Nov 26, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog Home
  Colleges
  Honors College
  Degrees, Minors, and Certificates
  Course Descriptions
  Table of Programs Offered
  About NKU
  Academic Program Opportunities
  Academic Support
  Admissions and Enrollment
  Appendices
  Faculty and Emeritus Faculty
  General Education
  International Admissions and Enrollment
  Kentucky Residency
  Policies and Procedures
  Student Engagement
  Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
  University Administration
  My Portfolio
HELP
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry, B.S.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees, Minors, and Certificates

Students who aspire to careers as professional chemists should seek to obtain the Bachelor of Science. Students must complete the core courses listed below plus one of the four tracks:

General Chemistry Track (ACS Certified)
Biochemistry Track
Forensics Track
Pharmaceutical Sciences Track

Students majoring in chemistry are urged to participate in independent research (CHE 292  or CHE 492 ) and are also encouraged to take at least one year of a foreign language and additional mathematics coursework beyond the required Calculus II. A student completing the Bachelor of Science in chemistry is not required to complete a minor or a focus.

The general chemistry track is approved by the American Chemical Society, as it meets certain requirements prescribed by that organization. Students may also receive ACS approval in the Bachelor of Science Biochemistry and Forensics tracks by selecting appropriate course options as indicated below.

Four-Year Plan: Click here  to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures  page.

♦  Indicates prerequisite.

Degree Requirements

Core Courses (48 credits)

General Chemistry Track (Approved by ACS) (23 credits)

The general chemistry track (Approved by ACS) is designed to offer students a rigorous background in chemistry that will prepare them for careers in industrial chemistry and for graduate work in chemistry. With the addition of one year of biology (BIO 150 /BIO 150L  and BIO 151 /BIO 151L ), this track is also well suited for those students who wish to further education in professional school (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, etc.).

Advanced content coursework (3 credits)

Select at least 3 credit hours from the following

Advanced research methods coursework (3 credits)

Select at least 3 credit hours from the following

Total Credits 71

Biochemistry Track (31-33 credits)

The biochemistry track is designed for students who are interested in both chemistry and biology. In particular, it is designed for those students who are interested in the chemistry of living organisms. It is well suited for those who wish to pursue careers in biochemistry-related fields or for those students who wish to further their education in graduate school or professional school (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, etc.).

Four-Year Plan: Click here  to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures  page.

Select at least two courses from the following (7-9 credits)

At least one of the courses must have an associated lab which also must be taken.

Note:

*To receive ACS approval, CHE 320 -CHE 320L  must be taken as one course in this distribution area.

Total Credits 79-81

Forensics Track (36-38 credits)

The forensics track is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in forensic science with a solid background in chemistry while gaining the basic knowledge needed to succeed in the criminal justice system. While a minor or focus is not required with this track, it is strongly recommended that majors in this track complete the minor in criminalistics  offered by the Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Organizational Leadership. By doing so, students will be much better prepared to work with law enforcement professionals. Due to the complexity of this program, it is critical that students work closely with their advisor throughout their NKU academic career.

Four-Year Plan: Click here  to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures  page.

NOTE: To receive ACS approval, CHE 320 /CHE 320L  must also be taken in addition to the coursework specified in this track.

Select at least one course from the following (3-5 credits)

Total Credits 84-86

Pharmaceutical Sciences Track (50-52 credits)

The pharmaceutical sciences track is designed for students who wish to attend pharmacy school following completion of their third year at NKU. Coursework at your pharmacy school will transfer back to satisfy remaining requirements for graduation (see below for more details). Should you not decide to attend pharmacy school, you can complete the requirements for the biochemistry track during your fourth year. Due to the complexity of this program, it is critical that students work closely with their advisor throughout their NKU academic career.

Four-Year Plan: Click here  to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures  page.

Pharmacy School Coursework (27-29 credits)

Complete 27-29 credits of approved coursework as described in the approved pathway agreement with a pharmacy school (pathways include Sullivan University and the University of Cincinnati (pending)).

Of these listed credits, 14 are used to fulfill the remaining requirements for this degree track, while the others are used to fulfill remaining general education (each pathway includes a substitute course for PHI 110 ) and university requirements.

Because pathways can change as a result of curriculum modifications at our partner institutions, it is crucial to work with your advisor to obtain the most up-to-date requirements associated with these agreements.

Total Credits 98-100

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degrees, Minors, and Certificates