Degree
Bachelor of Science with a major in ChemistryLearn More
Mission
Chemistry and physics are fundamental sciences that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us. Chemistry is the study of matter: its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany those processes. Chemistry often is referred to as the central science; it rests upon the foundation of mathematics and physics and in turn is the essential basis for the life sciences such as biology and medicine. Chemistry is largely an experimental science, and has applications in such diverse areas of research as the development of new drugs, the search for solutions to problems of environmental pollution, and the derivation of alternative energy sources. Much cutting-edge research in biology and medicine is being carried out at the level of atoms and molecules, the particles of matter upon which the study of chemistry is based.
Physics, too, is the study of matter and energy, viewed from a different perspective. To understand living systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them.
In addition to offering majors in chemistry, chemistry/secondary education, biochemistry and laboratory science, and minors in chemistry and biophysics, the department fills a significant role for students in other programs through its introductory courses in chemistry and physics. Because of the fundamental roles of chemistry and physics in the biological, environmental, and health sciences, students in these programs benefit from the conceptual, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills stressed in the introductory courses, which form the foundation for later courses in the students' majors.
Major Description
The bachelor of science degree in chemistry stresses the important fundamental aspects of the discipline, including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Classroom work in each of these essential areas is complemented with laboratory exercises designed to illustrate important chemical principles and provide students with hands-on experience in the important classical and instrumental techniques of chemistry. While the chemistry core courses provide both depth and breadth in the basic areas of chemistry, students also have the opportunity to study selected areas of modern chemistry more intensively in advanced elective courses and in undergraduate research. The department's courses stress the integration of theory and experiment, the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, and the cultivation of oral and written communication skills. The department's faculty members are highly committed to undergraduate education in general and undergraduate research in particular. One of the strengths of the department's programs is the opportunity it provides for students to become involved in undergraduate research in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training. Students will be well prepared for entry into a variety of laboratory positions or for entry into graduate programs in many areas of science. Chemistry graduates typically are very well prepared for entry into professional programs such as medical, dental, or veterinary schools. The department is well equipped with modern laboratory instrumentation, available to students in laboratory courses and research projects.
Curricular Requirements
credits | |
---|---|
42-43 | |
Credits | |
Program Required Courses | |
CHE 110 - General Chemistry I | 4 |
CHE 111 - General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHE 210 - Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
CHE 211 - Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
CHE 280/280L - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 307 - Quantitative Analysis | 5 |
CHE 350 - Biochemistry I: Proteins | 5 |
CHE 370 - Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
CHE 371 - Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 375 - Advanced Laboratory | 2 |
CHE 401 Seminar | 1 |
CHE 407 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis | 5 |
MAT 190 - Calculus I (included in core requirements) | 4 |
MAT 195 - Calculus II | 4 |
MAT 200 - Calculus III | 4 |
PHY 210 - University Physics I | 4 |
PHY 211 - University Physics II | 4 |
Additional program courses (program electives) Minimum one course (3 cr) from the following:
|
|
CHE 320 - Mechanistic Organic Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 380 - Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 405 - Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 410 - Research I | 1 - 4 |
CHE 420 - Spectroscopic Methods of Structural Analysis | 3 |
Minimum Program Credits | 65 |
Open elective credits (as needed to reach 120 credits) | variable |
Minimum Required Total Credits | 120 |
Secondary Education Certification
The bachelor of science degree in chemistry program is modified for students who wish to become middle or high school teachers (grades 7-12) in the area of physical sciences. While providing a solid foundation in the important areas of chemistry, this curriculum includes extensive coursework in education, which, when combined with the secondary teaching internship, will meet standards for State of Maine teacher certification upon completion of the degree program. This program is approved by the State of Maine Board of Education. The program provides a sufficiently strong chemistry base that graduates will be well-prepared for entry-level laboratory positions and also for entry into programs of advanced study.
credits | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
42-43 | |||||||
Credits | |||||||
Program Required Courses | |||||||
CHE 111 - General Chemistry II | 4 | ||||||
CHE 210 - Organic Chemistry I | 5 | ||||||
CHE 211 - Organic Chemistry II | 5 | ||||||
CHE 280/280L - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry | 3 | ||||||
CHE 307 - Quantitative Analysis | 5 | ||||||
CHE 310 - Fundamentals of Biochemistry* | 4 | ||||||
CHE 327 - Applied Physical Chemistry** | 3 | ||||||
MAT 190 - Calculus I (included in university core requirements) | 4 | ||||||
PHY 110 - General Physics I*** | 4 | ||||||
PHY 111 - General Physics II**** | 4 | ||||||
*(CHE 350 + CHE 351) may be substituted for CHE 310 |
|||||||
Flexible Required Program Courses Select a minimum of two courses below, at east one of which must be a CHE course. Consult with your academic advisor for approval of advanced CHE courses not listed below. |
|||||||
CHE 309 - Introduction to Instrumental Analysis | 4 | ||||||
CHE 351 - Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics and Metabolism | 3 | ||||||
CHE 371 - Physical Chemistry II | 3 | ||||||
CHE 405 - Medicinal Chemistry, or | 3 | ||||||
CHE 420 - Spectroscopic Methods of Structural Analysis | 3 | ||||||
ENV 230 - Environmental Geology | 4 | ||||||
BIO 360 - Oceanography | 4 | ||||||
Sub Total of Flexible Program Required Courses | 6-8 | ||||||
Minimum Program Credits | 47-49 | ||||||
Education Required Courses | |||||||
|