Chemistry, B.A.

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The Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in chemistry program at SUNY Potsdam is ideally suited for students interested in careers in environmental studies, biotechnology, analytical labs, chemical industry, pharmacy, patent law, forensic science, secondary science education and other fields of science. The program is centered on a core chemistry curriculum that is smoothly integrated with various biological and arts-related courses offering students the flexibility to pursue other interests. Students will gain the necessary skills to analyze and solve modern problems through exposure to foundation coursework in chemistry. The laboratory component of the curriculum provides students hands-on experience and exposes them to state-of-the-art instrumentation. Students hone their skills by working closely with faculty in research and in advanced courses with small class sizes. The B.A. degree in chemistry is appropriate for students who do not plan to go to graduate school. Students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in chemistry are encouraged to enroll in the Bachelor of Science program.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Chemistry B.A. students will be able to:
   • describe the major concepts and theoretical principles in chemistry.
   • solve basic problems in chemistry efficiently and accurately.
   • execute basic experiments, applying instrumentation and fundamental laboratory methodologies.

Program Requirements

Required Courses: 30 Credits

CHEM 105 - General Chemistry 1 1-3 Credit(s) (taken for 4 total credits: lecture & lab)
CHEM 106 - General Chemistry 2 1-3 Credit(s) (taken for 4 total credits: lecture & lab)
CHEM 311 - Quantitative Analysis 1-3 Credit(s) (taken for 4 total credits: lecture & lab)
CHEM 341 - Organic Chemistry 1 1-3 Credit(s) (taken for 4 total credits: lecture & lab)
CHEM 342 - Organic Chemistry 2 3 Credit(s) (taken for 4 total credits: lecture & lab)
CHEM 408 - Chemistry Topics 1 Credits
CHEM 409 - Seminar in Chemistry 1 Credits
CHEM 451 - Physical Chemistry 1 3 Credit(s) (taken for 4 total credits: lecture & lab)
CHEM 452 - Physical Chemistry 2 3 Credit(s) (taken for 4 total credits: lecture & lab)

Elective Course: 3 Credits

Under advisement from the department’s elective course offerings.

Cognate Requirements: 16 Credits

*Completion of both MATH 141 &MATH 142 may be substituted for MATH 151 .

**With the permission of the chair, PHYS 101 , PHYS 202 may be substituted for PHYS 103 , PHYS 104 .

MATH 151 - Calculus I 4 Credit(s) *
MATH 152 - Calculus II 4 Credit(s)
PHYS 103 - University Physics I 4 Credit(s) **
PHYS 104 - University Physics II 4 Credit(s) **

Recommended Coursework Outside the Major

Consult with a department adviser.

Note(s)

Students graduating with a chemistry major (B.A.) must complete 30 credit hours in the major with at least a 2.0 grade in each course. Students may not S/P/U required chemistry courses.
Students interested in the Chemical Engineering Double Degree Program should initiate contact with the Chemistry Department as soon as possible.
Since both calculus and physics are prerequisites for CHEM 451 and CHEM 452 , students considering chemistry, biochemistry, medicine and related fields are urged to start the cognate sequences as soon as possible.
Students may not double major in chemistry and biochemistry.
Recitations cannot be counted as the elective course.