Chemistry

Learn the theory and practice for a career in chemistry.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Chemistry is the central science essential for a complete understanding of the physical world. In selecting Stevenson's Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, you will progress from basic to advanced topics, and you may choose from an array of elective courses based on personal interests and career goals. Stevenson University's Chemistry program, planned in accordance with the requirements of the American Chemical Society (ACS), offers you a broad selection of courses and provides an excellent background for any scientific, technological or professional career. You will engage in laboratory work and research throughout the curriculum. With modern instrumentation and facilities, we foster your development of excellent laboratory and analytical skills, preparing you for a wide variety of exciting career possibilities.

Students receiving their bachelor's degree in Chemistry may continue on to receive their Master of Arts in Teaching from Stevenson, or pursue both a bachelor's in Chemistry and master's in Forensic Science through the university's B.S. to M.S. Option.

Graduates of the Chemistry program will:

Apply knowledge of chemical principles to the understanding of the world at a molecular level.
Plan, design, and safely execute and interpret scientific experiments using the scientific method.
Communicate scientific knowledge in clear notebook entries, laboratory reports and poster presentations.
Critically evaluate scientific discovery for its scientific merit and in terms of its ethical, societal, and global implications using knowledge of chemical principles.
Exhibit behaviors consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the discipline.

MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Earn a Minor

Lead and manage a scientific team or your own professional practice. Students majoring in Chemistry can prepare to direct projects and teams with a professional minor in Applied Management, opening doors to leadership careers in the scientific industry, clinical management, or business.

Professional Minors

Dr. Jeremy Burkett, SU Chemistry professor, demonstrates an experiment that students participate in as a part of their Chemistry courses: luminol and hydrogen peroxide.

Study Chemistry at Stevenson

Career Opportunities

Career Paths for Chemistry Majors

Have you always looked forward to experimenting in the science lab? Have you ever wondered what the products you're using and eating really consist of? Chemistry can turn your natural curiosity into a rewarding career. Possible paths include:

Food Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Pharmaceutical Chemist
Pharmacist
Research Chemist
Teacher

Curious about internships and job placement after you graduate? Visit our Office of Career Services.

Courses

The courses listed below are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in chemistry. Students must also complete the requirements for the Stevenson Educational Experience (SEE).

Specific pre- and co-requisites for each course are listed in the course descriptions.

Major Requirements

FYS 100	First Year Seminar
BIO 113	General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics
BIO 113L	General Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics
BIOCH 327	Biochemistry
BIOCH 345L	Integrative Laboratory I
CHEM 115	General Chemistry I
CHEM 115L	General Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 115S	General Chemistry I SoLVE
CHEM 116	General Chemistry II
CHEM 116L	General Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 116S	General Chemistry II SoLVE
CHEM 210	Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 210L	Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 211	Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 211L	Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 213	Digital Information Literacy for Chemistry
CHEM 221	Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 310	Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 313	Career Connections in Chemistry
CHEM 346L	Integrative Laboratory II
CHEM 431	Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics
CHEM 432	Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics
MATH 220	Calculus I
MATH 221	Calculus II
PHYS 215	General Physics I with Calculus
PHYS 216	General Physics II with Calculus
SCI 215	Writing in the Sciences

Senior Capstone Experiences (Select One):

Students choosing one of the 9-credit senior capstone options can take one less upper level chemistry elective.

CHEM 450, CHEM 460 or CHEM 460H Senior Research Capstone in Chemistry
CHEM 455, CHEM 465, or CHEM 465H Senior Internship Capstone in Chemistry

Chemistry electives

Select two:

BIOCH 362	Independent Research Experience in Biochemistry
BIOCH 365	Independent Laboratory Research in Biochemistry
BIOCH 427	Advanced Biochemistry
CHEM 203	Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 206	Herbal Medicines and Remedies
CHEM 330	Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHEM 340	Medicinal and Drug Chemistry
CHEM 362	Independent Laboratory Research in Chemistry
CHEM 365	Independent Laboratory Research in Chemistry
CHEM 410	Instrumental Analysis

Explore our academic catalog for a full listing of courses, course descriptions, suggested course sequences, and more.

Catalog

Tracks and Minors

Minor

The minor in chemistry requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with a CHEM prefix. For chemistry courses with a separate lab co-requisite, both the lab and lecture for the course must be taken; however, the lab does not count as a separate course toward the minor. Please see the chair of the Department of Chemistry for more information. Specific information regarding minor requirements may be found in the Academic Information section of the catalog.

Minors at Stevenson

BS/MFS Option

The BS/MFS option is available for students majoring in chemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in forensic sciences in the chemistry or crime scene investigation track. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degrees in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into this BS/MFS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors.

Please see the Forensic Sciences section of the catalog for more information.

BS/MAT Option

The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in biology who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. Please see Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.

Articulation Agreement

University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

The Department of Chemistry has an articulation agreement with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. This is for a dual-degree undergraduate-professional program (3+4) leading to a bachelor's in Chemistry from Stevenson University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of MD School of Pharmacy. Under the conditions of this agreement, students attend Stevenson for three years taking courses specified by the articulation agreement. Then, if they are accepted into the pharmacy program at the University of Maryland, several of the courses in their first year at the School of Pharmacy will substitute for Stevenson courses. This will allow the students in this program to get a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Stevenson when they complete their first year at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Please see the chair of the Department of Chemistry for more information.

Meet Our Students & Alumni

Getting a Head Start

Nicole Kibler '21

Nicole, a recipient of several awards and scholarships, is already making the most out of her five-year plan to receive a Master of Science degree in Forensic Science.

Read Nicole's Story