Chemistry, BA

Chair:

James Kallmerten, (interim chair), 1-014 Center for Science and Technology, 315-443-4109, Jkallmer@syr.edu

Faculty

Philip N. Borer, Mark S. Braiman, Carlos Castaneda, Joseph Chaiken, Arindam Chakraborty, John D. Chisholm, Daniel Clark, James C. Dabrowiak, Robert P. Doyle, Jerry Goodisman, James Hougland, Bruce S. Hudson, Tara Kahan, James Kallmerten, Ivan V. Korendovych, Timothy M. Korter, Yan-Yeung Luk, Mathew M. Maye, Karin Ruhlandt, James T. Spencer, Michael B. Sponsler, Nancy I. Totah, Jon Zubieta

Chemistry, the science concerned with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic, elemental, and molecular systems, is taught through courses in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and through direct participation in original research.

Undergraduate majors in chemistry may elect one of three programs, two leading to a B.A. degree, with an emphasis in either chemistry or biological chemistry, and one to the B.S. degree. Either B.A. degree program requires fewer credits in chemistry than the B.S. option, and yet provides a foundation in the discipline adequate for either immediate professional engagements or for graduate studies. Students studying for a B.S. degree in chemistry gain a more extensive background as they fulfill a broader range of requirements; they must file a petition with the department chair indicating their intent to secure the B.S. degree before it can be awarded.

Students interested in a B.S. degree in biochemistry should see the biochemistry section here .

For information about certification to teach chemistry at the secondary school level, see Education/Arts and Sciences (dual program) in this section of the catalog.

B.A. Degree Requirements

(Chemistry Track)

Requirements include 36 credits in chemistry core courses, 32 of which are taken in specific courses. Each student’s course of study includes the following:

Group 2

At least 4 credits chosen from

CHE 411 - Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 422 - Inorganic Laboratory Technique
CHE 427 - Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
CHE 436 - Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHE 467
CHE 546 - Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure
CHE 575 - Organic Spectroscopy
selected graduate courses with the instructor’s approval

Group 3

One year of calculus and physics

Additional Information

Students are encouraged to gain some research experience by enrolling in CHE 450 , which may be substituted for a 3-credit course listed in (2) above by petitioning the department.

(Biological Chemistry Track)

Requirements include 21 credits from chemistry core courses, 6 credits from the list, (2) below, of approved biology/biochemistry core courses, and 9 additional credits from an approved list for a total of 36 required credits. Each student’s course of study must include the following:

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

At least 9 credits chosen from

CHE 335 - Chemical and Biochemical Analysis with Laboratory
CHE 411 - Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 412 - Metals in Medicine
CHE 422 - Inorganic Laboratory Technique
CHE 427 - Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
CHE 436 - Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHE 467
CHE 546 - Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure
CHE 575 - Organic Spectroscopy
CHE 444 - Forensic Chemical Analysis
selected graduate courses with the instructor’s approval

Group 4

One year of calculus and physics

Additional Information

Students are strongly encouraged to take BIO 326 - Genetics and BIO 327 - Cell Biology . Students are also encouraged to take BIO 465 - Molecular Biology Laboratory .

Students may also gain some research experience by enrolling in CHE 450 , which may be substituted for a 3-credit course listed in (3) above, by petitioning the department.

Degree with Distinction

Distinction in Chemistry is awarded by the chemistry department upon completion of the chemistry major and a high-quality chemistry thesis. The thesis will be evaluated and judged by a committee consisting of the research advisor and two other chemistry faculty members. Other requirements include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 by the end of the senior year, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in chemistry department courses. See Professor Totah for additional requirements.