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    Dec 11, 2024  
2024/25 UM UMM Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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, abruce@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:

Additional Requirements:


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


First Year - First Semester (15 Credits)


First Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)


Second Year - First Semester (15 Credits)


Third Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)


Fourth Year - First Semester (16 credits)


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:

Additional Requirements:


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


First Year - First Semester (15 Credits)


First Year - First Semester (15 Credits)


Second Year - First Semester (16 Credits)


Third Year - Second Semester (16 Credits)


Fourth Year - First Semester (14 credits)


Fourth Year - Second Semester (15 credits)


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 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:

Additional Requirements:


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


First Year - First Semester (15 Credits)


First Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)


Second Year - First Semester (15 Credits)


Third Year - Second Semester (15 Credits)


Fourth Year - First Semester (15 credits)


Fourth Year - Second Semester (15 credits)


  • CHY 4XX Elective - Credits: 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.

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:

Pre-pharmacy Concentration


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

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.

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