Academic Catalog 2019–2020

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Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Overview

The B.S in Chemistry at LAU provides students with a broad-based education that 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 and sciences 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.

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 B.S. in Chemistry 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 parallels the mission of the university in its commitment to academic excellence within the framework of the liberal arts tradition. In its design, the program challenges undergraduates intellectually, experimentally and interactively. The program nurtures students into individuals prepared to embrace professional and ethical responsibilities.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry 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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.S. in Chemistry, 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. critically evaluate 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 chemists and as members of society,
  10. value the importance of teamwork in performing a task collectively, and
  11. develop independent learning skills.

Curriculum

A total of 92 credits are required to graduate, distributed as follows:

  • Chemistry Core Requirements (34 credits)
  • Chemistry Elective Courses (6 credits)
  • Elective Laboratory Courses (2 credits)
  • Mathematics Requirements (6 credits)
  • Physics Requirements (7 credits)
  • LAS Requirements (31 credits)
  • Free Electives (6 credits)

Chemistry Core Requirements (34 credits)

  • 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.)
  • CHM312 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
  • CHM313 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 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 Project (3 cr.)

Chemistry Elective Courses (6 credits)

  • BCH301 Introduction to Biochemistry (4 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.)
  • NUT312 Food Chemistry (3 cr.)
  • PHA312 Medicinal Chemistry (I) (3 cr.)

Elective Laboratory Course (2 credits)

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

Mathematics Requirements (6 credits)

Students must take:

And choose one course (3 cr.) from:

  • MTH301 Linear Algebra (3 cr.)
  • MTH303 Numerical Methods (3 cr.)
  • MTH304 Differential Equation (3 cr.)
  • MTH305 Probability & Statistics (3 cr.)
  • STA205 Biostatistics (3 cr.)

Physics Requirements (7 credits)

Students must take:

  • PHY201 Electricity & Magnetism (4 cr.)

And choose one course (3 cr.) from:

  • CIE200 Statics (3 cr.)
  • PHY301 Classical Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
  • PHY321 Introduction to Modern Physics (3 cr.)

LAS Requirements (31 credits)

Free Electives (6 credits)

Recommended Study Plan

Year One

Fall (15 credits)

  • CHM201 Chemical principles (3 cr.)
  • CHM203 Qualitative Analysis (2 cr.)
  • MTH201 Calculus III (3 cr.)
  • CSC201 Computer Application (1 cr.)
  • ENGxxx (3 cr.)
  • LAS (3 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

  • CHM202 Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
  • CHM204 Quantitative Analysis (2 cr.)
  • PHY201 Electricity & Magnetism (4 cr.)
  • ENGxxx (3 cr.)
  • LAS (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.)
  • PED2xx Physical Education (1 cr.)
  • HLT201 Basic Health (1 cr.)
  • LAS (3 cr.)
  • MTH Elective (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.)
  • PHYxxx Elective (3 cr.)
  • LAS (3 cr.)

Year Three

Fall (16 credits)

  • CHM420 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
  • CHMxxx Chemistry Elective (3 cr.)
  • CHM499 Senior Study Chemistry (3 cr.)
  • LAS (3 cr.)
  • Free Elective (3 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

  • CHMxxx Chemistry Elective (3 cr.)
  • CHMxxx Chemistry Lab Elective (2 cr.)
  • ETH201 Ethics & Moral Reasoning (1 cr.)
  • LAS (3 cr.)
  • LAS (3 cr.)
  • Free Elective (3 cr.)