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Saint Xavier University Chicago Campus Residence Halls

Chemistry


Chemistry, the "central science," provides understanding of the material substances that make up our physical and biological world.

The Chemistry program offers two primary tracks leading to a B.S. degree in (a) Chemistry and (b) Natural Science. In addition, there are several options for earning a minor in chemistry. Students who pursue a major or minor in chemistry can, in consultation with their academic advisors, successfully combine their chemistry interests with programs in art, biology, business, computer science, criminal justice or mathematics. The program also provides a broad spectrum of chemistry, physical science and physics courses that support general education graduation requirements and majors such as biology, nursing and education. The chemistry curriculum provides a strong foundation for graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry and other chemistry related areas.

The Chemistry program also prepares students for careers in:

  • Health sciences - medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, physical therapy and clinical chemistry
  • Education - teaching at college, high school, middle school and elementary levels
  • Engineering - chemical, biomedical, materials and environmental
  • Scientific computing - academic and industrial research
  • Law - environmental and patent
  • Business - management, sales, technical support and waste management for chemical industries
  • Pure and applied research - chemistry, biochemistry, space chemistry, materials science, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, green chemistry and nuclear science
  • Government - forensic science, food and drugs, agriculture and environment
  • Laboratory and field - food, cosmetics, agriculture, energy, quality control, pharmaceuticals and environment industries

On-campus laboratory facilities for student use include equipment for infrared, ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, gas, ion, and high performance liquid chromatorgraphy, calorimeter and electrochemistry. During the fall, spring and summer semesters, many chemistry students get the opportunity to do research with chemistry faculty members and/or work in chemistry stockroom as lab assistants. Students can take up leadership roles in the ACS student club, work as tutors, peer mentors, or supplemental instructors.

Saint Xavier students have the opportunity to participate in special topics chemistry courses offered jointly through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA). The program sponsors a chapter of the American Chemical Society Student Chapter (ACSSC).

The chemistry major, in the context of a liberal arts education, prepares students to be lifelong learners and educated citizens. A major or minor in chemistry prepares students for roles as professional scientists. Students are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of scientific concepts and problem solving techniques and the ability to integrate and apply these in laboratory investigations, senior research presentations, and performance on nationally standardized American Chemical Society exams.

High School Prerequisites

Students wishing to major in chemistry should have completed high school chemistry, physics and high-level advanced mathematics courses.

Mathematics Competency Requirements for Chemistry Courses

The student's chemistry and mathematics background, and standardized test scores, may require them to take the mathematics placement test to determine placement into the proper chemistry courses. Science majors may be required to complete CHEM 106 before taking CHEM 111. Nursing students may be required to complete CHEM 106 before taking CHEM 109.

Requirements for B.S. Degree in Chemistry

The following courses are required for a B.S. degree in chemistry:

  • CHEM 111: General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHEM 112: General Chemistry II (4)
  • CHEM 211: Analytical Chemistry (5)
  • CHEM 251: Organic Chemistry I (3)
  • CHEML 251: Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
  • CHEM 252: Organic Chemistry II (3)
  • CHEML 252: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
  • CHEM 301: Biochemistry I (3)
  • CHEML 301: Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
  • CHEM 331: Physical Chemistry I (4)
  • CHEM 356: Intro to Senior Seminar (1)
  • CHEM 357: Senior Seminar (1)
  • BIOL 111: General Biology I (4) OR BIOL 112: General Biology II (4)
  • PHYS 201: General Physics I (4) OR PHYS 211: University Physics I [Calculus Based] (5)
  • PHYS 202: General Physics II (4) OR PHYS 212: University Physics II [Calculus based] (5)
  • MATH 201: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4)
  • MATH 202: Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4)

Students select one of three concentrations in chemistry to complete the major: biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or physical chemistry.

Biochemistry Concentration (8)

The following course is required for a biochemistry concentration:

CHEM 302: Biochemistry II (3)

Choose from the following options to complete the required credit hours:

  • CHEML 304: Synthesis and Characterization (2)
  • CHEM 305: Advanced Inorganic (3)
  • CHEM 332: Physical Chemistry II (4)
  • CHEM 311: Instrumental Analysis (4)
  • BIOL 300: Genetics (4)
  • BIOL 301: Genome Biology (4)
  • BIOL 305: Cell Biology (5)
  • CHEM 342: Pharmaceutical Materials and Contaminants (2)
  • Other special topics as approved and offered

Analytical Chemistry Concentration (8)

The following courses are required for an analytical chemistry concentration:

  • CHEM 311: Instrumental Analysis (4)
  • CHEM 351/352: Introduction to Research I and II (2) OR a chemistry internship

Choose from the following options to complete the required credit hours:

  • CHEM 213: Environmental Chemistry (4)
  • CHEM 332: Physical Chemistry II (4)
  • CHEM 305: Advanced Inorganic (3)
  • CHEML 304: Synthesis and Characterization (2)
  • CHEM 340: Scanning Electron Microscopy (2)
  • CHEM 341: Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning (1)
  • Other special topics as approved and offered

Physical Chemistry Concentration (8)

The following course is required for a physical chemistry concentration:

CHEM 332: Physical Chemistry II (4)

Choose from the following options to complete the required credit hours:

  • CHEM 311: Instrumental Analysis (4)
  • CHEM 305: Advanced Inorganic (3)
  • CHEML 304: Synthesis and Characterization (2)
  • CHEM 340: Scanning Electron Microscopy (2)
  • CHEM 341: Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning (1)
  • Other special topics as approved and offered

Requirements for a Chemistry Minor

The following courses are required:

  • CHEM 111: General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHEM 112: General Chemistry II (4)
  • CHEM 251: Organic Chemistry I (3)
  • CHEML 251: Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
  • CHEM 252: Organic Chemistry II (3)
  • CHEML 252: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

Choose one of the following six options:

  • CHEM 211: Analytical Chemistry (5)
  • CHEM 301: Biochemistry I (3) AND CHEML 301: Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
  • CHEML 304: Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory (2) AND CHEM 305: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
  • CHEM 311: Instrumental Methods of Analysis (4)
  • CHEM 331: Physical Chemistry I (4)
  • CHEM 332: Physical Chemistry II (4)

At least nine (9) credit hours of chemistry above the 100 level must be completed at Saint Xavier University in order to fulfill the minor requirement.

Requirements for B.S. Degree in Natural Science

The B.S. degree in natural science is designed for students seeking a broad exposure to biological, chemical and physical science. Course selection to meet specific educational goals is made in consultation with students' academic advisors. The requirements for natural science majors allow optimal flexibility in the selection of science courses. Students will be able to combine appropriate upper level courses in chemistry and biology to include those prescribed by professional schools for admission.

The following courses are required:

  • CHEM 111 and 112: General Chemistry I and II (8)
  • BIOL 111 and 112: General Biology I and II (8)
  • PHYS 201 and 202: General Physics I and II (8) OR PHYS 211 and 212: University Physics I and II (10)
  • MATH 112 and 113: College Algebra and Trigonometry (6) OR MATH 201: Calculus (4)
  • CHEM 356 and 357: Senior Seminar courses I (1) and II (1)

In addition to the above courses, a minimum of 12 semester hours in chemistry and 12 semester hours in biology at the 200 level or above are required. At least one of the courses from biology and one course from chemistry must be at the 300-level. Research courses may not be used to satisfy the above requirements.

The student and advisor select a program of science studies that meets the above minimum requirements and satisfies student's educational objectives.

Pre-Professional Programs

Depending on their areas of concentration and professional objectives, students may, in consultation with their academic advisors, choose courses of study that may best meet their educational goals as pre-professional students in the following fields:

Medicine

Although the minimum required coursework for admission to medical and veterinary schools within the United States includes two years of chemistry, one year of biology, one year of physics and a course in mathematics, the student with chemistry orientation is strongly encouraged to enroll in a program of study leading to a B.S. degree in chemistry or biochemistry.

Additionally, pre-med students, with the approval of their advisors, may choose to take courses that have the potential to enhance their chances of admission to medical schools and veterinary schools and that are important in pursuing a medical education.

Pharmacy

Students interested in the pre-pharmacy program at Saint Xavier University should work with their chemistry advisor to ensure the proper course work is completed in the first 2-3 years. This work will prepare students for entrance into a professional program.