Chemistry Major with ACS Certification
The chemistry major with ACS certification requires a minimum of 10.5 units in chemistry and is endorsed by the committee on professional training of the American Chemical Society (ACS); satisfactory completion of this course of study entitles the student to certification by the society. Those contemplating graduate study in chemistry or careers in industrial research are encouraged to opt for this plan.
The ACS-certified degree requires:
- General Chemistry (CHEM 103 & 104)
- Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 205)
- Organic Chemistry (CHEM 221 or 223 & 222 or 224)
- Quantum Chemistry (CHEM 341)
- Thermodynamics and Kinetics (CHEM 342)
- Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 303)
- Senior project. The senior project must involve original research (CHEM 489 and CHEM 490)
- Biochemistry one of the following: Biochemistry (CHEM 309), Biochemistry Research Methods (CHEM 394), Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Substances (CHEM 324)
- 1 other in-depth course in either: Advanced Organic Chemistry I and II (CHEM 351, CHEM 354), Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 452), Environmental Chemistry (CHEM 306), Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Substances (CHEM 324), Advanced Biochemistry (CHEM 415)
- 4 Advanced laboratory courses
Two from Physical chemistry lab (CHEM 353), Advanced Inorganic Chemistry lab (CHEM 451), Biochemistry Research Methods (CHEM 394)
Two additional laboratory courses from those listed above, or Advanced Organic Chemistry I and II (CHEM 351, CHEM 354), Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 452), Environmental Chemistry (CHEM 306)
Choice courses can double count.
Two semesters each of calculus (Math 135, 136) and physics (calculus-based Physics 151,152) are also required.
Note that to fulfill prerequisites for moving from Chemistry 103 to 104 a grade of 1.75 is required. To advance from Chemistry 104 to 223 and 205, from 223 to 224 and from 224 to 309 requires a grade of 2.0 or higher.
Sample Course Schedule for Chemistry Major with ACS Certifcation