Mar 28, 2024  
2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry


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Chemistry encompasses the study of all matter at the molecular level: from the basic structure of materials to techniques for synthesizing new drugs; from an understanding of chemical bonding to the control of the properties of advanced materials for specific applications.

The Department is committed to providing its students with instruction in the most modern practice of chemistry through ongoing curriculum development. The Department provides preparation for careers in the chemical industry and high school teaching, for medical and other professional schools, and for graduate work in chemistry. Undergraduate research provides majors with a close working relationship with one or more faculty members and their research groups.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:
The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Because knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to success in so many fields, the chemistry curriculum offers an unusual opportunity for a wide choice of electives so that the chemistry major may adapt his or her program to individual interests or needs. Such individualized programs include preparation for medical school or other health professions, technical writing, industrial management, or computer applications. More information regarding individual program planning is available from the chair of the Department. The academic programs offered by the Department are described below:

BS Degree in Chemistry


The Department of Chemistry offers two BS degrees in chemistry. Sample schedules and curricula for each degree option are available in the Department of Chemistry office.

ACS Certified BS Degree


The American Chemical Society certified B.S. degree in chemistry prepares the student for employment in the chemical industry or for graduate studies in chemistry or a related field. Students must take a minimum of 50 credits of course work in chemistry. The following courses are required for the ACS certified degree:

Plus a choice of at least two of the following:


Non-certified BS Degree


This degree option is excellent for students considering pre-medical, pre-veterinary, or double majors. The non-certified B.S. allows students additional flexibility in their programs so that they may choose suitable electives to prepare for medical, veterinary, and other health professional schools, work in environmental testing and remediation, or work in the pharmaceutical industry. Students also have the option of taking business, law, computer science, materials science, or other courses to complement their chemistry curriculum. This option also is excellent for students who want to earn a double major. Students must take a minimum of 41 credits of course work in chemistry. The following courses are required for the non-certified B.S. degree:

BA Degree in Chemistry


The BA degree in chemistry prepares students for careers in which chemistry and physical science play a significant role. With appropriate electives, students can go on to jobs in a variety of fields including teaching of science in middle school or high school. Students must take a minimum of 36 credits of course work in chemistry. The following courses are required for the BA degree:

Health Professions


The chemistry curriculum is strong preparation for further study in medicine and other health related fields. To meet the requirements of most health professional schools, the following courses are recommended: BIO 100 , BIO 200, SOC 101, PSY 100. Additional courses including BIO 377/BIO 378 , BIO 462, BMB 322/BMB 323 and BMB 400 also provide good preparation for these programs. A health professions concentration has been developed and a suggested curriculum is available in the Chemistry Department office.

Science Teaching Certification


There is dramatic need for well-qualified science teachers in both high schools and middle schools. The B.A. in chemistry can be combined with a number of avenues for obtaining state certification as a secondary school science teacher. Students interested in this program should contact the Chemistry Department office for more information.

Other Areas of Focus


The chemistry curriculum provides a flexible grounding for areas of focus in materials science, wood chemistry, and computational chemistry to name a few. Other minors could include business for a career in management within the chemical industry or journalism for careers in technical and science writing. More detailed information is available in the Chemistry office.

Cooperative Work Experience


A program is available which allows students to accept opportunities for temporary employment provided by cooperating industries. The student may work during the summer or part of one summer and either the preceding or following semester. Credit will be allowed for this work under course numbers CHY 394 and CHY 594. This is a supervised and paid professional experience.

Five-Year Combined B.S.-MS Program


Selected students may apply for this option, which permits completion of both the B.S. and M.S. degree in five years. Work completed as part of the Honors program may be included. Application should be made by letter to the Department early in the junior year.

Transfer Students


Transfer students are welcomed in the Department. For a UMaine Chemistry degree, students must take 14 hours of upper level Chemistry at the University of Maine. Half the credits for a minor in Chemistry must be taken at the University of Maine.

Graduate Work in Chemistry


The Department of Chemistry offers a program of study and research leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The general requirements of these programs are described in the Graduate School online catalog.

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