2014-2015 University Catalog 
  
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2014-2015 University Catalog

Chemistry, BS

Banner Code:  SC-BS-CHEM

This program is approved by the American Chemical Society; on completion, students are certified to the society. Students planning professional careers in chemistry should choose this degree.

In addition to satisfying all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core , students majoring in chemistry must complete the chemistry program requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.30 and present no more than two courses with a grade of D (1.00) in CHEM coursework at graduation. Through the course work below, chemistry majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.

CHEM 336  or CHEM 465  fulfills the writing intensive requirement for students majoring in chemistry.

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s degree program in chemistry  or curriculum and instruction (SECC concentration) .  See listing for specific requirements.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Science .

Degree Requirements

Students who do not select an optional concentration complete the curriculum requirements listed below.

44 credits of chemistry

6 credits of in-depth electives chosen from:

1-3 credits from the following:

11 credits of math

8 credits of physics

▲ Concentration in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (AEC)

Students planning professional careers in an industry involving chemical measurements, careers with a chemistry emphasis in the environmental science, or those seeking graduate study in analytical or environmental chemistry should choose this program. This concentration meets the requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

In addition to satisfying the Mason Core  requirements for the BS degree, students majoring in chemistry with a concentration in analytical and environmental chemistry must complete the chemistry program requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.30 and present no more than two courses with a grade of D (1.00) in CHEM coursework at graduation. Through the coursework below, chemistry majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.

52 credits of chemistry

8 credits of physics

11 credits of math

7-8 credits of supporting science electives from one of three options

▲ Concentration in Biochemistry (BC)

Students planning professional careers in biochemistry, the pharmaceutical industry, medicine, biotechnology, or related fields with a chemistry emphasis should choose this program instead of the traditional BS in chemistry. This concentration provides students with a focus on biochemistry while retaining a strong chemistry foundation. Students are allowed to tailor the concentration to their interests with 9 credits of electives.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core . In addition, students majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry must complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.30. No more than two courses with a grade of D (1.00) in CHEM coursework may be applied to the major. Through the course work below, students satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.

39 credits of chemistry courses

8 credits of math

8 credits of physics

8 credits of biology

Approved Science Electives

  • 9 credits of approved science electives chosen from chemistry or biology courses at 302 or above. Courses from other disciplines may be submitted as electives, subject to approval of the coordinator.

▲ Concentration in Chemistry Education (CHME)

Those interested in teaching high school chemistry should choose this concentration. This concentration is approved by the American Chemical Society and leads to state licensure to teach in Virginia upon completion of the degree.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core . In addition, students with a concentration in chemistry education must present the following:

38 credits of chemistry courses

11 credits of math

8 credits of physics

8 credits of other general science

Teacher Licensure Requirement (21 credits)

Notes:

The course work above satisfies the Mason Core requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.

During the second year, students should contact the Graduate School of Education to arrange to attend an information session and prepare to take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test.

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits