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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Chemistry (B.S.C.)
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 Return to: Program Descriptions
Science Building 496 ~ 260-481-6289
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.C.) program helps you prepare for graduate study in chemistry and chemistry-related careers in industry or government. Providing the best preparation for any career involving chemical research, this program fulfills recommendations of the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS), and graduates are certified as having fulfilled its requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Mathematical and quantitative reasoning
The student 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 and computationally.
- 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.
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 methods (classical and instrumental)
– Sensitivity and detection limits
– Statistical treatment of data
– Structure, metabolic relationships, and regulation of biomolecules
– Semi-quantitative microscopic model of the physical universe based on macroscopic observations
– Terminology
– Periodic relationships
– Elementary computational skills
– Introductory laboratory skills
– Chemical bonding and structure
– Reactivity, reaction mechanisms, and properties
– Solid state and material science
– Organometallic chemistry
– Spectroscopic determination of structure
– 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:
- Quantum Chemistry
- Thermodynamics
- Statistical mechanics
- Spectroscopy
- Kinetics
Program Delivery:
- This program is available on-campus
Declaring this Major:
- Declare this major within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
General Requirements:
To earn a B.S.C with a major in Chemistry and be ACS certified, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above.
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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 General Education: Credits 30
Effective Fall 2025, the General Education program at PFW requires 30 credits to be completed, such that students pass each course listed below with a grade of C- or better: - Category A. Foundational Intellectual Skills (Foundational Intellectual Skills Course Lists)
- One course in A1. Written Communication Cr. 3.
- One course in A2. Speaking and Listening Cr. 3.
- One course in A3. Quantitative Reasoning Cr. 3.
- Category B. Ways of Knowing (Ways of Knowing Course Lists)
- One course in B4. Scientific Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B5. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B6. Humanistic Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B7. Artistic Ways or Knowing Cr. 3.
- One course in B8. Interdisciplinary Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
- Six additional credits from any Foundational Skills (A1-A3) or Ways of Knowing (B4-B8) categories
- At least one Ways of Knowing course that is designated as having a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or global awareness
Some programs recommend courses and/or require a specific course as part of the major that may also be used to fulfill General Education requirements. Please see below or your Academic Advisor for courses that fulfill both purposes. You can familiarize yourself with other program regulations at General Education Requirements . English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6
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. Core and Concentration (Major) Courses: Credits 44
Supporting Courses: Credits 25
BSC Requirements: Credits 14
Additional Course Requirement: Credits 3
Choose three credits from the list below, or other departmentally approved advanced courses in chemical engineering, computer science, geochemistry, surface chemistry, mathematics, molecular biology, physics, or other allied fields - CHM course numbered 300xx or above
General Electives
- Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.
Total Credits: 120 minimum
Student Responsibility
You are responsible for ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program. Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career. If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. 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, PHYS 17000 taken as First Year Seminar accepted
CHM 33300 required; CHM 43300, CHM 53300 accepted
CHM 33500 required; CHM 34300 accepted
COM 11400 required; HIST 12500 accepted
ENGL 23301 required; ENGL 20201, HIST 21700, ILCS 30000, POL 20700, WOST 23000 accepted |
Return to: Program Descriptions
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