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2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

A summary of all degree requirements as well as other departmental information is available in the Chemistry Department Handbook. All chemistry majors should obtain a copy from the department office.

Completion of a major in chemistry requires the following:

Requirements for a Major in Chemistry

1. General University Degree Requirements

As identified in the General Academic Policies section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.

2. Core Courses

A grade of C (2.0) or better in each of the following core chemistry courses.

CHM 491 - Chemistry Seminar II (1 credit) is required of all chemistry majors. Junior Seminar (CHM 391 - Chemistry Seminar I (1 credit)) is required of all students who take their junior year at GVSU. Two semesters of seminar are required for one credit. Students should register for zero credit in their first semester and one credit in their second semester.

CHM 241 and CHM 242 may substitute for CHM 245/246/247/248. However, students must also take CHM 249 plus upper-level chemistry electives that include a total of 28 lab-hours.

3. Required Cognate Courses

A minimum 2.0 GPA in required cognate courses. Transfer students must complete at least 12 credits in chemistry at Grand Valley.

4. Emphasis

All students must select one of the following emphases in addition to the core courses listed above.

A. Professional Emphasis

The professional emphasis offers excellent preparation for bachelor level employment and entry into graduate and professional schools (ACS certified).

Elective Course

One elective course from the following:

Upper-level Chemistry Lab Courses

Including a total of 80 hours of lab time (lab hours listed in parentheses).

Cognate Courses

And the following cognate courses:

B. Technical Emphasis

The technical emphasis may be selected by those students planning to seek employment after graduation.

Elective Course

One elective course from the following:

Cognate Courses

And the following cognate courses:

C. Education Emphasis

The education emphasis is designed specifically for students who plan to teach chemistry at the secondary level. Students in this emphasis must also complete a teachable minor and the Secondary Professional Program (College of Education). As part of the College of Education state certification requirement, students must complete BIO 120, BIO 121, and GEO 111. These or other courses may be taken as electives or as part of the general education program or as part of the minor.

Cognate Courses

And the following cognate courses:

D. Biochemistry and Biotechnology Emphasis

The biochemistry and biotechnology emphasis prepares students for entry level employment in biotechnical or biomedical laboratories or for entry into professional health schools or biochemical graduate programs.

Cognate Courses

Cognate Elective Options

Take 10 additional credits from the following choices.

And either:

And either:

And either:

E. Environmental Emphasis

The environmental emphasis also requires specialization in a discipline outside of chemistry. Students must choose one of the following tracks to complete the emphasis. Each track includes two required lower-level courses to meet the prerequisite requirements of the track and two upper-level courses from the courses listed.

Cognate Courses

1. Biology Track:

And any two of the following courses:

2. Natural Resources Management Track:

And any two of the following courses:

3. Geology Track:

And any two of the following courses:

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Chemistry (B.S.)

This option assumes students will complete the required skills and general education courses and select electives with the help of their advisor.

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year


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