Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

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 For more information about degree offerings by the faculty of chemistry and biochemistry, visit the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry webpage.

The curricula in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry emphasize laboratory experience and culminate in a senior research project. This active involvement in the field provides experiences and a learning environment designed to stress both the conceptual basis and the experimental nature of the discipline.

Undergraduate Academic Programs

The faculty of chemistry and biochemistry offer courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry, the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.C.) degree, and the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (B.S.B.) degree.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)  degree provides the opportunity to develop a broad background in chemistry within the framework of a liberal arts education. It is appropriate for students who wish to understand the basics but do not anticipate a career as a research chemist.

The Bachelor of Science degrees consist of courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, writing and humanities. The curricula provide a firm foundation for graduate or advanced professional study. Two degrees are available: a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.C.)  and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (B.S.B.) . With appropriate selection of electives, both programs lead to a degree approved by the American Chemical Society. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.C.)  can be tailored to suit interests in environmental chemistry, advanced materials, applied chemistry, and health (pharmaceutical), as well as traditional chemistry. The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (B.S.B.)  emphasizes chemistry and biology at the molecular level. It is well suited to students who anticipate graduate work in the biochemical or health sciences, or plan to pursue a professional degree program (medical or dental).

Students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry with an interest in a foreign language may choose to earn dual degrees through the International Engineering/Science and Language Program .

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the undergraduate program in chemistry or biochemistry will have developed a set of core skills which they use in approaching the fundamental concepts, including the ability to:

• Describe the structure, composition and properties of various chemical substances.
• Plan the synthesis of inorganic and organic substances resulting in the successful synthesis of the compounds.
• Characterize substances based upon analysis of their physical and chemical properties.
• Use theories of microscopic properties to explain macroscopic behavior.
• Explain the role of energy in determining structure and reactivity.
• Employ chemical theory to explain the rate and outcome of chemical reactions.

Teacher Education Program

Students seeking secondary teacher certification in chemistry must declare education as a second major. This double major leads to teacher certification in Oklahoma (and preparation for certification in other states). In order to qualify, students must complete all the tasks listed on the Department of Education  page in this Bulletin, including acceptance into the Teacher Education Program and to the Student Teaching Semester.

Chemistry education majors are assigned two faculty advisors, one in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and one in the Department of Education .

Faculty

Programs

• Biochemistry, B.S.B.
• Chemistry, B.A.
• Chemistry, B.S.C.

• Chemistry Minor

Courses

• CHEM 1003 Introductory Chemistry
• CHEM 1004 Chemistry in Medicine
• CHEM 1011 General Chemistry I Laboratory
• CHEM 1013 General Chemistry I
• CHEM 1021 General Chemistry II Laboratory
• CHEM 1023 General Chemistry II
• CHEM 1033 General Chemistry for Engineers
• CHEM 1053 Cuisine Chemistry
• CHEM 1091 Introduction to Biochemistry
• CHEM 1101 Freshman Seminar
• CHEM 2023 Chemical Concepts of Energy Technology
• CHEM 2041 Brewing Science Laboratory
• CHEM 2043 Introduction to Brewing Science
• CHEM 2101 Sophomore Seminar
• CHEM 3011 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
• CHEM 3013 Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 3021 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
• CHEM 3023 Organic Chemistry II
• CHEM 3031 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
• CHEM 3032 Molecular Modeling
• CHEM 3033 Physical Chemistry I
• CHEM 3043 Brewing Laboratory Science
• CHEM 3062 Internship
• CHEM 3101 Junior Seminar
• CHEM 4021 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
• CHEM 4023 Physical Chemistry II
• CHEM 4043 Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 4053 Environmental Chemistry
• CHEM 4081 Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory
• CHEM 4083 Analytical Chemistry I
• CHEM 4131 Biochemistry I Laboratory
• CHEM 4133 Biochemistry I
• CHEM 4143 Biochemistry II
• CHEM 4163 Chemistry of Cooking
• CHEM 4173 Applications of Brewing Laboratory Science
• CHEM 4181 Analytical Chemistry II Laboratory
• CHEM 4183 Analytical Chemistry II
• CHEM 4213 Medicinal Chemistry
• CHEM 4223 Electrochemistry
• CHEM 4233 Neurochemistry
• CHEM 4243 Chemistry of Art Conservation
• CHEM 4273 Forensic Chemistry
• CHEM 4323 Chemical Kinetics
• CHEM 4861-4 Special Topics in Chemistry
• CHEM 4871 Senior Seminar I
• CHEM 4872 Introduction to Research
• CHEM 4961 Senior Seminar II
• CHEM 4962 Senior Project
• CHEM 4981-3 Undergraduate Research
• CHEM 4991-3 Independent Study

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