional education courses, offered through the School of Education, as well as the Liberal Education Program.  Please contact your adviser for a complete listing of all required courses.

CHEM 210, 211, 310, 311, 350, 420, 480, 489 (1 Cr.), MATH 212; PHYS 231, 232; SCI 420, 430, 440

Approved Chemistry Electives (300 or 400 level, approved by Chemistry adviser) (9 Cr.)