Chemistry is the study of matter with emphasis on its molecular composition. Among the various basic and applied sciences, chemistry enjoys a central position. It has made immeasurable contributions to such fields as medicine, pharmacy, industrial technology, and environmental protection. Students at Chicago State University choosing to make chemistry their major field of study may select from among four options leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Each reflects a different career goal. The options are briefly described here.

• Chemistry Option

  Requiring the greatest number of advanced chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses, this option is structured along traditional lines of chemical education. It is well suited for the study desiring a thorough understanding of the subject without interdisciplinary broadening. Students who intend to seek advanced degrees in chemistry or engineering take this option. Graduates with the bachelor's degree are prepared for a wide variety of careers in research, industry, and government. The American Chemical society Approved Program is also available under the Chemistry option. This program requires additional advanced chemistry coursework, including a laboratory research project and report, and acceptable performance on ACS subject exams.

• Secondary Teaching Option

  Students in this option are preparing for careers as high school teachers. In addition to chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and mathematics, they take a professional education sequence, which contains courses in curriculum and instruction as well as psychology. The senior year includes a semester of student teaching at an area high school. Students completing this curriculum are eligible for a State Certificate in chemistry with an endorsement in the teaching of physical sciences.

• Biochemistry Option

  Students seeking careers in biochemistry or biomedicine and those who aspire to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, medical technology, and veterinary medicine take this option. They receive a balanced exposure to physiology, anatomy, and biology along with required chemistry courses. Through the Office of Premedical Education students receive career counseling and information on procedures for gaining admission to professional schools.

• Industrial Chemistry Option

  This option prepares students for entry-level jobs in the chemical and allied industries. Along with courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics, students study accounting, business management, and industrial safety. Chemistry electives include an off-campus chemistry internship.

Each option has a set of course requirements intended to accomplishes unique purpose. Certain courses in general education, chemistry, and mathematics are common to al options. Since common courses are taken in the first two years of study, the student may easily switch options in the beginning years.

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Last modified June 01, 2005 Questions or comments about this site? Email the chemistry and physics site publisher.