Chemistry and Biochemistry 2011-2012
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Location: 121 Chemistry Building, Phone: 409.880.8267
Chair: Paul Bernazzani
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides an undergraduate program designed to train students as professional chemists, with American Chemical Society certification, qualified to obtain employment in industry, education, or to enter postgraduate programs in professional or academic areas. The department also provides service courses for sciences, engineering, pre-health sciences, pre-professional, education, and non-technical majors. The Master of Science program in Chemistry prepares students for advanced graduate studies or entry into industrial or educational positions.
The departmental mission is to:
- Ensure quality instruction as a primary focus.
- Provide a positive learning environment for students.
- Promote scholarship by mentoring students.
- Maintain a faculty of teacher scholars.
The Department offers programs leading to B.S. and B.A. degrees in Chemistry, the B.S. in Forensic Chemistry and the B.A. in Biochemistry. In addition, the department offers pre-professional programs to prepare students for entrance into various professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has active research programs in several areas including environmental chemistry biochemistry, surface chemistry, computational chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, transition metal coordination chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, organic reaction mechanisms. Undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in one or more of these programs.
Pre-Professional Programs
For details concerning pre-medicine, pre-dental and other pre-professional programs leading to professions in medicine, consult the College of Arts and Sciences section of this bulletin.
Teacher Certification
Students wishing to teach chemistry, or integrated chemistry and physics in Texas public schools should consult with the department chair for detailed information.
Degrees Offered
Chemistry & Biochemistry Degree Plans
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry -120 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Biochemistry option) -127 hrs
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry -121 hrs
Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry -121 hrs
Dual Degree Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry -146 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry -129 hrs
Minimum Math Requirements for Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1421: None CHEM 1375, CHEM 1406, CHEM 1408, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, CHEM 1460, CHEM 2411, CHEM 3401, CHEM 3331, CHEM 3411, CHEM 3412, CHEM 4411, CHEM 4412, CHEM 4481: Completion of MATH 1314 (College Algebra) with a grade of “C” or better. Or two years of high school algebra and one of the following: SAT math score of 500 or higher, ACT math score of 19 or higher, TASP math score of 270 or higher. CHEM 4131, CHEM 4132, CHEM 4311, CHEM 4312, CHEM 4341, CHEM 4461: Completion of MATH 2414 (Calculus and Analytical Geometry II) or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better.
Bachelor of Science – Chemistry Major* Total Min. Hours: 121
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry will be awarded upon completion of the following requirements.
- General Requirements: See core curriculum.
- Science and Mathematics:
BIOL 1406, 1407 or GEOL 1403, 1404
PHYS 2425, 2426, 3350
MATH 2413, 2414, 2415 - Chemistry:
CHEM 1411, 1412 General
CHEM 3331, 4341 Inorganic
CHEM 3411, 3412 Organic
CHEM 4411 Biochemistry
CHEM 3401, 4461 Analytical/Instrumental
CHEM 4311, 4312, 4131, 4132 Physical - Electives: Nine semester hours Advanced Chemistry electives.
CHEM 4271 Introduction to Research (pending approval)
CHEM 4381 Chemical Communications *American Chemical Society approved degree plan. A grade of “C” or better is required in core chemistry courses (CHEM 1411, 1412, 3401, 3331, 3411, 3412, 4311, 4312, 4341, 4411)
Bachelor of Science – Chemistry
| Year 1 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 4 CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I | 4 CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II |
| 4 BIOL 1406 General Biology or Geology I | 4 BIOL 1407 General Biology or Geology II |
| 3 ENGL 1301 Composition I | 3 ENGL 1302 Composition II |
| 4 MATH 2413 Calculus I | 4 MATH 2414 Calculus II |
| 3 POLS 2301 Political Science | 3 POLS 2302 Political Science |
| 18 hours | 18 hours |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 4 CHEM 3411 Organic Chemistry I | 4 CHEM 3412 Organic Chemistry II |
| 4 PHYS 2425 University Physics I | 4 PHYS 2426 University Physics II |
| 3 ENGL 23xx English Literature | 3 PHIL 1370 Philosophy of Knowledge |
| 3 HIST 1301 History | 3 HIST 1302 History |
| 3 FA Fine Arts Elective | 1 PA Physical Activity Elective |
| 17 hours | 15 hours |
| Year 3 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 3 CHEM 4311 Physical Chemistry I | 3 CHEM 4312 Physical Chemistry II |
| 1 CHEM 4131 Physical Chem. Laboratory I | 1 CHEM 4132 Physical Chem. Laboratory II |
| 4 CHEM 3401 Quantitative Analysis | 4 CHEM 4461 Instrumental Analysis |
| 2 CHEM 4271 Undergraduate Research | 3 SS Social Science Elective |
| 3 PHYS 3350 Modern Physics | 4 MATH 2415 Calculus III |
| 13 hours | 15 hours |
| Year 4 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 3 CHEM 3331 Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 CHEM 4341 Inorganic Chemistry II |
| 3 CHEM 4381 Scientific Communication | 3 COMM 3310/3340 Communications Elective |
| 4 CHEM 4411 Biochemistry I | 3 CHEM 4XXX Chemistry elective |
| 3 CHEM 4XXX Chemistry elective | 3 CHEM 4XXX Chemistry elective |
| 13 hours | 12 hours |
| Total: 121 |
Bachelor of Science – Chemistry (Biochemistry Option)* The degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Biochemistry will be awarded after the completion of the following requirements:
- General Requirements: See core curriculum.
- Science and Mathematics:
BIOL 1406, 1407, 2420
PHYS 1401, 1402, 3350
MATH 2413, 2414, 2415 - Chemistry:
CHEM 1411, 1412 General
CHEM 3401, 4461 Analytical/Instrumental
CHEM 3331, 4341 Inorganic
CHEM 3411, 3412 Organic
CHEM 4411, 4412 Biochemistry
CHEM 4311, 4312, 4131, 4132 Physical
CHEM 4271 Introduction to Research (pending approval)
CHEM 4381 Chemical Communications (pending approval)
4. Electives: semester hours of biology electives selected from BIOL 2476, 3440, 3470, 4405 and 6-8 hours of advanced chemistry/biology electives selected from CHEM 4351, 4371, 4471 and/or BIOL 3420, 3470, 4405.
Bachelor of Science – Chemistry – Total Min. Hours: 130 Biochemistry Option The following is a recommended program of study for completion of the degree plan in the minimum semester hours with the specified option. Additional requirements may be required for specialized areas, i.e. certain minor requirements, preparation for graduate school, certifications or licensures. Please see a program advisor or the department chair for details.
Bachelor of Arts – Chemistry Major
The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry will be awarded after the completion of the following requirements.
- General Requirements: See core curriculum, and general B.A. requirements
- Science and Mathematics:
BIOL 1406, 1407 or GEOL 1403, 1404
PHYS 1401, 1402
MATH 2376, 2377 - Chemistry
CHEM 1411, 1412 General
CHEM 3401 Analytical
CHEM 3331 Inorganic
CHEM 3411, 3412 Organic
CHEM 4311, 4131, Physical
CHEM 4271 Introduction to Research (pending approval)
CHEM 4381 Chemical Communications (pending approval)
- Chemistry Electives: Four hours of Advanced Chemistry electives.
- Electives and Minor 14 semester hours of electives. Complete degree must include a minor of at least 18 semester hours of which 6 semester hours must be in advanced courses.
Bachelor of Arts – Chemistry – Total Min. Hours: 122
Bachelor of Arts – Biochemistry Major Total Min. Hours: 121
The Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry will be awarded after the completion of the following requirements.
| Year 1 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 4 BIOL 1406 General Biology or Geology I | 4 BIOL 1407 General Biology or Geology II |
| 3 ENGL 1301 Composition I | 3 ENGL 1302 Composition II |
| 4 MATH 2413 Calculus I | 4 MATH 2414 Calculus II |
| 3 POLS 2301 Political Science | 3 POLS 2302 Political Science |
| 3 ____ 13___ language I | 3 ____ 13___ language II |
| 17 hours | 17 hours |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 4 CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I | 4 CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II |
| 4 PHYS 1401 College Physics I | 4 PHYS 1402 College Physics II |
| 3 ENGL 23xx English Literature | 3 PHIL 1370 Philosophy of Knowledge |
| 3 HIST 1301 History | 3 HIST 1302 History |
| 3 ____ 23___ language III | 3 ____ 23___ language IV |
| 17 hours | 17 hours |
| Year 3 | |
| Fall Spring | |
| 4 CHEM 3411 Organic Chemistry I | 4 CHEM 3412 Organic Chemistry II |
| 3 CHEM 4311 Physical Chemistry I | 4 _____ _____ Upper Science elective |
| 1 CHEM 4131 Physical Chem. Laboratory I | 3 FA Fine Arts Elective |
| 4 CHEM 3401 Quantitative Analysis | 3 SS Social Science Elective |
| 2 CHEM 4271 Undergraduate Research | 1 PA Physical Activity Elective |
| 14 hours | 15 hours |
| Year 4 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 3 CHEM 3331 Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 COMM 3310/3340 Communications Elective |
| 3 CHEM 4381 Scientific Communication | 2 CHEM 4XXX Chemistry elective |
| 3 CHEM 4XXX Chemistry elective | 3 CHEM 4XXX Chemistry elective |
| 4 _____ _____ Upper Science elective | 4 _____ _____ Upper Science elective |
| 13 hours | 12 hours |
| Total: 122 Hours |
- General Requirements: See core curriculum, and general B.A. requirements
- Science and Mathematics:
PHYS 1401, 1402
MATH 2413, 1342 - Biology Minor
BIOL 1406, 1407
BIOL 2420
BIOL 3470
BIOL 4470 - Chemistry
CHEM 1411, 1412
CHEM 3331
CHEM 3401
CHEM 3411, 3412
CHEM 4111, 4121
CHEM 4131, 4315
CHEM 4411, 4412
CHEM 4271 (pending approval)
CHEM 4381 (pending approval)
5. Modern Language: 12 hours
Program of Study Schedule Recommended by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science – BioChemistry – Total Min. Hours: 146
| Year 1 | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| BIOL 1406 General Biology or Geology I | 4 | BIOL 1407 General Biology or Geology II | 4 |
| ENGL 1301 Composition I | 3 | ENGL 1302 Composition II | 3 |
| MATH 2413 Calculus 1 | 4 | MATH 1342 Statistics | 3 |
| POLS 2301 Political Science | 3 | POLS 2302 Political Science | 3 |
| Language 1 (13xx) | 3 | Language 2 | 3 |
| Total | 17 | 16 | |
| Year 2 | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I | 4 | CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II | 4 |
| PHYS 1401 College Physics I | 4 | PHYS 1402 College Physics II | 4 |
| ENGL 23xx English Literature | 3 | PHIL 1370 Philosophy of Knowledge | 3 |
| HIST 1301 History | 3 | HIST 1302 History | 3 |
| Language III (23xx) | 3 | Language IV (23xx) | 3 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| CHEM 3411 Organic Chemistry I | 4 | CHEM 3412 Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 4315 Biophysical Chemistry | 3 | BIOL 2420 Microbiology | 4 |
| CHEM 4131 Physical Chem. Laboratory I | 1 | Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| CHEM 3401 Quantitative Analysis | 4 | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| CHEM 4271 Undergraduate Research | 2 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| CHEM 3331 Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 | COMM 3310/3340 Communications Elective | 3 |
| CHEM 4381 Scientific Communication | 3 | BIOL 4470 Cell Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 4411 Biochemistry I | 4 | CHEM 4412 Biochemistry II | 4 |
| BIOL 3470 Genetics | 4 | PA Physical Activity Elective | 1 |
| 14 | 12 | ||
| Total: 121 Hours |
Bachelor of Science – Forensic Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Chemistry will be awarded after the completion of the following requirements.
- General Requirements: See core curriculum
- Science and Mathematics:
MATH 2413, 1342
PHYS 1401, 1402
BIOL 1406, 1407
BIOL 2420
BIOL 3470
BIOL 4300
BIOL 4401- Criminal Justice
CRIJ 1301
CRIJ 2314
CRIJ 3310 - CRIJ 4313 CRIJ Electives (3 hrs)
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
CHEM 1411, 1412
CHEM 3401
CHEM 3411, 3412
CHEM 4315
CHEM 4411
CHEM 4111, 4121
CHEM 4461
CHEM 3491, 4491
CHEM 4271 Introduction to Research (pending approval)
CHEM 4381 Chemical Communications (pending approval)
Bachelor of Science – Forensic Chemistry – Total Min. Hours: 128
Bachelor of Science, B. S. FORENSIC CHEMISTRY r. 10/14/10 Schedule Recommended by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
| Year 1 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 4 CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I | 4 CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II |
| 4 BIOL 1406 General Biology | 4 BIOL 1407 General Biology |
| 3 ENGL 1301 Composition I | 3 ENGL 1302 Composition II |
| 4 MATH 2413 Calculus I | 3 MATH 1342 Statistics |
| 3 POLS 2301 Political Science | 3 POLS 2302 Political Science |
| 18 hours | 17 hours |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 4 CHEM 3411 Organic Chemistry I | 4 CHEM 3412 Organic Chemistry II |
| 4 PHYS 1401 College Physics I | 4 PHYS 1402 College Physics II |
| 3 ENGL 23xx English Literature | 3 PHIL 1370 Philosophy of Knowledge |
| 3 HIST 1301 History | 3 HIST 1302 History |
| 3 FA Fine Arts Elective | 1 PA Physical Activity Elective |
| 3 CRIJ 1301 Intro to Criminal Justice | |
| 17 hours | 18 hours |
| Year 3 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 3 CHEM 4315 Biophysical Chemistry | 4 BIOL 3470 Toxicology |
| 4 CHEM 3491 Intro to Forensic Science | 3 CRIJ 3310 Criminal Proc and Evidence |
| 4 CHEM 3401 Quantitative Analysis | 4 CHEM 4461 Instrumental Analysis |
| 3 CRIJ 2314 Criminal Investigation | 3 SS Social Science Elective |
| 4 BIOL 2420 Microbiology | |
| 18 hours | 14 hours |
| Year 4 | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 3 _____ 4xxx CHEM/BIOL elective | 4 CHEM 4491 Forensic Chemistry |
| 3 CHEM 4381 Scientific Communication | 3 COMM 3310/3340 Communications Elective |
| 4 CHEM 4411 Biochemistry I | 3 _____ 4xxx CHEM/BIOL elective |
| 3 CRIJ 4XXX Criminal Justice Elective | 3 CRIJ 4313 Drugs and Alcohol |
| 13 hours | 13 hours |
| Total: 128 Hours |
Minor in Chemistry
A chemistry minor consists of at least 19 hours to include CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, CHEM 3411 and two courses chosen from: CHEM 3331, CHEM 3401, CHEM 3412, CHEM 4411, CHEM 4481, or CHEM 4131 and CHEM 4311. To qualify for the minor a grade of no less than “C” must be obtained in each of the courses applied to the minor.