Nov 08, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry, B.S.


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 three tracks:

General Chemistry Track (ACS Certified)
Biochemistry Track
Forensics 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 certified by the American Chemical Society, as it meets certain requirements prescribed by that organization. Students may also receive ACS certification in the other Bachelor of Science 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


General Chemistry Track (ACS Certified) (16 credits)


The general chemistry track (ACS Certified) 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.).

Total Credits 70-72


Biochemistry Track (24-26 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.

Total Credits 78-82


Forensics Track (29-31 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 certification, CHE 320 /CHE 320L  must also be taken in addition to the coursework specified in this track.

Total Credits 83-87