Nov 25, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biophysical Chemistry, B.S.

Dr. Linette M. Watkins, Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-6246
Email: watkinlm@jmu.edu
Location: Physics and Chemistry Building, Room 1186
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/chemistry

Professors
D. Amenta, K. Caran, T. DeVore, D. Downey, R. Foust, J. Gilje, G. MacDonald, B. Reisner, L. Watkins

Associate Professors
B. Boardman, C. Hughey, S. Lewis, D. Mohler, N. Wright, Y. Zhang

Assistant Professors

A. Baber, C. Berndsen, O. Kokhan, P. Raston, I. Sumner

Lecturers
D. Blumling, K. Funck, Q. Liu, D. Warnaar, D. Wilson

Mission Statement

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the B.S. degree for a major in chemistry, with concentrations that meet the American Chemical Society Accredited Programs requirements for programs in biochemistry, materials chemistry and in chemistry/chemical education. In addition, the department offers a B.S. degree in biophysical chemistry. It also offers minors in chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and materials science. The programs are designed to provide the theoretical and practical instruction in chemistry and related areas to prepare students for careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, paramedical areas, forensic sciences, chemical engineering and other technology based areas. The department also recognizes its responsibility to provide courses for non-chemistry majors who need a basic understanding of the principles of chemistry either for their chosen major or their general education.

Career Opportunities

  • Graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry or related areas (ACS Certified Degrees preferred)
  • Professional employment as a chemist or biochemist (ACS Certified Degrees preferred)
  • Professional school (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, business and law)
  • Chemical engineering
  • Environmental science
  • Forensic science
  • Immunology
  • Industrial hygiene
  • Pharmaceutical chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Production supervision
  • Quality control
  • Research assistant
  • Scientific writing
  • Some forms of development work
  • Technical library science
  • Toxicology

Co-curricular Activities and Organizations

  • American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter
  • Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Fraternity (Coed)
  • Iota Sigma Pi

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

  • General Education  41 Credit Hours 1
  • Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education ) 3 Credit Hours 2
  • Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education ) 3-4 Credit Hours 2
  • Major requirements and electives 85-87 Credit Hours

Total: 131 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 The General Education  program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary. Some courses that are required for this major will meet General Education  requirements.
2 The quantitative and scientific literacy requirements for this degree are met by courses required for the major. As a result, the total credit hours earned for the degree will be 131.

Major Requirements

Physics and Mathematics Background Courses: 24 Credit Hours

Choose at least two of the following electives: 6-8 Credit Hours

Total: 85-87 Credit Hours

Footnotes

1 CHEM 131 /CHEM 131L  may be substituted.
2 CHEM 242L  may be substituted.

Recommended Schedule for Majors

First Year

Total: 32-33 Credit Hours

Second Year

Total: 32 Credit Hours

Third Year

Total: 32 Credit Hours

Fourth Year:

Total: 24 Credit Hours

Credit by Examination

The chemistry and biochemistry department offers credit by examination for CHEM 131  and 132 . General Chemistry I-II. Students who want permission to take the examination must apply to the department head. Details regarding approval to take the examination and examination dates will be provided when the application is received.

Teaching Licensure

Students interested in becoming teachers must meet specific curriculum requirements in their major as part of the undergraduate academic degree. Chemistry majors must also complete a course in biology and a course in geology.

In addition to the general education and academic major requirements, chemistry majors desiring secondary teacher licensure must be admitted to teacher education, complete the pre-professional program in secondary education at the undergraduate level and the graduate level Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

It is critical that students seeking licensure consult regularly with both their education adviser and their major adviser to support their progression through the programs. For a full description of the program in secondary teaching, refer to the Department of Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education , in addition to the College of Education /Professional Education Unit section of the catalog.