Degree: B.A.

Undergraduate Executive Officer: John R. Krenos (krenos@rutchem.rutgers.edu)

The program of study in chemistry, offered in cooperation with the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, provides broad and comprehensive training in all areas of modern chemistry and leads to a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry. The curriculum is designed to permit the student a wide range of career choices, including, but not limited to, chemistry, medicine, law, business, chemical physics, environmental science, and secondary-school teaching.

A core of courses is required for the completion of the major in chemistry, including course work in the four major subdisciplines of chemistry-inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical-as well as work in mathematics and physics. Within the program, several options permit students to select an area of concentration that reflects their particular interests and goals. (See VIII B below and the Chemistry 160 section of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences section.)

Entry Requirements for the Major

To declare a major in chemistry, students must achieve a grade of C or better in 01:160:161 General Chemistry.

A minimum grade-point average of 2.0 in all chemistry courses is required for graduation.

Degree Requirements for the Major

Cook College students majoring in chemistry also must complete a minor or certificate program offered by the Cook College faculty.

Please see the Programs of Study Summary on page 272 for information regarding changes in degree requirements.

I. Interdisciplinary/Ethical Analysis (5 credits)

  11:015:101  Perspectives on Agriculture and the Environment (2)

  11:015:400  Junior/Senior Colloquium (3)

II. Introductory Life and Physical Sciences

A. Life Sciences (4 credits)

  01:119:103  Principles of Biology (4) or equivalent

B. Physical Sciences (8 credits)

  01:750:203-204  General Physics (3,3)

  01:750:205-206  General Physics Laboratory (1,1)

III. The Arts (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter.

IV. Human Diversity (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter.

V. Economic and Political Systems (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter. Selection of courses may be determined by the student`s choice of minor or certificate program.

VI. Oral and Written Communication (8 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter. 01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing (3) is strongly recommended.

  01:160:491-492  Seminar in Chemistry (1,1)

VII. Experience-Based Education (3 credits)

  01:160:495-496Senior Research Project (1-6,1-6), or 11: 115:493,494 Research Problems in Biochemistry (1-6,1-6) or 11:400:493,494 Research Problems in Food Science (1-4,1-4) or equivalent independent laboratory research project or appropriate, adviser-approved placement in cooperative education

VIII. Competence in Chemistry (69.5-87.5 credits)

A.  REQUIRED COURSES (69.5)

Quantitative Methods (15)

  01:640:151-152  Calculus for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (4,4)

  01:640:250  Introductory Linear Algebra (3)

  01:640:251  Multivariable Calculus (4)

Computer Competence (2.5)

  01:160:329  Experimental Physical Chemistry (2.5)

Professional Ethics

Issues in professional and scientific ethics are included in 01:160:491-492 Seminar in Chemistry (1,1).

Other Required Courses (52)

  01:160:161-162  General Chemistry (4,4) or 01:160: 163-164 Honors General Chemistry (4,4)

  01:160:171  Introduction to Experimentation (1)

  01:160:251  Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (2.5)

  01:160:309 or 311  Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (2) and 01:160:310 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2)

  01:160:315-316  Principles of Organic Chemistry (4,4) or 01:160:307-308 Organic Chemistry (4,4)

  01:160:323-324  Physical Chemistry (3,3) or 01:160: 341-342 Physical Chemistry: Biochemical Systems (3,3)

  01:160:348  Instrumental Analysis (3) or 01:160: 344 Introduction to Molecular Biophysics Research (3)

  01:160:361  Chemical Bonding (1.5)

  01:160:371  Inorganic Chemistry (3) a minor or certificate program offered by Cook College (18)