The Department of Chemistry offers a B.S. in Chemistry certified by the American Chemical Society. This program offers students a rigorous course of study in the five traditional areas of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry). The program is designed to develop students' knowledge of chemistry, while building skills in experimental techniques and scientific communication.
In addition, undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in laboratory research with Catholic University faculty and in internship opportunities at summer REU programs or at area research facilities such as the Bureau of Engraving, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The chemistry curriculum prepares students for a career in industry or secondary education, for admission to a graduate program, or for admission to a professional program (i.e. medical school, veterinary school, physical therapy program).
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman Year:
- General Chemistry I, II (CHEM 103/104)
- General Chemistry Laboratory I, II (CHEM 113/114)
- Calculus I, II (MATH 111/112 or MATH 121/122)
Sophomore Year:
- Organic Chemistry I, II (CHEM 203/204)
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, II (CHEM 213/214)
- Physics I, II (PHYS 205 or 215/206 or 216)
- Physics Lab I, II (PHYS 225/226)
Junior and Senior Year:
- Physical Chemistry I, II (CHEM 351/352)
- Physical Chemistry Lab I (CHEM 353)
- Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 311)
- Instrumental Analysis & Chemical Spectroscopy (CHEM 408)
- Chemical Instrumentation Lab (CHEM 418)
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 401)
- Science Communication (CHEM 405)
- Biochemistry I (CHEM 471)
- And one of the following:
- Biochemistry II (CHEM 472)
- Undergraduate Research (CHEM 493)
- Batteries and Fuel Cells (CHEM 308)