Chemistry Major

A student who is majoring in chemistry at Saint Joseph’s University is introduced to all of the major sub-disciplines: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. An important objective of the program is to develop in students the ability to solve problems by employing the techniques of the various sub-disciplines of chemistry.

Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on chemistry as a laboratory science. Consequently, a student majoring in chemistry learns not only the basic theories of chemistry, but also how to use experimental techniques to solve chemical problems.

Students hone their experimental skills through hands-on experience on modern research-grade instrumentation in our laboratory courses taught by faculty. In addition, chemistry majors are able to engage in faculty-directed independent research projects in the traditional sub-disciplines of chemistry and environmental chemistry during the academic year and/or in the summer. Students often have the opportunity to present the results of their research at local, regional, and national scientific meetings as well as co-author publications with graduate students and faculty. The curriculum for the chemistry major is designed to prepare students for continuing their educations in graduate and professional schools such as medicine, law, or business as well as employment in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and government laboratories.

Goal 1: Students will know how to apply scientific reasoning and inquiry to investigate and analyze ideas, phenomena, or experimental data within the field of chemistry.

Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to generate a testable hypothesis about an observed phenomenon or idea presented within the field of chemistry.

Outcome 1.2: Students will be able to test hypothesis through reason, models, and experimentation by the manipulation of variables and making measurements to support or refute the hypothesis.

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate how to effectively obtain and provide chemical knowledge through reading, writing, and oral presentation.

Outcome 2.1: Students will be able to define, describe, and explain the key concepts of chemistry.

Outcome 2.2: Students will be able to present results from chemical investigations and the chemical literature in writing and/or orally.

The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas¹:

Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
Ethics Intensive
Writing Intensive, and
Diversity

¹: Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements

General Education Signature Courses

See this page about Signature courses.

General Education Variable Courses

See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Mathematics
MAT 161	Calculus I	4
Natural Science
CHM 120 & 120L	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I	3-4
or CHM 121	General Chemistry Honors I

General Education Overlays

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Mathematics
MAT 162	Calculus II	4
Physics
PHY 105 & PHY 106	University Physics I and University Physics II	6
PHY 105L & PHY 106L	University Physics Lab I and University Physics Lab II	2

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Foundation Course Requirements
CHM 118	Chemical Sciences Orientation	1
CHM 125 & CHM 215L	General Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II	3-4
or CHM 126	General Chemistry Honors II
CHM 204	Literature of Chemistry	1
CHM 210 & 210L	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I	4
CHM 215 & 215L	Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II	4
CHM 300	Discussions in Chemistry	1
CHM 310 & 310L	Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry Lab I	5
CHM 315 & 315L	Physical Chemistry II and Physical Chemistry Lab II	5
CHM 330 & 330L	Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab	5
CHM 340 & 340L	Biochemistry and Biochemistry Lab	5
CHM 350 & 350L	Inorganic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry Lab	5
CHM 360	Nanochemistry	3
CHM 361 & 361L	Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laborator	4
CHM 402	Seminar in Chemistry II	1
In-Depth Course Requirements
Select one from the following:		3
CHM 400	Chemistry of the Earth
CHM 410	Biophysical Chemistry
CHM 420	Atmospheric Environmental Chem
CHM 430	Mechanisms in Organic Chem
CHM 435	Tech Applications of Chemistry
CHM 440	Organometallic Chemistry
CHM 460	Aqueous Environmental Chem
CHM 480	Inorganic Biochemistry
CHM 490	Spectroscopy
Total Hours		50-51

Enrollment in CHM 390 , is required each semester for junior and senior chemistry majors. In order to fulfill the requirements for an ACS certified degree, students must also take CHM 493 and CHM 494 .

Free Electives

Any eleven courses

Requirements for the BA in Chemistry In order to become certified to teach at the secondary education level (grades 7-12), students must complete a total of five Education and three Special Education courses, as well as student teaching. For further details, see the Teacher Education section of the catalog. Students interested in the dual major program should speak to their academic advisors and to Chair of the Department of Chemistry as early in their academic careers as possible.

Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
Ethics Intensive
Writing Intensive, and
Diversity

¹: Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements