Dec 22, 2024

2024/25 UM UMM Undergraduate Catalog

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2024/25 UM UMM Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry

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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum number of credits required to complete the major: BS 49; BS (ACS Certified) 58; BA 43

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A C or higher is required in any course used toward the Chemistry major. A one-time exception may be made for a passing grade of C- or below as long as the overall GPA is met.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in the courses in the major field that are credited toward the major.

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: BS (ACS Certified): CHY 498 and CHY 499 ; BS: CHY 492 and CHY 498 ; BA: CHY 492 and one upper-level chemistry elective; orHON 498 /HON 499 on a topic in chemistry and advised by an appropriate faculty member will be accepted as a capstone experience for all students in Chemistry (BA, BS or BS ACS Certified). The thesis proposal form must be signed by the chair of the Department of Chemistry.

Courses satisfying the writing intensive requirement within the major: CHY 393 and CHY 491

Residency Requirement: 15 credits of upper-level Chemistry courses.

Recommended courses: Double Math major should take MAT 259 and MAT 262 in lieu of MAT 258

Contact Information: Alice Bruce, Chair, 154 Aubert Hall, 581-1168, a bruce@maine.edu

The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences page of the catalog.

For more information about our undergraduate and graduate programs, program learning outcomes, internships, special resources and programs, and career opportunities, see our web site at https://umaine.edu/chemistry/.

Information about the Chemistry major.

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.

B.S. Degree in Chemistry (49 credits)

This degree option is excellent for students considering pre-medical, pre-veterinary, pharmacy, or double majors. The B.S. allows students flexibility in their programs so that they may choose suitable electives to prepare for medical, veterinary, and other health professional schools, or careers in environmental testing and remediation, or the pharmaceutical industry. Students also have the option of taking business, law, computer science, materials science, or other courses to complement their chemistry curriculum. Students must take a minimum of 49 credits of course work in chemistry. The following courses are required for the non-certified B.S. degree:

CHY 105 - Majoring in Chemistry Credits: 1
CHY 121 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 122 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 123 - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
CHY 124 - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
CHY 251 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 252 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 253 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
CHY 254 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
CHY 261 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 298 - Introduction to Chemistry Research and the Chemistry Profession Credits: 1
CHY 342 - Principles of Quantitative Analysis and Solution Equilibria Credits: 5
CHY 393 - Undergraduate Seminar in Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 471 - Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 491 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory I Credits: 3
CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3
(must take a minimum of 3 credits total over at least 2 semesters)

Plus a choice of at least two of the following:

CHY 423 - Introductory Polymer Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 425 - Physical Chemistry of Polymers Credits: 3
CHY 431 - Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 443 - Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3
CHY 461 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 462 - Organometallic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 472 - Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 477 - Nanoscience Credits: 3
CHY 483 - Introductory Wood Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 499 - Undergraduate Thesis Credits: 3

Additional Requirements:

MAT 126 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MAT 127 - Calculus II Credits: 4
PHY 111 - General Physics I Credits: 4
or
PHY 112 - General Physics II Credits: 4
and
PHY 121 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists I Credits: 4
or
PHY 122 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists II Credits: 4
Students interested in pursuing a double Math major should take MAT 259 and 262 in lieu of MAT 258; this is also recommended for a math minor.
General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the university-wide requirements for the BS degree.
Capstone (6 credits total):
CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3

Suggested four-year plan for B.S. Degree in Chemistry

Fourth Year - First Semester (16 credits)

CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3
CHY 4XX Elective - Credits: 3
Electives - Credits: 8

Fourth Year - Second Semester (15 credits)

CHY 4XX Elective - Credit: 3
Electives - Credits: 12

Note:

This is a sample curriculum only. Some courses may be taken at alternate times in the program without disrupting the overall schedule. Students should consult with a Chemistry advisor to determine which courses can be moved if necessary.

*Previous Chemistry students strongly recommend taking PHY 121 in the spring of the first year.

**If you are interested in a minor in math, you should take MAT 259 and MAT 262 instead of MAT 258.

B.S. with ACS certification (58 credits)

The American Chemical Society certified B.S. degree in chemistry prepares the student for graduate study or for a career in the chemical industry or a wide array of fields that require knowledge of chemistry. Students must take a minimum of 58 credits of course work in chemistry. The following courses are required for the ACS certified BS degree:

CHY 105 - Majoring in Chemistry Credits: 1
CHY 121 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 122 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 124 - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
CHY 251 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 252 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 253 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
CHY 254 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
CHY 261 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 298 - Introduction to Chemistry Research and the Chemistry Profession Credits: 1
CHY 342 - Principles of Quantitative Analysis and Solution Equilibria Credits: 5
CHY 393 - Undergraduate Seminar in Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 431 - Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 471 - Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 472 - Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
or
CHY 475 - Physical Chemistry III Credits: 3
CHY 491 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory I Credits: 3
CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3 (must take a minimum of 3 credits total over at least 2 semesters)
CHY 499 - Undergraduate Thesis Credits: 3

Plus a choice of at least two of the following:

CHY 423 - Introductory Polymer Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 425 - Physical Chemistry of Polymers Credits: 3
CHY 443 - Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3
CHY 461 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 462 - Organometallic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 472 - Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 475 - Physical Chemistry III Credits: 3
CHY 477 - Nanoscience Credits: 3
CHY 483 - Introductory Wood Chemistry Credits: 3

Additional Requirements:

MAT 126 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MAT 127 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MAT 228 - Calculus III Credits: 4
MAT 258 - Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra Credits: 4
PHY 111 - General Physics I Credits: 4
or
PHY 112 - General Physics II Credits: 4
and
PHY 121 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists I Credits: 4
or
PHY 122 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists II Credits: 4
Students interested in pursuing a Math minor should take MAT 259 and 262 in lieu of MAT 258.
General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the university-wide requirements for the BS degree.
Capstone Experience (6 credits total)
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3
CHY 499 - Undergraduate Thesis Credits: 3

Suggested four-year plan for ACS-Certified B.S. Degree

First Year - First Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 105 - Majoring in Chemistry Credits: 1
CHY 121 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 123 - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
ENG 101 - College Composition Credits: 3
MAT 126 - Calculus I Credits: 4
Elective - Credits: 3

First Year - First Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 122 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 124 - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
MAT 127 - Calculus II Credits: 4
* PHY 121 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists I Credits: 4
Elective - Credits: 3

Second Year - First Semester (16 Credits)

CHY 251 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 253 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
MAT 228 - Calculus III Credits: 4
PHY 122 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists II Credits: 4
Elective - Credits: 3

Second Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)

CHY 252 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 254 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
CHY 261 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 298 - Introduction to Chemistry Research and the Chemistry Profession Credits: 1
** MAT 258 - Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra Credits: 4
Elective - Credits: 3

Third Year - First Semester (14 Credits)

CHY 342 - Principles of Quantitative Analysis and Solution Equilibria Credits: 5
CHY 393 - Undergraduate Seminar in Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 471 - Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
Elective - Credits: 3

Third Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)

CHY 431 - Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 491 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory I Credits: 3
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3
Electives - Credits: 6

Fourth Year - First Semester (14 credits)

CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3
CHY 4XX Elective - Credits: 3
Electives - Credits: 6

Fourth Year - Second Semester (15 credits)

CHY 472 - Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
or
CHY 475 - Physical Chemistry III Credits: 3
CHY 499 - Undergraduate Thesis Credits: 3
CHY 4XX Elective - Credits: 3
Electives - Credits: 6

Note:

*Previous Chemistry students strongly recommend taking PHY 121 in the spring of the first year.
** If you are interested in a minor in math, you may take MAT 259 and MAT 262 instead of MAT 258.

B.A. Degree in Chemistry (43 credits)

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 43 credits of course work in chemistry. The following courses are required for the BA degree:

CHY 105 - Majoring in Chemistry Credits: 1
CHY 121 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 122 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 123 - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
CHY 124 - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
CHY 251 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 252 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 253 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
CHY 254 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
CHY 261 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 298 - Introduction to Chemistry Research and the Chemistry Profession Credits: 1
CHY 342 - Principles of Quantitative Analysis and Solution Equilibria Credits: 5
CHY 393 - Undergraduate Seminar in Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 471 - Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 491 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory I Credits: 3
CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3

Plus a choice of at least one of the following:

CHY 423 - Introductory Polymer Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 425 - Physical Chemistry of Polymers Credits: 3
CHY 431 - Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 443 - Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3
CHY 461 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 462 - Organometallic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 472 - Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 475 - Physical Chemistry III Credits: 3
CHY 477 - Nanoscience Credits: 3
CHY 483 - Introductory Wood Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 498 - Undergraduate Research Credits: 1-3 (must take a minimum of 3 credits total over at least 2 semesters)

Additional Requirements:

MAT 126 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MAT 127 - Calculus II Credits: 4
PHY 111 - General Physics I Credits: 4
or
PHY 112 - General Physics II Credits: 4
and
PHY 121 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists I Credits: 4
or
PHY 122 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists II Credits: 4
General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the university-wide and college requirements for the BA degree including completion of a minor or a double major in another discipline.
Capstone Experience (6 credits total)
CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3
and one upper level chemistry elective (CHY 4xx)

Suggested four-year plan for B.A. Degree in Chemistry

First Year - First Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 105 - Majoring in Chemistry Credits: 1
CHY 121 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 123 - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
ENG 101 - College Composition Credits: 3
MAT 126 - Calculus I Credits: 4
Elective - Credits: 3

First Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 122 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 124 - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
MAT 127 - Calculus II Credits: 4
* PHY 121 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists I Credits: 4
Elective - Credits: 3

Second Year - First Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 251 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 253 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
PHY 122 - Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists II Credits: 4
Electives - Credits: 6

Second Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 252 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
CHY 254 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
CHY 261 - Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 298 - Introduction to Chemistry Research and the Chemistry Profession Credits: 1
Electives - Credits: 6

Third Year - First Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 342 - Principles of Quantitative Analysis and Solution Equilibria Credits: 5
CHY 393 - Undergraduate Seminar in Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 471 - Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
Elective - Credits: 4

Third Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)

CHY 491 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory I Credits: 3
Electives - Credits: 12

Fourth Year - First Semester (15 credits)

CHY 492 - Advanced Integrated Laboratory II Credits: 3
Electives - Credits: 12

Fourth Year - Second Semester (15 credits)

CHY 4XX Elective - Credits: 3
Electives - Credits: 12

Note:

*Previous Chemistry students strongly recommend taking PHY 121 in the spring of the first year.

Pre-medicine and Pre-pharmacy

The chemistry curriculum is strong preparation for further study in medicine, pharmacy 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 250, BMB 322/BMB 323 and BMB 400 also provide good preparation for these programs. Students may also complete the pre-medicine or pre-pharmacy concentration.

Pre-medicine Concentration

The following courses are required for the pre-medicine concentration:

All courses required for the B.S. degree in Chemistry
BIO 100 - Basic Biology Credits: 4
BIO 200 - Biology of Organisms Credits: 4
BIO 377 - Medical Physiology Credits: 3
BIO 378 - Medical Physiology Laboratory Credits: 2
BMB 322 - Biochemistry Credits: 3
BMB 323 - Biochemistry Laboratory Credits: 2
PHI 235 - Biomedical Ethics Credits: 3
PSY 100 - General Psychology Credits: 3
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3

Recommended Electives for the Pre-medicine Concentration

BIO 208 - Anatomy and Physiology Credits: 4
or
BIO 335 - Human Anatomy Credits: 4
BMB 300 - General Microbiology Credits: 3
BMB 305 - General Microbiology Laboratory Credits: 2
CMJ 103 - Public Speaking Credits: 3
ENG 315 - Research Writing in the Disciplines Credits: 3

Pre-pharmacy Concentration

The following courses are required for the pre-pharmacy concentration:

All courses required for the B.S. degree in Chemistry
BIO 100 - Basic Biology Credits: 4
BIO 200 - Biology of Organisms Credits: 4
BIO 208 - Anatomy and Physiology Credits: 4
or
BIO 335 - Human Anatomy Credits: 4
BIO 377 - Medical Physiology Credits: 3
BIO 378 - Medical Physiology Laboratory Credits: 2
BMB 300 - General Microbiology Credits: 3
BMB 305 - General Microbiology Laboratory Credits: 2
BMB 322 - Biochemistry Credits: 3
BMB 323 - Biochemistry Laboratory Credits: 2
STS 132 - Principles of Statistical Inference Credits: 3
PSY 100 - General Psychology Credits: 3

Science Teaching Certification

There is dramatic need for well-qualified science teachers in both high schools and middle schools. The B.A. or non-certified B.S. 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.

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 number CHY 394. 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.