Chemistry (BS)

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, (2) Professional Chemistry, (3) Geochemistry, or (4) the 3+1 Health Sciences 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.

A GPA of 2.0 is required.

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 - 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 - Designed for students interested in pharmacy school, clinical lab science (medical technology), or other professional health sciences. 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 or similar 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)

53-64 credit hours

Core Requirements:

Introductory Course Work (8 credit hours)
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
CHEM 102 General Chemistry II (3)
CHEM 112 General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Foundational Course Work (18-19 credit hours)
CHEM 210 Chemical Laboratory Safety (1)
PHSC 219 Laboratory Research Methods and Ethics (1)
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 341 Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 347 Biochemistry Laboratory (1)
CHEM 351 Analytical Chemistry (3)
CHEM 357 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (2)
Add one of the following Chemistry Foundational Electives (3-4 credit hours)*:
CHEM 352 Instrumental Analysis (3)
and
CHEM 358 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory (1)
or
CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry – Thermodynamics (3)
and
CHEM 407 Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1)
or
CHEM 402 Physical Chemistry – Quantum Mechanics (3)
or
CHEM 413 Inorganic Chemistry (3)
and
CHEM 417 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
Cognate Science and Mathematics (15-21 credit hours)
MATH 103 College Algebra (3) ** or MATH 103C College Algebra (3) and MATH 104 College Trigonometry (3)** or MATH 107 Precalculus (4)
MATH 253 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4)
Three (3) or more credit hours of mathematics and/or computer science selected from MATH 105 or higher and/or CS 151 or higher. (MATH 254 recommended).

Select one (1) of the following 2-course physics sequences (201-202 recommended):

PHYS 101 Introductory Physics (4)
PHYS 102 Intermediate Physics (4) *
or
PHYS 201 University Physics with Calculus, Part 1 (4) ⁺
PHYS 202 University Physics with Calculus, Part 2 (4) ^{* +}

In-Depth Course Work

Biochemistry

Select 12-16 credit hours electives+

CHEM 302 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
BIOL 329 Microbiology (4)
BIOL 401 Genetics (4)
BIOL 419 Immunology (4)
CHEM 470 Independent Laboratory Research I (1-3)
CHEM 471 Independent Laboratory Research II (1-3)
CHEM course(s) number 300 or higher (no more than 8 credit hours)
PHYS course(s) numbered 300 or higher (no more than 6 credit hours)

Professional Chemistry

Select 12-16 credit hours electives+

BIOL 302 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
or
CHEM 302 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)
CHEM 470 Independent Laboratory Research I (1-3)
CHEM 471 Independent Laboratory Research II (1-3)
CHEM course(s) number 300 or higher
PHYS course(s) numbered 300 or higher

Geochemistry

Select 12-16 credit hours electives+

GEOL 205 Environmental and Applied Geology (4)
GEOL 365 Earth Materials and Minerals (4)
GEOL 375 Chemistry and Petrology of the Solid Earth (4)
GEOL 470 Geology Research (1-6)
GEOL 471 Environmental Science Research (1-6)
or
CHEM 470 Independent Laboratory Research I (1-3)
CHEM 471 Independent Laboratory Research II (1-3)
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)

3+1 Health Sciences (Pre-Pharmacy)

All of the following

BIOL 329 Microbiology (4)
CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 460 Pharmacy Practicum (15)
or
MDTH 460 Medical Technology Practicum (15)

Notes:

*PHYS 102 or 202 (4 credit hours), and the Chemistry Foundational Elective course (3-4 credit hours) 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 these hours and pursue a different elective concentration during their senior year.

**MATH 103 , MATH 104 or MATH 107 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 .