Undergraduate Program
Chemistry Courses
At the University of Maine, chemistry majors take courses in the traditional sub-disciplines of organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and biological chemistry. The curriculum, which is certified by the American Chemical Society, is designed to provide a good foundation in each of these areas and then will build on this foundation with in-depth course work in two or more of these areas. Hands-on work in the lab is an important aspect of your training as a future chemist. Chemistry is an experimental science and laboratories are where new areas are discovered and contributions to society are made. In the laboratory, students will learn techniques that will serve them well as they develop the ability to ask good scientific questions and explore possible solutions. Students will also reinforce what they have learned in class and gain the ability to support theories they’ve learned within an applied context.
Independent Research
All chemistry majors in B.S. degree programs at the University of Maine conduct independent research with a faculty member. The University of Maine is the only university in the state that offers graduate programs in chemistry. The presence of graduate students offers a unique and valuable experience for our undergraduate chemistry majors who work closely with the graduate students and faculty in our research labs. Many of our majors have been co-authors on scientific presentations and publications.
Becoming a Chemistry Major
The curriculum for chemistry majors provides a solid foundation in chemistry, and also allows the opportunity for students to earn minors, concentrations or even complete double majors in other subjects.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Alice Bruce, Chair, Department of Chemistry, 154/271 Aubert Hall, Orono, ME 04469, abruce@maine.edu.
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
Chemistry Department Mission & Goals
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.
Sample Curriculum BS(Non-Cert)
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.
BS Sample Curriculum (ACS Cert)
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.
Sample Curriculum BS CHY(PreMed)
Sample Curriculum BS CHY(PrePharm)
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 Department 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.
A minor in Chemistry is intended to broaden the academic base of students who already have a solid scientific background in areas such as biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and engineering. The curriculum exposes students to the first 2 years of introductory chemistry and provides additional knowledge at a more advanced level in an area of the student’s choice. Students must take a minimum of 24 credits from the following list, including at least one advanced (400 level) chemistry course. At least 14 credits must be taken at UMaine.
A 500 level chemistry course can be used to fulfill the minor requirement by obtaining permission from the course instructor and academic advisor. No grade below a C- will be accepted toward these requirements.
- CHY 121 – General Chemistry I Credits: 3
- CHY 122 – General Chemistry II Credits: 3
- CHY 123 – General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1
- CHY 124 – General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1
- CHY 251 – Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3
- CHY 252 – Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3
- CHY 253 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
- CHY 254 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2
- CHY 261 – Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHY 342 – Principles of Quantitative Analysis and Solution Equilibria Credits: 5
- CHY 423 – Introductory Polymer Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHY 425 – Physical Chemistry of Polymers Credits: 3
- CHY 431 – Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHY 461 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3
- CHY 462 – Organometallic Chemistry Credits: 3
- CHY 471 – Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
- CHY 472 – Physical Chemistry II Credits: 3
- CHY 475 – Physical Chemistry III Credits: 3
- CHY 483 – Introductory Wood Chemistry Credits: 3
CHY 104 – The Chemistry of Food and Cooking (4 credits)
A non-mathematical approach to basic chemistry and chemical principles using food and cooking as the common theme. During the course of the semester, we will use different food and cooking topics to explore a variety of themes in chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on understanding why and how something works in a laboratory and the application to the “real world”, in this case, the kitchen. The lab will complement the course by providing hands-on experience with topics covered in lecture and by emphasizing the scientific method through examination of food and cooking. This class does not count towards a chemistry major/minor. It is an elective.
CHY 105 – Majoring in Chemistry (1 Credit)
Introduces students to the faculty, students, facilities and resources central to their major in chemistry. Topics covered include requirements and advising for the major, library resources, research laboratories and projects, and the special expertise of the faculty. Pass/Fail Only. First-year students only; Chemistry majors only.
CHY 121 – General Chemistry I (3 Credits)
First semester of a two-semester sequence covering fundamental principles in chemical science presented in quantitative terms. Topics include matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, quantum theory, atomic structure, electronic configurations, periodic properties of elements, bonding theories, and molecular geometries. This course and CHY 123 (taken concurrently) provide the basis for further study of chemistry.
Prerequisite: A minimum score of 61 on the math placement exam or a grade of C or better in MAT 111 or MAT 122 or MAT 116 or MAT 126.
CHY 122 – General Chemistry II (3 Credits)
Second semester of a two-semester sequence covering fundamental principles in chemical science presented in quantitative terms. Topics include gases, intermolecular forces, properties of solutions and solids, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, aqueous ionic equilibria, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. This course and CHY 124 (taken concurrently) provide the foundation for all further studies in chemistry. Together with CHY 124, this course satisfies the General Education Lab in the Basic or Applied Sciences Requirement. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 121 and CHY 123. If CHY 102 was taken at UMM, credit cannot be earned for this course. Corequisite: CHY 124.
CHY 123 – General Chemistry Laboratory I (1 Credit)
Introduction to experimental techniques and the process of scientific inquiry in chemistry. Emphasis is placed on making connections between macroscopic experimental observations and chemistry occurring at the atomic scale. Laboratory investigations are designed to help strengthen chemical understanding of concepts such as conservation of mass, limiting reactants, heats of reaction, greenhouse gases, chemical redox reactions, chromatography, and spectroscopy. CHY 123 is taken concurrently with CHY 121. If CHY 101 was taken at UMM, credit cannot be earned for this course. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MAT 111, 116, 122 or 126, or no grade in any of these and a passing score on the math placement exam.
CHY 124 – General Chemistry Laboratory II (1 Credit)
A continuation of CHY 123. Emphasis is placed on making connections between macroscopic experimental observations and chemistry occurring at the atomic scale. Laboratory investigations are designed to help strengthen chemical understanding of concepts such as properties of gases, phases of water, freezing point depression, chemical kinetics, acids and bases, chemical equilibria, buffers, dissolved oxygen, and spectroscopy. CHY 124 is taken concurrently with CHY 122. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in both CHY 121 and CHY 123. If CHY 102 was taken at UMM, credit cannot be earned for this course.
CHY 131 – Chemistry for Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (3 credits)
A one-semester course in general chemistry designed for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering majors. Topics in solution chemistry, aqueous equilibria, kinetics, modern materials, and electrochemistry are emphasized. Enrollment is restricted to civil, electrical and mechanical engineering majors. This course does not serve as a prerequisite for other chemistry courses. Corequisite: CHY 133.
CHY 133 – Chemistry for Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Lab (1 credit)
A one-semester laboratory course in general chemistry designed for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering majors. Topics in solution chemistry, aqueous equilibria, kinetics materials, and electrochemistry are emphasized. Enrollment is restricted to civil, electrical and mechanical engineering majors. This course does not serve as a prerequisite for other chemistry courses. Corequisite: CHY 131.
CHY 251 – Organic Chemistry I (3 Credits)
Properties and reactivity of organic compounds with emphasis placed on functional groups, bonding, stereochemistry, reaction pathways, and curved-arrow mechanisms. The topics in this class will complement the organic chemistry covered in other courses including biology, chemical synthesis, engineering, and microbiology. If CHY 221 was taken at UMM, credit cannot be earned for this course. Course is taken concurrently with CHY 253. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in both CHY 122 and CHY 124.
CHY 252 – Organic Chemistry II (3 Credits)
Reactivity of organic compounds and applications to synthesis. Spectroscopy is discussed in relation to compound characterization and structure elucidation. The topics in this class will complement the organic chemistry covered in other courses including biology, chemical synthesis, engineering, and microbiology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding why and how a chemical reaction takes place and the application to the real-world. If CHY 222 was taken at UMM, credit cannot be earned for this course. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 251 and CHY 253.
CHY 253 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (2 Credits)
A laboratory course designed to complement the topics covered in CHY 251 by giving hands on experience with the concepts presented in class. Emphasis will be placed on introductory laboratory techniques, data analysis, and laboratory safety. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in both CHY 122 and CHY 124.
CHY 254 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2 Credits)
A laboratory course designed to complement the topics covered in CHY 251 and CHY 252 by giving hands on experience with the concepts presented in class. Emphasis will be placed on reaction setup, data analysis (including spectroscopic methods), and laboratory safety. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 251 and CHY 253.
CHY 261 – Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
The primary purpose of this course is to explore a significant portion of the sub-discipline of inorganic chemistry, with an emphasis on the transition elements. The arrangement of elements in the periodic table will guide understanding of trends in structure and reactivity. Applications of inorganic chemistry to medicine, materials and catalysis will be discussed. Prerequisites: C- or better in CHY 122.
CHY 298 – Introduction to Chemistry Research and the Chemistry Profession (1 credit)
Topics covered will include introduction to chemical literature databases; data analysis tools; careers in chemistry; laboratory safety; and information about choosing a research project. For students in BS degree programs that require a semester of research (CHY 498) this course is expected to result in the initiation of a research project. Students in the BA degree program have the option to focus more on exploring career opportunities for chemists. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
CHY 342 – Principles of Quantitative Analysis and Solution Equilibria (5 Credits)
Topics covered include gravimetric and titrimetric methods of analysis and acid-base, complex formation, precipitation and oxidation-reduction equilibria. Spectrophotometric, potentiometric and chromatographic methods of analysis will be introduced. Laboratory determinations will provide examples of the above. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in both CHY 122 and CHY 124.
CHY 393 – Undergraduate Seminar in Chemistry (3 Credits)
Discussion of developments in chemistry and the chemical profession. Introduction to chemical literature and research methods. Oral presentations and written papers required. Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 122 and CHY 298.
CHY 394 – Field Experience/Cooperative Education (1-9 Credits)
Supervised employment with relevance to the study of chemistry in the public or private sector. A proposed program of study, mutually agreed upon by the student, faculty adviser, and “co-op” sponsor may be carried out in the summertime or during the academic year. A written report is required. Pass/Fail Only. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing with a good academic record; by permission.
CHY 423 – Introductory Polymer Chemistry (3 Credits)
Fundamentals of polymer types, synthesis kinetics and mechanisms, characterization techniques, and molecular structure. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHY 252 and MAT 127, or equivalent(s); or permission.
CHY 425 – Physical Chemistry of Polymers (3 Credits)
Exploration and description of the underlying molecular scale structure, physical behavior, thermodynamics, flow properties, and chemical interactions of polymers and chain macromolecules with each other, matter, and light. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in CHY 471, CHE 385, MEE 230, or equivalent; or permission
CHY 431 – Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry (3 Credits)
Examination of biosynthetic pathways, structure and function of enzymes (including metalloenzymes) and other important biomolecules, methods of structure determination and synthetic pathway elucidation and mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 252, CHY 254.
CHY 461 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I (3 Credits)
Advanced theoretical and descriptive inorganic chemistry emphasizing covalent bonding and molecular orbital theory, transition metal complexes and coordination chemistry, symmetry and group theory, and applications to bioinorganic and materials chemistry. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 261 or permission.
CHY 462 – Organometallic Chemistry (3 Credits)
Principles and applications of organotransition metal chemistry. Topics include coordination chemistry, group theory, organometallic reaction mechanisms, electrochemistry, photochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis and applications to organic synthesis. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 252 and CHY 261.
CHY 471 – Physical Chemistry I (3 Credits)
Applications of classical thermodynamics to the study of chemical systems. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 122; MAT 127; and PHY 112 or PHY 122 or equivalent.
CHY 472 – Physical Chemistry II (3 Credits)
Covers electrochemistry, kinetic theory of gases, transport processes and reaction kinetics and an introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 122; MAT 228 and PHY 112 or PHY 122.
CHY 475 – Physical Chemistry III (3 Credits)
An introduction to quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and chemical bonding. Prerequisites: PHY 122, MAT 228 and MAT 258 or equivalent.
CHY 483 – Introductory Wood Chemistry (3 Credits)
Emphasis on the chemical and physical properties of cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin and extractives. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 252 or permission.
CHY 490 – Topics in Chemistry (3 Credits)
Advanced treatment of specialized topics in chemistry; topics vary; may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Permission.
CHY 491 – Advanced Integrated Laboratory I (3 Credits)
An advanced laboratory environment integrating inorganic, instrumental and physical chemistry concepts. Synthetic techniques, instrumental methods, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and spectroscopy will be included. As a writing intensive course, an emphasis is placed on developing skill in writing formal laboratory reports. Prerequisites: A grade of C- or better in CHY 242, CHY 254, CHY 261, CHY 471, or concurrently.
CHY 492 – Advanced Integrated Laboratory II (3 Credits)
This course is the second semester of an advanced laboratory course that integrates inorganic, instrumental, and physical chemistry concepts. The purpose of the course is to build on and extend the laboratory and technical writing skills acquired in CHY 491, with an emphasis on more independent lab work. Students work collaboratively in teams and with faculty instructors to design and carry out an experimental plan that may be developed as a theme for CHY 491. Results will be presented using a combination of oral and written formats. Together with CHY 498, this course satisfies the General Education Capstone Experience Requirement for the BS degree. Together with an upper level chemistry elective, this course satisfies the General Education Capstone Experience Requirement for the BA degree. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CHY 491. Chemistry majors only or permission.
CHY 498 – Undergraduate Research (1-2 Credits)
Students will conduct a research project under the supervision of faculty member. A total of three credit hours are required for the BS degree in Chemistry. It is recommended that students register for one credit hour in each of three different semesters to fulfill this requirement. Together with CHY 499, this course satisfies the General Education Capstone Experience Requirement. Prerequisites: CHY 298.
Chy 498 (course expectations)
CHY 499 – Undergraduate Thesis (3 Credits)
Written report of an original investigation carried out in the library and laboratory. Together with CHY 498, this course satisfies the General Education Capstone Experience Requirement. Prerequisites: CHY 498 and Senior Standing.
coming soon
Important Contact Information – General Chemistry
For questions regarding your General Chemistry lecture/on line textbook/Mastering Chemistry: Course #’s CHY 121, CHY 122 , and CHY 131, General Chemistry, the first option is your class instructor. Dr. Sarah E. Bernard, Dr. Barbara Cole, Dr. Sarah Lindahl, Dr. Ana Chatenever, and Dr. Mitchell Bruce are contact people for these courses.
For questions regarding your General Chemistry labs: Course #’s CHY 123, CHY 124 and CHY 133 general chemistry labs–
General Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator, Dr. Mitchell Bruce: mbruce@maine.edu OR
General Chemistry Laboratory Manager, Dr. Sarah Bernard sarah.e.bernard@maine.edu
Specifically, if you have issues related to the course or with TA’s, please contact the Chemistry professor in charge of the General Chemistry lab program:
Dr. Mitchell Bruce at mbruce@maine.edu
If you have problems related to lab experiments or your ICN account, please contact the lab manager: Dr. Sarah Bernard at sarah.e.bernard@maine.edu
Inquiries can also be directed to Chemistry Department Chair: Dr. Alice Bruce: abruce@maine.edu
The Chemistry Learning Center is a resource room available for all students in general chemistry and organic chemistry courses. The CLC is located in 262 Aubert and is staffed Monday through Friday by either TAs (teaching assistants) or MLAs (Maine Learning Assistants) associated with general chemistry (CHY 121, CHY 122, CHY 131) and organic chemistry (CHY 251, CHY 252). There is no charge and students do not need to make an appointment – just check the schedule and drop in when an MLA or TA for your chemistry course is available.
The schedule for the spring 2025 semester is posted below for reference and it is also posted outside the CLC.
