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.
Chemistry Core I
(5-8 hours)
Select one of the following options:
CR1A-CHM
Option A
(8 hours)
CR1B-CHM
Option B
(5 hours)
Chemistry Core II
(27-29 hours)
CHM 211
Quantitative Analysis
4
Analysis and interpretation of quantitative chemical information from volumetric, electrochemical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic techniques. This course may be offered in an online/hybrid format. Prerequisite: CHM 132 or 161. Recommended: MTH 107.
CHM 331
Inorganic Chemistry
3
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.
CHM 345
Organic Chemistry I
3
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.
CHM 346
Organic Chemistry II
3
Continuation of CHM 345. Overview of common organic reactions of aromatic compounds, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, and amines. Prerequisite: CHM 345.
CHM 349
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
2
Laboratory techniques in organic chemistry; methods of synthesis, separation, purification, structure determination - spectroscopic methods; utilization of electronic database (Scifinder) searching techniques. Prerequisite: CHM 345. Pre/Co-requisite: CHM 346.
CHM 351
Physical Chemistry I
3
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
CHM 352
Physical Chemistry II
3
Fundamental principles of chemistry based on a quantitative approach. Quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and kinetics. Prerequisite: CHM 351.
CHM 357
Physical Chemistry Laboratory
2
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.
CHM 425
Introductory Biochemistry
3
Structure, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Prerequisites: CHM 346.
CHM 491
Undergraduate Research
1-3
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.
Electives
(3-8 hours)
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.