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Chemistry, B.S.

Learning Outcomes for Chemistry Majors

Chemistry graduates of the University of Portland should:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of chemistry in at least four of the five traditional sub-disciplines (analytical, organic, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry).
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental theories of chemistry.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and applications of chemistry.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of important laboratory techniques, methods, and instrumentation.
  2. Obtain and use data from the chemical literature.
    1. Be able to perform a literature search.
    2. Be able to critically read the literature and extract useful information.
    3. Be able to find the primary literature for a specific topic.
  3. Know how to work safely in the laboratory.
    1. Be able to use modern instruments to elucidate chemical systems.
    2. Be able to properly use personal protection (e.g. goggles, gloves, lab coat).
    3. Be able to safely handle common laboratory equipment.
    4. Be able to design experiments with proper safety features.
    5. Be able to access material safety and disposal information.
  4. Ask questions, conduct experiments, and interpret results according to established scientific theory.
    1. Use fundamental knowledge of chemistry to form hypotheses.
    2. Create and use specialized equipment to prepare the appropriate conditions for the chemistry of interest.
    3. Identify meaningful results from a data set.
  5. Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
    1. Develop an effective presentation style.
    2. Effectively use figures and data to communicate ideas and results.

University Core Curriculum Requirements — 40 credit hours

All University of Portland students progress through a set of shared course options as part of the University’s liberal arts Core Curriculum. This curriculum offers a foundation of multiple lenses to address enduring questions of human concern, integrating the liberal arts, the University mission, and the knowledge, skills, and values needed in a diverse society and in the workplace.

See Core Curriculum Requirements

Two of the three core requirements in the Scientific and Quantitative Literacy and Problem Solving Habit are satisfied by the mathematics and science requirements within the major.

CHM 376 and CHM 471/473 are the designated Writing in the Discipline courses for the B.S. in Chemistry.

College of Arts and Sciences B.S. Requirements — 6 credit hours

See College Requirements, B.S.

Major Requirements — 58-60 credit hours

Common Major Requirements — 44 credit hours

CHM 207General Chemistry I

3
CHM 208General Chemistry II

3
CHM 277General Chemistry I Lab

1
CHM 278General Chemistry II Lab

1
CHM 314Analytical Chemistry

3
CHM 379Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

1
CHM 325Organic Chemistry I

3
CHM 326Organic Chemistry II

3
CHM 375Organic Chemistry I Lab

1
CHM 376Organic Chemistry II Lab

1
CHM 331Physical Chemistry I

3
CHM 372Physical Chemistry I Laboratory

1
CHM 344Inorganic Chemistry I

3
CHM 374Inorganic Chemistry I Laboratory

1
MTH 201Calculus I

4
MTH 202Calculus II

4
PHY 204General Physics I

3
PHY 205General Physics II

3
PHY 274General Physics Lab I

1
PHY 275General Physics Lab II

1

Option 1: Requirements for an American Chemical Society (ACS) certified B.S. in Chemistry

This curriculum, certified for depth and rigor by the American Chemical Society, is designed for the student who plans on pursuing an advanced degree in chemistry. In addition to the core, college, and common major requirements, the requirements for this option are:

Option 1 Requirements — 16 credit hours

CHM 332Physical Chemistry II

3
CHM 373Physical Chemistry II Laboratory

1
CHM 444Inorganic Chemistry II

3
CHM 453Biochemistry I

3
CHM 472Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

1
CHM 473Inorganic Chemistry II Laboratory

1
CHM 477Data Analysis Laboratory

1
MTH 321Ordinary Differential Equations

3
Or
MTH 356/PHY 356Mathematical Methods for Science and Engineering

3

Any additional credit hours required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours

Option 2: Requirements for a B.S. in Chemistry

This curriculum is designed for the student who plans to complement an interest in chemistry with an interest in a related field such as engineering, business, computer science, education, or any of the liberal arts. In addition to the core, college, and common major requirements, the requirements for this option are:

Option 2 Requirements — 14 credit hours

CHM 332Physical Chemistry II

3
CHM 444Inorganic Chemistry II

3
CHM 473Inorganic Chemistry II Laboratory

1
Or
CHM 373Physical Chemistry II Laboratory

1
Upper-division science, engineering, or mathematics electives

7

Any additional credit hours required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours