Chemistry Major (B.S.)

Chemistry Major (B.S.)

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What is a Bachelor of Science in chemistry?

This comprehensive program prepares students for success as professional chemists in industry and can also serve as a strong foundation for graduate studies in chemistry or related fields like materials science and pharmaceutical sciences. The B.S. degree provides rigorous training in chemistry’s traditional sub-disciplines (analytical, inorganic, organic and physical). Students gain laboratory experience in molecular synthesis and characterization, analytical and instrumental methods, physical chemical measurements and data analysis, and spectroscopy. Students also participate in scientific inquiry (via independent advanced laboratory and research experiences), which builds the communication, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in many careers. Students considering graduate degrees in chemistry should consider the Bachelor of Science degree.

Why study chemistry at UNH?

You’ll engage in a program of study approved by the American Chemical Society that explores a dynamic, creative and practical discipline. You’ll find a program small enough to be personal but comprehensive enough to provide excellent opportunities for challenge and growth, like independent research, leadership and peer-mentoring. You’ll have access to newly renovated laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment and faculty committed to transformative experiences for undergraduate students. Our graduates pursue careers in industry, go on to attend M.S. and Ph.D. programs and find success in environmental and health-related professions, making public policies, patent law and intellectual property, and educating future generations of scientists.

Potential careers

  • Agricultural and food products
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical analysis and quality control
  • Chemical/pharmaceutical sales and marketing
  • Chemical research and development
  • Chemistry teacher
  • Health professions
  • Patent law, intellectual property and science policy
  • Pharmaceuticals and pharmacology
  • Plastics and coatings
  • Science/technology writing
  • Toxicology and forensic science

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Curriculum & Requirements

Chemistry Major (B.S.) Description

The B.S. Chemistry degree is certified by the American Chemical Society and provides a deep, rigorous experience that prepares students for graduate work or a career in chemical industry and related fields. The curriculum offers thorough training in the major fields of chemistry, covering analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as biochemistry. Students gain laboratory experience in molecular synthesis and characterization, analytical and instrumental methods, physical chemical measurements and data analysis, and spectroscopy. At the same time, the program requires students to participate in scientific inquiry, via both advanced laboratory experiences and independent research.

This is the suggested degree plan for B.S. Chemistry majors. A student can alter this plan in consultation with an academic adviser.
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CHEM 400 Freshman Seminar 1
CHEM 403 General Chemistry I 4
MATH 425 Calculus I 4
PHYS 407 General Physics I 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits17
 Total Credits17
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
CHEM 404 General Chemistry II 4
MATH 426 Calculus II 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
PHYS 408 General Physics II 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits16
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
FallCredits
CHEM 517 Quantitative Analysis 4
CHEM 518 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory 1
CHEM 547 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM 549 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
Discovery Courses (2 courses at 4 credits each) 8
 Credits18
 Total Credits18
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
SpringCredits
CHEM 548 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHEM 550 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
CHEM 574 Chemistry Across the Periodic Table 4
CHEM 576 Experimental Inorganic Chemistry 2
Discovery Course 4
 Credits15
 Total Credits15
Plan of Study Grid
Third Year
FallCredits
CHEM 683 Physical Chemistry I 3
CHEM 685 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 2
CHEM 755 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3
CHEM 774 Inorganic Chemistry 3
CHEM 777 Advanced Synthesis and Characterization 3
Discovery Course 4
 Credits18
 Total Credits18
Plan of Study Grid
Third Year
SpringCredits
CHEM 684 Physical Chemistry II 3
CHEM 686 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 2
CHEM 762 Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis 3
CHEM 763 Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory 2
Elective Course 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits18
 Total Credits18
Plan of Study Grid
Fourth Year
FallCredits
CHEM 776 Physical Chemistry III 3
CHEM 799 Senior Thesis ((first semester of a yearlong experience)) 4
BMCB 658 General Biochemistry 3
Elective Course 4
 Credits14
 Total Credits14
Plan of Study Grid
Fourth Year
SpringCredits
CHEM 798 Senior Seminar 1
CHEM 799 Senior Thesis ((second semester of a yearlong experience)) 4
Elective Courses (2 courses at 4 credits each) 8
 Credits13
 Total Credits13

Required Courses

CHEM 400Freshman Seminar1
CHEM 403General Chemistry I4
CHEM 404General Chemistry II4
CHEM 517
& CHEM 518		Quantitative Analysis
and Quantitative Analysis Laboratory		5
CHEM 547
& CHEM 549		Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 548
& CHEM 550		Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 574
& CHEM 576		Chemistry Across the Periodic Table
and Experimental Inorganic Chemistry		6
BMCB 658General Biochemistry 13
CHEM 683
& CHEM 685		Physical Chemistry I
and Physical Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 684
& CHEM 686		Physical Chemistry II
and Physical Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 755
& CHEM #756		Advanced Organic Chemistry
and Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5-6
CHEM 762
& CHEM 763		Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis
and Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory		5
CHEM 774
& CHEM 775		Inorganic Chemistry
and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 776Physical Chemistry III3
CHEM 777Advanced Synthesis and Characterization3
CHEM 798Senior Seminar1
CHEM 799Senior Thesis 28
MATH 425Calculus I4
MATH 426Calculus II4
PHYS 407General Physics I4
PHYS 408General Physics II4
Total Credits89-90

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