Traditional Chemistry Concentration

Provides preparation for professional work in chemistry or forensic science; graduate work in chemistry, environmental or forensic science; or pre-professional training in the health sciences or secondary education. Coupling the program with an appropriate minor prepares students to enter related fields such as biochemistry, oceanography, pharmacy, toxicology and the atmospheric sciences. Through the study of general, organic, analytical and physical chemistry, students gain an understanding of the world around them.

credits required for major

credits required for minor

Program Details

Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of major concepts, theoretical principles and experimental findings in chemistry.
  2. Employ critical thinking and quantitative analytical skills to solve problems and evaluate scientific data.
  3. Use and application of laboratory methods and scientific instrumentation to investigate a scientific hypothesis, conduct experiments, analyze data and interpret results.
  4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to transmit complex scientific or technical information in a clear and concise manner.
  5. Gather, comprehend, apply and communicate credible information on scientific and technical topics and recognize the proper use of scientific data, principles and theories to assess the quality of stated conclusions.
  6. Demonstrate ethical awareness and conduct with regards to: (1) honesty in data reporting; (2) the safety of practitioners, test subjects and the local community/environment; and (3) their social responsibility to recognize the impact that our actions have on the natural and human world.

All students completing this degree program will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemistry. Students pursuing this degree are required to maintain a C average in their major coursework. 

Courses

  • CH 221 General Chemistry Credits: 5
  • CH 222 General Chemistry Credits: 5
  • CH 223 General Chemistry Credits: 5
  • CH 311 Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 312 Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 334 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 335 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 336 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 350 Chemical Literature Credits: 1
  • CH 365 Materials Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 407 Seminar Credits: 1
  • CH 440 Physical Chemistry I Credits: 4
  • CH 450 Biochemistry I Credits: 4
  • CH 461 Experimental Chemistry Credits: 3
  • MTH 251 Calculus I Credits: 4
  • MTH 252 Calculus II Credits: 4

Concentration Courses

  • CH 401 - Research Credits: 1-3 Credits: 2
  • CH 441 - Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
  • CH 442 - Physical Chemistry III Credits: 3
  • MTH 254 - Multivariate Calculus Credits: 4
  • PH 211 - General Physics with Calculus Credits: 4
  • PH 212 - General Physics with Calculus Credits: 4
  • PH 213 - General Physics with Calculus Credits: 4

Elective Credits: 3-4
  • Upper Division Chemistry, Physics or Math

Courses

  • CH 221 General Chemistry Credits: 5
  • CH 222 General Chemistry Credits: 5
  • CH 223 General Chemistry Credits: 5
  • CH 334 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 335 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
  • CH 336 Organic Chemistry Credits: 4

Approved upper division elective in chemistry Credits: 3-4

MAX DECKER

Research Assistant, Chemistry

PATRICIA FLATT

Department Head of Chemistry/Professor, Chemistry
flattp@wou.edu

FEIER HOU

Associate Professor, Chemistry
houf@wou.edu

KEITH SCHWARTZ

Assistant Professor, Chemistry
schwartzk@wou.edu

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Where This Degree Can Take You

A degree in traditional chemistry teaches you how to explore and understand the building blocks of matter. You’ll learn to conduct experiments, use special lab equipment, and analyze different substances like gases, liquids, and solids. This degree helps you develop problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of how different chemicals interact with each other. It’s about using science to find answers, improve processes, and create new materials or products.

Potential Careers

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Pharmaceutical Chemist
  • Research Scientist
  • Quality Control Chemist
  • Materials Scientist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Environmental Chemist
  • Chemical Safety Specialist
  • Food Scientist

Potential Employers

  • Nike
  • Intel Corporation
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Genentech
  • Columbia Sportswear

Consider This Degree If You…

Have a Passion for Experimentation

Chemists enjoy designing experiments, testing hypotheses, and finding new ways to study chemical processes.

Are Comfortable with Complex Instruments

The use specialized lab equipment like spectrometers, chromatographs, or titration setups is a regular occurrence in traditional chemistry.

Are Detail Oriented

Even small measurement errors can change the outcome of a reaction or experiment.

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