Chemistry, BS

The 120-credit chemistry degree includes 40 credits of prerequisites in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. The major itself requires 31 credits in upper-level chemistry courses and six credits in upper-level biology, biochemistry, environmental science, geology, mathematics, microbiology, statistics, or physics courses.

In every chemistry laboratory course and research experience, you’ll gain first-hand experience with the instrumental techniques relied on by modern chemistry. Our labs are outfitted with a broad range of instruments, from a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer to a submicron particle size analyzer.

Other hands-on experiences are available working as a part-time consultant helping other students in the Science Learning Center, working as a laboratory preparation assistant, and assisting faculty with research. Our faculty’s research interests include analytical chemistry, bio-inorganic chemistry, chemical education, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry, green chemistry, inorganic organometallic chemistry, nanotechnology, organic synthetic chemistry, organic materials chemistry, and physical organic chemistry. We also encourage you to conduct your own research guided by our faculty.

Finally, some great real-world opportunities are available in UM-Dearborn’s internship and study abroad programs. Check out the pages for these programs, and talk to your professors to learn more.

Program Goals & Skills gained include:

1. Master a broad set of fundamentals in the basic areas of the chemical discipline namely organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical.
    
2. Understand the objectives of chemical experiments, properly and safely carry out the experiments, and appropriately record and analyze results.
    
3. Communicate orally and in writing scientific concepts to other scientists and to the general public.
    
4. Skillfully utilize the chemical literature.
    
5. Have the ability to effectively pursue career objectives in an advanced professional or graduate school education, a scientific career in government or industry, or a career in teaching.

The minor or integrative studies concentration consists of 12 credits of upper-level courses you choose in chemistry (CHEM). All of the courses have prerequisites.

Minors are not automatically granted. Once you finish the required courses, you must declare the minor on a form that you submit to the CASL Advising and Academic Success office.