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Chemistry department undergraduate programs
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 majors 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.
The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to :
- Academic Minors in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Polymer Chemistry, and Chemical Measurement Science
- a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry (B.S. degree, 120 credits);
- a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree (B.S. Chem. degree, 124 credits);
- 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.
- a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences
- a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Biomolecular Science
- The department participates in and administers an interdepartmental major "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 on this website; departmental requirements for these programs are described below.
It is strongly recommended that students who are thinking of degrees in chemistry should arrange an appoint with a Chemistry advisory via the online advising system as soon as possible, preferably before the end of the freshman year but certainly before the end of the sophomore year. The online appointment scheduling system can be found here: http://www.umich.edu/~michchem/undergrad/index.html.
Special Departmental Policies. The department requires that a student earn a grade of at least C- in all CHEM courses and mathematics and physics courses which are prerequisite for subsequent elections. A major 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 plan for the major. Prerequisites must be taken for a grade. Students must request any change in a grade before the end of the next regular academic term.
Those seeking a B.S. or B.S. Chem. degree with a teaching certificate in Chemistry must fulfill departmental as well as School of Education requirements. Students who plan to earn a teaching certificate with a teaching major or minor in Chemistry should contact the School of Education Teacher Education Office.