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Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Advisor Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog Program: Chemistry, Specialization in Biochemistry, B.S.
This is for planning purposes only, please check with your advisor with questions about your degree progress

Chemistry, Specialization in Biochemistry, B.S.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in chemistry are expected to:

  • Exhibit a sound grasp of the basic ideas and the scope of modern chemistry, including newly evolving fields;
  • Develop strong problem solving skills including logical, mathematical, and computational techniques, as well as the use of models, to effectively plan projects and critically analyze experimental results;
  • Personally carry out laboratory procedures and develop modern laboratory skills, including proficiency in basic techniques and experience with a wide range of laboratory instruments;
  • Demonstrate critical professional and personal skills, including independent thinking, communication skills, the ability to work effectively within groups, and a commitment toward continuous learning.

A student majoring in chemistry may follow several programs of study, depending on career aspirations.

  1. B.S. Chemistry Major: This program meets the needs of students who plan professional careers in chemistry.
  2. Biochemistry Specialization: This program is designed for students interested in the chemistry/biology interface. Two tracks are available. Track 1 places more emphasis on 4000-level chemistry courses and is the recommended option for students preparing for graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry. Track 2 requires more biology and fewer chemistry courses. Students in pre-health professional programs may find this track especially attractive.
  3. Forensic Chemistry Specialization: This program is designed for students interested in the application of analytical chemistry to forensic evidence. It provides a strong background in chemistry with additional exposure to aspects of forensic science. Students completing this specialization would be well prepared for a graduate Forensic Science program or employment in a crime laboratory.
  4. ACS Certification: With the correct selection of electives and the addition of several upper-level chemistry courses, these Chemistry degrees and Specializations will satisfy all requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society. This option is recommended for students planning to attend graduate school or for those who want a comprehensive background in chemistry. Details of ACS certification are outlined on the check sheets.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120                             

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC and QL)

World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______) 

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas. 
​   ________1010_________________    ________ 
​   ________1020_________________    ________ 
​   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Lab Science  

   _____________________________    ________ 

Quantitative Literacy

    ________    ________ EITHER MATH 1310 OR MATH 1340 & MATH 1350 

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.   
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  

Major Requirements

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
CHEM 1230 - General Chemistry I and
CHEM 1240 - General Chemistry I Laboratory

or

CHEM 1350 - General Chemistry

 

CHEM 1270 - General Chemistry II

or

CHEM 1370 - General Chemistry

 

CHEM 1280 - General Chemistry II Laboratory

or

CHEM 1380 - General Chemistry Laboratory

 

CHEM 2010 - Quantitative Chemical Analysis
CHEM 3410 - Organic Chemistry
CHEM 3440 - Organic Chemistry
CHEM 3450 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 4070 - Integrated Analytical and Physical Laboratory
CHEM 4450 - General Biochemistry
CHEM 4460 - Biochemistry Laboratory
CHEM 4470 - General Biochemistry

Total Hours: 35-40

Complete All Courses in Either Track 1 or Track 2

* Biology and Math courses may be used in minors

Track 1*

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
CHEM 4050 - Physical Chemistry
CHEM 4060 - Physical Chemistry

 

BIOL 2040 - Concepts in Biology I

or

BIOL 3130 - Microbiology

 

MATH 2320 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

Track 2*

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
CHEM 3520 - Essentials of Physical Chemistry
BIOL 2040 - Concepts in Biology I
BIOL 3130 - Microbiology
BIOL 3500 - General Genetics

Additional Specific Requirements

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
PHYS 2010 - College Physics I

or

PHYS 2110 - University Physics I

 

PHYS 2020 - College Physics II

or

PHYS 2120 - University Physics II

 

BIOL 2050 - Concepts in Biology II

Minor Requirements:

You must complete a minor. A “general science” minor is also available. Consult your Faculty Advisor.

ACS Certification

By completing the Track 1 degree requirements with the following additional courses the Chemistry: Biochemistry Specialization BS degree is eligible for certification by the American Chemical Society.

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
CHEM 4630 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Three Additional Credit Hours From the Following:

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
CHEM 4130 - Undergraduate Research 1
CHEM 4160 - Bioinorganic Chemistry
CHEM 4420 - Organic Reaction Mechanisms
CHEM 4540 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis
CHEM 4660 - Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry

Two Additional Laboratory Credit Hours From the Following:

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
CHEM 4080 - Integrated Analytical and Physical Laboratory
CHEM 4130 - Undergraduate Research 2

Note:

1,2CHEM 4130 hours can be used to count for both requirements.

The ACS strongly recommends completion of courses in calculus-based physics (two-semesters) and the study of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations, as well as an undergraduate research experience such as CHEM 4130.

For Graduation You Will Need:

  1. 122 credit hours minimum.
  2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
  3. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
  4. 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
  5. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
  6. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.

Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.

Notes:





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