Chemistry Major with American Chemical Society Certification

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Description

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. Brockport's Department of Chemistry is an ACS approved department. Students who wish to receive preparation more in-depth than our regular chemistry major before 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.

Admission to the Program

Any undergraduate student can declare a major in chemistry with ACS certification.

Program Requirements

Students in the chemistry major with ACS certification pursue a or Bachelor of Science degree, and must complete the corresponding degree's requirements.

General Education Requirements (35* credits)

Major Departmental Requirements (48 credits)

  • CHM 205 College Chemistry I (4 credits)*
  • CHM 206 College Chemistry II (4 credits)
  • CHM 301 Chemical Safety (1 credit)
  • CHM 302 Inorganic Chemistry I (4 credits)
  • CHM 303 Quantitative Chemical Analysis (4 credits)
  • CHM 305 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
  • CHM 306 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
  • CHM 400 Seminar I (1 credit)
  • CHM 401 Seminar II (1 credit)
  • CHM 405 Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • CHM 406 Physical Chemistry II (3 credits)
  • CHM 408 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
  • CHM 409 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1 credit)
  • CHM 467 Biochemistry I (3 credits)

Cognate or Additional Requirements (20 credits)

  • MTH 201 Calculus I (4 credits)*
  • MTH 202 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • MTH 203 Calculus III (4 credits)
  • PHS 235 Physics I (4 credits)*
  • PHS 240 Physics II (4 credits)

Prerequisites (0-6 credits)

  • MTH 111 College Algebra
  • MTH 122 Pre-Calculus (or three years high school math)*

Electives (11-17 credits)

Total Credits (120 credits)

Additional Degree Requirements

  • Chemistry majors must earn a grade of C or better in CHM 205 and 206
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
  • Completion of all college-wide degree requirements 

*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

To make normal progress in the major, a student should complete CHM 205, CHM 206, CHM 302, CHM 303, CHM 305, CHM 306, PHS 235, PHS 240, MTH 201, MTH 202 and MTH 203 by the end of the sophomore year, but speak with your advisor about your specific needs and the timing of the courses that will work best for you.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding and apply the principles of:

  1. chemical nomenclature.
  2. atomic structure and quantum theory.
  3. molecular structure and reactivity.
  4. stoichiometric calculations based upon chemical formulae and balanced chemical equations including oxidation-reduction reactions.
  5. chemical energetics and thermodynamics including chemical equilibrium.
  6. reaction dynamics (kinetics and mechanisms).
  7. descriptive chemistry of the elements, compounds, and trends in the periodic table.

Students will be able to

  1. critically assess primary literature.
  2. contribute positively and effectively as a member of a team while addressing a chemical issue.
  3. understand and apply the tenets and principles of safe laboratory practice and waste handling.
  4. demonstrate proficiency in carrying out basic and advanced laboratory manipulations and use of common laboratory equipment and instruments.
  5. demonstrate proficiency in managing experimental data including thoroughly recording procedure and observations, tabulating data, and analyzing results.
  6. effectively communicate chemistry content, both orally and in writing, to audiences with varying levels of scientific understanding.
  7. recognize and analyze ethical implications related to scientific issues in society and within their profession.