Department of Chemistry

Main Page Content

Department of Chemistry

230 Smith Hall
(585) 395-2182

Chairperson and Professor: Thomas W. Kallen; Professors: K. Thomas Finley, J. Emory Morris; Associate Professors: Mark P. Heitz, Kenneth D. Schlecht; Assistant Professors: Markus M. Hoffman, Margaret E. Logan.

• Requirements
• Courses

Chemistry Programs
Chemists study atoms and molecules with the goal of understanding the composition, properties and changes that substances undergo. They identify individual components of materials found in nature, and measure how much of them are present. They also recombine atoms and molecules to deduce the rules of combination and to make new substances. Chemistry is also central to understanding other branches of science—the biological, earth, medical, and materials sciences, along with aspects of physics and astronomy. Knowledge of chemistry is crucial to understanding the manufacture and uses of many common materials such as metals, plastics, fibers, paper, glasses and ceramics; food products and food supplements, flavors and cosmetics; detergents and household chemicals; and pharmaceuticals, pesticides, paints, dyes and inks.

Chemistry is used in medical and criminal investigations, and in studying causes, effects, and cures for pollution. Finally, chemistry is central to authenticating, conserving, restoring, and preserving cultural treasures including rare books and documents, fine art, architectural works, and artifacts of the recent and distant past.

Students who major in chemistry and who choose appropriate electives are well prepared for advanced study in chemistry or related sciences such as biochemistry and molecular biology, computer sciences (with appropriate undergraduate work in computer science), engineering (especially chemical or environmental), environmental studies, forensic science, information science, materials science, neuro-science, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, or technical writing, and for advanced study in the health care professions: medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Students who major in chemistry are also well prepared to enter careers in:

1. Commerce and industry: quality control, research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales, and management.
2. Education: teaching at the primary or secondary level or, after advanced study, at the university level.
3. Government: laboratories, regulatory agencies and legislative staffs.
4. Private and foundation-supported organizations conducting any of these kinds of activities.

Students at SUNY Brockport interested in the study of chemistry may choose: a major in chemistry; a major in chemistry with American Chemical Society Certification; a major in chemistry following the biochemistry track; dual majors in chemistry and another science, mathematics or computer science; chemistry and teacher certification; chemistry and business administration; or chemistry and a non-science discipline. They may also enter the 3+2 program leading to a dual BS in chemistry and chemical engineering. Some of these dual programs may require more than eight semesters and 120 credits to complete. Minors in chemistry can be designed to emphasize organic chemistry (synthesis and mechanisms), biochemistry, or analytical and physical chemistry. All minors require a minimum of 18 credits.

Students interested in the study of chemistry should speak with their chemistry instructors, the department chairperson, or the departmental advisor as early in their careers at SUNY Brockport as possible, since the study of chemistry is highly sequential. Some advanced courses require previous courses in chemistry, physics, or calculus.

Required Courses (34 credits)

*Three credits of electives from the 300/400-level in chemistry , excludig Contemporary Issues courses (suffix I).

Students completing two majors may, by petition to the Department of Chemistry, substitute a relevant upper-division course in another natural or mathematical science for three credits of chemistry elective.

To make normal progress in the major, a student should complete CHM 205–206 in the fresh- man year, and CHM 301, 303, 305–306, PHS 201–202, and MTH 201, 202, 203 before entering the junior year.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification
The American Chemical Society, through its Committee on Professional Training, establishes a professional standard for the undergraduate curriculum in chemistry. This committee also evaluates undergraduate programs and approves those departments which meet its standards. The SUNY Brockport Department of Chemistry is on the list of approved departments. Students whose goal is employment as a chemist or entry into chemistry graduate programs are advised to complete the program outlined below, which meets the requirements of the Committee on Professional Training for certification. Graduates who complete the program are also eligible for immediate election to membership in the ACS.

ACS Certified Major in Chemistry
Required courses for the major in chemistry (first 31 credits listed previously), plus:

*Three credits of electives chosen form the 300/400-level in chemistry, excluding CHM 45 and courses with the suffix I (CHM 372, CHM 373). This elective credit requirement may be satisfied either by an advanced course in mathematics or physics (for which calculus is a prerequisite) or, by petition to the Department of Chemistry, a relevant upper-division course in another of the natural and mathematical sciences. It is strongly recommened that the student also develop a reading knowledge of scientific German and proficiency in computer programming.

Minor in Chemistry
The student must complete CHM 205–206 and a minimum of 10 additional credits of chemistry chosen from courses having CHM 206 as a prerequisite. Normally 10 credits chosen from CHM 301, 303, 305–306, 405–406, and 408–409 are included in this program. Contemporary Issues courses (I) are excluded.

Chemistry Courses