The Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society.
Chair: Richard (Rick) E. Norman (936) 294-1527 norman@shsu.edu
Faculty: Benny Arney, Tom Chasteen, Mary Lynn DeShazo, Donovan Haines, 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 Chemistry with emphasis in Forensic Science
- BS in Forensic Chemistry
- BS in Composite Science with emphasis in Chemistry (program being phased out)
- 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 hi-tech 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 the Department of Chemistry Home Page. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website at www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or telephone (936) 294-1672.
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: CHM 138/118, 139/119, 238/218, 239/219, 241, 410, 440, 448, 467 32 hrs.
Students will select one of the following tracks:
- BS for Professional Chemists: CHM 348, 426, 449, 495, CHM 3 hrs. Advanced 16 hrs.
- BS for Other Technical Careers: CHM 426, 495, CHM 3 hrs. Advanced 8 hrs.
|
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 | 3 |
Freshman |
| Component Area III (Natural Sciences) | 8 |
Freshman or Sophomore |
| Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) | 9 |
Throughout |
| Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) | 15 |
Throughout |
| Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) | 1 |
|
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| MTH 142 <MATH 1420>1 | 4 |
Freshman |
| MTH 143 <MATH 1430> | 4 |
Freshman |
| PHY 138/118 <PHYS 1301/1101>2 | 4 |
Sophomore |
| PHY 139/119 <PHYS 1302/1102> | 4 |
Sophomore |
| ENG 330 <ENGL 3330> | 3 |
Sophomore or Junior |
| Major Core | ||
| Major | ||
| CHM 138/118 <CHEM 1311/1111> | 4 |
Freshman Fall term |
| CHM 139/119 <CHEM 1312/1112> | 4 |
Freshman Spring term |
| CHM 238/218 <CHEM 2323/2123> | 4 |
Sophomore Fall term |
| CHM 239/CHM 219 <CHEM 2325/2125> | 4 |
Sophomore Spring term |
| CHM 241 <CHEM 2401> | 4 |
Sophomore or Junior |
| CHM 348 <CHEM 3438> | 4 |
Junior or Senior Fall term |
| CHM 448 <CHEM 4448> | 4 |
Junior Fall term |
| CHM 449 <CHEM 4449> | 4 |
Junior Spring term |
| CHM 440 <CHEM 4440> | 4 |
Junior or Senior Fall term |
| CHM 426 <CHEM 4260> | 2 |
Senior Spring term |
| CHM 467 <CHEM 4367> | 3 |
Senior Spring term |
| CHM 410 <CHEM 4100> | 1 |
Junior or Senior |
| CHM 495 <CHEM 4395> | 3 |
Junior or Senior |
| CHM <CHEM> Advanced elective | 3 |
Junior or Senior |
| Minor (if required) | ||
| A minor, including 6 advanced hours is required.3 | 18 |
|
| Electives | ||
| General electives | 6 |
|
| Advanced electives | 6 |
|
| Total Hours: | 120-128 |
|
Notes: 1MTH 142 satisfies the Component Area II requirement and the degree specific requirement.
2PHY 138/118 and PHY 139/119 satisfy the Component Area III requirement and the degree specific requirement.
3A minor in MTH, for instance, only requires 10 additional hours beyond MTH 142 & 143.
CHM 367, 368, 339, 442, and 443 are recommended.
A minor 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.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Chemistry Other Technical Careers |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication)1 |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman or Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
9 |
Throughout |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Throughout |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
| MTH 142 <MATH 1420>1 | 4 | Freshman |
| MTH 143 <MATH 1430> PHY 138/118 <PHYS 1301/1101>2 PHY 139/119 <PHYS 1302/1102> ENG 330 <ENGL 3330> |
4 4 4 3 |
Freshman Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore or Junior |
Major Core |
||
|
|
|
Major |
||
| CHM 138/118 <CHEM 1311/1111> CHM 139/119 <CHEM 1312/1112> CHM 238/218 <CHEM 2323/2123> CHM 239/CHM 219 <CHEM 2325/2125> CHM 241 <CHEM 2401> CHM 448 <CHEM 4448> CHM 440 <CHEM 4440> CHM 426 <CHEM 4260> CHM 467 <CHEM 4367> CHM 410 <CHEM 4100> CHM 495 <CHEM 4395> CHM Advanced elective |
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3 1 3 3 |
Freshman Fall term Freshman Spring term Sophomore Fall term Sophomore Spring term Sophomore or Junior Junior Fall term Junior or Senior Fall term Senior Spring term Senior Spring term Junior or Senior Junior or Senior Junior or Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
A minor, including 6 advanced hours is required.3 |
18 |
|
Electives |
|
|
General electives |
6 |
|
Advanced electives |
14 |
|
Total Hours: 120-120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1MTH 142 satisfies the Component Area II requirement and the degree specific requirement.
2PHY 138/118 and PHY 139/119 satisfy the Component Area III requirement and the degree specific requirement.
3A minor in MTH, for instance, only requires 10 additional hours beyond MTH 142 & 143.
CHM 367, 368, 339, 442, and 443 are recommended.
A minor 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.
Teacher Certification
Students seeking a background that will prepare them to teach chemistry at the secondary level should pursue a major in chemistry with a minor in secondary education.
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.
Emphasis in Forensic Science
Students seeking a background that will prepare them for careers in Forensic Science can select advanced courses that lead to a major in chemistry and a minor in Criminal Justice and/or 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.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
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 |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman or Sophomore |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
9 |
Throughout |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Throughout |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
MTH 143
<MATH 1430> |
4 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
|
|
|
Major |
||
CHM 138/118
<CHEM 1311/1111> |
4 |
Freshman Fall term |
Minor (if required) CJ minor required |
||
CJ 261 <CRIJ 2361> |
3 |
Sophomore |
Electives |
|
|
Advanced electives3 |
7 |
|
Total Hours: 130 Hours |
||
Notes: 1MTH 142 satisfies the Component Area II requirement and the degree specific requirement.
2PHY 138/118 and PHY 139/119 satisfy the Component Area III requirement and the degree specific requirement.
3Students who are interested in the M.S. in Forensic Science program at SHSU are encouraged to take BIO 347 and 480 as the advanced electives.
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.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
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)1 |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
9 |
Throughout |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Throughout |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
MTH 143
<MATH 1430> |
4 |
Freshman |
Major Core |
||
|
|
|
Major |
||
CHM 138/118
<CHEM 1311/1111>2 |
4 |
Freshman Fall term |
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: 98 + 60 Hours (98 at SHSU, 60 at a ChemE program) |
||
Notes: 1MTH 142 satisfies the Component Area II requirement and the degree specific requirement.
2CHM 138/118/139/119 satisfy the Component Area III requirements and major requirements.
Minor in Chemistry
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
A minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of six semesters of coursework and shall include CHM 138/118, 139/119, 238/218, 239/219, 241, and six semester hours of advanced chemistry including one advanced laboratory course. For students majoring in Food Science and Nutrition, the minor consists of CHM 138/118, 139/119, 238/218, 239/219, 348, and 339.