Major and Minor Requirements

Chemistry is the study of matter and the transformations that occur in material things. It is one of the basic sciences, and it is fundamental to the study of all other basic sciences.

People who study chemistry are interested in explaining how our universe works. They want to harness knowledge in a way that provides for the creation of new materials that will improve our lives and our environment. In short, chemists are people who like to solve problems.

The chemistry major at the University of Richmond provides a strong basic background in the major sub-disciplines of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and biochemistry).

As a result, Richmond chemistry graduates are well equipped to:

  • Go on to the best chemistry graduate programs in the country
  • Enter the work force as chemists in industry and government
  • Pursue studies in the health professions, allied health professions and law
  • Proceed into careers as secondary school teachers
  • Develop careers in sales and marketing for technical industry
  • And countless other options
  • Bachelor of Science

    The Bachelor of Science Degree

    Note: A grade of not less than C- (1.7) is required in each chemistry course applied to the major.

    • 13.5-14.5 units, including:

    • CHEM-141 or CHEM-192, Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics or Science, Math and Research Training II

    • CHEM-205-CHEM-206 Organic Chemistry

    • CHEM-300 Measurement Statistics

    • CHEM-301 Quantitative Methods of Chemical Analysis

    • CHEM-309 and CHEM-314 Physical Chemistry I and Lab

    • CHEM-310 and CHEM-315 Physical Chemistry II and Lab

    • CHEM-317 Inorganic Chemistry

    • CHEM-322 Junior Seminar

    • CHEM-421-CHEM-422 Senior Seminar

    • One additional 1-unit upper-level course in chemistry (other than CHEM-320 or CHEM-321) that is not counted towards another major or minor.

    • An approved research experience (CHEM-406 or one unit of CHEM-320 or CHEM-220) that culminates in a written report or in a formal presentation outside the Chemistry Department.

    • MATH-212 Calculus II

    • PHYS-127 Algebra-Based General Physics 1 with Lab or PHYS-131 Calculus-Based General Physics 1 with Lab

    • PHYS-132 Calculus-Based General Physics 2 with Lab

    Additional requirements

    • Additional upper-level elective courses in chemistry and two full years of either biology or physics are highly recommended.

    • Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM-141 or CHEM-192

  • Bachelor of Arts

    The Bachelor of Arts Degree

    Note: A grade of not less than C- (1.7) is required in each chemistry course applied to the major.

    12 units, including:

    Additional requirements

    • Additional upper-level elective courses in chemistry and two full years of either biology or physics are highly recommended.

    • Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM-141 or CHEM-192

  • Minor

    The Chemistry Minor

    Note: A grade of not less than C- (1.7) is required in each course in the minor.

    Six and a half units, including:

    • CHEM-141 or CHEM-192, Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics or Science, Math and Research Training II

    • CHEM-205-CHEM-206 Organic Chemistry

    • CHEM-317 Inorganic Chemistry

    • At least two and a half units of additional course work at the 300 or 400 level that is not counted towards another major or minor. Please note that CHEM-300, research (CHEM-320 or CHEM-321), and seminar (CHEM-322, CHEM-421, and CHEM-422) cannot be used to satisfy coursework for the minor.

    Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM 141 or CHEM 192