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 the University Registrar website.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core 34 General Education | 34 | |
| The KU Core 34 is comprised of 34-35 credit hours typically completed during the first two years of study. The Core 34 consists of the following requirements: English (6), Communications (3), Math & Statistics (3), Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (4-5), Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 in two different disciplines), Arts & Humanities (6 in two different disciplines), US Culture (3), and Global Culture (3) | ||
MATH 125 Calculus I is the "math pathway" course. If a student is not ready to start in Calculus 1, this degree will take more than 4 years to complete. This course will fulfill your Core 34 Math and Statistics requirement. | ||
| Prerequisite Knowledge | ||
| CHEM 170 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I | 5 |
| or CHEM 130 | General Chemistry I | |
| or CHEM 190 & CHEM 191 | Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors | |
| CHEM 175 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II | 5 |
| or CHEM 135 | General Chemistry II | |
| or CHEM 195 & CHEM 196 | Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory, Honors | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 145 | Calculus I, Honors | |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors | |
| MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
| or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors | |
| CHEM 250 | Mathematical Methods for the Chemical Sciences | 3 |
| PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
| or PHSX 213 | General Physics I Honors | |
| PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| or PHSX 214 | General Physics II Honors | |
| BIOL 600 | Introductory Biochemistry, Lectures | 3-4 |
| or BIOL 636 | Biochemistry I | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CHEM 180 | Seminar I | 1 |
| CHEM 201 | Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences | 1 |
| CHEM 330 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 380 | Organic Chemistry I, Honors | |
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 335 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CHEM 385 | Organic Chemistry II, Honors | |
| CHEM 336 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 400 & CHEM 401 | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 530 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 535 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 537 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| CHEM 635 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 660 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 661 | Advanced Inorganic Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 695 | Seminar II | 1 |
| General Electives | 15-14 | |
| Students will need to complete additional general elective credits to reach the required 120 hours. | ||
| Capstone. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory | ||
or CHEM 698 | Undergraduate Capstone Research | |
or CHEM 699 | Undergraduate Honors Research | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Major Hours & Major GPA
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 12 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 and Biomedical Chemistry Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core 34 General Education | 34 | |
| The KU Core 34 is comprised of 34-35 credit hours typically completed during the first two years of study. The Core 34 consists of the following requirements: English (6), Communications (3), Math & Statistics (3), Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (4-5), Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 in two different disciplines), Arts & Humanities (6 in two different disciplines), US Culture (3), and Global Culture (3) | ||
MATH 125 Calculus I is the "math pathway" course. If a student is not ready to start in Calculus 1, this degree will take more than 4 years to complete. This course will fulfill your Core 34 Math and Statistics requirement. | ||
| Prerequisite Knowledge | ||
| CHEM 170 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I | 5 |
| or CHEM 130 | General Chemistry I | |
| or CHEM 190 & CHEM 191 | Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors | |
| CHEM 175 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II | 5 |
| or CHEM 135 | General Chemistry II | |
| or CHEM 195 & CHEM 196 | Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory, Honors | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 145 | Calculus I, Honors | |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors | |
| MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
| or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors | |
| CHEM 250 | Mathematical Methods for the Chemical Sciences | 3 |
| PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
| or PHSX 213 | General Physics I Honors | |
| PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| or PHSX 214 | General Physics II Honors | |
| BIOL 150 | Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology | 3 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CHEM 180 | Seminar I | 1 |
| CHEM 201 | Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences | 1 |
| CHEM 330 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 380 | Organic Chemistry I, Honors | |
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 335 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CHEM 385 | Organic Chemistry II, Honors | |
| CHEM 336 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 400 & CHEM 401 | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 530 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 535 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 537 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| CHEM 635 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 660 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 661 | Advanced Inorganic Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 695 | Seminar II | 1 |
| Biological and Biomedical Chemistry Requirements | ||
| BIOL 636 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| BIOL 638 | Biochemistry II | 4 |
| BIOL 637 | Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| Biological and Biomedical Chemistry Required Electives | ||
| Majors choosing this option should select at least 1 elective (3-4 hours) from the following. NOTE: some courses may require additional prerequisites. | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Chemical Biology | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Fundamentals of Microbiology 1 | ||
| Cell Structure and Function | ||
| Immunology 1 | ||
| Mammalian Physiology 1,2 | ||
| General Electives | 2-1 | |
| Students will need to complete additional general elective credits to reach the required 120 hours. | ||
| Capstone. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory | ||
or CHEM 698 | Undergraduate Capstone Research | |
or CHEM 699 | Undergraduate Honors Research | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
These courses are recommended, but not required, for pre-medical students. Pre-medical students also often opt to take BIOL 240 Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and MATH 365 Elementary Statistics. Students considering other pre-Health tracks should consult with their Academic Advisor.
- 2
Students selecting BIOL 546 will also need to take the prerequisite course BIOL 152 Principles of Organismal Biology
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 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 12 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core 34 General Education | 34 | |
| The KU Core 34 is comprised of 34-35 credit hours typically completed during the first two years of study. The Core 34 consists of the following requirements: English (6), Communications (3), Math & Statistics (3), Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (4-5), Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 in two different disciplines), Arts & Humanities (6 in two different disciplines), US Culture (3), and Global Culture (3) | ||
MATH 125 Calculus I is the "math pathway" course. If a student is not ready to start in Calculus 1, this degree will take more than 4 years to complete. This course will fulfill your Core 34 Math and Statistics requirement. | ||
| Prerequisite Knowledge | ||
| CHEM 170 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I | 5 |
| or CHEM 130 | General Chemistry I | |
| or CHEM 190 & CHEM 191 | Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory, Honors | |
| CHEM 175 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II | 5 |
| or CHEM 135 | General Chemistry II | |
| or CHEM 195 & CHEM 196 | Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory, Honors | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 145 | Calculus I, Honors | |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors | |
| MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
| or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors | |
| MATH 220 | Applied Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 320 | Elementary Differential Equations | |
| MATH 290 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
| or PHSX 213 | General Physics I Honors | |
| PHSX 212 & PHSX 236 | General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| or PHSX 214 | General Physics II Honors | |
| BIOL 600 | Introductory Biochemistry, Lectures | 3-4 |
| or BIOL 636 | Biochemistry I | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CHEM 180 | Seminar I | 1 |
| CHEM 201 | Laboratory Safety in the Chemical Sciences | 1 |
| CHEM 330 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 380 | Organic Chemistry I, Honors | |
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 335 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CHEM 385 | Organic Chemistry II, Honors | |
| CHEM 336 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 400 & CHEM 401 | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 530 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 535 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 537 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| CHEM 635 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 660 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 661 | Advanced Inorganic Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 695 | Seminar II | 1 |
| Chemical Physics Requirements | ||
| Majors must complete 2 courses from each of the following groups. NOTE: some courses may require additional prerequisites. | ||
| Group I | 6-7 | |
| General Physics III and Intermediate Physics Laboratory I | ||
| Mathematical Physics | ||
| Mechanics I | ||
| Numerical and Computational Methods in Physics | ||
| Optics | ||
| Introduction to Solid State Physics | ||
| Group II | 6 | |
| Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| Mechanics II | ||
| Complex Variable and Applications | ||
| Applied Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Undergraduate Capstone Research | ||
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | ||
| General Electives | 1-0 | |
| Students will need to complete additional general elective credits to reach the required 120 hours. | ||
| Capstone. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory | ||
or CHEM 698 | Undergraduate Capstone Research | |
or CHEM 699 | Undergraduate Honors Research | |
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |
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 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 12 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The following courses are required for licensure for students pursuing the Co-Major in Science Education. | ||
| MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHSX 211 & PHSX 216 | General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 170 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences I | 5 |
| or CHEM 190 | Foundations of Chemistry I, Honors | |
| CHEM 175 | Chemistry for the Chemical Sciences II | 5 |
| or CHEM 195 | Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors | |
| CHEM 180 | Seminar I | 1 |
| CHEM 250 | Mathematical Methods for the Chemical Sciences | 3 |
| CHEM 330 & CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 3 |
| or CHEM 380 | Organic Chemistry I, Honors | |
| CHEM 335 & CHEM 336 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 400 & CHEM 401 | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 530 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 535 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 537 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| CHEM 635 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 636 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory | 3 |
| or CHEM 698 | Undergraduate Capstone Research | |
| or CHEM 699 | Undergraduate Honors Research | |
| CHEM 660 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
Sample 4-year plans for the BS degree with the following concentrations, can be found here: Chemistry, Biological and Biomedical Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or by using the left-side navigation.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Solve chemical problems by application of conceptual and practical knowledge.
- Competently acquire, document, and interpret experimental data.
- Effectively communicate chemical information in written and oral form.
- Demonstrate integrity and act responsibly in professional activities.
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 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.