Chemistry
Science 203A
541-552-6471

Bob D. Bleasdell, Chair

SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : CHEMISTRY : COURSES

Professors: Rodney A. Badger, Bob D. Bleasdell, Thomas A. Keevil

Associate Professors: Douglas A. Chapman, Lynn Maruyama Kirms

Assistant Professors: Gregory T. Miller, Owen McDougal, Steven C. Petrovic

Students majoring in chemistry move on to positions in private, academic, or government laboratories or enter graduate or professional schools. Outstanding opportunities exist for graduate study in chemistry. A bachelor's degree in chemistry is also excellent preparation for graduate study in a number of other fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, medical technology, law, business, oceanography, teaching, environmental studies, forensic science, and engineering.

The facilities, faculty, and curricular offerings of the Department of Chemistry are approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. Students who complete the approved program are certified to the American Chemical Society and become eligible for full membership in the society upon graduation.

Degrees

Co-Major

Business-Chemistry. See page printed catalog page 136 for a description of this program.

Minor

Chemistry

Choosing a Major

Students are strongly encouraged to make the choice as early as possible to ensure that their degree may be completed in four years. It is generally not possible to complete the degree without taking chemistry courses every year. It is also necessary to begin the study of mathematics in the first year. Freshmen considering a chemistry major should talk to a chemistry professor as early as possible.

Requirements for the Major

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on printed catalog page 31.

2. Complete the core curriculum.

3. Complete the chemistry major core courses.

4. Complete the courses for one of the approved options.

5. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 in all upper division chemistry courses.

6. Complete an outcome assessment portfolio demonstrating proficiency in, but not limited to: core academics, oral and written presentations, instrument and computer skills, research and cooperative learning.

7. The student's entire program must be approved by a chemistry advisor.

Capstone

Students must complete a senior project as described under Ch 497, 498, and 499. Only one of the four course sequences below may be taken simultaneously with the Senior Project.

Chemistry Major Core Courses

(44 chemistry credits, 12 mathematics credits)

Chemistry Option

(10 chemistry credits, 12 physics credits)

Biochemistry Option

(11 chemistry credits, 12 physics credits, 20 biology credits)

American Chemical Society Certified Degree in Chemistry

(25 chemistry credits, 19 physics credits, 4 mathematics credits)

American Chemical Society Certified Degree in Biochemistry

(23 chemistry credits, 19 physics credits, 4 mathematics credits, 20 biology credits)

Honors Program

Students interested in participating in the departmental honors program must notify the advisor upon completing at least 25 credits of chemistry required for the degree. Admission to the program requires approval of the department faculty.

Honors Requirements

1. Complete an ACS-certified chemistry degree.

2. Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division chemistry courses.

3. Complete one year of research prior to commencement of the senior project, and present both a written and an oral report on this research.

4. Obtain final approval of the department faculty.

It is noted on the transcripts and diplomas of qualified students that their degrees were awarded with departmental honors.

Teacher Licensing

Students who want to teach chemistry at the middle school and/or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor's degree in chemistry before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and also consult the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.
This competitive program requires students to prepare in advance to enhance their acceptance into the program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

In addition, admission requires proficiency in a second language. This requirement can be met by successfully completing two years of a second language at the college or university level or by passing a second language proficiency test at the intermediate level.

Minor

Complete 28 credits in chemistry, at least 13 of which must be upper division. Choose upper division courses from at least two of the following areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical.