Chemistry

Description

A chemistry major studies the chemical properties of substances in order to develop the ability to make discoveries and to solve the vast array of problems associated with existing technologies. Four programs of study leading to a bachelor of science degree and one leading to a bachelor of arts degree are available. The bachelor of arts program allows students to choose more elective courses in order to link chemistry with some other interest such as marketing/sales or patent law.

The bachelor of science programs in biochemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry and general chemistry prepare students for postgraduate education and careers in industry, government, medicine and education. Students seeking state certification in secondary education must also complete requirements for a Master of Education degree, a one-year program at SRU. All of our programs are designed to steadily develop the quantitative, deductive and inductive reasoning skills that chemists must have.

The science and math course requirements taken during the first two years in our programs are almost identical. Consequently, students do not have to choose a specific specialization until their junior year.

A pharmacy option in the biochemistry program enables students to take advantage of a 3 + 3 affiliation agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s School of Pharmacy. Admission to the three-year pharmacy part of the program is competitive (see Pre-professional Programs).

All of our students are strongly encouraged to do research under the direction of one of our faculty. Three laboratories exist solely for student research, and student/faculty research is supported by modern analytical instrumentation in our spectroscopy and chromatography laboratories.

SRU graduates perform research and development at large corporations and small companies. Others are high school teachers and university professors. Some eventually move into careers in management or sales. Many have completed postgraduate programs in chemistry, engineering, medicine and other science related areas. The chemistry faculty at Slippery Rock University help students develop career goals that match their interests and this is reflected in the wide variety of careers our graduates pursue.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

• CHEM 107 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3
• CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I Lab Credits: 1
• MATH 225 - Calculus I Credits: 4
• PHYS 211 - General Physics I/ Lab Credits: 4

Requirements for the Major - Credits: 38-39

Chemistry Courses - Credits: 31-32

Plus 3-4 credits from CHEM 302, 337, 442, 460, 475

Students must earn at least a “C” or better in CHEM 108, CHEM 112, CHEM 201, and CHEM 202 to register for Chemistry courses numbered 300 or above.

• CHEM 108 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3
• CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II Lab Credits: 1
• CHEM 201 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
• CHEM 202 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
• CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
• CHEM 212 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
• CHEM 321 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
• CHEM 335 - Biochemistry I Credits: 3
• CHEM 336 - Biochemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
• CHEM 350 - Analytical Chemistry Credits: 3
• CHEM 351 - Analytical Chemistry Lab Credits: 1
• CHEM 425 - Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3
• CHEM 426 - Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Credits: 1

Mathematics Courses - Credits: 4

• MATH 230 - Calculus II Credits: 4

Physics Courses - Credits: 3

• PHYS 213 - General Physics III/ Lab Credits: 4

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen).

We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable
• SAT or ACT Scores
• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.

Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

Funding

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on various financial aid programs and scholarship materials. You can submit your questions regarding financial assistance directly to the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sru.edu. Students are encouraged to apply for admission early.