Department of Chemistry
Faculty and Staff
Academic Programs
Advising
Course Schedule
Seminars
News
Student ACS
Undergraduate Research
Science Careers

Oakland University Home Page

Undergraduate Programs - Table of Contents

Note that this document is not binding - students who have questions should consult with their adviser or refer to the official printed undergraduate / graduate catalog.

Introduction

Oakland University's chemistry programs offer students the laboratories and equipment typically found at larger universities while retaining strong emphasis on the undergraduate education and informal student-faculty relations characteristic of smaller liberal arts colleges. Additionally, research opportunities are available to qualified undergraduates.

The Department of Chemistry provides highly professional chemistry programs, as well as the liberal arts dedication to developing the highest intellectual and creative potential of its students. The department offers programs of study leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in chemistry and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in biomedical sciences with specialization in health and environmental chemistry.

High school students intending to major in chemistry should refer to the Admissions section of the catalog for specific preparation requirements.

Planning a program in Chemistry

Curricula leading to a major in chemistry are quite structured, since knowledge is developed cumulatively in a four-year sequence. This leads to a fairly prescribed order of course presentation with a number of specific course requirements. Students interested in pursuing a program of study in chemistry should consult with a departmental adviser and file a program plan as early as possible in their college career.

Admission to major standing

To be eligible for a degree in chemistry, students should be admitted to major standing by the department at least three semesters before graduation. Students must consult with the chemistry department chief adviser and file an application for admission to major standing, which includes a curriculum plan, during the term in which they first take a 300-400 level chemistry course. This procedure is designed to ensure that an appropriate plan of studies is completed by graduation.

Applications for major standing in chemistry will be approved after completion of CHM 157 (or 167), 158 (or 168), 220, 234-235, 237, PHY 151, and MTH 154 with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

Course work more than ten years old is subject to re-evaluation by the department. An examination may be required to demonstrate proficiency in areas covered by such courses.

American Chemical Society certification

The Department of Chemistry's faculty members, facilities and curriculum meet the criteria of the American Chemical Society. This allows the department to certify chemistry students as eligible for society membership. Certification is granted to students who have successfully completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry.

Research

The Department of Chemistry offers exceptional opportunities year-round for interested and qualified students to participate in faculty research. Course credit for research may be earned in CHM 290, 490 and 491. In addition, employment opportunities or fellowships are often available. Such research experience is of particular value to students preparing for graduate study or industrial employment.

Students should feel free to discuss research opportunities with members of the chemistry faculty. Specific arrangements with an individual faculty member must be made before enrollment in CHM 290, 490 or 491.

Research opportunities available.

Departmental Honors

Departmental honors may be awarded to graduating seniors in chemistry who have been recommended for honors by their research advisers and have completed all required science courses with high grades.

Departmental Scholarships

James Morrison Thompson Chemistry Scholarship
Tuition awards are available each semester to qualified students who elect undergraduate research in chemistry. Recipients are chosen by the faculty of the Department of Chemistry.

Professional Biochemistry Scholarship
A scholarship of $1,000 awarded annually to a junior biochemistry major who shows great promise for achievement in biochemistry. The recipient is chosen by the faculty of the Interdepartmental Biochemistry Committee. The award is sponsored by Oxford Biomedical Research, Inc.

Advanced courses in chemistry

Students pursuing a major in Chemistry, B.S. program take eight credits of advanced courses in areas of interest. In addition to the courses listed in this catalog, the following advanced courses are open to qualified undergraduates:

  • CHM 521 and 522 (Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Topics in Analytical Chemistry)
  • CHM 534 and 535 (Advanced Organic Chemistry and Topics in Organic Chemistry)
  • CHM 540 (Symmetry in Chemistry)
  • CHM 541 and 542 (Advanced Physical Chemistry and Topics in Physical Chemistry)
  • CHM 553 and 554 (Advanced Biochemistry and Topics in Biochemistry)
  • CHM 563 and 564 (Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Topics in Inorganic Chemistry)

See the on-line Oakland University Graduate Course Listings for course descriptions.

Requirements for the liberal arts minor in chemistry

Students in other departments or the Bachelor of Integrative Studies program who wish to minor in chemistry must take CHM 157-158 (or 167-168), 234-235, 325 and 342. A minimum of 8 credits in chemistry must be earned at Oakland University An approved concentration / minor authorization form must be filed three semesters prior to graduation.

Requirements for the secondary teaching minor in chemistry

A minimum of 20 credits in chemistry are required for the secondary teaching minor in chemistry. Students transferring equivalent courses must still meet this 20-credit minimum. These must include CHM 157-158 (or 167-168), plus CHM courses from one of the following two options.

    1. CHM 234, CHM 220, and CHM 325. This option is restricted to students who also take BIO 325 (e.g. biology majors)

    2. CHM 201, CHM 220, and CHM 325. Non-biology majors would normally select this option.

Non-science majors must complete an additional 4 credits in science for a total of 24 credits. In addition, SED 427, Methods of Teaching Secondary Students (chemistry), is required.

Generally, a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 is required in courses in the minor, with no single course grade below 2.00. Second undergraduate degree candidates completing the minor may be required to take additional courses at Oakland University beyond the stated minimums. Students must consult with the secondary education minor adviser in the department.

Concentration in preprofessional studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry provides students with all the requirements for a concentration in preprofessional studies with the exception of PHY 158, which needs to be completed. The Bachelor of Science degree and the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry provide students with all the requirements for a concentration in preprofessional studies with the exception of PHY 158, which must be completed, and five courses in biology/biochemistry. Students interested in a medical career should refer to the concentration in preprofessional studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine (Other Academic Options) and consult with the chemistry or biochemistry adviser and with the preprofessional studies adviser.

Think Success - Think Oakland University