"The job of science is to enable the inquiring mind to feel 
at home in a mysterious universe."
- Lewis Carroll Epstein, Reality Visualized

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The Undergraduate Degree Program
Requirements University Catalog  

The major in chemistry leads to a bachelor of science (BS) degree. The chemistry curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society.

The chemistry department strives to provide intellectual and professional training for students in the field of chemistry and in support of the American Chemical Society charter

"to encourage in the broadest and most liberal manner the advancement of chemistry in all its branches; the promotion of research in chemical science and industry, the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of chemists through high standards of education to promote scientific interests and inquiry..."

Chemistry is a foundation science for many professions. Graduates with degrees in chemistry find employment in such diverse areas as biotechnology, health sciences, agricultural and environmental fields, transportation industries, the semi-conductor industry, teaching and research. Consequently, the chemistry department provides students with a number of diverse program options to assure each student versatility and a sound education in the fundamental areas of modern chemistry. Options include Basic Chemistry, Chemistry with American Chemical Society (ACS) certification, Biochemistry, Chemistry combined with a complementary major discipline such as biology, physics or engineering (double major), Pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary or pre-pharmacy, or Chemistry with teacher certification.


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In addition to curricula for students who wish to pursue chemistry as a profession, programs can be designed for pre-professional areas including pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry and pre-veterinary medicine.

A core curriculum for the major exists and many options are open to students to combine other interests with a major in chemistry. For example, while medical schools do not mandate any particular major for entering students, biology and chemistry have been the leading majors of students entering medical school. The requirements for a pre-medicine/chemistry major are the same as for the chemistry major option.

Additionally, the student must complete specific courses required by the medical schools to which they are applying. It is recommended that pre-medical and other pre-professional students coordinate the program with the appropriate pre-professional adviser, as well as the chemistry adviser, to assure that specific course requirements are completed.

Students have many opportunities to participate in active research programs carried on by the faculty within the department. Upper-classmen may also participate in research at other universities and government laboratories, such as the Argonne National Laboratory, during the summer months.

The information provided within the Chemistry Web Pages is general in nature. Since university policy may change, readers should consult the  Colorado State University-Pueblo Catalog for definitive material on topics of interest.

Program Goals

bulletTo prepare graduates in the discipline of chemistry to become productive members of the profession whether they go on to industry, post-graduate education or other areas.
bulletTo prepare students in the verbal, written and quantitative skills that are prerequisite to advanced study or careers in chemistry.
bulletTo prepare students in the theoretical principals of chemistry as well as in the laboratory approach to problem solving.
bulletTo maintain approval of the chemistry curriculum as defined by the American Chemical Society, Committee on Professional Training.

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bullet To provide the opportunity for a variety of educational programs through the following options:
bulletBasic chemistry
bulletACS certified curriculum
bulletBiochemistry
bulletDouble major
bulletEngineering/chemistry
bulletChemistry/teacher certification
bulletChemistry minor
bulletForensic Science

Expected Student Outcomes

General Requirements

bulletStudents majoring or minoring in chemistry are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better in their chemistry courses. In addition, students majoring in chemistry must receive a grade of "C'" or better in all core chemistry courses.
bulletProficiency in physics, math and computer science is essential for understanding and applying chemical principles; therefore, graduates must complete approved math, physics and computer science courses with an overall GPA of 2.000 or better.
bulletThe ability to think across disciplines contributes significantly to the educational experience as well as the application of chemistry as a profession; therefore, graduates must successfully complete an approved minor or area of concentration such that the overall GPA is 2.000 or better.

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bulletTransfer students are required to earn a minimum of 20 semester credit hours in approved chemistry courses from CSU-Pueblo for graduation with a BS degree in chemistry. Transfer students wishing to minor in chemistry must earn a minimum of 10 of the 20 credit hours required at CSU-Pueblo.
bulletStudents will be required to successfully complete American Chemical Society exams in general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry and instrumental methods during the course of the chemistry degree curriculum.
bulletStudents will be required to take an exit examination during the senior year, covering the undergraduate chemistry curriculum.

 

Chemistry graduates are expected to:

bulletunderstand the concept of and be able to apply the scientific method to problem solution;
bulletunderstand classifications of chemical compounds, general reaction types and quantitative aspects of stoichiometry as applied to chemical reactions;
bulletapply basic knowledge of related fields such as mathematics and physics to problem solving, methods of analysis and use of numerical data in the chemical sciences;

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bulletdemonstrate a knowledge of basic laboratory skills, methods and equipment used in chemistry for observation and analysis of chemical systems;
bulletread, think and write critically and review current literature in the chemical sciences; and
bulletexhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories, concepts and skills necessary in the chemical sciences.

 

Specific Requirements for Undergraduates


The following common core is required for all of the chemistry options for the bachelor of science degree:

CHEM Courses

CHEM 121/L
CHEM 122/L
CHEM 221/L
CHEM 301/L
CHEM 302/L CHEM 317/L
CHEM 321
CHEM 322
CHEM 419/L
CHEM 493
TOTAL

Titles

General Chemistry/Lab I
General Chemistry /Lab II
Inorganic Chemistry /Lab
Organic Chemistry /Lab I
Organic Chemistry /Lab II
Quantitative Analysis/Lab
Physical Chemistry I
Physical Chemistry II
Instrumental Analysis/Lab

Credits

5
5
5
5
5
5
3
3
5
1
40

All options for the chemistry major also require completion of the following institutional and general education requirements:

Institutional and General Education

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of the Colorado State University-Pueblo Catalog.

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Pre-Professional and Option Emphases

Students ultimately seeking professional degrees such as Pharmacy, PharmD, MD, DVM, DO, DDS, and DC, may opt to complete a bachelors, or minor, in chemistry as preparation for future professional studies. A solid understanding of the chemistry and analysis of biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, etc. serves as an excellent foundation for professional programs in the health sciences. Selection of the Biochemistry or Double Major options is recommended for pre-professional students completing the BS in chemistry. Pre-professional students must work closely with academic advisors to ensure completion of specific curricular requirements needed for admission into specific professional programs.

Information on other major and minor track options for undergraduates may be viewed in the College of Science and Mathematics section of the Colorado State University-Pueblo Catalog.

 

Co-curricular Requirements

Students should experience co-curricular activities which enhance, broaden and reinforce the academic experience; therefore, the faculty support and encourage students to participate in science-related, as well as in general activities such as:
bulletscience or chemistry clubs
bulletstudent government
bulletscientific meetings, seminars, symposia, field trips, tours, etc.

Outcomes Assessment Methods

Assessment of chemistry majors occurs through examination of GPA in required courses. Majors are required to maintain a 2.000 GPA in major and minor courses as well as in other required courses.

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bulletStudents are required to complete American Chemical Society national standard exams in general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry during the course of the chemistry degree curriculum. Scores are compared to national averages to determine if students exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories and concepts necessary in the chemical sciences disciplinary areas.
bullet

Students are required to take an exit examination during the senior year. The ETS Major Field Examination, covers the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Scores are compared national averages to determine if to students exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories and concepts necessary in the chemical sciences overall.

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Chemistry Department, Colorado State University-Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO 81001
(719) 549-2574, chemdept@colostate-pueblo.edu