Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

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. The Bachelor of Science degree programs in chemistry and biochemistry are approved by the American Chemical Society.

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 .

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 mentors, one in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and one in the Department of Education .

Programs

Major

Minor

Chemistry Minor

Courses

Chemistry