Chemistry, Bachelor of Science
College: College of Science and Health
Department: Physical Science
Student Type: Traditional Undergraduate
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Campus: Lisle Campus
The University’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society.
The B.A. in Chemistry is not approved by the American Chemical Society.
Program Mission/Purpose
The mission of the Chemistry Program at Benedictine University is to provide students with an appreciation and understanding of chemistry through our instruction, coursework, and research collaborations. We prepare students for future careers in the chemical sciences, further education and lifelong learning.
Progression in the Chemistry Program (for B.A. and B.S degrees)
Progression in the Chemistry program requires that students complete the introductory sequence of CHEM 1127 Honors General Chemistry or CHEM 1113 General Chemistry I plus CHEM 1123 General Chemistry II, and MATH 2210 Calculus I with a GPA of 2.500 or above and a grade of “C” or better in each of these courses. A transfer student must meet these requirements through equivalent transfer courses. Additionally, a transfer student must earn a GPA of 2.500 or above in all major classes (excluding labs) during the first semester at Benedictine in order to progress in the Chemistry program.
If it is determined at any time that a student cannot progress within the Chemistry program or graduate with a Chemistry degree, the student will be required to change his or her major and seek academic advising outside of that program.
Academic Repeat Policy for CHEM 1108
Undergraduate students – both degree-seeking and Students-At-Large (SAL) – may repeat CHEM 1108 Preparatory General Chemistry if they received grades of "W", "D", or "F" no more than once. Students who wish to take CHEM 1108 Preparatory General Chemistry for a third time must appeal to do so in writing to the Department Chair of Physical Sciences who will forward the appeal to the chemistry faculty for a department-level decision. Students may not repeat CHEM 1108 Preparatory General Chemistry if they receive a grade of "C" or better.
Requirements - Major
The B.S. in Chemistry major must complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or better:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1198 | Principles of Biology | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4-8 | |
| Calculus I | ||
| Introduction to Calculus I and Applications of Calculus I | ||
| MATH 2211 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2212 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHYS 2211 | University Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 2205 | University Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 2212 | University Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 2206 | University Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 2213 | University Physics III | 3 |
| PHYS 2207 | University Physics III Laboratory | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 4-6 | |
| Honors General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| CHEM 1115 | Honors General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 1125 | Honors General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 3231 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 3232 | Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 3237 | Instrumental Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 3238 | Quantitative Analysis Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 2242 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 2244 | Honors Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 2247 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 2249 | Honors Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 3261 | Principles of Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 4313 | Classical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 4314 | Physical Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 4315 | Quantum and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| CHEM 4316 | Physical Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 4320 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 4321 | Inorganic Synthesis Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 4398 | Chemical Research | 3 |
| CHEM 4399 | Research Capstone | 1-2 |
| Select one additional advanced 3-credit hour CHEM course at the 3000-level or higher 1 | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 71-78 | |
An original research project and thesis must be completed. Students who satisfactorily complete these courses fulfill the requirements for American Chemical Society approval.
Students in the BS in Chemistry program will achieve the following student learning outcomes (SLO):
Student Learning Outcome 1: Students completing Benedictine University chemistry classes will demonstrate knowledge in the major fields of chemistry that is competitive with undergraduate level chemistry students from other ACS- approved programs.
• University SLO: 1. Disciplinary Competence and Skills
Student Learning Outcome 2: Benedictine University Chemistry students will
develop skills necessary to carry out solutions of chemical problems.
• University SLO: 2. Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Student Learning Outcome 3: Benedictine University Chemistry students will be engaged with chemistry outside of the classroom.
• University SLO: 1. Disciplinary Competence and Skills