Overview

Chemistry is the “central discipline” of science programs such as science education, engineering, pharmacy, biology and all of health and medical sciences. The undergraduate (B.S.) Chemistry program at LAU provides students with a broad-based education, which includes exposure to the core areas of chemistry (analytical, physical, organic and inorganic), and recently emerging technologies in both a classroom setting and in the laboratory within the context of the liberal arts curriculum. The program encompasses the latest methodologies and applications in the study of chemistry and provides students with access to advanced instrumental techniques, particularly through the integration of information technology solutions for chemical applications.

While studying, students develop critical-thinking skills through problem-based learning as well as adequate oral and written communication skills for scientific information. Also, students will have the chance to acquire basic skills in research methodology, data analysis and interpretation through their coursework and the senior study project.

Ultimately, students will graduate as well-rounded individuals with a broad knowledge in the chemical field and hence will be well prepared for local, national and international job markets in the sectors of education, industry and health. Moreover, the program prepares students for postgraduate study in scientific fields such as chemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical sciences and medicine.

The chemistry B.S. (premed) program satisfies the premedical requirements and is thus suitable for students wishing to apply for the MCAT exam to gain admission into medical school.

Mission

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program parallels the mission of the university in commitment to academic excellence within the framework of the liberal arts tradition. The program is a top-notch chemical experience designed to challenge undergraduates intellectually, experimentally and interactively. The unique latitude inherent to the chemistry curriculum matures students into individuals prepared to embrace professional and ethical responsibilities.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the program shall be able to:

1. Apply the scientific knowledge acquired to solve problems associated with the various disciplines of chemistry;
2. Face challenges in their future academic or professional careers with the ethical and safety standards fostered throughout the program;
3. Critically assess and articulate chemical concepts coherently through oral and written discourse; and
4. Design and implement research methodologies using emerging technologies.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Interpret the knowledge studied in Analytical, Organic, Inorganic, Physical, and interdisciplinary topics;
2. Investigate theoretical principles through proficient application of laboratory techniques—at the bench, instrumental and modeling levels;
3. Relate the contribution of chemistry to the advancement of science and technology;
4. Show the ability to use computers in empirical and theoretical chemical applications and demonstrations;
5. Apply problem-solving skills through the scientific methods in literature survey, research design, and implementation of experimental plan, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation;
6. Evaluate critically scientific information;
7. Transmit chemical concepts to a diversified audience through effective written and oral presentations;
8. Apply good laboratory practice;
9. Develop an understanding of ethical and professional responsibility as a chemists and as members of society;
10. Value the importance of teamwork in performing a task collectively; and
11. Develop independent learning skills.

Admissions Requirements

To enter the major, students must meet the general university requirements.

Program Requirements

Students must complete 92 credits of the following requirements.

Chemistry Requirements

Complete all 34 credits of the following core courses:

• CHM201 / Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
• CHM202 / Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM203 / Qualitative Analysis (2 cr.)
• CHM204 / Quantitative Analysis (2 cr.)
• CHM311 / Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
• CHM313 / Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM312 / Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM314 / Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM330 / Physical Chemistry I (4 cr.)
• CHM332 / Physical Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM334 / Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2 cr.)
• CHM420 / Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
• CHM499 / Senior Study (3 cr.)

Elective Courses

Choose at least two of the following courses (minimum 6 credits):

• BCH301 / Introduction to Biochemistry (4 cr.)
• PHA312 / Medicinal Chemistry (I) (3 cr.)
• NUT312 / Food Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM340 / Environmental Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM401 / Instrumental Analysis (3 cr.)
• CHM402 / Chemistry of Materials (3 cr.)
• CHM403 / Polymer Science (3 cr.)
• CHM404 / Forensic Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM405 / Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.)

Elective Laboratory Course 

Minimum 2 credits; choose one of the following courses:

• CHM412 / Synthesis and Identification of Organic Compounds (2 cr.)
• CHM423 / Synthesis and Identification of Inorganic Compounds (2 cr.)
• CHM424 / Synthesis and Identification of Nanomaterials (2 cr.)
• CHM425 / Computational Chemistry (2 cr.)

Mathematics Requirements (6 credits):

• MTH201 / Calculus III (3 cr.)
• Choose one of the following (3 cr.):
  • MTH301 / Linear Algebra (3 cr.)
  • MTH303 / Numerical Methods (3 cr.)
  • MTH304 / Differential Equation (3 cr.)
  • MTH305 / Probability and Statistics (3 cr.)
  • STA205 / Biostatistics (3 cr.)

Physics Requirements (7 credits)

• PHY201 / Electricity and Magnetism (4 cr.)
• Choose one of the following (3 credits):
  • CIE200 / Statics (3 cr.)
  • PHY321 / Introduction to Modern Physics (3 cr.)
  • PHY301 / Classical Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)

Free Electives (6 credits)

Suggested Three-Year Plan

Year One

Fall (15 credits)

• CHM201 / Chemical principles (3 cr.)
• CHM203 / Qualitative Analysis (2 cr.)
• MTH201 / Calculus III (3 cr.)
• ENG— / (3 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)
• CSC201 / Computer Application (1 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

• CHM202 / Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
• CHM204 /Quantitative Analysis (2 cr.)
• PHY201 /Electricity & Magnetism (4 cr.)
• ENG— / (3 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)

Year Two

Fall (16 credits)

• CHM311 / Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
• CHM313 / Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM330 / Physical Chemistry I (4 cr.)
• PED2— / (1 cr.)
• HLT201 / Basic Health (1 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

• CHM312 / Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM314 / Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 cr.)
• CHM332 / Physical Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• CHM334 / Physical Chemistry Lab (2 cr.)
• PHY— / (3 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)

Year Three

Fall (16 credits)

• CHM420 / Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
• CHM— / Chemistry Elective (3 cr.)
• CHM499 / Senior Study Chemistry (3 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)
• Free Elective (3 cr.)

Spring (15 Cr)

• CHM— / Chemistry Elective (3 cr.)
• CHM— / Chemistry Lab Elective (2 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)
• LAC (3 cr.)
• Free Elective (3 cr.)
• ETH201 / Ethics and Moral Reasoning (1 cr.)