Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Why study chemistry?
At KU Chemistry, we have faculty dedicated to mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students and to helping each student achieve scientific maturity. In addition to required classroom and laboratory courses, options exist for doing research in exciting areas of mainstream chemistry, including emerging fields of microfluidics, precision medicine and sustainable catalysis.
Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate program in the Department of Chemistry has two primary missions. One of these is to help its majors attain a mastery of the discipline in preparation for further study in chemistry or a chemical science, or for immediate employment in chemistry. The other is to provide an opportunity for students majoring in other disciplines to acquire a basic knowledge of the fundamental areas of chemistry.
The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, a rigorous program certified by the American Chemical Society, consists of a full spectrum of chemistry courses as well as supporting courses in mathematics, physics, and biochemistry, and is designed to prepare students for a professional career in chemistry. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program, with fewer required courses, allows students to obtain a broader knowledge of areas outside of chemistry, or to tailor their chemistry program for specific or unique objectives. We also offer a minor in chemistry for those seeking a secondary area of study.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of Admissions website.
Chemistry Programs
The B.S. degree prepares students for graduate school and professional careers. The B.A. degree is for the student who wants to understand the fundamental principles of chemistry and to study a number of other fields. Both are based on a high school background that includes at least 1½ years of algebra and 1 year of geometry. High school courses in chemistry and physics are desirable but are not required. Many chemistry majors are preparing for medical school or for graduate study in chemistry and related fields. For graduate school, the common body of knowledge in the B.A. program is the minimum prerequisite. For premedical students, much of the knowledge will be important in their careers. Even more important, however, is the training in logical thinking, drawing conclusions from experimental observations, and digesting and understanding scientific information.
First- and Second-Year Preparation
Because study in chemistry requires preparation in mathematics and physics as well as a structured series of courses in chemistry, students should begin meeting major requirements in the first year. Students planning to major in chemistry should consult a chemistry department major advisor during their first semester to develop a 4-year plan for degree completion. It is particularly important to take CHEM 170 (or CHEM 130 or CHEM 190 & CHEM 191) and CHEM 175 (or CHEM 135 or CHEM 195 & CHEM 196) in the first year and CHEM 201, CHEM 330 (or CHEM 380) and CHEM 331 in the second year. For those seeking a B.S. degree it is also important to complete CHEM 335 (or CHEM 385) and CHEM 336 in the second year as well as their mathematics preparation MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 127 and CHEM 250) and physics preparation (PHSX 211 & PHSX 216, and PHSX 212 & PHSX 236) in the first 2 years.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
| Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
| Calculus I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 145 | Calculus I, Honors | |
| Calculus II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II | ||
or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors | |
| Calculus III. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus III | ||
or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors | |
| Mathematical Methods for the Chemical Sciences. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Mathematical Methods for the Chemical Sciences | ||
| General Physics I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | ||
| General Physics I Honors | ||
| General Physics II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | ||
| General Physics II Honors | ||
| Biochemistry. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introductory Biochemistry, Lectures | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Chemistry Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
| Majors must complete courses as indicated in the following areas: | ||
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors | ||
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory, Honors | ||
| Seminar I. Satisfied by: | 0.5 | |
| Seminar I | ||
| Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences. Satisfied by: | 1 | |
| Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences | ||
| Organic Chemistry I (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
or CHEM 380 | Organic Chemistry I, Honors | |
| Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry II (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
or CHEM 385 | Organic Chemistry II, Honors | |
| Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Analytical Chemistry (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Physical Chemistry I. Satisfied by: | 4 | |
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry II. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry II | ||
| Physical Chemistry Laboratory. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis | ||
| Systematic Inorganic Chemistry. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Laboratory. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Advanced Inorganic Laboratory | ||
| Seminar II. Satisfied by: | 0.5 | |
| Seminar II | ||
| Capstone Experience. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory | ||
or CHEM 698 | Undergraduate Capstone Research | |
or CHEM 699 | Undergraduate Honors Research | |
Major Hours & Major GPA
The Capstone requirement is satisfied by either CHEM 636 Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory , or 3 credit hours of CHEM 698 or CHEM 699. While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 47 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 35.5 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Biological Chemistry Concentration
This option is available to students interested in the biological applications of chemistry. The curriculum is compatible with many pre-health-professions programs and prepares the student for graduate study or career opportunities.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
| Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
| Calculus I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 145 | Calculus I, Honors | |
| Calculus II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II | ||
or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors | |
| Calculus III. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus III | ||
or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors | |
| Mathematical Methods for the Chemical Sciences. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Mathematical Methods for the Chemical Sciences | ||
| General Physics I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | ||
| General Physics I Honors | ||
| General Physics II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | ||
| General Physics II Honors | ||
| Chemistry Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
| Majors must complete courses as indicated in the following areas: | ||
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors | ||
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory, Honors | ||
| Seminar I. Satisfied by: | 0.5 | |
| Seminar I | ||
| Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences. Satisfied by: | 1 | |
| Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences | ||
| Organic Chemistry I (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
or CHEM 380 | Organic Chemistry I, Honors | |
| Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry II (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
or CHEM 385 | Organic Chemistry II, Honors | |
| Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Analytical Chemistry (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Physical Chemistry I. Satisfied by: | 4 | |
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry II. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry II | ||
| Physical Chemistry Laboratory. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis | ||
| Systematic Inorganic Chemistry. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Laboratory. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Advanced Inorganic Laboratory | ||
| Seminar II. Satisfied by: | 0.5 | |
| Seminar II | ||
| Capstone Experience. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory | ||
or CHEM 698 | Undergraduate Capstone Research | |
or CHEM 699 | Undergraduate Honors Research | |
| Biological Chemistry Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
| Biochemistry. Satisfied by: | 8 | |
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Laboratory. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Biological Chemistry Required Electives | ||
| Majors choosing this option should select 1 elective (3 hours) from the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Fundamentals of Microbiology | ||
| Cell Structure and Function | ||
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 47 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 35.5 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Chemical Physics Concentration
This option allows students to focus on the theoretical basis of chemistry. Students are prepared for graduate programs or employment.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Prerequisite or Co-requisite Knowledge | ||
| Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas. Majors are advised to take honors courses when eligible. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major. | ||
| Calculus I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 145 | Calculus I, Honors | |
| Calculus II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II | ||
or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors | |
| Calculus III. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus III | ||
or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors | |
| Differential Equations. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Applied Differential Equations | ||
| Elementary Differential Equations | ||
| Elementary Linear Algebra. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Elementary Linear Algebra | ||
| General Physics I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | ||
| General Physics I Honors | ||
| General Physics II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 4 | |
| General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | ||
| General Physics II Honors | ||
| Biochemistry. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introductory Biochemistry, Lectures | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Chemistry Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
| Majors must complete courses as indicated in the following areas: | ||
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors | ||
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II. Satisfied by one of the following: | 5 | |
| Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory, Honors | ||
| Seminar I. Satisfied by: | 0.5 | |
| Seminar I | ||
| Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences. Satisfied by: | 1 | |
| Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences | ||
| Organic Chemistry I (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
or CHEM 380 | Organic Chemistry I, Honors | |
| Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry II (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
or CHEM 385 | Organic Chemistry II, Honors | |
| Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Analytical Chemistry (Lecture and Lab). Satisfied by: | 5 | |
| Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Physical Chemistry I. Satisfied by: | 4 | |
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry II. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry II | ||
| Physical Chemistry Laboratory. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Physical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis | ||
| Systematic Inorganic Chemistry. Satisfied by: | 3 | |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Laboratory. Satisfied by: | 2 | |
| Advanced Inorganic Laboratory | ||
| Seminar II. Satisfied by: | 0.5 | |
| Seminar II | ||
| Capstone Experience. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory | ||
or CHEM 698 | Undergraduate Capstone Research | |
or CHEM 699 | Undergraduate Honors Research | |
| Chemical Physics Core Knowledge and Skills | 12 | |
| Majors must complete 2 courses from each of the following groups: | ||
Group I | ||
| General Physics III and Intermediate Physics Laboratory I (PHSX 313 and PHSX 316 should be taken concurrently) | ||
| Mathematical Physics | ||
| Mechanics I | ||
| Numerical and Computational Methods in Physics | ||
| Optics | ||
| Introduction to Solid State Physics | ||
Group II | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| Mechanics II | ||
| Complex Variable and Applications | ||
| Applied Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Undergraduate Capstone Research | ||
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | ||
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 47 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 35.5 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Sample 4-year plans for the BS degree with the following concentrations, can be found here: Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or by using the left-side navigation.
Departmental Honors
Undergraduates may apply for admission to the departmental honors program after completion of an analytical, organic, and physical chemistry course but no sooner than the beginning of the junior year. Highly motivated and superior B.A. and B.S. students are admitted to the honors program. Honors in chemistry are awarded to students who have been admitted to the program and who have completed the following requirements with superior performance, including a major GPA of 3.5.
- At least 2 semesters of CHEM 699 (4-8 hours total) resulting in a written thesis.
- Evaluation and approval of the thesis by a faculty advisory committee.
- Oral presentation of the thesis results at a special departmental seminar or other approved forum.
For an application form and further information, consult the department office.