Dec 13, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry (B.S.)


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

Science Building 496 ~ 260-481-6289


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.


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:


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

College Scorecard


The U.S. Department of Education has created a scorecard for each university and its programs.  The scorecard shows data for the university such as graduation rate, average annual cost, and median earnings.  Then, when certain minimum standards have been met, data are available for a specific program.  That data could include median earnings, median total debt, and number of graduates. The link below will help you learn more:

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?151102-Purdue-University-Fort-Wayne&fos_code=4005&fos_credential=3

Program Requirements:


Chemistry BS 4-Year Plan:  

  •  All major dept courses taken at the 1000+ level need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0

  • New CHM courses approved and added to the curriculum in future Catalogs may satisfy major requirements

  • Transfer students with 60+ credits are not required to take the Freshman Success seminar if they haven’t previously taken such a course 

Chemistry BS with Secondary Education 4-Year Plan:  

 

General Education Requirements: Credits 33


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details
  • Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description.  Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major.  A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

Supporting Courses:


English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


  • ENGL 23301 (or a college-approved equivalent: ENGL 20201, HIST 21700, ILCS 30000, POL 20700, or WOST 23000).  This course is in addition to the General Education writing course (ENGL 13100 or equivalent).
  • COM 11400 (or the college-approved equivalent: HIST 12500).

Both courses require a grade of C- or better

Language: Credits 6


Two courses at the first-year level in a single International Language or in American Sign Language (or demonstrate equivalent proficiency).  

Note:  if you begin these courses at PFW at the second-semester level or higher, you and your advisor are eligible to apply for special course credits after successful completion of the course into which you placed.  Non-native English speaking students and those with other language transfer credits should contact the College’s Student Success Center.

General Electives


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.

Total Credits: 120


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

Additional Course Use:


Courses listed below may also be considered in meeting specific degree requirements.

CHM 19400 required, BIOL 12000 and PHYS 17000 taken as First Year Seminar accepted

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