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A Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry at Illinois State University is a dynamic and multifaceted undergraduate program. As one of the top 25 producers of B.S. degrees for the last ten years, the program combines the curricular fabric specified by the American Chemical Society with a tradition of hands-on training in undergraduate research with faculty mentors. The standard B.S. degree encompassses 39 h of course work, whereas the 43 h American Chemical Society certified B,S, degree couples coursework with individualized laboratory and elective hours designed for the chemical professional.
In the Chemistry Plan of Study, progress through upper level courses is dramatically impacted by success in lower division courses. Students should earn a "C" or better in both semesters of Calculus, Physics, General and Organic Chemistry demonstrating their mastery of key concepts in these subjects. The department strongly encourages students to repeat those courses wherein students were unable to earn the noted C or better. However, a pattern of repeated courses in lower division coursework suggests that the student is not likely to be in the correct major, and the department encourages students to seek the input from advisors and mentors regarding their future in chemistry.
Lower division chemistry, math and physics courses are preparatory for CHE 360 Physical Chemistry I, such that a solid foundation in these courses is essential. Students are required to complete 8 h of 200-level chemistry coursework, along with a full year of calculus in preparation for this course. Students with strong grades in these subjects and their first semester of physics may be allowed into the course with the instructor's approval. Note that the second semester of Physical Chemistry is a co-requisite of CHE 315 Instrumental Analysis and a prerequisite of CHE 350 Inorganic Chemistry.
Knowledge of the rapidly advancing field of biochemistry is essential for today's chemist. For a student well-prepared in biology, CHE 342 General Biochemistry I may be taken immediately following CHE 232 Organic Chemistry II. If background is weak or out-of date, the department recommends completion of BSC 197 Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life.
The forms page contains a variety of tools for the Chemistry major, including Typical Plan of Study for a CHE student, a CHE Checklist or a Change of Major Form
This degree requires the core or required courses in Chemistry along with 2 h of Chemistry Electives. These electives must be numbered 250 or higher.
NOTE: In iCampus, Progress Toward Your Degree lists the Chemistry major requirements for the 39 h standard coursework B.S. degree. The Department of Chemistry looks beyond this standard at the individual's achievements in expanded laboratory and classroom work to certify students to the American Chemical Society.
The Department of Chemistry strongly encourages ALL majors in Chemistry to earn certification through the American Chemical Society (ACS). This national organization of chemists creates standards for the proper education of baccalaureate candidates, such that employers, graduate and professional schools can be confident of a student's background.
Students interested in completing the American Chemical Society certification should complete 6 h of chemistry electives, numbered CHE 290 or higher, in addition to the 37 h core curriculum. Many of these courses are special topics courses, which are offered once every two years on a rotating basis. A list of these courses is available in the department office. Two of the six elective hours should be in laboratory courses, such as CHE 290, 301, 343 and 398. CHE 343 Biochemistry Lab (2h) has one hour of lab lecture and one credit hour of lab for ACS accreditation purposes.
The electives needed for ACS certification are noted in the Chemistry Plan of Study simply as Chemistry electives. Students are responsible for choosing appropriate courses to earn certification .
