Chemistry Major
Why study chemistry at CMU?
The chemistry program offers a solid science and mathematics curriculum to prepare students for a variety of chemistry careers or graduate studies. Consider some key features of this program:
- Advanced chemistry equipment and laboratories
- Personal guidance from faculty and opportunities to participate in research projects
- Internship opportunities at nearby industries such as The Dow Chemical Company
- CMU's American Chemical Society Student Affiliate received an outstanding award for chapter conduct for three consecutive years. Of more than 1,000 student affiliates nationwide, only 34 were presented with outstanding awards in a recent year.
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Job growth for chemists and materials scientists will be concentrated in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing companies and in professional, scientific, and technical services firms.
- Graduates with a bachelor's degree will have opportunities at smaller research organizations; those with a master's degree, and particularly those with a Ph.D., will enjoy better opportunities at larger pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.
- Within the chemical industry, job opportunities are expected to be most plentiful in pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.
Career options
Graduates of the chemistry program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Agricultural Chemist
- Biochemist
- College or University Professor
- Environmental Chemist
- High School Teacher
- Materials Scientist
- Nuclear Chemical Processor
- Toxicologist
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Chemistry Major
( Total: 40 semester hours
Notes: 11 credit hours must be in laboratory courses. (One credit hour each of CHM 131,132,211 and 331, and two credit hours of CHM 161 count as laboratory credit hours). *CHM 521 (3) and CHM 522 (3) may be substituted for CHM 425 (3). Students are urged to consult their major/pre-professional advisor before enrolling for biochemistry courses.
Mathematics and Physics: The following courses are required for students desiring American Chemical Society certification: MTH 132, 133, 223 and 233; PHY 145, 146, 175, and 176. Students with inadequate high school preparation may find it necessary to complete additional MTH courses. These MTH and PHY courses are also recommended for students who do not desire ACS certification. The MTH and PHY courses must be completed prior to enrolling in Physical Chemistry. )
(5-8 hours)
Chemistry Core I
Select one of the following options:
4
CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 and 132 are recommended to constitute the standard one-year course for science majors. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 132 Introduction to Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131.
5
CHM 161 Principles of Chemistry
Intensive introduction to chemical principles for the well-prepared, motivated student. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirements. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B).
(27-29 hours)
Chemistry Core II
4
CHM 211 Quantitative Analysis
Analysis and interpretation of quantitative chemical information from volumetric, electrochemical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic techniques. Prerequisite: CHM 132 or 161. Recommended: MTH 107.
3
CHM 331 Inorganic Chemistry
Descriptive chemistry of selected main group and transition elements, coordination complexes, structures and properties of solids. Synthesis and characterization of inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: CHM 132 or CHM 161.
3
CHM 345 Organic Chemistry I
Overview of common organic reactions. Reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides, Ultraviolet/Visible, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry. Prerequisite: CHM 132 or 161.
3
CHM 346 Organic Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 345. Overview of common organic reactions of aromatic compounds, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, and amines. Prerequisite: CHM 345.
2
CHM 349 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Lab
Fundamental laboratory techniques in organic chemistry. Methods of synthesis, separation and purification of organic compounds. Introduction to applications of infrared and NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHM 345. Co-requisite: CHM 346.
3
CHM 351 Physical Chemistry I
Fundamental principles of chemistry based on a quantitative approach. Classical thermodynamics of gases and solutions, chemical equilibria, and electrochemistry. Prerequisites: CHM 211, PHY 146; Corequisite MTH 233
3
CHM 352 Physical Chemistry II
Fundamental principles of chemistry based on a quantitative approach. Quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and kinetics. Prerequisite: CHM 351.
2
CHM 357 Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Laboratory techniques with advanced data analysis and error propagation in thermochemistry, phase equilibria, kinetics, spectroscopy, surface effects and computational chemistry. Pre/Co-Requisite: CHM 352.
3
CHM 425 Introductory Biochemistry
Structure, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Prerequisites: CHM 346.
1-3
CHM 491 Undergraduate Research
A program of independent research for chemistry majors and minors and others in related fields which is the capstone experience for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Faculty advisor must be selected prior to enrollment. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
You must select sufficient 500-level advanced courses to meet the minimum credit hour requirement. Certain electives are required for American Chemical Society certification. Electives are to be selected in consultation with and approved by a chemistry major advisor.