Program Information for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors

Chemistry and Biochemistry are among the more structured majors on campus, meaning that a significant number of courses must be taken (and passed) in a particular sequence. It is important that majors and prospective majors take the time to carefully plan out each semester leading up to graduation.

Linked below are sample plans for chemistry and biochemistry. These plans assume that the student begins his or her first year as a Chemistry or biochemistry major, but they can be adapted to other situations, such as students who declare later than their first year.

Sample plan leading to a degree in chemistry (pdf version)

Sample plan leading to a degree in biochemistry (pdf version)

Linked below are printable checksheets for the chemistry and biochemistry programs. The checksheets allow quick evaluation of one's progress toward completion of a chemistry or biochemistry major.

Biochemistry Major Checksheet

Chemistry Major Checksheet

 

American Chemical Society Certification

Chemistry and Biochemistry majors can complete programs that are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS).  Chemistry and Biochemistry degrees certified by the ACS are guaranteed to have a specified level of content and rigor as defined by the ACS as esential for high level training in the discipline. Majors completing the certification requirements will receive a certificate from the ACS indicating their degree is ACS certified. To be certified:

Chemistry majors, as part of their program, must complete BCHM 461 or BCHM 463 as one of their Upper Level Elective classes.

Biochemistry majors must complete CHEM 401 (Inorganic Chemistry) in addition to the rest of the major requirements.