Chemistry (BA)

Chemistry

Federal CIP: 40.0501 Chemistry, General

Chemistry, also known as the central science, is the study of everything around us, the changes that they undergo, and man’s interaction with the environment. The Chemistry curriculum follows the recommendations of the American Chemical Society’s accreditation guidelines. This program is designed for students who are interested in a fundamental education in chemistry but also would like to pursue careers in other disciplines, such as analytical instrumentation, agriculture, chemical manufacturing, electronics, food, petroleum, and graduate study in Dental School, Medical School, Pharmacy School, and Veterinary School. This major allows students to be eligible for the Enhanced LIFE Scholarship and the Enhanced Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this major or degree will:

Have firm foundations in the fundamentals and application of current chemical and scientific theories in the four basic areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical chemistry).
Be able to use modern instrumentation and possess the ability to interpret Infrared spectroscopy spectra, mass spectrometry spectra and proton NMR spectra of relatively simple compounds, and use UV - VIS spectrophotometers, chromatography techniques, and electrophoresis.
Gain extensive technical knowledge and demonstrate ability to design, carry out, record and analyze the results of chemical experiments.
Locate, comprehend, and communicate about scientific literature, and present literature and laboratory findings in oral and written form.
Develop skills of analysis, synthesis, critical thinking, problem solving via the scientific method.

Note: Students planning to attend graduate or professional programs following completion of their BS degree should regularly review the needed prerequisites for their desired programs and work with their advisors to incorporate these classes into their program of study.