Majors
The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Because knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to success in so many fields, the Chemistry curriculum offers an unusual opportunity for a wide choice of electives so that the Chemistry major may adapt his or her program to individual interests or needs. Such individualized programs include preparation for medical school or other health professions, technical writing, industrial management, or computer applications. More information regarding individual program planning is available from the chair of the department. The academic programs offered by the department are described below.
Contact Information: Alice Bruce, Professor and Chair, 154/271 Aubert Hall, 207.581.1182, abruce@maine.edu
Chemistry Department Mission and Goals and Program Learning Objectives
Overview of Degree Requirements
The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences page of the catalog.
- Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120
- Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0
- Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A C or higher is required in any course used toward the Chemistry major. A one-time exception may be made for a passing grade of C- or below as long as the overall GPA is met.
- Other GPA requirements to graduate: A minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 in the major.
- Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: BS (ACS cert): CHY 498 and CHY 499; BS: CHY 492 and CHY 498; BA: CHY 492 and one upper-level chemistry elective.
B.A. Degree in Chemistry
The BA degree in chemistry prepares students for careers in which chemistry and physical science play a significant role. With appropriate electives, students can go on to jobs in a variety of fields including teaching of science in middle school or high school. General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the university-wide and college requirements for the BA degree including completion of a minor or a double major in another discipline.
Additional requirements include MAT 126, 127, PHY 111/PHY 112 or PHY 121/PHY 122. Capstone Experience: CHY 492 and one upper level chemistry elective (CHY 4xx) (6 credits total).
B.S. Degree in Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry offers two options for the B.S. degree in chemistry: The B.S. degree or the B.S. degree with ACS certification.
B.S. Degree (Non-certified)
This degree option is excellent for students considering pre-medical, pre-veterinary, pharmacy, or double majors. The B.S. allows students flexibility in their programs so that they may choose suitable electives to prepare for medical, veterinary, and other health professional schools, work in environmental testing and remediation, or work in the pharmaceutical industry. Students also have the option of taking business, law, computer science, materials science, or other courses to complement their chemistry curriculum. Students must take a minimum of 49 credits of course work in chemistry.
Additional requirements include MAT 126, 127, PHY 111/PHY 112 or PHY 121/PHY 122. General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the university-wide and college requirements for the BS degree. Students interested in pursuing a double math major should take MAT 259 and 262 in lieu of MAT 258; this is also recommended for a math minor. Work completed as part of the Honors Program may be used to fulfill general education course requirements. HON 498 and HON 499 may be used in place of CHY 498 and CHY 499 respectively.
Capstone Experience: CHY 492 and CHY 498 (6 credits total).
B.S. with ACS certification
The American Chemical Society certified B.S. degree in chemistry prepares the student for employment in the chemical industry or for graduate studies in chemistry or a related field. Students must take a minimum of 58 credits of course work in chemistry.
Additional requirements include MAT 126, 127, 228, 258, PHY 111/PHY 112 or PHY 121/PHY 122. General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the university-wide and college requirements for the BS degree. Students interested in pursuing a Math minor should take MAT 259 and 262 in lieu of MAT 258. Work completed as part of the Honors Program may be used to fulfill general education course requirements. HON 498 and HON 499 may be used in place of CHY 498 and CHY 499, respectively.
Capstone Experience: CHY 498 and CHY 499 (6 credits total).
Pre-medicine and Pre-pharmacy
The chemistry curriculum is strong preparation for further study in medicine, pharmacy and other health related fields. To meet the requirements of most health professional schools, the following courses are recommended: BIO 100 , BIO 200, SOC 101, PSY 100. Additional courses including BIO 377/BIO 378 , BIO 350. BMB 322/BMB 323 and BMB 400 also provide good preparation for these programs.
Science Teaching Certification
There is dramatic need for well-qualified science teachers in both high schools and middle schools. The B.A. or non-certified B.S. in chemistry can be combined with a number of avenues for obtaining state certification as a secondary school science teacher. Students interested in this program should contact the Chemistry Department Chair, Dr. Alice Bruce, for more information.
Other Areas of Focus
The chemistry curriculum provides a flexible grounding for areas of focus in materials science, biomaterials, wood chemistry, and computational chemistry to name a few. Other minors could include business for a career in management within the chemical industry or journalism for careers in technical and science writing. Speak with the Chair for further information.
Cooperative Work Experience
A program is available which allows students to accept opportunities for temporary employment provided by cooperating industries. The student may work during the summer or part of one summer and either the preceding or following semester. Credit will be allowed for this work under course number CHY 394. This is a supervised professional experience.
Five-Year Combined B.S.-M.S. Program
The Five-Year BS-MS degree program allows highly qualified undergraduates of the University of Maine to earn Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in five years instead of the normal six-year period. It is designed for a small number of very able students who wish to prepare for graduate school or medical school, or for direct employment where a master’s degree has become a distinct advantage in seeking professional positions in the industry. Some electives for the bachelor’s degree are replaced by courses in chemistry, which count toward the graduate degree. Further information is available from the Chair of the Chemistry Department.