Department of Chemistry
Important Note: This is the archived version of the 2013–2015 Undergraduate Catalog. The information on these pages was archived on August 6, 2013 and will not be updated as requirement and/or program changes are approved. Please see www.uic.edu/ucat for the most up-to-date requirements.
Professional ApprovalBA with a Major in Chemistry Minor in Chemistry
BS in the Teaching of Chemistry BS in Chemistry
Distinction
Recommended Plan of Study
4500 Science and Engineering South (SES)
(312) 996–3161
http://www.chem.uic.edu
Administration: Head, Luke Hanley
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Donald Wink
Chemistry is a central science that provides much of the fundamental understanding needed to deal with society’s needs. It is critical in feeding, clothing, and housing humankind, in providing renewable substitutes for dwindling or scarce materials, in improving health, and in monitoring and protecting our environment.
The Department of Chemistry offers four undergraduate degrees.
- The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is recommended for anyone considering a professional career in chemistry. It prepares its graduates for admission to graduate schools in chemistry, to medical schools and to professional positions in industry, the health field, and governmental agencies.
- The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Chemistry requires fewer chemistry courses and permits a larger number of electives outside of chemistry. It provides a basis for admission to medical schools and dental schools. The degree also provides a useful background for those who wish to pursue careers in business (management, marketing, sales).
- The Bachelor of Science in the Teaching of Chemistry is a program for prospective high school chemistry teachers.
- The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, offered jointly with the Department of Biological Sciences, provides preparation for graduate study in biochemistry, for studies in medical and dental schools, or for careers in biotechnology. For more detailed information, see the Biochemistry section.
The department also offers a Minor in Chemistry.
Faculty advising is provided for all students majoring in the department. To be identified for effective advising, students should declare the chemistry major by the end of the freshman year. Transfer students should declare the major at the time of registration or during their first term in residence. Students considering changing to a major in chemistry at a later point in their careers should first obtain advice from the department.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry programs have been approved by the American Chemical Society, and graduates are immediately eligible for full membership in the society.
Degree Requirements—BA with a Major in Chemistry
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree from UIC, students must complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Chemistry degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BA with a Major in Chemistry Degree Requirements | Hours |
| Required Prerequisite and Collateral Courses | 18–20 |
| Major Requirements | 39 |
| General Education and Electives to reach Minimum Total Hours | 61–63 |
| Minimum Total Hours—BA with a Major in Chemistry | 120 |
General Education
See General Education and Writing-in-the-Discipline in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for information on meeting these requirements. Students should consult the course lists below and their advisors to determine which courses are counted toward the General Education and Writing-in-the-Discipline requirements.
Required Prerequisite and Collateral Courses
| Courses | Hours |
| MATH 180—Calculus Iab | 5 |
| MATH 181—Calculus IIa | 5 |
| One of the following sequences in physics: | 8–10 |
| PHYS 141—General Physics I (Mechanics) (4)ac | |
| PHYS 142—General Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism) (4)ac | |
| OR | |
| PHYS 105—Introductory Physics I—Lecture (4)ad | |
| PHYS 106—Introductory Physics I—Laboratory (1)ad |
|
| PHYS 107—Introductory Physics II—Lecture (4)ad |
|
| PHYS 108—Introductory Physics II—Laboratory (1)ad |
|
| Total Hours—Required Prerequisite and Collateral Courses | 18–20 |
a This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural World General Education category.
b MATH 180 fulfills the LAS Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
c PHYS 141 and 142 are recommended.
d Each of the following pairs will be considered one course in meeting the LAS General Education requirements: PHYS 105/PHYS 106 and PHYS 107/PHYS 108.
Major Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
| One of the following sequences in general and analytical chemistry: | 14 |
| CHEM 112—General College Chemistry I (5)a | |
| CHEM 114—General College Chemistry II (5)a | |
| CHEM 222—Analytical Chemistry (4) | |
| OR | |
| CHEM 116—Honors General Chemistry I (5)a | |
| CHEM 118—Honors General Chemistry II (5)a | |
| CHEM 222—Analytical Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 232—Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 233—Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 234—Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| One of the following physical chemistry sequences: | 9 |
| CHEM 342—Physical Chemistry I (3) | |
| CHEM 343—Physical Chemistry Laboratory (3)b | |
| CHEM 346—Physical Chemistry II (3) | |
| OR | |
| CHEM 340—Physical Chemistry for Biochemists I (3) | |
| CHEM 343—Physical Chemistry Laboratory (3)b | |
| CHEM 344—Physical Chemistry for Biochemists II (3) | |
| CHEM 314—Inorganic Chemistry I | 4 |
| Chemistry Electives | 3 |
| Total Hours—Major Requirements | 39 |
a This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural World General Education category.
b CHEM 343 fulfills the Writing-in-the-Discipline requirement.
Recommended Plan of Study
To view a recommended plan of study for the BA with a Major in Chemistry, please see the end of this department listing or visit the LAS website http://www.las.uic.edu/students/prospective-undergraduate/degree-programs/four-year-model-plans.
Students from other disciplines who want to minor in Chemistry must complete 18–19 semester hours distributed as follows:
| Required Courses—Chemistry Minor | Hours |
| One of the following sequences: | 10 |
| CHEM 112—General College Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 114—General College Chemistry II (5) |
|
| OR | |
| CHEM 116—Honors General College Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 118—Honors General College Chemistry II (5) | |
| CHEM 232—Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 233—Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| One of the following courses: | 3–4 |
| CHEM 314—Inorganic Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 340—Physical Chemistry for Biochemists I (3) | |
| CHEM 342—Physical Chemistry I (3) | |
| Total Hours—Chemistry Minor | 18–19 |
BS in the Teaching of Chemistry
Degree Requirements—BS in the Teaching of Chemistry
To earn a Bachelor of Science in the Teaching of Chemistry degree from UIC, students must complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Chemistry degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BS in the Teaching of Chemistry Degree Requirements | Hours |
| Required Prerequisite and Collateral Courses | 30–32 |
| Major Requirements | 40 |
| Additional Requirements for Teacher Licensure | 17 |
| Courses Recommended for Science Teacher Licensure | 8–18 |
| General Educationa | 35–65a |
| Minimum Total Hours—BS in the Teaching of Chemistry | 120 |
a This is an estimated range for the General Education requirements. Students should consult the course lists below and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of the catalog for information on meeting these requirements.
General Education
See General Education and Writing-in-the-Discipline in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for information on meeting these requirements. Students should consult the course lists below and their advisers to determine which courses are counted toward the General Education and Writing-in-the-Discipline requirements.
Required Prerequisite and Collateral Courses
| Courses | Hours |
| MATH 180—Calculus Iab | 5 |
| MATH 181—Calculus IIa | 5 |
| One of the following sequences in physics (PHYS 141 and 142 recommended): | 8–10 |
| PHYS 141—General Physics I (Mechanics) (4)a | |
| PHYS 142—General Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism) (4)a | |
| OR | |
| PHYS 105—Introductory Physics I—Lecture (4)ac | |
| PHYS 106—Introductory Physics I—Laboratory (1)ac | |
| PHYS 107—Introductory Physics II—Lecture (4)ac | |
| PHYS 108—Introductory Physics II—Laboratory (1)ac | |
| CHEM 470—Educational Practice with Seminar I | 6 |
| CHEM 471—Educational Practice with Seminar II | 6 |
| Total Hours—Required Prerequisite and Collateral Courses | 30–32 |
a This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural World General Education category.
b MATH 180 fulfills the LAS Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
c Each of the following pairs will be considered one course in meeting the LAS General Education requirements: PHYS 105/PHYS 106 and PHYS 107/PHYS 108.
Major Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
| One of the following sequences in general and analytical chemistry: | 14 |
| CHEM 116—Honors General Chemistry I (5)a | |
| CHEM 118—Honors General Chemistry II (5)a | |
| CHEM 222—Analytical Chemistry (4) |
|
| OR | |
| CHEM 112—General College Chemistry I (5)a | |
| CHEM 114—General College Chemistry II (5)a | |
| CHEM 222—Analytical Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 232—Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 233—Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 234—Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 314—Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 340—Physical Chemistry for Biochemists I | 3 |
| CHEM 343—Physical Chemistry Laboratoryb | 3 |
| CHEM 344—Physical Chemistry for Biochemists II | 3 |
| CHEM 402—Chemical Information Systems | 2 |
| CHEM 472—Teaching Methods in Chemistry | 2 |
| Total Hours—Major Requirements | 40 |
a This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural World General Education category.
b CHEM 343 fulfills the Writing-in-the-Discipline requirement.
Additional Requirements for Teacher Licensure
| Courses | Hours |
| ED 200—Education Policy Foundations | 3 |
| ED 210—The Educative Process | 3 |
| ED 330—Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation in the Secondary School | 4 |
| CI 414—Middle and High School Literacy | 4 |
| SPED 410—Survey of Characteristics of Learners with Disabilities | 3 |
| Total Hours—Additional Requirements for Teacher Licensure | 17 |
Courses Recommended for Science Teacher Licensure
| Courses | Hours |
| One of the following options: | 4 or 8 |
| NATS 101—Physical World (4)a |
|
| OR | |
| EAES 111—Earth, Energy, and the Environment (4)a | |
| PHYS 112—Astronomy and the Universe (4)a | |
| One of the following options: | 4 or 10 |
| NATS 103—Biological World (4)a | |
| OR | |
| BIOS 100—Biology of Cells and Organisms (5)a | |
| BIOS 101—Biology of Populations an Communities (5)a | |
| Total Hours—Additional Requirements for Science Teacher Licensure | 8–18 |
a This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural World General Education category.
Note: Although these courses are not required, they are recommended because of the presence of certain topics on the content exam students must pass before being allowed to student teach.
In addition to specified course work in the major field, teacher education students must fulfill certain other course requirements for licensure, discussed below. Students must also maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50/4.00 in all undergraduate courses and in all undergraduate chemistry courses, including transferred courses.
A GPA of 3.00/4.00 in required education courses, with no grade lower than a C in each of the courses, is also required. A GPA of 2.50/4.00 in undergraduate chemistry courses including transferred courses is also required for registration in the student teaching semester (CHEM 470 and 471).
The teaching license is not automatically awarded upon successful completion of licensure and degree requirements. Before the license is issued, the candidate must file an application for the Illinois teaching license in the Council on Teacher Education. The candidate must also pass a series of examinations required by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Basic Skills Tests must be passed prior to applying for candidacy in the Council on Teacher Education. The Content Area Tests must be passed before the candidate is allowed to student teach. The Assessment of Professional Teaching must be passed prior to licensure. For more information on application procedures, contact the Council on Teacher Education located in 3015 EPASW. See Council on Teacher Education and Secondary Education Program in the College of Education section of the catalog.
To view a recommended plan of study for the BS in the Teaching of Chemistry, please visit the LAS website http://www.las.uic.edu/students/prospective-undergraduate/degree-programs/four-year-model-plans.
Degree Requirements—BS in Chemistry
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department degree requirements. The Department of Chemistry degree requirements are outlined below. Students should consult the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
| BS in Chemistry Degree Requirements | Hours |
| Requirements for the Curriculum | 120 |
| Total Hours—BS in Chemistry | 120 |
Requirements for the Curriculum
The requirements for the curriculum include the courses necessary to complete the General Education and Writing-in-the-Discipline requirements described in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section.
| Courses | Hours |
| ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
| ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
| Foreign language (the equivalent of two years of a single language at the college level) | 0–16 |
| Exploring World Cultures coursea | 3 |
| Understanding the Creative Arts coursea | 3 |
| Understanding the Individual and Society coursea | 3 |
| Understanding the Past coursea | 3 |
| Understanding U.S. Society coursea | 3 |
| MATH 180—Calculus Ibc | 5 |
| MATH 181—Calculus IIc | 5 |
| MATH 210—Calculus IIIc | 3 |
| PHYS 141—General Physics I (Mechanics)c | 4 |
| PHYS 142—General Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism)c | 4 |
| One of the following sequences in general and analytical chemistry: | 14 |
| CHEM 116—Honors General Chemistry I (5)cd | |
| CHEM 118—Honors General Chemistry II (5)cd | |
| CHEM 222—Analytical Chemistry (4)d | |
| OR | |
| CHEM 112—General College Chemistry I (5)c | |
| CHEM 114—General College Chemistry II (5)c | |
| CHEM 222—Analytical Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 232—Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 233—Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 234—Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 314—Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 333—Advanced Synthetic Laboratory | 3 |
| CHEM 342—Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 343—Physical Chemistry Laboratorye | 3 |
| CHEM 346—Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 402—Chemical Information Systems | 2 |
| CHEM 421—Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 452—Biochemistry I | 4 |
| One of the following advanced lecture courses: | 2 |
| CHEM 414—Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (2) | |
| CHEM 432—Advanced Organic Chemistry (2) | |
| CHEM 444—Advanced Physical Chemistry (2) | |
| One of the following advanced lecture courses: | 3 |
| CHEM 415—Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (3) | |
| CHEM 455—Biochemistry Laboratory (3) | |
| CHEM 499—Supervised Research (3) | |
| Electives at the 300-level or above in the natural sciences or mathematics, as approved by the departmental advisor | 3 |
| Electives | 5–21 |
| Total Hours—Requirements for the Curriculum | 120 |
a Students should consult the General Education section of the catalog for a list of approved courses in this category.
b MATH 180 fulfills the LAS Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
c This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural World General Education category.
d CHEM 116, 118, and 222 are recommended.
e CHEM 343 fulfills the LAS Writing-in-the-Discipline requirement.
Chemistry is a highly structured discipline. Because most advanced courses require physical chemistry as a prerequisite, which in turn requires prerequisites of general chemistry, physics, and mathematics, careful course planning is essential. It is best to start with mathematics and general chemistry in the first year, followed by organic chemistry and physics in the second year, and physical chemistry in the third year. A recommended basic course sequence for the BS and BA is given below. Consult the Biochemistry section for more information on the BS in Biochemistry and Secondary Education Program in the College of Education section for more information on the BS in the Teaching of Chemistry.
Note: Students who are not ready to start with MATH 180 and CHEM 112 should expect to take summer session courses and/or take longer than four years to graduate.
| Freshman Year | |
| Courses | Hours |
| MATH 180—Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 181—Calculus II | 5 |
| One of the following general and analytical chemistry sequences: | 10 |
| CHEM 116—Honors General Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 118—Honors General Chemistry II (5) | |
| OR | |
| CHEM 112—General College Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 114—General College Chemistry II (5) | |
| College requirements |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Courses | Hours |
| CHEM 222—Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 232—Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 233—Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 234—Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 333 —Advanced Synthetic Laboratory | 3 |
| One of the following general physics sequences: | 8–10 |
| PHYS 141—General Physics I (Mechanics) (4) | |
| PHSY 142—General Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism) (4) |
|
| OR | |
| PHYS 105—Introductory Physics I—Lecture (4)a | |
| PHYS 106—Introductory Physics I—Laboratory (1)a | |
| PHYS 107—Introductory Physics II—Lecture (4)a | |
| PHYS 108—Introductory Physics II—Laboratory (1)a | |
| MATH 210—Calculus IIIb | 3 |
| College requirements |
| Junior Year | |
| Courses | Hours |
| One of the following options: | 3 or 9 |
| CHEM 340—Physical Chemistry for Biochemists I (3)a |
|
| OR | |
| CHEM 342—Physical Chemistry I (3) | |
| CHEM 343—Physical Chemistry Laboratory (3) | |
| CHEM 346—Physical Chemistry II (3) | |
| CHEM 314—Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
| College requirements and electives |
| Senior Year | |
| Courses | Hours |
| One of the following options: | 9–14 |
| CHEM 344—Physical Chemistry for Biochemists II (3)a | |
| CHEM 343—Physical Chemistry Laboratory (3) | |
| Chemistry electives (3) | |
| OR | |
| CHEM 402—Chemical Information Systems (2)b | |
| CHEM 421—Instrumental Analysis (4)c | |
| CHEM 414 or 432 or 444 (2)c | |
| CHEM 415 or 455 or 499 (3)c | |
| Electives at the 300-level or above in the natural sciences or mathematics, as approved by the departmental advisor (3)c | |
| College requirements and electives |
a These courses are not acceptable for the BS in Chemistry degree program.
b These courses are required for the BS in Chemistry and the BS in Teaching of Chemistry degrees only.
c These courses are required for the BS in Chemistry degree only.
Departmental Distinction. Chemical research is recognized as an important component of the honors candidate’s program. Favorable consideration for Departmental Distinction will be given to those students who combine superior class performance with research accomplishments. Distinction may be awarded to students who have met the following criteria:
- Completed a BS degree or have a distribution of courses with advanced hours in chemistry beyond the BA requirements.
- Earned a GPA of at least 3.50/4.00 in science and mathematics courses.
- Completed the physical chemistry 342, 343, 346 sequence.
- Shown ability in chemical research by completing a research project or advanced laboratory courses.
High Distinction. In addition to fulfilling the conditions for Distinction, candidates are required to have a GPA of 3.70/4.00 or above in science and mathematics courses, and have completed a research project in the Department of Chemistry.
Highest Distinction. In addition to fulfilling criteria for High Distinction, candidates are required to have a GPA of 3.80/4.00 or above in science and mathematics courses, and to present evidence of exceptional performance in research.
Note: For determining Distinction, the GPA will be calculated using all of the credits that are being applied to the degree—from UIC and from any transfer institution.
