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
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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-300 Measurement Statistics
CHEM-301 Quantitative Methods of Chemical Analysis
CHEM-317 Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM-322 Junior Seminar
One additional 1-unit upper-level course in chemistry (other than CHEM-320 or CHEM-321)
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,
Please note that CHEM-326 (Biochemistry) and CHEM-324 (Experimental Biochemistry) may only count towards a Biology degree (major or minor) or a Chemistry degree (major or minor), not both.
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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:
CHEM-141 or CHEM-192, Chemistry: Structure, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics or Science, Math and Research Training II
CHEM-300 Measurement Statistics
CHEM-301 Quantitative Methods of Chemical Analysis
CHEM-309 and CHEM-314 or CHEM-310 and CHEM-315 Physical Chemistry
CHEM-317 Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM-322 Junior Seminar
One additional 1-unit upper-level course in chemistry (other than CHEM-320 or CHEM-321)
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
Participation in undergraduate research is encouraged as an important part of the program.
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,
Please note that CHEM-326 (Biochemistry) and CHEM-324 (Experimental Biochemistry) may only count towards a Biology degree (major or minor) or a Chemistry degree (major or minor), not both.
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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-317 Inorganic Chemistry
At least two and a half units of additional course work at the 300 or 400 level. 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,
Please note that CHEM-326 (Biochemistry) may only count towards a Biology degree (major or minor) or a Chemistry degree (major or minor), not both.