PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Degrees, Majors, Minors and Concentrations
Available in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Students who plan to major in chemistry or biochemistry should make an early decision as to what their ultimate career goal will be. A professional career in the field of chemistry requires graduate studies in chemistry while the medical professions require extensive training after the undergraduate degree. There are essentially three tracks to be taken in seeking a degree in chemistry or biochemistry at the College of Charleston. These tracks can be characterized as the professional chemist's degree (B.S. in Chemistry or B.S. in Biochemistry) and the liberal arts degree (B.A. in Chemistry). Some students majoring in another science area may also elect to complete a minor in chemistry.
Note: As soon as the student knows that he or she plans to major in chemistry or biochemistry, the student should declare a major and obtain an academic advisor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The secretary in Room 316 of the Science Center has the forms necessary to declare a major with the Registrar's Office and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students may also use the Major Declaration form online.
Brief "program" descriptions of various programs of study follow. For greater details (course lists, etc.), please see the Handbook for Majors.
Minor in Chemistry
It is possible for a student to major in another discipline and minor
in chemistry. Many of these students have already taken or elected to take
a year of general and organic chemistry courses and at least one semester
of biochemistry. By this time, they are already within a course or two
of completing the requirements for a minor in chemistry. The option to
minor in chemistry becomes even more attractive, because it increases their
chances for full-time or part-time employment after graduation, even if
they are assured of admission to a graduate or professional school program.
The student is required to complete 15 hours of chemistry beyond second
semester general chemistry, CHEM 112/112L for a total of 23 hours. These
hours must include quantitative analysis, CHEM 221/221L, either a full
year of organic chemistry, CHEM 231/231L, 232/232L, or a full year of physical
chemistry, CHEM 341/341L, 342/342L, plus 3 hours of chemistry electives
at the 300 level or above (e.g., CHEM 351, biochemistry).
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
PRE-PROFESSIONAL, PRE-MEDICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL and FORENSICS PROGRAMS. These programs lead to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. The sequences of courses outlined in the Handbook are suggested as ideal, although students who decide later in their academic career to major in Chemistry may need to alter their schedules. Two courses that are often taken during a summer session are PHYS 201/201L and PHYS 202/202L. Students completing the B.S. in chemistry program are certified by the American Chemical Society.
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
THE PRE-PROFESSIONAL B.S. PROGRAM IN BIOCHEMISTRY. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and includes 44 hours of coursework in chemistry. The Program includes both chemistry and non-chemistry courses which will prepare the student well for either a career in biochemistry or a career in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. The program is quite similar to that proposed for the B.S. in Chemistry with the addition of 16 credit hours of biology.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
B.A. programs require 32 hourse of coursework in chemistry.
THE LIBERAL ARTS CHEMISTRY PROGRAM. This program leads to the Bachelor
of Arts degree in Chemistry. It is designed to give a sound foundation
in chemistry, while leaving the student more time to take elective courses
in other disciplines.
PRE-MEDICAL B.A. PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY. This program leads to a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Chemistry and includes both non-Chemistry courses required
for the pre-medical student.
SECONDARY TEACHING/LIBERAL ARTS CHEMISTRY PROGRAM. This course of
study leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and certification
to teach in secondary schools. It is designed to give a sound foundation
to teach high school chemistry. The program outlined in the Handbook is
designed to be completed in four regular academic years. Students would
be advised to reduce some of the large class loads by either going to summer
school or by delaying student teaching until a ninth semester. Please consult
with the teacher education advisor in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION/LIBERAL ARTS CHEMISTRY PROGRAM. This program leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. It is designed to give a sound foundation in chemistry, while preparing the student for the business world with a minor in business.