Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers two undergraduate degrees. The general major leads to the Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry. The intensive major, which is suggested for those who intend to enter the chemical profession, leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. For both degrees, a minimum grade of “C” in Chemistry 111 and 112 (General Chemistry) is required. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been approved by the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Committee on Professional Training, and our curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry meets ACS requirements.
Career Opportunities
Professional chemists are involved in the study of the composition, properties, and transformations of matter. Positions available to graduates include:
• quality control testers
• manufacturing and production managers
• food chemists
• chemical analysts
• process developers
• materials engineers
• biochemical researchers
• water pollution controllers
• pharmaceutical researchers
• teachers
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, you must meet all University admissions requirements, including (for freshmen) a completed application, nonrefundable application fee, high school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 academic units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. To remain in your degree program, you must make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree. In order to be eligible for graduation, you must meet all course requirements for your degree program, be in good standing, and meet any departmental or program requirements. As a chemistry major, you may enroll in a chemistry course a maximum of twice to earn the required grade of “C” or higher. You must also receive a grade of “C” or higher in any chemistry course in order for it to serve as the required prerequisite for any higher-level chemistry course. If you transfer to the chemistry major from other programs within the University or from other accredited colleges and universities, you must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
Program of Study (128 hours)
The Bachelor of Science: Major in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry requires 43 to 54 hours of general education requirements. This intensive major is recommended if you plan to pursue a career in science. Your general education requirements will be fulfilled by courses such as General Chemistry, Vector Calculus, Algorithmic Design I, and Essentials of Physics I. To meet your major program requirements, you must complete at least 24 hours of chemistry courses at or above the 300 level. This will include courses such as Quantitative Analysis, Advanced Experimental Chemistry II, and Materials Chemistry. Your studies will be rounded out by 12 hours of College of Arts and Sciences cognates such as Elementary Biophysical Chemistry. Your cognate courses should be numbered 321 and above, should relate to your major, and should support course work in your major. You must also complete arts and sciences electives that are designed to help broaden your educational background.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry requires 43 to 54 hours of general education requirements. This major is popular with students who plan to pursue an advanced degree in medicine. Your general education requirements will be fulfilled by courses such as General Chemistry, one math course beyond Vector Calculus (241) selected in consultation with your academic advisor, Essentials of Physics II, Essential of Physics II Lab, and Scientific Applications Programming. Your major requirements will consist of 34-35 hours of courses in chemistry numbered at or above the 300 level and will include Inorganic Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and three credits of undergraduate research. Your studies will be rounded out by College of Arts and Sciences cognates such as Elementary Biophysical Chemistry. Your cognate courses should be numbered 321 and above, should relate to your major, and should support course work in your major. You must also complete arts and sciences electives that are designed to help broaden your educational background.
Of Special Interest
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is ranked among the Top 50 chemistry departments in the country and in the Top 20 nationally for the number of doctoral graduates we produce annually. We offer courses in five main research areas of chemistry: analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and biochemistry. Our faculty members are respected educators and researchers. Their work has been acclaimed both nationally and internationally in broad areas of experimental chemistry. They will advise you on an appropriate program of study, relevant extracurricular activities, and career planning. Our chapter of the student affiliates of the American Chemical Society was established in 1975 to aid members in their academic and social development and to encourage the exchange of ideas in the chemical sciences within the department and the surrounding scientific community. Equipment grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have enabled the department to acquire state-of-the-art spectrometers and many of the pieces of equipment in the biochemical instrumentation labs.