Chemistry [BS]

Location(s): In-person/hybrid

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A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is an excellent foundation for advanced studies and a career in scientific research or college teaching. This major is for students who are strong in mathematics and desire an in-depth education in Chemistry. Graduates can pursue ground-breaking research in industry or academia.

This is a STEM-designated program (see OPT Extension).

Learn

Students in the Chemistry program will learn about chemical principles both quantitatively and qualitatively, in addition to acquiring hands-on laboratory experience. Students will learn to develop hypotheses, design experiments, make measurements and observations collect, organize, and analyze data, and use instrumentation. In addition to taking both lecture and laboratory courses, the Chemistry Department expects students to participate in individual, mentored research with a faculty member. This research training deepens their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills. It often includes opportunities to present research findings to other EMU students at regional or national conferences. Chemistry graduates are qualified to work as professional chemists in either industrial or government research. They may also fill other technical positions in the chemical industry, government laboratories, or regulatory agencies. Graduates will have the rigorous background to pursue an advanced degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, biochemistry, toxicology, chemical engineering, and materials science.

Opportunities

There are many career paths available after successful graduation with this degree.

Job titles include the following: analytical chemist assayer, brewer lab chemist, chemical oceanographer, chemical instrument technician, chemistry information retrieval specialist, chemical safety officer, chemical sales representative, environmental control analysis, food and drug chemist, forensic chemist, industrial health engineer, industrial health engineer, laboratory manager, police chemist, quality control technician, a research chemist.

Important Information (click on the link below for details)

Department Information

Chemistry 541 Science Complex, 734.487.0106

Harriet Lindsay, PhD, Department Head

Advisor Information

Please contact the department for advisor information.

General Education Requirements:

For specific requirements, see General Education or view the General Education Worksheet [PDF] .

Major Requirements: 65-72 hours

Students pursuing a Biochemistry [BS] , Biochemistry Minor , or Chemistry Minor are not eligible to pursue this major.

Required Core Courses: 50-52 hours

Chemistry: 38 Hours
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I [GEKN] 3 hrs
CHEM 122 General Chemistry I Laboratory [GEKN] 1 hr
CHEM 123 General Chemistry II 3 hrs
CHEM 124 General Chemistry II Laboratory 1 hr
CHEM 283 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 284 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry Lab 1 hr
CHEM 361 Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry 4 hrs
CHEM 371 Organic Chemistry I 3 hrs
CHEM 372 Organic Chemistry II 3 hrs
CHEM 373 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 3 hrs
CHEM 432 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 433W Applied Synthesis and Analysis Laboratory [GEWI] 3 hrs
CHEM 466 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 2 hrs
CHEM 481 Instrumental Analysis Lecture 3 hrs
CHEM 483 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory 2 hrs
Mathematics: 4 hours
MATH 120 Calculus I [GEQR] 4 hrs
Physics: 8-10 hours
Choose one course from the following:
PHY 221 Mechanics, Sound and Heat [GEKN] 4 hrs
PHY 223 Mechanics and Sound [GEKN] 5 hrs
Choose one course from the following:
PHY 222 Electricity and Light 4 hrs
PHY 224 Electricity and Light 5 hrs
Note: PHY 224 requires MATH 121 Calculus II

Concentrations: 15-20 hours

Students will satisfy one of the following concentrations.

General: 15 hours

This concentration provides students with flexibility in their courses to supplement their chemistry major.

Students are to complete one of the following options:

Option I
CHEM 351 Foundations of Biochemistry 4 hrs
Select 11 credit hours from the list of Chemistry electives below.
Option II
CHEM 451 Biochemistry I 3 hrs
CHEM 452 Biochemistry II 3 hrs
Select 9 credit hours from the list of Chemistry electives below.
Chemistry Restricted Electives
CHEM 321 Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products 2 hrs
CHEM 332 Fundamentals of Bioinorganic Chemistry 2 hrs
CHEM 411 Toxicology I 2 hrs
CHEM 415 Environmental Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 454 Protein Structure and Function 3 hrs
CHEM 455 Neurochemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 456 Cell Signaling and Disease 3 hrs
CHEM 457 Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design 3 hrs
CHEM 465 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 471 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 472 Spectrometric Organic Structure Determination 3 hrs
CHEM 475 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 482 Archaeological Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 487L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 1 hr
CHEM 488L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 2 hrs
CHEM 489L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 3 hrs
CHEM 497L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 1 hr
CHEM 498L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 2 hrs
CHEM 499L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 3 hrs

Research: 16 hours

This concentration provides students with the most rigorous chemistry courses and research experience.

Chemistry: 12 hours
CHEM 465 Advanced Physical Chemistry 3 hrs
Choose a minimum of three credit hours from the following:
CHEM 497L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 1 hr
CHEM 498L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 2 hrs
CHEM 499L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 3 hrs
Students are to complete one of the following options:

Option I
CHEM 351 Foundations of Biochemistry 4 hrs
Select 2 credit hours from the list of Chemistry electives below.
Option II
CHEM 451 Biochemistry I 3 hrs
CHEM 452 Biochemistry II 3 hrs
Chemistry Restricted Electives
CHEM 415 Environmental Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 453W Biochemistry Laboratory [GEWI] 3 hrs
CHEM 454 Protein Structure and Function 3 hrs
CHEM 455 Neurochemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 456 Cell Signaling and Disease 3 hrs
CHEM 457 Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design 3 hrs
CHEM 471 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 472 Spectrometric Organic Structure Determination 3 hrs
CHEM 475 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 477 Special Topics 1 hr
CHEM 478 Special Topics 2 hrs
CHEM 479 Special Topics 3 hrs
CHEM 482 Archaeological Chemistry 3 hrs
CHEM 487L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 1 hr
CHEM 488L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 2 hrs
CHEM 489L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 3 hrs
CHEM 581 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 3hrs
Mathematics: 4 hours
MATH 121 Calculus II 4 hrs

Fermentation Science: 18-20 hours

Required Courses: 12-14 hours

Biology: 5 hours
BIO 110 Introductory Biology: Cells & Molecules [GEKN] 3 hrs
BIO 111 Introductory Biology Laboratory: Cells & Molecules [GEKN] 2 hrs
Biochemistry: 4-6 hours

Students are to complete one of the following options:
Option I
CHEM 351 Foundations of Biochemistry 4 hrs
Option II
CHEM 451 Biochemistry I 3 hrs
CHEM 452 Biochemistry II 3 hrs
Fermentation Science: 3 hours
FERM 101 Introduction to Fermentation Science [GEKN] 3 hrs

Restricted Electives: 6 hours

Choose six credit hours from the following.

CHEM 321 Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products 2 hrs
or FERM 421 Sensory Analysis of Fermented Products 2 hrs
FERM 425 Fermented Beverage Production 2 hrs
FERM 431 Fermentation in Foods 2 hrs
FERM 441 Fermentation Production Facilities 2 hrs
Research, Co-op, and Independent Study

Students may use a maximum of two credit hours of Research, Co-op, and Independent Study courses toward this requirement.
Chemistry
CHEM 487L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 1 hr
CHEM 488L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 2 hrs
CHEM 489L4 Cooperative Education in Chemistry [GELB] 3 hrs
CHEM 497L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 1 hr
CHEM 498L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 2 hrs
CHEM 499L6 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry [GELB] 3 hrs
Fermentation Science
FERM 387L4 Cooperative Education in Fermentation Science [GELB] 1 hr
FERM 388L4 Cooperative Education in Fermentation Science [GELB] 2 hrs
FERM 389L4 Cooperative Education in Fermentation Science [GELB] 3 hrs
FERM 397 Independent Study 1 hr
FERM 398 Independent Study 2 hrs
FERM 399 Independent Study 3 hrs
FERM 497L6 Undergraduate Research in Fermentation Science [GELB] 1 hr
FERM 498L6 Undergraduate Research in Fermentation Science [GELB] 2 hrs
FERM 499L6 Undergraduate Research in Fermentation Science [GELB] 3 hrs

Minor Requirement:

This major does not require a minor.

Program Total:

Students must earn a minimum total of 120 credits at the 100-level or above.

Critical Graduation Information

Each undergraduate student will be responsible for fulfilling the requirements (or their equivalents) of the Eastern Michigan University catalog in force at the time of their initial registration at a college or university or a subsequent catalog, including the one in effect at the time of their graduation.

In the event an undergraduate student does not complete the degree requirements within seven years of the date of their original registration at a college or university, the student may be required to have their credits re-evaluated by the academic department(s) of their major/minor in keeping with catalog requirements in force during the year of their graduation.

Minimum requirements for all bachelor’s degrees awarded by Eastern Michigan University

Some majors and minors require more than the minimum in one or more of the areas below; students are urged to consult this catalog for the requirements of their particular programs.

Earn a minimum total of 120 credit hours at the 100-level and above.
- Courses numbered below 100 are not counted toward this degree requirement.
- At most, eight credit hours of physical education (PEGN) activity courses are counted toward this requirement.
Meet the requirements of the General Education program (see information below), including completing a Writing Intensive (GEWI) course in the student’s major.
Earn a minimum of 60 credits from a four-year college or university; courses taken at community colleges cannot be used to meet this requirement (Some formal program-to-program articulation agreements modify this requirement. See specific agreements for details).
Earn a minimum of 30 credits from courses taken at EMU.
Complete 10 of the last 30 hours for the degree from courses taken at EMU.
Have a minimum of 30 unique credit hours in their major and 20 unique credit hours in their minor for a total of at least 50 unique credit hours between them. Some majors that require 50 or more hours themselves do not require a minor. A double major automatically satisfies the need for a minor unless one of the two majors requires a specific minor. Students should check the requirements of the selected major in the undergraduate catalog to see if a minor is required.
Earn no more than 60 credit hours in one subject area (prefix). Credits over the 60 maximum will not be counted toward the minimum of 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree.
Earn the minimum number of credits in 300-level and above courses in each major and minor as specified below - these credits must be earned in distinct courses; that is, no course can be used to fulfill this requirement in more than one major or minor.
- Earn a minimum of 6 credits in 300-level or higher courses at EMU in each minor
- Earn a minimum of 9 credits in 300-level or higher courses at EMU in each major that requires a minor.
- Earn a minimum of 15 credits in 300-level or higher courses at EMU in each major that does not require a minor
Transfer credit will be awarded for courses taken at colleges and universities that are accredited by one of the recognized regional accrediting bodies only if the courses are college-level (equated to 100-level or above at EMU) and the student earned a “C” (or 2.0 on a 4 point scale) or better. Transfer credit may be awarded on a case-by-case basis for college-level courses in which a “C” (2.0) or better was earned at institutions outside the U.S. or at non-accredited U.S. institutions; individual departments/schools conduct the internal review of such courses within EMU, and additional documentation may be required. Please note: EMU awards only credit for transferred courses; grades are not used to calculate an EMU GPA.
Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in courses taken at EMU to graduate. In addition, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be reached in each major and minor. Only courses a student takes at EMU and those applied to their major or minor are used to calculate their major and minor cumulative GPAs. (Note: some programs may require a higher GPA - check with your program advisor.)

General Education Requirements - EMU’s General Education Program requires students to choose from a menu of approved courses in several different areas; do not assume that other courses in the same department or similar names will fulfill these requirements. A detailed description of General Education requirements is available in the General Education section of the catalog.

Students who transferred to EMU may have modified general education requirements based on Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) or articulation agreements; consult your academic advisor for additional information.