The major in Chemistry with emphasis in Biochemistry leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The major is a rigorous, experimental science degree at the interface of biology and chemistry, and includes a strong background in the other core areas of chemistry:  analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical. The major prepares students for careers in various areas of chemistry, especially biological chemistry, biomedical and pharmaceutical research, forensic chemistry, agrochemistry, and food science, as well as for professional schools (Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Pharmacy, etc.) and graduate school in the biological, biochemical, and biomedical sciences.

Program Goals

• To prepare graduates in the discipline of chemistry to become productive members of the profession whether they go on to industry, post-graduate education or other areas.
• To prepare students in the verbal, written and quantitative skills that are prerequisites to advanced study or careers in chemistry.
• To prepare students in the theoretical principals of chemistry as well as in the laboratory approach to problem solving.
• To maintain approval of the chemistry curriculum as defined by the American Chemical Society, Committee on Professional Training.
• To provide the opportunity for a variety of educational programs through the following:
  1. Basic Chemistry
  2. ACS Certified Curriculum
  3. Biochemistry
  4. Environmental Chemistry
  5. Chemistry/Teacher Certification
  6. Double Major
  7. Chemistry Minor

Expected Student Outcomes

Chemistry graduates are expected to:

• Understand the concept of and be able to apply the scientific method to problem solution;
• Understand classifications of chemical compounds, general reaction types and quantitative aspects of stoichiometry as applied to chemical reactions;
• Apply basic knowledge of related fields such as mathematics and physics to problem solving, methods of analysis and use of numerical data in the chemical sciences;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of basic laboratory skills, methods and equipment used in chemistry for observation and analysis of chemical systems;
• Read, think and write critically and review current literature in the chemical sciences; and
• Exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories, concepts and skills necessary in the chemical sciences.

Outcomes Assessment Activities

• Assessment of chemistry majors occurs through examination of GPA in required courses. Majors are required to maintain a 2.000 GPA in major and minor courses as well as in other required courses.
• Students are required to complete American Chemical Society national standard exams when given during the course of the chemistry degree curriculum. Scores are compared to national averages to determine if students exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories and concepts necessary in the chemical sciences disciplinary areas.
• Students are required to take an exit examination during the senior year. The ETS Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT) covers the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Scores are compared to national averages to determine if students exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories and concepts necessary in the chemical sciences overall.

Specific Program Requirements

• Students majoring or minoring in chemistry are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better in their chemistry courses. In addition, students majoring or minoring in chemistry must receive a grade of “C” or better in all core chemistry courses. Students minoring in chemistry are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the chemistry courses applying to the minor.
• Proficiency in physics, math and computer science is essential for understanding and applying chemical principles; therefore, graduates must complete approved math and physics courses with an overall GPA of 2.000 or better.
• Transfer students are required to earn a minimum of 20 semester credit hours in approved chemistry courses from CSU-Pueblo for graduation with a BS degree in chemistry. Transfer students wishing to minor in chemistry must earn a minimum of 10 of the 20 credit hours required at CSU-Pueblo.
• Students will be required to take an exit examination during the senior year, covering the undergraduate chemistry curriculum.

Specific Core Requirements

Specific Concentration Requirements

Planning Sheet

Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.

Enrollment in CHEM 121 requires successful placement exam score or completion of CHEM 111 with a grade of C or better, and completion of MATH 120 with a grade of C or better, or mathematics placement above MATH 120.  The placement exam is administered through the Testing Center - contact them to make arrangements.