Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog (August 2019 - July 2020) 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog (August 2019 - July 2020) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry (BS)


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Students majoring in Chemistry complete foundational coursework in chemistry, cognate coursework in mathematics and physics, and in-depth coursework from one of four elective concentrations:  (1) Biochemistry (pre-medicine), (2) Professional Chemistry, (3) Geochemistry, or (4) the 3+1 Health Sciences (pre-Pharmacy) concentration.  The 3+1 Health Sciences concentration requires admission to an accredited school of pharmacy or hospital-based school of medical technology (clinical lab science) approved by the Department Chair and Dean of the College.

Concord’s chemistry curriculum is flexible, which makes it ideal for completion of a double major with Biology or Environmental Geosciences.  The chemistry major can also be coupled with a Minor in Physics.

Program Description


Chemistry is commonly referred to as the central science:  The study of all natural and man-made matter.  The work of chemists spans five major branches of study.  Biochemists study the carbon-based molecules and chemical processes that occur in people and all living organisms.  Analytical chemists use laboratory instruments and advanced technology to develop new ways to observe and measure chemical substances.  Organic chemists study natural and man-made carbon-based molecules, and inorganic chemists study non-carbon solids and gases.  Physical chemists use physics and chemistry to study matter and energy, often through use of computer simulations.

Concord’s curriculum is built on the use of hands-on laboratory equipment and is guided by recommendations of the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training.  After completing basic introductory and foundational coursework, chemistry majors can choose to focus in-depth coursework suitable for a wide variety of careers.

The degree requires successful completion of 120 semester hours, including:  (1) the General Education Program (29-30 credit hours); (2) the multidisciplinary Core Requirements in chemistry, physics, and mathematics (43-49 credit hours); and (3) in-depth course work from one of the four elective concentrations listed below (generally 12-16 credit hours).  Each of the elective concentrations is designed for different career interests.

  • Biochemistry (pre-Medicine) - Designed for students interested in medical school, biomedical research, or pharmaceutical research and product development.  This concentration is also suitable for double majors in Chemistry and Biology.
     
  • Professional Chemistry - Designed for students interested in chemistry research and graduate programs, as well as professional careers as a chemist.  Students interested in graduate programs in chemistry should consider taking MATH 254, MATH 255, CHEM 332, CHEM 352, CHEM 401, CHEM 402, CHEM 413, and additional elective courses in mathematics and/or physics in consultation with a chemistry faculty advisor.
     
  • Geochemistry - Designed for students interested in chemistry applied to the Earth and environmental  sciences, and careers in environmental chemistry.  This concentration is also suitable for double majors in Chemistry and Environmental Geosciences.
     
  • 3+1 Health Sciences (pre-Pharmacy) - Designed for students interested in pharmacy school or clinical lab science (medical technology).  Students in the 3+1 concentration complete three (3) years of coursework at Concord followed by the first year of the 4-Year Doctor of Pharmacy program or a one-year residency at a fully accredited hospital School of Medical Technology and Clinical Lab science (such as the Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Roanoke, VA).  Students should remain in close contact with a chemistry adviser or assure that all requirements for admission are met, as they can vary from school to school.  Admission to pharmacy schools and clinical lab science programs is competitive.  Students who fail to be admitted will not be eligible for the 3+1 elective concentration and will be referred to one of the other elective concentrations for their fourth year.

Chemistry Major Requirements (2.00 GPA)


55-65 credit hours

Core Requirements:

In-Depth Course Work


Select one of the following four elective concentrations:

(1) Biochemistry (pre-Medicine) Select 12-16 credit hours electives  +

  • CHEM 302   (or BIOL 302) Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
  • BIOL 329  Microbiology (4)
  • BIOL 401   Genetics (4)
  • BIOL 419  Immunology (4)
  • CHEM 4701-4702 Independent Laboratory Research (2-6)
  • CHEM course(s) numbered 300 or higher (no more than 8 credit hours)
  • PHYS course(s) numbered 300 or higher (no more than 6 credit hours)

(2) Professional Chemistry  Select 12-16 credit hours electives  +

  • CHEM 302  (or BIOL 302) Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
  • CHEM course(s) number 300 or higher
  • CHEM 4701-4702 Independent Laboratory Research (2-6)
  • PHYS course(s) numbered 300 or higher

(3) Geochemistry  Select 12-16 credit hours electives  +

  • GEOL 205  Environmental and Applied Geology (4)
  • GEOL 369  Earth Materials and Minerals (4)
  • GEOL 375  Petrology (4)
  • GEOL or CHEM 4701-4704 Research (2-6)
  • Other GEOL course(s) numbered 380 or higher (no more than 6 credit hours)
  • Other CHEM course(s) numbered 300 or higher (no more than 4 credit hours)

(4) 3+1 Health Sciences (pre-Pharmacy)  (all of the following)

  • BIOL 329  Microbiology (4)
  • CHEM 332  Organic Chemistry II (4) and
  • CHEM 460  Pharmacy Practicum (30 credit hours transfer from an approved school of pharmacy)
     OR
  • MDTH 460  Medical Technology Practicum (30 credit hours transfer from an approved school of Clinical Laboratory Science)

*CHEM 335 not required for 3+1 Health Sciences.  However, students who do  not obtain admission to an approved school of pharmacy or medical technology will have to take this course and pursue a different elective concentration during their senior year.

**MATH 103 and/or MATH 104 will be waived for those students establishing “equivalent proficiency” as defined by the Department of Mathematics (MATH ACT 25 or 28).

+One 4-hour course from elective concentrations 1, 2, or 3 may be waived for students completing PHYS 201-202.

 

Notes:


*CHEM 335, Introduction to Inorganic and Physical Chemistry,  is not required for 3+1 Health Sciences.  However, students who do not obtain admission to an approved school of pharmacy or medical technology will have to take this course and pursue a different elective concentration during their senior year.

**MATH 103  and/or MATH 104  will be waived for those students establishing “equivalent proficiency” as defined by the Department of Mathematics (ACT Math Score 25 or 28).

+One 4-hour course from elective concentrations 1, 2, or 3 may be waived for students completing PHYS 201  - PHYS 202  .

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