Chemistry

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Jeffrey Webb
CHAIRPERSON
Academic Science and Laboratory Building, 108B
(203) 392-6260– Fax (203) 392-6396
webbj6@SouthernCT.edu
Department Secretary: (203) 392-6260

Erica Barnes, Assistant Professor
Adiel Coca, Associate Professor
James Kearns, Assistant Professor
Gregory Kowalczyk, Associate Professor
M. J. Gerald Lesley, Professor
Jiongdong Pang, Associate Professor
Todd Ryder, Assistant Professor
Jeffrey A. Webb, Associate Professor

MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY

The Chemistry Department offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry, the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, and the Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education all with the major concentration in chemistry or biochemistry.

A student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA in the chemistry major courses to graduate.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelors of Arts Degree option is typical for a student who selects to complete a double major.  Chemistry major course requirements are the same as those for the Bachelor of Science Degree.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education

The major in chemistry is designed to develop a mastery of the unifying theories and principles in this field by means of a carefully-planned sequence of courses and related laboratory experiences. The program qualifies graduates for teaching in the secondary school and for professional positions in industry and government as well as to satisfy requirements for advanced study. The specific professional requirements for Initial Teaching Certification in Connecticut are listed in the secondary education section of the School of Education.

Accelerated B.S./M.S.

The accelerated B.S./M.S. in Chemistry allows students to complete an M.S. degree in Chemistry with one additional year beyond their B.S. degree. Both degrees must be completed at Southern Connecticut State University. Students work on the undergraduate chemistry degree requirements during their first three years as an undergraduate student and then apply to the accelerated M.S. degree program during the spring semester of their junior year. The fourth and fifth year requirements are outlined below although there may be some slight variation in the 300/400 level courses depending on the Chemistry courses that a student completes during their junior year. In order to complete the accelerated B.S./M.S. program in Chemistry, students must complete all requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry, as well as the courses outlined below.

Admission Requirements:

Students apply to the accelerated B.S./M.S. program during their junior year. Applications will be due by the Friday before spring break. In order to apply to the accelerated B.S./M.S. program, students must submit undergraduate transcripts (for any institution where they have taken undergraduate courses), a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member indicating that they will be willing to supervise the student's thesis research. The materials should be submitted to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Senior Year:
CHE 435/436 — Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 445 — Chemical Hazards and Laboratory Safety
CHE 490/491 — Chemistry Research
CHE 496 — Chemistry Seminar
2 Chemistry courses at the 500 level

Fifth Year:
4 Chemistry courses at the 500 level
CHE 590 — Research
CHE 591 — Research Thesis

ACS Approved Degree in Chemistry

The Chemistry Department at Southern Connecticut State University is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to certify to the society those students who complete the curriculum requirements as outlined in the ACS Guidelines. For a student to receive certification from the ACS in chemistry, the student must meet the requirements outlined in the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry plus CHE 450; and any two of the following: CHE 340, 440, 451, 456, 490, or 491. Students in the Honor's Program must enroll for two semesters of research (HON 494, HON 495).

MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY (BIOCHEMISTRY CONCENTRATION)

The biochemistry concentration is designed for those students planning to pursue a career in biochemistry, either research or teaching, or for those students who are interested in entering medical or dental school. The beginning student should seek early counseling with respect to exact course sequence and selection.

The following specializations are intended only to assist students in selecting areas and courses of interest.

Environmental Chemistry

This specialization guides the student toward a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a special emphasis on environmental considerations. Students will learn about the relationship between specific chemical phenomena and the large environmental systems—biological, geological, and geographical—while preparing for careers in the chemical industry or the environmental field.

Medicinal Chemistry

This specialization allows the student to obtain a bachelor's degree in chemistry with special preparation in the allied health sciences. Chemistry courses such as medicinal chemistry, or related courses such as microbiology, prepare the student for careers in clinical chemistry, pharmacology, medical technology, or basic medical research.

Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, or Pre-Veterinary Medicine

This specialization guides the student toward a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry with an emphasis on a preparation for entrance into programs in medical school, dental school, and schools of veterinary medicine. Students specializing in this area are advised to register with the University Pre-Medical Committee.

Residency Requirements

In order to receive a degree in chemistry from Southern Connecticut State University, along with satisfying the requirements listed above for the various programs, majors must complete a minimum of 16 credits of advanced chemistry courses (300 level or above) at SCSU.

Senior Research

Permission to do senior research will be granted to students only if they have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their chemistry courses, or have successfully completed CHE 240, CHE 260-261, and CHE 370. The senior thesis requires completion of CHE 490, CHE 491 (or HON 494, HON 495 for students in the Honor's Program).

Course Equivalency Examinations

For information on the Course Equivalency Examinations, please refer to the Chemistry Department website: SouthernCT.edu/chemistry.