UnderGraduate Program: Description
All chemistry degree programs share a common core of required courses within the department as well as a group of allied courses in mathematics and physics. The additional requirements that give the professional major and each of the interdisciplinary majors their unique foci are listed below.
Placement
Normal progress toward the bachelor’s degree in chemistry requires the completion of Mathematics 1210 (Calculus I) by the end of the freshman year, meaning that entering freshmen must be able to pass the University’s mathematics placement examination in college algebra. Otherwise, deficiencies in mathematics should be made up as soon as possible prior to entering the second year of study. Consult with the Mathematics and Physics departments for proper placement in courses based on performance on AP examinations in those subjects. A score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam normally will earn 8 semester hours of credit equivalent to Chemistry 1210 and 1220. In general, students earning a 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam should be prepared to begin the organic chemistry sequence (CHEM 2310, 2320). However, students should consult with Professor Ron Ragsdale at 801-581-7621 for proper placement. Premedical students should be aware that many medical schools will not accept a score of 3 on this exam and also encourage students to take additional upper-division chemistry courses. Any of the degree programs outlined below are appropriate for premedical students, who should consult the Premedical Student Advisor for more information on the application procedure to medical schools.
Course Prerequisites
Students who register for any chemistry class who have not satisfied the stated prerequisite(s) may be dropped from the class at the instructor’s discretion. Courses substituted for those specifically listed as prerequisites, including courses in allied areas, should be approved by the instructor prior to registration. Specific course prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions later in this section.
Introductory Courses
Chemistry 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 are designed for non-science majors and satisfy the University’s science intellectual explorations requirement. Chemistry 1200 is a preparatory course for students with a weak background in high school chemistry who plan to take the general chemistry sequence. The Chemistry 1110, 1120 sequence is primarily for students in nursing and other allied health areas requiring a one-year introductory sequence in general, organic, and biochemistry. This sequence also satisfies the science intellectual explorations requirement. None of the above courses satisfy any requirements for the chemistry or other science majors.
Science majors should begin the general chemistry sequence with Chemistry 1210 and its associated laboratory course, Chemistry 1230. Students wishing an early exposure to organic chemistry may then take the CHEM 2310, 2320 sequence (with labs CHEM 2330, 2340) and then conclude their introductory studies with CHEM 1220 (and lab CHEM 1240). Alternatively, students may complete the full general chemistry sequence (CHEM 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240) in the first year and then organic chemistry (CHEM 2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) in the second year. Honors courses for the second semester of general chemistry (CHEM 1221) and for organic chemistry (CHEM 2311, 2321) may be identified by their course number, which ends in one (1). In addition, the undergraduate research section for Honors students is numbered CHEM 4999.
General Requirements
Chemistry majors must complete all university wide graduation requirements, including those in the following areas: writing (WRTG 2010), intellectual explorations [eight 3-semester-hour courses with two in each of fine arts, humanities, physical and life sciences (courses in the chemistry major may satisfy this requirement), and social sciences], American institutions (one 3-semester-hour course from an approved list), and diversity (one 3-semester-hour course from an approved list). An appropriately chosen diversity course can double count as an intellectual explorations course. Any two 3-semester-hour mathematics courses numbered above 1100 will meet the 6-semester-hour quantitative/reasoning requirement (for example, the calculus sequence MATH 1210 and 1220). The communication/writing requirement is met by CHEM 3000, which is designated as a writing intensive course, as is CHEM 5700. However, we encourage students to consider upper-division writing courses such as WRTG 3400 (Professional Writing) to hone their skills in this important area. Those seeking the B.A. degree must complete 16 semester hours split evenly between first-year and second-year language courses. Most chemistry majors earn a B.S. degree, which requires 6 semester hours of upper-division quantitatively intensive courses (CHEM 3060, 3070, and 3090 meet this criteria).
The above section is designed to guide chemistry majors in meeting University graduation requirements, and does not supersede or replace any such rules. Students should consult with the University College, 450 SSB, for assistance in meeting these and other university wide requirements.
A minimum of 122 semester hours is required to graduate and at least 40 semester hours must be in upper-division courses numbered 3000 and above. Most of the chemistry degree programs require about 32 upper-division hours; thus, students should plan to take additional upper-division work in chemistry, physics, or mathematics, or in their general education courses to meet this 40-semester-hour standard. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 based on University of Utah work only is required by the University. In addition, the department requires a minimum GPA of 2.00 based on all courses taken in the College of Science at the University of Utah for the particular degree option chosen. A minimum of 12 upper-division semester hours of chemistry courses must be taken in residence at the University of Utah. Finally, all chemistry majors must pass the departmental comprehensive exams in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, which are normally given in April and August of each year. Students are advised to check with the department early in the spring semester for examination dates.
Departmental Minor
A chemistry minor requires a minimum of 20 semester hours of chemistry courses numbered 1210 or above, including two 3000-level or above courses (6 semester hours) in chemistry. A minimum of 6 semester hours must be taken in the Chemistry Department at the University of Utah. The GPA for chemistry courses taken at Utah must be 2.00 or greater. Students are encouraged to take a 5000-level advanced lab course.
Degrees. B.A., B.S.
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in chemistry may select from two program options: professional and interdisciplinary.