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Chemistry, B.S.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's Bachelor of Science in Chemistry provides excellent preparation for students seeking employment in industry (chemical, pharmaceutical, agriculture, etc.) or the government (Department of Defense labs, regulatory agencies, law enforcement). It also provides a solid foundation for students who want to continue their studies in professional (medical, dental, veterinary, law, etc.) or graduate school.

SLU's Department of Chemistry places a great emphasis on undergraduate research. Chemistry majors have ample opportunity to pursue research projects under the close mentorship of a full-time faculty member. Students use a variety of specialized equipment and computers in their laboratories and in their research.Ìý

Program HighlightsÌý

  • The chemistry program provides a rigorous curriculum, making graduates competitive for employment in STEM areas.
  • Students in upper-level chemistry courses enjoy small classes and personalized attention.
  • The chemistry program offers opportunities for students to strengthen their scientific communication skills through research activities that pair an undergraduate with a faculty researcher.
  • SLU provides a unique mentoring program for freshmen through senior years to guide and support students in reaching their professional goals.

Curriculum Overview

  • First Year: General Chemistry 1 and 2, Calculus I and II
  • Second Year: Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, Analytical Chemistry 1, Engineering Physics I and II
  • Third Year: Physical Chemistry 1 and 2, Biochemistry, physical chemistry lab, Organic Spectroscopy, Chemical Literature, undergraduate research
  • Fourth Year: Analytical Chemistry 2 and 3, General Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, inorganic chemistry lab, undergraduate research, and Mathematical Techniques in Chemistry

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The benefits of SLU's chemistry program also include internship and career opportunities. Selected undergraduate students can apply to work with faculty in undergraduate laboratories as laboratory assistants. Lab assistants receive a stipend. Internships in the St. Louis area are also available.

Undergraduates who study chemistry at SLU can attend professional meetings and present their research results. SLU students have presented numerous talks and poster presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and other scientific conferences in recent years.

Careers

Career options in chemistry include:

  • Education
  • Chemical research and development in industry or government laboratories
  • Pharmaceutical research and drug development
  • Environmental research
  • Management and administration in the chemical industry
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical sales

Other graduates continue through law school and specialize in patent law or environmental law. The public health sector is also a common area for chemists to work.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø Requirements

Begin Your Application

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.Ìý

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry has been continuously certified by the American Chemical Society since 1946.

Ìý
  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate a foundational understanding of inorganic, physical and biochemistry and advanced knowledge in organic and analytical chemistry.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in basic (general, physical, inorganic) and advanced (organic and analytical) laboratory techniques and conduct laboratory experiments safely.
  3. Graduates will be able to collect, interpret and analyze quantitative data.
  4. Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results effectively, especially through written reports and oral presentations.
  5. Graduates will be able to design and conduct independent research.

ÌýChemistry students must complete a minimum total of 64 creditsÌýfor the B.S. major.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
CHEMÌý1130
&ÌýCHEMÌý1115
General Chemistry 1 for Majors
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý1140
&ÌýCHEMÌý1125
General Chemistry 2 for Majors
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý2200
&ÌýCHEMÌý2205
Analytical Chemistry 1
and Analytical Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý2430
&ÌýCHEMÌý2435
Organic Chemistry 1 for Majors
and Organic Chemistry 1 Lab for Majors
4
CHEMÌý2440
&ÌýCHEMÌý2445
Organic Chemistry 2 for Majors
and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory for Majors
4
CHEMÌý3100The Chemical Literature1
CHEMÌý3330Physical Chemistry 13
CHEMÌý3340Physical Chemistry 23
CHEMÌý3345Physical Chemistry Laboratory1
CHEMÌý3600Principles of Biochemistry3
CHEMÌý3970Undergraduate Research (Students take 1 credit for 3 semesters for a total of 3 credits)1
CHEMÌý4200
&ÌýCHEMÌý4205
Analytical Chemistry 2
and Analytical Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
CHEMÌý4300Mathematical Techniques in Chemistry3
CHEMÌý4400Organic Spectroscopy3
CHEMÌý4500
&ÌýCHEMÌý4505
Inorganic Chemistry
and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
4
MATHÌý1510Calculus I4
MATHÌý1520Calculus II4
PHYSÌý1610
&ÌýPHYSÌý1620
University Physics I
and University Physics I Laboratory 1
4
PHYSÌý1630
&ÌýPHYSÌý1620
University Physics II
and University Physics I Laboratory 1
4
Required Elective(s) 23
Select 3 credits of electives from the approved list 2
General Electives26-29
Total Credits120
1

Engineering Physics I and II with lab are recommended for majors unless they are pre-medical. Physics I and II with lab (PHYSÌý1310 Physics I (3 cr), PHYSÌý1320 Physics I Laboratory (1 cr), PHYSÌý1330 Physics II (3 cr), and PHYSÌý1340 Physics II Laboratory (1 cr)) also fulfill the physics requirement and are recommended for pre-medical students

2

Any additional CHEM 3000 or higher level course (CHEM 4610 and 4620 cannot be used to satisfy this requirement unless students substitute CHEM 4610 for CHEM 3600.Ìý If so, CHEM 4620 can satisfy this requirement.),ÌýMATHÌý2530 Calculus III (4 cr), STATÌý1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers (3 cr), STATÌý3850 Foundation of Statistics (3 cr), PHILÌý4150 Philosophy of Science (3 cr), PHILÌý4160 Philosophy and Physics (3 cr), ECEÌý2101 Electrical Circuits I (3 cr), CSCIÌý1020 Introduction to Computer Science: Bioinformatics (3 cr), CSCIÌý1060 Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming (3 cr), PHYSÌý2610 Modern Physics (3 cr), PHYSÌý3310 Optics (3 cr), PHYSÌý4010 Nanoscience Frontiers (3 cr), CVNGÌý4250 Water Treatment Processes (3 cr), EASÌý2480 Foundations of Environmental Science (3 cr), FRSCÌý2600 Survey of Forensic Science (3 cr), FRSCÌý3620 Forensic Chemistry (2 cr), FRSCÌý3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr), FRSCÌý3630 Forensic Biology (2 cr), FRSCÌý3631 Forensic Biology Laboratory (1 cr), FRSCÌý3640 Fingerprints (3 cr), CSOÌý1600 Cannabis Extraction & Product Production (3 cr), CSOÌý2000 Pharmacological Properties of Cannabis (3 cr), PPYÌý1450 Drugs We Use and Abuse (3 cr), or any other course that prepares a student for their future science- or health-related career that is approved by the Undergraduate Program Coordinator

For any of the B.S. programs, a combination of MATHÌý2530 Calculus III (4 cr) and MATHÌý3110 Linear Algebra for Engineers (3 cr) can be used as a substitute for CHEMÌý4300 Mathematical Techniques in Chemistry (3 cr).

Non-Course Requirements

All Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program.Ìý

Continuation Standards

The following standards apply to all new freshmen and transfer students:

  • Students must earn a "C-" or better in General Chemistry I (CHEMÌý1110 General Chemistry 1 (3 cr)/CHEMÌý1130 General Chemistry 1 for Majors (3 cr)Ìýand a "C-" or better in General Chemistry II (CHEMÌý1120 General Chemistry 2 (3 cr), CHEMÌý1140 General Chemistry 2 for Majors (3 cr), or the equivalent in transfer.
  • Students must earn a "C-" or better in CHEMÌý2200 Analytical Chemistry 1 (2 cr).

Students who do not earn a "C-" in any of the identified courses must retake the course at SLU in the following semester. If a "C-" is not earned on the second attempt the student will be dismissed from the major. A student who withdraws from one of these courses on the first attempt thus has one more attempt to earn a "C-."

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in their major (CHEM) and required related courses (BIOL, PHYS, MATH, etc.) If a student falls below a 2.0 major GPA the student must meet with the undergraduate program director to review their academic performance. If the student cannot raise their major GPA to 2.0 in two semesters, the student will be dismissed from the major.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CHEMÌý1130 General Chemistry 1 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý1115 General Chemistry 1 Laboratory 1
MATHÌý1510 Calculus I 4
University Core 7
ÌýCredits15
Spring
CHEMÌý1140 General Chemistry 2 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý1125 General Chemistry 2 Laboratory 1
MATHÌý1520 Calculus II 4
University Core 6
ÌýCredits14
Year Two
Fall
CHEMÌý2430 Organic Chemistry 1 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý2435 Organic Chemistry 1 Lab for Majors 1
PHYSÌý1610 University Physics I 3
PHYSÌý1620 University Physics I Laboratory 1
University Core 6
ÌýCredits14
Spring
CHEMÌý2200 Analytical Chemistry 1 2
CHEMÌý2205 Analytical Chemistry 1 Laboratory 2
CHEMÌý2440 Organic Chemistry 2 for Majors 3
CHEMÌý2445 Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory for Majors 1
PHYSÌý1630 University Physics II 3
PHYSÌý1640 University Physics II Laboratory 1
University Core 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
CHEMÌý3330 Physical Chemistry 1 3
CHEMÌý3100 The Chemical Literature 1
University Core 6
General Electives 6
ÌýCredits16
Spring
CHEMÌý3340 Physical Chemistry 2 3
CHEMÌý3345 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 1
CHEMÌý4400 Organic Spectroscopy 3
CHEMÌý3970 Independent Research in Chemistry 1
University Core 9
ÌýCredits17
Year Four
Fall
CHEMÌý4500 Inorganic Chemistry 3
CHEMÌý4200 Analytical Chemistry 2 3
CHEMÌý4205 Analytical Chemistry 2 Laboratory 1
CHEMÌý3970 Independent Research in Chemistry 1
University Core 3
General Electives 6
ÌýCredits17
Spring
Completion of Exit Interview Ìý
Completion of Undergraduate Thesis Ìý
CHEMÌý3600 Principles of Biochemistry 3
CHEMÌý4300 Mathematical Techniques in Chemistry 3
CHEMÌý4505 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory 1
CHEMÌý3970 Independent Research in Chemistry 1
Required elective (see program notes below) 3
General Electives 1
ÌýCredits12
ÌýTotal Credits120

Program Notes

Engineering physics (PHYSÌý1610 University Physics I (3 cr)-PHYSÌý1640 University Physics II Laboratory (1 cr)Ìýis recommended. However, physics (PHYSÌý1310 College Physics I (3 cr)-PHYSÌý1340 College Physics II Laboratory (1 cr)Ìýalso fulfills the physics requirement.

The required elective can be satisfied by any additional CHEM 3000 or higher level course (CHEM 4610 and 4620 cannot be used to satisfy this requirement unless students substitute CHEM 4610 for CHEM 3600. If so, CHEM 4620 can satisfy this requirement.),ÌýMATHÌý2530 Calculus III (4 cr),ÌýSTATÌý1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers (3 cr),ÌýSTATÌý3850 Foundation of Statistics (3 cr),ÌýPHILÌý4150 Philosophy of Science (3 cr),ÌýPHILÌý4160 Philosophy and Physics (3 cr),ÌýECEÌý2101 Electrical Circuits I (3 cr),ÌýCSCIÌý1020 Introduction to Computer Science: Bioinformatics (3 cr),ÌýPHYSÌý2610 Modern Physics (3 cr),ÌýPHYSÌý3310 Optics (3 cr),ÌýCVNGÌý4250 Water Treatment Processes (3 cr),ÌýEASÌý2480 Foundations of Environmental Science (3 cr),ÌýFRSCÌý2600 Survey of Forensic Science (3 cr),ÌýFRSCÌý3620 Forensic Chemistry (2 cr),ÌýFRSCÌý3621 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr),ÌýFRSCÌý3630 Forensic Biology (2 cr),ÌýFRSCÌý3631 Forensic Biology Laboratory (1 cr),ÌýFRSCÌý3640 Fingerprints (3 cr),ÌýCSOÌý1600 Cannabis Extraction & Product Production (3 cr),ÌýCSOÌý2000 Pharmacological Properties of Cannabis (3 cr),ÌýPPYÌý1450 Drugs We Use and Abuse (3 cr), or any other course that prepares a student for their future science- or health-related career that is approved by the undergraduate program coordinator.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.Ìý

Chemistry, B.S. (STLCC 2+SLU)