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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Chemistry, BS


Banner Code:  SC-BS-CHEM

College: College of Science  
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry  

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

This program is approved by the American Chemical Society; upon 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

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

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the Chemistry, BS/Chemistry, Accelerated MS  or the Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Chemistry Concentration) .

Degree Requirements


BS without Concentration


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

Without Concentration Total: 70-72 credits


▲ 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.

Supporting Science Electives (7-8 credits)


Choose from one of the following options:

Option Three

AEC Concentration Total: 78-79 credits


▲ 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 Chemistry, BS  without a concentration. 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 science electives.

Approved Science Electives (9 credits)


  • 9 credits of approved science electives chosen from CHEM or BIOL courses numbered 302-499. Other science or math courses may be approved as electives, subject to prior approval of the coordinator.

BC Concentration Total: 72 credits


▲ Concentration in Chemistry Education (CHME)


Those interested in teaching high school chemistry should choose this concentration. Degree completion with this concentration will lead to state licensure to teach in Virginia.

Note

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

CHME Concentration Total: 86 credits


Mason Core and Elective Credits (34-50 credits)


In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core  requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

  • Without concentration: 48-50 credits
  • AEC concentration: 41-42 credits
  • BC concentration: 48 credits
  • CHME concentration: 34 credits

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits