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ApplyBS in Chemistry (Professional Chemist) | BS in Chemistry (Other Technical Careers) | BS in Forensic Chemistry | BS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering | Minor in Chemistry | Course Descriptions
The Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society.
Chair: Richard (Rick) E. Norman (936) 294-1527
Faculty: Benny Arney, Tom Chasteen, Mary Lynn DeShazo, Dustin Gross, Donovan Haines, Ozcan Gulacar, Paul Loeffler, Rick Norman, Ilona Petrikovics, David Thompson, Rick White, Darren Williams
Website: www.shsu.edu/~chemistry/
Mission
The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing an educational environment conducive to scholarship, intellectual development, and the acquisition of a foundation of knowledge and techniques required of professional chemists. This goal requires the effective representation of the fundamental areas of chemistry, a dedicated and creative faculty, and support for the many functions of the department.
Academic Programs
- BS in Chemistry for professional chemists
- BS in Chemistry for other technical careers
- BS in Chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry-Biotechnology
- BS in Forensic Chemistry
- BS in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society. Chemistry majors may pursue the Bachelor of Science for professional chemists that leads to American Chemical Society certification and prepares students for graduate studies in traditional chemical fields. Students interested in professional schools, chemistry associated industries, or secondary education may pursue the Bachelor of Science for other technical careers. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry-Biotechnology prepares students for careers in biotech companies in the Houston area and across the state and nation. The growing interest in Forensic Science has prompted the Department of Chemistry to offer a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry that is designed to prepare students for careers combining a knowledge of chemistry and the legal system. Students completing this degree can pursue opportunities in various forensic labs across the country, or can continue their education either in the graduate program in Forensic Science, or in graduate programs that are more traditional.
Highlights
- The Department of Chemistry has a study abroad program in Germany in which students carry out summer undergraduate research in a German University and can experience the culture and approach to chemical education in Europe.
- The Department of Chemistry moved into an impressive new facility (the Chemistry/ Forensic Science Building) during the Fall semester of 2005 greatly expanding and improving the laboratory facilities.
Career Opportunities
Everything around you is composed of chemicals. We live in a world of chemicals and life would not be possible without them. An understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry is important for everyone in today’s society. Professional chemists are working to enhance our quality of life by improvements in food, medicine, clothing, building supplies, products for recreation, and a whole range of consumer products.
Virtually every industry or business that makes or sells a product is involved in chemistry. It is no wonder that the various areas of chemical and biochemical technology offer the largest field of employment in the physical sciences. Chemists are employed in fields such as:
- Environmental Analysis
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Research
- Waste Management
- Energy Production
- Forensic Science
- Petrochemical Industry
Chemistry graduates will find many applications for their training in the fields of education, business, industry, law, government, and medicine.
Suggested Minors
A variety of minors can complement a major in chemistry. Some of the more popular minors in recent years have been biology, criminal justice, general business, and mathematics. Others have included education, history, political science, and psychology.
Student Organizations
Chemistry Club - The Chemistry Club is an active organization which encourages student interactions in a social atmosphere and which supports student travel to professional meetings.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from the Department in Chemistry and from the University to support students’ studies. For further information, contact the Chair, Department of Chemistry or visit Department of Chemistry. Information on University scholarships may be obtained at Office of Academic Scholarships or telephone (936) 294-1774.
Curriculum
Chemistry students learn how to critically examine and analyze observations, to use chemical understanding to propose solutions to problems of a quantitative or qualitative nature that may arise in industry, in academia or in various careers associated with chemistry. Students majoring in Chemistry have the opportunity for hands-on experience in working with atomic absorption, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, 60 MHz and 300 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and other standard instrumentation in chemistry.
Required Courses for Major
Required courses: CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, CHEM 2323/CHEM 2123, CHEM 2325/CHEM 2125, CHEM 2401, CHEM 4100, CHEM 4440, CHEM 4448, CHEM 4367,32 hrs.
Students will select one of the following tracks:
- BS for Professional Chemists: CHEM 3438, CHEM 4260, CHEM 4449, CHEM 4395, CHEM 3 hrs. Advanced
16 hrs. - BS for Other Technical Careers: CHEM 4260, CHEM 4395, CHEM 3 hrs. Advanced
8 hrs.
Bachelor of Science, Major in Chemistry for Professional Chemists
| Notes | ||
| 1MATH 1420 satisfies the Component Area II requirement, the 1 hour institutional component and the degree specific requirement. | ||
| 2CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 satisfy the Component Area III requirement and the degree specific requirement. | ||
| 3CHEM 3367, CHEM 3368, CHEM 3339, CHEM 4442, and CHEM 4443 are recommended. | ||
| 4A minor in MATH, for instance, only requirements 10 additional hours beyond MATH 1420 and MATH 1430. | ||
| A minor generally requires six semesters of coursework, a minimum of 18 credits (six advanced) in an approved field. Students should use elective and minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. | ||
| Bachelor of Science - Major in Chemistry for Professional Chemists | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics)1 | 4 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Sciences) | 8 | Freshman |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 9 | Throughout |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 15 | Throughout |
| Component Area VI (American History) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VII (Government/Political Science) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area IX (Area IV elective or Oral Communication) | 3 | Throughout |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| MATH 14201 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| PHYS 1301/PHYS 11012 | 4 | Sophomore |
| PHYS 1302/PHYS 1102 | 4 | Sophomore |
| ENGL 3330 | 3 | Sophomore or Junior |
| Major Core | ||
| Major | ||
| CHEM 14112 | 4 | Freshman Fall Term |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | Freshman Spring Term |
| CHEM 2323/CHEM 2123 | 4 | Sophomore Fall Term |
| CHEM 2325/CHEM 2125 | 4 | Sophomore Spring Term |
| CHEM 2401 | 4 | Sophomore or Junior |
| CHEM 3438 | 4 | Junior or Senior Fall Term |
| CHEM 4448 | 4 | Junior Fall Term |
| CHEM 4449 | 4 | Junior Spring Term |
| CHEM 4440 | 4 | Junior or Senior Fall Term |
| CHEM 4260 | 2 | Senior Spring Term |
| CHEM 4367 | 3 | Senior Spring Term |
| CHEM 4100 | 1 | Junior or Senior |
| CHEM 4395 | 3 | Junior or Senior |
| CHEM Advanced elective3 | 3 | Junior or Senior |
| Minor (if required) | ||
| A minor, including 6 advanced hours is required.4 | 18 | |
| Electives | ||
| General electives | 6 | |
| Advanced electives | 5 | |
| Total Hours | 120-128 | |
Bachelor of Science, Major in Chemistry for Other Technical Careers
| Notes | ||
| 1MATH 1420 satisfies the Component Area II requirement, the 1 hour institutional component and the degree specific requirement. | ||
| 2CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 satisfy the Component Area III requirement and the degree specific requirement. | ||
| 3CHEM 3367, CHEM 3368, CHEM 3339, CHEM 4442, and CHEM 4443 are recommended. | ||
| 4A minor in MATH, for instance, only requirements 10 additional hours beyond MATH 1420 and MATH 1430. | ||
| A minor generally requires six semesters of coursework, a minimum of 18 credits (six advanced) in an approved field. Students should use elective and minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. | ||
| Bachelor of Science - Major in Chemistry for Other Technical Careers | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication)1 | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 4 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Sciences) | 8 | Freshman |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area VI (American History) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VII (Government/Political Science) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area IX (Area IV elective or Oral Communication) | 3 | Throughout |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| MATH 14201 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| PHYS 1301/PHYS 11012 | 4 | Sophomore |
| PHYS 1302/PHYS 1102 | 4 | Sophomore |
| ENGL 3330 | 3 | Sophomore or Junior |
| Major Core | ||
| Major | ||
| CHEM 14112 | 4 | Freshman Fall Term |
| CHEM 1412 | 4 | Freshman Spring term |
| CHEM 2323/CHEM 2123 | 4 | Sophomore Fall Term |
| CHEM 2325/CHEM 2125 | 4 | Sophomore Spring term |
| CHEM 2401 | 4 | Sophomore or Junior |
| CHEM 4448 | 4 | Junior Fall term |
| CHEM 4440 | 4 | Junior or Senior Fall term |
| CHEM 4260 | 4 | Senior Spring term |
| CHEM 4367 | 3 | Senior Spring term |
| CHEM 4100 | 1 | Junior or Senior |
| CHEM 4395 | 3 | Junior or Senior |
| CHEM Advanced elective3 | 3 | Junior or Senior |
| Minor (if required) | ||
| A minor, including 6 advanced hours is required.4 | 18 | |
| Electives | ||
| General electives | 11 | |
| Advanced electives | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 120-128 | |
Teacher Certification
Students seeking a background that will prepare them to teach chemistry at the secondary level might pursue a major in chemistry with a minor in secondary education, or they might major in chemistry, minor in another discipline, and seek alternative teaching certification.
Emphasis in Biochemistry-Biotechnology
Students seeking a background that will prepare them for the emerging technologies in biochemistry and biotechnology can select advanced courses that will lead to a major in chemistry and a minor in biology.
Bachelor of Science, Major in Forensic Chemistry
Students seeking background and training in the area of forensic science can get a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry with a Criminal Justice minor. This degree option educates students for careers in forensic chemistry in both private and government arenas and also prepares students to enter graduate schools in forensic science.
| Notes | ||
| 1CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412 satisfy the Component Area III requirement and the degree specific requirement. | ||
| 2Students who are interested in the M.S. in Forensic Science program at SHSU are encouraged to take BIOL 3470 and BIOL 4480 as the advanced electives. | ||
| Bachelor of Science - Major in Forensic Chemistry | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics)1 | 4 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Sciences) | 8 | Freshman |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area VI (American History) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VII (Government/Political Science) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area IX (Area IV elective or Oral Communication) | 3 | Throughout |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| MATH 1420 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| PHYS 1301/PHYS 1101 | 4 | Sophomore |
| PHYS 1302/PHYS 1102 | 4 | Sophomore |
| ENGL 3330 | 3 | Sophomore or Junior |
| BIOL 1411 | 4 | Freshman |
| BIOL 1413 | 4 | Freshman |
| BIOL 2440 | 4 | Sophomore |
| BIOL 3450 | 4 | Sophomore or Junior |
| Major Core | ||
| Major | ||
| CHEM 14111 | 4 | Freshman Fall Term |
| CHEM 14121 | 4 | Freshman Spring Term |
| CHEM 2323/CHEM 2123 | 4 | Sophomore Fall Term |
| CHEM 2325/CHEM 2125 | 4 | Sophomore Spring Term |
| CHEM 2401 | 4 | Sophomore or Junior |
| CHEM 3438 | 4 | Junior Fall Term |
| CHEM 4448 | 4 | Junior Fall Term |
| CHEM 4100 | 1 | Senior |
| CHEM 4440 | 4 | Senior Fall Term |
| CHEM 4367 | 3 | Senior Spring Term |
| CHEM 4380 | 3 | Senior Spring Term |
| CJ minor required | ||
| CRIJ 2361 | 3 | Sophomore |
| CRIJ 2362 | 3 | Sophomore |
| CRIJ 2364 | 3 | Junior |
| CRIJ 3366 | 3 | Junior |
| CRIJ 3378 | 3 | Senior |
| CRIJ 4385 | 3 | Senior |
| Electives | ||
| Advanced electives2 | 7 | |
| Total Hours | 129 | |
Bachelor of Science, Major in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
A Dual Degree Plan for Concurrent Bachelor of Science Degrees from Sam Houston State University and Universities with Recognized Accredited Chemical Engineering Degree Programs
In this plan the student completes three years in Chemistry at Sam Houston State University and two years in Chemical Engineering at a university with a recognized accredited chemical engineering degree program. On successful completion of the curriculum shown below and the chemical engineering curriculum at a university with a recognized accredited degree program in chemical engineering, the student will receive two Bachelor of Science degrees, a Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry from Sam Houston State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the university with the recognized accredited chemical engineering degree program.
| Notes | ||
| 1CHEM 1411/CHEM 1412 satisfy the Component Area III requirements. | ||
| Bachelor of Science - Major in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 4 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Sciences) | 8 | Freshman |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area VI (American History) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VII (Government/Political Science) | 6 | Throughout |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Throughout |
| Component Area IX (Area IV elective or Oral Communication) | 3 | Throughout |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| MATH 1420 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 2440 | 4 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3376 | 3 | Junior |
| PHYS 1411 | 4 | Freshman |
| PHYS 1422 | 4 | Sophomore |
| PHYS 2426 | 4 | Sophomore |
| ITEC 1361 | 3 | Junior |
| ENGL 3330 | 3 | Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| Major | ||
| CHEM 14111 | 4 | Freshman Fall Term |
| CHEM 14121 | 4 | Freshman Spring Term |
| CHEM 2401 | 4 | Sophomore |
| CHEM 2323/CHEM 2123 | 4 | Sophomore Fall Term |
| CHEM 2325/CHEM 2125 | 4 | Sophomore Spring Term |
| CHEM 4448 | 4 | Junior Fall Term |
| CHEM 4449 | 4 | Junior Spring Term |
| CHEM 4100 | 1 | Junior |
| CHEM 4260 | 2 | Junior Spring Term |
| CHEM Advanced elective | 3 | Junior |
| Minor (if required) | ||
| Two years (60 credit hours) of advanced courses in Chemical Engineering from a University with a Recognized Accredited Chemical Engineering Degree Program are also required | (60) | Senior and Fifth year |
| Total Hours | 97 + 60 (97 at SHSU, 60 at a ChemE program) |
|
Minor in Chemistry
A minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of six semesters of coursework and shall include CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, CHEM 2323/CHEM 2123, CHEM 2325/CHEM 2125, CHEM 2401, and six semester hours of advanced chemistry including one advanced laboratory course. For students majoring in Food Science and Nutrition, the minor consists of CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, CHEM 2323/CHEM 2123, CHEM 2325/CHEM 2125, CHEM 3438, and CHEM 3339.
