Bachelor of Science with a Major in Chemistry, ACS Certified
The B.S. in Chemistry degree offers greater concentration in chemistry than the B.A. degree option and is recommended for those students planning careers in chemical industry or engineering or for those who plan to pursue graduate study. A senior research thesis and seminar is required and designed to introduce students to modern advanced techniques and approaches to chemical research in conjunction with a faculty advisor.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Chemistry degree (ACS Track) is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS). This formal recognition means that the department has the faculty, curriculum and the instrumentation necessary to provide a quality education for undergraduate students. Graduates of this approved program are certified by the American Chemical Society.
Career Opportunities
Link to Additional Career Information:
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career.html
External Resource
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Face to Face
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Graduates of this approved program are certified by the American Chemical Society.
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 120
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
Upon completion of this degree program the student will have acquired:
- A well-developed understanding of the major areas of chemistry including organic, analytical, physical, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry;
- The ability to formulate significant research questions, design experiments, carry out experimental protocol, and analyze and interpret data
- An understanding of mathematical formalism as applied to chemistry
- The ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written presentations
- Proficiency in retrieving information from the literature
- The ability to use appropriate computer applications and information technology as applied to chemistry
- Adequate preparation to compete successfully in a science-related career and/or a graduate or professional program
- An understanding of the impact of chemistry in a global/societal context
Downloads
General
Core Area A: must include MATH 1113 or MATH 1634* (*1 hr moved to Area F) Core Area D: must include MATH 1634* (*1hr moved to Area F) unless completed in Area A, and PHYS 2211, 2211L, 2212, 2212L is recommended. Core Area F: MATH credit from Area A and D. *General Restrictions: Students are allowed only one D in the courses used to satisfy the major. A maximum of 7 hours of research is allowed in the degree program. Six (6) hours of DSW courses are required.
First course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors. Topics to be covered include composition of matter, stoichiometry, periodic relations, and nomenclature. MATH 1113 and CHEM 1211L may be taken concurrently.
Laboratory exercises supplement the lecture material of CHEM 1211.
Second course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors. Topics to be covered include chemical bonding, properties of solids, liquids and gases, solutions, equilibria, acids and bases, solubility, thermodynamics, kinetics and electricity. Corequisite: CHEM 1212L
Laboratory exercises supplement the lecture material of CHEM 1212.
The first course of a two semester sequence which provides a broad introduction to the basic principles, theories and applications of the chemistry of carbon compounds. Topics will include modern structural theory, organic nomenclature, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms and kinetics, and an introduction to functional group chemistry. Also covers the interpretation of IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy for the structure determination of organic compounds. CHEM 2411L may be taken concurrently.
Emphasis of this laboratory will be on fundamental techniques and will provide experience with purification, physical and spectroscopic characterization and synthesis of organic substances.
This course is designed to prepare students for calculus, physics, and related technical subjects. Topics include an intensive study of algebraic and transcendental functions accompanied by analytic geometry and trigonometry.Students cannot receive credit for MATH 1112 and MATH 1113.
The first of a three-course sequence in calculus. Limits, applications of derivatives to problems in geometry and the sciences (physical and behavioral). Problems which lead to anti-derivatives.
A continuation of MATH 1634. The definite integral and applications, calculus of transcendental functions, standard techniques of integration, sequences and series.
An introductory course that will include material from mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Elementary calculus will be used.
The lab component for PHYS 2211 which must be a co-requisite.
An introductory course that will include material from electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Elementary calculus will be used.
The lab component for PHYS 2212 which must be a co-requisite.
Major Required
For CHEM-3521, CHEM-3522, and CHEM-3523, students are only required to choose two of the three courses.
**CHEM 4084: A senior research thesis paper and oral presentation are required.
A course designed to introduce Chemistry majors to current literature and career opportunities in Chemistry and allied fields. Faculty will present brief seminars pertaining to their research and topics of current interest. Students will carry out literature searches and make oral and/or written presentations on topics chosen in consultation with the instructor(s).
This course emphasizes skills needed for a student to function as a professional analytical chemist. The student will be firmly grounded in the areas of gravimetric and volumetric analysis, equilibria, quantitative spectroscopy, electrochemistry and chromatography. Special emphases will be placed on writing skills.
The second course will systematically explore reactions of carbon-containing compounds and the mechanistic pathways involved in these processes. Reactions that will be discussed include functional group transformations, oxidation, reductions, cyclo-additions and carbon-carbon bond formation. The course begins to teach the student how to systematically design a multi-step synthesis of complex organic compounds. CHEM 3422L may be taken concurrently.
Emphasis of this laboratory will be on synthesis and characterization of organic substances will be included.
This course is an introduction to elementary quantum mechanics and its applications to selected chemical systems. Topics include an introduction to operators, 'particle in a box', harmonic oscillator, atomic structure, chemical bonding, atomic spectroscopy, rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy of small molecules, and elementary statistical mechanics.
This course develops standard topics in classical physical chemistry, with primary emphasis on chemical thermodynamics. The course includes physical and chemical properties of real and ideal gases, the law of thermodynamics and their application to physical and chemical systems, chemical and phase equilibria, kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics, transport properties, and the application of quantum mechanics to thermodynamics in statistical mechanics.
This course applies wave-mechanical models of bound electrons to account for the electronic structure of atoms via orbital theory and how it is used to explain the similarities/differences in the behavior of various elements in the periodic table. This is followed by the building of numerous molecular systems via applying Molecular Orbital Theory with Group Symmetry. Orbital theory will be applied in interpreting/predicting the electronic interaction with light, chemical reactivity, and kinetic behavior in reaction mechanisms of various organic molecular systems.
In this course, students will demonstrate their understanding of the physical basis and general applications of experimental techniques in physical chemistry. In particular, they will demonstrate their ability in applying the theories from thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy to interpret experimental data. They will also learn how to maintain a laboratory notebook - collect data in a professionally acceptable way. Finally, they will demonstrate their ability to communicate their data and results to others. CHEM 3521 or CHEM 3522 may be taken concurrently.
A research project carried out under the guidance of a faculty member. Discussion of research areas with the faculty and preliminary work involving literature searching and planning should be completed before the senior year. Both a formal oral and written report of the results of the research must be presented to the faculty of the Department of Chemistry. ACS track students cannot use this as a Chemistry elective. Non-ACS track students can use up to 3 credit hours as a Chemistry elective.
This course is restricted to senior chemistry majors only, and is to be taken in the last semester before graduation. For non-ACS-track students, this course should be taken concurrently with CHEM 4910L Chemistry Senior Capstone Project (non-ACS-track). For the ACS-track students, this course should be taken concurrently or after the last semester of CHEM 4083 Faculty Directed Research. This is a capstone course for all chemistry majors to culminate their undergraduate education, reflect and make connections of their learning to the world, to their personal growth, and to their careers after graduation. As part of this course, students will produce a quality senior thesis and a formal oral presentation (ACS-track) or formal research poster presentation (non-ACS-track), supported by literature search and full analysis of the project outcomes. Students will take a diagnostics of undergraduate chemistry exam to be used for an assessment of the program.
This is a course designed for chemistry majors that covers the use of instrumentation for chemical analysis. Topics will include optical spectroscopy, NMR, mass spectrometry and selected topics in polarimetry, voltammetry and chromatography. In this class, we will discuss the theory behind the analysis (with a strong emphasis on quantum mechanics and spectroscopy), instrumental operation (that covers the electronics and optical components of instruments), and the data analysis and interpretation (which includes signal processing, Fourier transformation, and statistical analysis). There is a three hour laboratory component to the course. Laboratory exercises will familiarize students with electronics, applications of spectroscopy, chemical instrumentation and data analysis.
The wave nature of electrons is applied to atomic structure and periodic trends. Inter and intramolecular bonding models are used to interpret the chemical and physical properties of various materials, from simplistic diatomic molecules to structurally complex molecular and ionic systems. Thermodynamic principles are used to determine the relative stability of inorganic compounds.
The first of two semester sequence in biochemistry covering the general physical and chemical properties of biomolecules and the metabolism. Topics will include biomolecular structure and function, first-order enzyme kinetics, glycolysis and carbohydrate metabolism, Kreb's cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid catabolism and biosynthesis, metabolism and utilization of amino acids, biologically important amines and regulation of metabolism.
This laboratory course involves non-trivial synthesis of organic and inorganic molecules by a variety of advanced techniques (vacuum line, inert atmosphere, high/low temperature, etc.). Spectroscopic (FT-NMR, IR, UV, etc.) and computational methods are used to investigate characterize, and compare experimental and theoretical properties of the synthesized molecules. Special emphasis will be placed on writing skills.
Major Selects
This course is an introduction to elementary quantum mechanics and its applications to selected chemical systems. Topics include an introduction to operators, 'particle in a box', harmonic oscillator, atomic structure, chemical bonding, atomic spectroscopy, rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy of small molecules, and elementary statistical mechanics.
This course develops standard topics in classical physical chemistry, with primary emphasis on chemical thermodynamics. The course includes physical and chemical properties of real and ideal gases, the law of thermodynamics and their application to physical and chemical systems, chemical and phase equilibria, kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics, transport properties, and the application of quantum mechanics to thermodynamics in statistical mechanics.
This course applies wave-mechanical models of bound electrons to account for the electronic structure of atoms via orbital theory and how it is used to explain the similarities/differences in the behavior of various elements in the periodic table. This is followed by the building of numerous molecular systems via applying Molecular Orbital Theory with Group Symmetry. Orbital theory will be applied in interpreting/predicting the electronic interaction with light, chemical reactivity, and kinetic behavior in reaction mechanisms of various organic molecular systems.
Building upon the students' background in organic chemistry, these courses will explore in greater depth selected advanced topics in organic chemistry. Selected topics such as advanced synthesis, reaction mechanism, molecular orbital theory, spectroscopy, stereochemistry and physical organic chemistry will be offered.
Advanced topics in inorganic chemistry exposes the students to current topics and problems in the field of inorganic chemistry.
Covers bio- chemistry and spectroscopy of biomolecules. Topics include protein folding, protein stability, protein-DNA interactions, physical chemistry of biomembranes, kinetics (beyond first order), molecular mechanics and dynamics, NMR spectroscopy (fluorescence, circular dicroism, laser spectroscopy), mass spectrometry and xray crystallograph.
This course focuses on selected topics in chemistry which may consist of spectroscopy, magnetic resonance or stereo chemistry. The emphasis is on an integrated approach to view examples that transcend sub-disciplines within chemistry, namely inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry.
Sharmistha Basu-Dutt, Ph.D.
Associate Dean and Professor of Chemistry
Megumi Fujita, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Anne Gaquere, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice-President and Professor of Chemistry
John Hansen, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Farooq A. Khan, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Logan Leslie, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Martin McPhail, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator of Chemistry
Partha Ray, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Spencer Slattery, Dr.
Professor of Chemistry
Guidelines for Admittance
Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.
- Complete online application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. Official transcripts are sent from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
- Verify specific requirements associated with specific populations identified here: Freshman Adult Learners Transfer International Home School Joint / Dual Enrollment Transient Auditor Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Readmission
Application Deadlines
UWG Undergraduate Admission Deadlines
Admission Process Checklist
- Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
- Review important deadlines:
- Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
- Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
- Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
See program specific calendars here
- Complete online application
Undergraduate Admissions Guide
Undergraduate Application
Undergraduate International Application - Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official documents
Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.
Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-4160 - Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
- Check the status of your application
Contact
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Upon completion of this degree program the student will have acquired:
- A well-developed understanding of the major areas of chemistry including organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry
- The ability to formulate significant research questions, design experiments, carry out experimental protocol, and analyze and interpret data
- An understanding of mathematical formalism as applied to chemistry
- The ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written presentations
- Proficiency in retrieving information from the literature
- The ability to use appropriate computer applications and information technology as applied to chemistry
- Adequate preparation to compete successfully in a science-related career and/or a graduate or professional program
- An understanding of the impact of chemistry in a global/societal context