2015-2016 University Catalog 
  
2015-2016 University Catalog

Chemistry, BS


Banner Code:  SC-BS-CHEM

This program of study is offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  in the College of Science .

This program is approved by the American Chemical Society; upon completion, students are certified to the society. Students planning professional careers in chemistry should choose this degree.

In addition to satisfying all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core , students majoring in chemistry must complete the chemistry program requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.30 and present no more than two courses with a grade of ‘D’ (1.00) in CHEM coursework at graduation. Through the coursework below, chemistry majors satisfy the Mason Core  requirements in ‘Natural Science’ and ‘Quantitative Reasoning’.

CHEM 336  or CHEM 465  will fulfill the writing intensive requirement for students majoring in chemistry.

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s degree program in Chemistry  or in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Chemistry Concentration) .

Degree Requirements


BS without Concentration


Students who do not select an optional concentration complete the curriculum requirements listed below.

Without Concentration Total: 70-72 credits

▲ Concentration in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (AEC)


Students planning professional careers in an industry involving chemical measurements, careers with a chemistry emphasis in the environmental science, or those seeking graduate study in analytical or environmental chemistry should choose this program. This concentration meets the requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

In addition to satisfying the Mason Core  and requirements for bachelor’s degrees , students majoring in chemistry with a concentration in analytical and environmental chemistry must complete the chemistry program requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.30 and present no more than two courses with a grade of ‘D’ (1.00) in CHEM coursework at graduation. Through the coursework below, chemistry majors satisfy the Mason Core  requirements in ‘Natural Science’ and ‘Quantitative Reasoning’.

7-8 Credits of Supporting Science Electives


Choose from one of three options:

AEC Concentration Total: 78-79 credits

▲ Concentration in Biochemistry (BC)


Students planning professional careers in biochemistry, the pharmaceutical industry, medicine, biotechnology, or related fields with a chemistry emphasis should choose this program instead of the Chemistry, BS  without a concentration. This concentration provides students with a focus on biochemistry while retaining a strong chemistry foundation. Students are allowed to tailor the concentration to their interests with 9 credits of science electives.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core . In addition, students majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry must complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.30. No more than two courses with a grade of ‘D’ (1.00) in CHEM coursework may be applied to the major. Through the coursework below, students satisfy the Mason Core  requirements in ’Natural Science’ and ‘Quantitative Reasoning’.

9 Credits of Approved Science Electives


  • 9 credits of approved science electives chosen from CHEM or BIOL courses numbered 302-499. Other science or math courses may be approved as electives, subject to prior approval of the coordinator.
BC Concentration Total: 72 credits

▲ Concentration in Chemistry Education (CHME)


Those interested in teaching high school chemistry should choose this concentration. This concentration is approved by the American Chemical Society and, upon completion of the degree, leads to state licensure to teach in Virginia.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core . In addition, students with a concentration in chemistry education must complete the following:

Notes:

The coursework above satisfies the Mason Core  requirements in ‘Natural Science’ and ‘Quantitative Reasoning’.

During their second year, students should contact the Graduate School of Education  in order to attend an information session and to prepare for taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test.

CHME Concentration Total: 86 credits

Mason Core and Elective Credits (34-50 credits)


In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core  requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

  • Without concentration: 48-50 credits
  • AEC concentration: 41-42 credits
  • BC concentration: 48 credits
  • CHME concentration: 34 credits

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits