Chemistry (B.S.)

Program: B.S.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  
College of Science

Science Building 496 ~ 260-481-6289

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The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry program is an excellent choice for pursuing a wide range of chemistry-related careers. With carefully chosen electives and possible opportunities for further education, this program allows you to combine chemistry with other fields of study in support of career paths such as high school teacher, geochemist, environmental engineer, crime lab analyst, lab technician, metallurgist, patent attorney, science writer, science librarian, chemical salesperson, dentist, pharmacist, and medical doctor/physician.

For details on pursuing a secondary education second degree (BSEd) to teach Chemistry in middle school/high school, click on the links to the Secondary Education - Second Degree  Program and the School of Education page in this catalog.  Note:  The BSEd as a second degree in these programs cannot be earned without completion of the bachelor’s degree in the content area from the College of Science.  See Program Requirements below for a link to the Secondary Education - Second Degree 4-Year Plan.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

• Mathematical and quantitative reasoning

Students will be able to analyze, synthesize, and comprehend experimental and computational data describing the physical universe.  This skill requires knowledge of mathematical and statistical techniques that can be used analytically.

• Classical and instrumental laboratory techniques: both analytical and synthetic 

Students will learn precise measuring techniques as well as careful and meticulous record-keeping.  They will master the use of variety of modern instruments and will become proficient in fundamental organic synthetic methods.

• Individual and collaborative problem-solving

The student will develop independent problem-solving skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment on complex chemical systems.

• Chemical literature

The student will learn basic tools and concepts for efficient use of chemical literature, including multiple computerized databases.  The student will also be expected to analyze sources for relevance and authority and to learn how scientific writings are constructed according to style. 

• Summary of key concepts

In the teaching of Chemistry from the point-of-view of various sub-disciplines, the following concepts form the core course content.  It should be noted that courses offered by the Purdue University Fort Wayne Department of Chemistry will include, but are not simply limited to, the following points of emphasis:

• Analytical Chemistry

                  – Analytical methods (classical and instrumental)
                  – Sensitivity and detection limits
                  – Statistical treatment of data

•  Biochemistry (for premedicine and predental options)

– Structure, metabolic relationships, and regulation of biomolecules

• General Chemistry

– Semi-quantitative microscopic model of the physical universe based on macroscopic observations
– Terminology
– Periodic relationships
– Elementary computational skills
– Introductory laboratory skills

• Inorganic Chemistry

– Chemical bonding and structure
– Reactivity , reaction mechanisms, and properties
– Solid state and material science
– Organometallic chemistry
– Spectroscopic determination of structure

• Organic Chemistry

– Chemical bonding and structure including valence bond and molecular orbital theories
– Reactivity, reaction mechanisms, and properties of the important functional groups
– Synthesis
– Spectroscopic determination of structure
– Material science and bio-organic chemistry

• Physical Chemistry
  
                 – Mathematical and physical principles that underlie modern Chemistry
                 – Detailed understanding of the modern microscopic model of the universe
                 – The principal topic areas are:

1. Quantum Chemistry
2. Thermodynamics
3. Statistical mechanics
4. Spectroscopy
5. Kinetics

Program Delivery:

• This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

• Declare this major within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Check with a department advisor if considering concurrently majoring in both the Chemistry and Biochemistry programs

General Requirements:

• PFW General Education Requirements  
• PFW Civics Literacy Proficiency Requirement  
• PFW College of Science Information  
• PFW Academic Regulations  

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To earn a B.S. with a major in Chemistry, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above.