Chemistry

The curricula in Chemistry serve those preparing for careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, chemical engineering, pharmacy, and allied fields as well as those seeking a general knowledge of chemistry as part of a liberal arts education. Beyond the first-year courses, there is an emphasis on development of technical knowledge and laboratory experience needed in chemistry and related scientific fields. The undergraduate concentration programs prepare students for work in research and testing laboratories, as well as for business positions in which a chemistry background is desirable. Graduate work is necessary for those planning to do college and university teaching or industrial research.

Introductory Courses. The Chemistry Department has three types of courses available to students starting toward careers in any of the sciences, engineering, or medicine. Students are placed into these courses according to the results of the tests in chemistry and mathematics that they take during orientation. Either Chemistry 130 or Chemistry 210/211 can be the starting point for students interested in the sciences, engineering, or medicine. Chemistry 130 has a section reserved for students who would benefit from more frequent contact with faculty. Honors students, students with Advanced Placement in chemistry, and other students with good preparation in high school chemistry have the opportunity to start their study in chemistry with courses 210/211, which introduce the major concepts of chemistry in the context of organic chemistry. This curriculum allows students to progress more rapidly to advanced courses in chemistry and to be able to participate earlier in undergraduate research.

Special Departmental Policies. The Department requires that a student earn a grade of at least C- in all chemistry courses which are prerequisite for subsequent elections. A concentration program grade point average of at least 2.0 is required; this includes chemistry courses, mathematics and physics prerequisites and advanced electives which are part of a concentration plan. Students must request any change in a grade before the end of the next regular academic term.

Safety Regulations. No contact lenses will be allowed in any chemistry laboratory. In laboratory classes students must wear either prescription or safety glasses at all times.

Student Associations. Chemistry and biochemistry concentrators are eligible to become student affiliates of the American Chemical Society. An active chapter exists in the Chemistry Department and provides opportunities for a variety of activities related to chemistry. In addition, Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity maintains a chapter house near campus. Men and women concentrating in chemistry, chemical engineering, and other related fields are eligible for membership.

Phi Lambda Upsilon, an honorary chemical society, maintains a chapter at the University of Michigan. Its members have achieved academic excellence in chemistry, chemical engineering, or pharmacy.

Concentration Program Options. The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to a (1) Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in chemistry (B.S. degree, 120 credits); (2) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree (B.S. Chem. degree, 124 credits); (3) a B.S. Chem. degree with Honors in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S. Chem.) degree requires a more rigorous and more specialized program of study. The program leading to Honors in chemistry is available to qualified students. (4) The department participates in and administers an interdepartmental concentration "Biochemistry." It is possible to incorporate a teaching certificate into any of these program options. In addition there is a five year joint degree program with the College of Engineering which leads to a B.S. Chem. and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical Engineering). Information about the program leading to the joint degree with the College of Engineering and general information about teaching certificate requirements are described elsewhere in this Bulletin; departmental requirements for these programs are described below. It is strongly recommended that students who are thinking of degrees in chemistry stop by Room 1500 Chemistry to talk to a chemistry advisor as soon as possible, preferably before the end of the freshman year but certainly before the end of the sophomore year.