Academic Catalog

Chemistry (B.S.)

B.S. candidates may receive certification by the American Chemical Society upon graduation. This degree offers a strong background for students interested in a career in chemistry or in a professional field with a strong reliance on chemistry. It is particularly recommended for students planning to do graduate work in chemistry and chemically-related fields. The degree is offered with three options:

  1. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
  2. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry
  3. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in materials

The first option is designed primarily for those planning to enter the chemical profession and other professional fields. The second option is designed primarily for students planning careers in biochemical and biomedical areas. The third option is designed primarily for students interested in materials science. (Note: Those interested in Phi Beta Kappa should consult with the secretary of the Wayne State University Chapter in order to determine the maximum number of chemistry credits allowed.)

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University. Students planning to major in chemistry should consult with an advisor in the Chemistry Department not later than the beginning of their sophomore year.

Candidates must complete 120 credits in course work including satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Group Requirements, as well as the departmental major  requirements cited below. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees.

Chemistry B.S. - Option One

Major Requirements

Those who wish to follow the curriculum in the College for the B.S. in Chemistry degree must complete the following courses:

CHM 1100General Chemistry I4
CHM 1130General Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHM 1140General Chemistry II4
CHM 1150General Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHM 1240Organic Chemistry I4
CHM 1250Organic Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHM 2220Organic Chemistry II4
CHM 2230Organic Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHM 3020Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry I3
CHM 3120Analytical Chemistry3
CHM 3130Analytical Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM 5020Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry II3
CHM 5160Instrumental Analytical Chemistry3
CHM 5420Physical Chemistry I3
CHM 5440Physical Chemistry II4
CHM 5510Chemical Synthesis Laboratory3
CHM 5550Physical Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 5600Survey of Biochemistry3
CHM 5570Instrumental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory2
Select one of the following:3-4
Materials Chemistry and Engineering
Advanced Bioinorganic Chemistry
Organometallic Chemistry
Theory of Analytical Chemistry
Electroanalytical Chemistry
Separation Science
Advances in Bioanalytical Chemistry
Mass Spectrometry
Organic Structures and Mechanisms
Organic Reactions and Synthesis
Organic Spectroscopy
Advanced Bioorganic Chemistry and Drug Design
Statistical Thermodynamics
Quantum Chemistry
Computational Chemistry
Modern Methods in Experimental Chemistry
Metabolism: Pathways and Regulation
Tools of Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology
Clinical and Molecular Aspects of Cancer
Green Chemistry: Mindful Design in Science, Engineering, and Medicine
CHM 5999Research in Chemistry 12-4
or CHM 5998 Honors Thesis Research in Chemistry
PHY 2170University Physics for Scientists I4
PHY 2171University Physics Laboratory1
PHY 2180University Physics for Scientists II4
PHY 2181University Physics Laboratory II1
MAT 2010Calculus I4
MAT 2020Calculus II4
MAT 2250Elementary Linear Algebra3
Total Credits76-79
1

By the first semester of the senior year, the student must enroll for at least two credits in independent research (CHM 5999 or CHM 5998). The student must work under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry. It is advised that the student consult with the faculty during the term prior to beginning work, in order to choose the area and staff member under whose direction this research will be carried out. At the conclusion of the project, the student must present a written report for approval by the Chairperson of the Department. With prior approval by the Chairperson of the Department, students may be allowed to substitute to 2 credits of an internship experience (CHM 6991) in place of a research project.

A minimum grade of C is required in prerequisite chemistry courses.

At least fifteen credits in chemistry plus Research in Chemistry (CHM 5999) must be earned at Wayne State University.

Substitutions in B.S. Curriculum (Option One ONLY): In recognition of the diverse backgrounds required for various careers in chemistry, students may petition the Chemistry Curriculum Committee for approval to substitute advanced courses numbered 5000 or above from another discipline (such as physics, mathematics, biology, engineering) for the following B.S. requirements:

MAT 2250Elementary Linear Algebra3
CHM 5510Chemical Synthesis Laboratory3
CHM 5570Instrumental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory2
Chemistry elective

Such petitions for substitutions must be submitted in writing accompanied by a detailed statement of justification and a current transcript, and must be approved prior to registration in the alternative courses. Decisions regarding approval of such requests will be based on their legitimacy in terms of the student’s professional goals. It is suggested that students consult the Chairperson of the Chemistry Curriculum Committee before filing such a petition.

Chemistry B.S. - Option Two (Biochemistry)

Major Requirements

Those who wish to follow the curriculum for the B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry must complete the following courses (NO substitutions are allowed in the Option Two program: B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry):

CHM 1100General Chemistry I4
CHM 1130General Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHM 1140General Chemistry II4
CHM 1150General Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHM 1240Organic Chemistry I4
CHM 1250Organic Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHM 2220Organic Chemistry II4
CHM 2230Organic Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHM 3020Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry I3
CHM 3120Analytical Chemistry3
CHM 3130Analytical Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM 5020Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry II3
CHM 5160Instrumental Analytical Chemistry3
CHM 5400Biological Physical Chemistry3
or CHM 5420 Physical Chemistry I
CHM 5550Physical Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 5570Instrumental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 6610Biological Chemistry Laboratory3
CHM 6620Metabolism: Pathways and Regulation3
CHM 6640Molecular Biology3
Select one of the following:3-4
Chemical Synthesis Laboratory
Elementary Linear Algebra
CHM 5999Research in Chemistry 12-4
or CHM 5998 Honors Thesis Research in Chemistry
PHY 2170University Physics for Scientists I4
PHY 2171University Physics Laboratory1
PHY 2180University Physics for Scientists II4
PHY 2181University Physics Laboratory II1
BIO 1510
BIO 1511
Basic Life Mechanisms
and Basic Life Mechanisms Laboratory
4
Select one of the following:4-5
Principles of Microbiology
and Principles of Microbiology Lab
Introduction to Cell Biology
Molecular Mechanisms of Microbiology
and Molecular Mechanisms of Microbiology Lab
BIO 3070Genetics4
MAT 2010Calculus I4
MAT 2020Calculus II4
Total Credits84-88
1

By the first semester of the senior year, the student must enroll for at least two credits in independent research (CHM 5999 or CHM 5998). The student must work under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry. It is advised that the student consult with the faculty during the term prior to beginning work, in order to choose the area and staff member under whose direction this research will be carried out. At the conclusion of the project, the student must present a written report for approval by the Chairperson of the Department. With prior approval by the Chairperson of the Department, students may be allowed to substitute to 2 credits of an internship experience (CHM 6991) in place of a research project.

A minimum grade of C is required in prerequisite chemistry courses.

At least fifteen credits in chemistry plus Research in Chemistry (CHM 5999) must be earned at Wayne State University.

Chemistry B.S. - Option Three (Materials)

Major Requirements

Those who wish to follow the curriculum for the B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in materials must complete the following courses (NO substitutions are allowed in the Option Three program: B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in materials):

CHM 1100General Chemistry I4
CHM 1130General Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHM 1140General Chemistry II4
CHM 1150General Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHM 1240Organic Chemistry I4
CHM 1250Organic Chemistry I Laboratory1
CHM 2220Organic Chemistry II4
CHM 2230Organic Chemistry II Laboratory1
CHM 3020Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry I3
CHM 3120Analytical Chemistry3
CHM 3130Analytical Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM 5020Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry II3
CHM 5160Instrumental Analytical Chemistry3
CHM 5420Physical Chemistry I3
CHM 5440Physical Chemistry II4
CHM 5550Physical Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 5570Instrumental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 5600Survey of Biochemistry3
CHM 6060Materials Chemistry and Engineering3
or MSE 5350 Polymer Science
CHM 5999Research in Chemistry 12-4
or CHM 5998 Honors Thesis Research in Chemistry
PHY 2170University Physics for Scientists I4
PHY 2171University Physics Laboratory1
PHY 2180University Physics for Scientists II4
PHY 2181University Physics Laboratory II1
BE 1300Basic Engineering II: Materials Science for Engineering Applications3
BE 1310Materials Science for Engineering: Laboratory1
MAT 2010Calculus I4
MAT 2020Calculus II4
MAT 2250Elementary Linear Algebra3
MSE 5650Surface Science3
Total Credits80-82
1

In addition, students must enroll for at least two credits in independent research (CHM 5999 or CHM 5998) by the first semester of their senior year. Research must be conducted under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry. It is advised that the student consult with the faculty during the term prior to beginning work, in order to choose the area and staff member under whose direction this research will be carried out. At the conclusion of the project, the student must present a written report for approval by the Chairperson of the Department. With prior approval by the Chairperson of the Department, students may be allowed to substitute to 2 credits of an internship experience (CHM 6991) in place of a research project.

A minimum grade of C is required in prerequisite chemistry courses.

At least fifteen credits in chemistry plus Research in Chemistry (CHM 5999 or CHM 5998) must be earned at Wayne State University.

Chemistry Honors (B.S. Program)

  1. All regular requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree must be fulfilled (no substitutions).
  2. Minimum g.p.a.: 3.3 overall; 3.3 in chemistry courses.
  3. Minimum of four credits must be earned in independent research (CHM 5998); this should commence in the junior year (or earlier).
  4. Completion of one semester of an HON 4200-level honors seminar.This course may be used to partially fulfill college Group Requirements and can be elected in either the junior or senior year.
  5. Submission of a B.S. thesis (covering the undergraduate independent research project), or of a manuscript suitable for publication in a refereed chemical journal, to the Honors Subcommittee in Chemistry which will act to accept or reject the thesis (or manuscript).
  6. An oral examination covering the B.S. Honors Research Project, by the Honors Subcommittee in Chemistry.

The AGRADE program enables highly qualified students pursuing a B.S. with a major in Chemistry or a B.S. with a major in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology to enroll simultaneously in the M.A. with a major in Chemistry. Students will be able to apply up to a maximum of 16 credits towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. AGRADE applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (g.p.a.) of 3.50 or better. Applicants are also expected to have performed at a superior level in the major, as determined by the department, and the required g.p.a. in the major shall not be less than 3.6 at the time of application. The earliest students may be admitted into the AGRADE Program is the semester in which they complete 90 credits towards the undergraduate degree. Students should consult with an undergraduate advisor in their major department to seek advice about the appropriate time to apply for AGRADE status.

Requirements

Depending on the degree, students may use up to 16 credits from the following courses to count towards their B.S. and M.A. degrees. Only those AGRADE-approved courses in which the student has earned a B or higher will transfer to the graduate transcript. Once in the master’s program, students may be required to repeat an AGRADE course in which they earn less than a B grade.

CHM 6070Advanced Bioinorganic Chemistry3
CHM 6090Organometallic Chemistry3
CHM 6170Advances in Bioanalytical Chemistry3
CHM 6240Organic Spectroscopy3
CHM 6270Advanced Bioorganic Chemistry and Drug Design3
CHM 6440Computational Chemistry3
CHM 6610Biological Chemistry Laboratory3
CHM 6620Metabolism: Pathways and Regulation3
CHM 6635Tools of Molecular Biology3
CHM 6640Molecular Biology3
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