Bachelor in Chemistry

Why Study Chemistry?

The mission of the chemistry department at Aquinas College is to provide students with knowledge of chemistry befitting their goals: for the general education students that they become literate in basic chemistry; and for the science major students that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary for them to succeed in their post-baccalaureate careers.

The American Chemical Society guidelines for professional training are the basis for the chemistry curriculum. Courses in general, inorganic, organic, analytical and physical chemistry form the framework of the program. In addition, courses in biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and advanced topics are offered regularly.

Students are expected to attend lectures, participate in laboratory work and become involved in research. Because chemistry plays a central role in all scientific disciplines the choice of careers of the B.S. chemist is almost limitless.

Major Requirements

• A minimum of thirty-nine (39) semester hours in chemistry. Required courses: CY111/112, CY211/212, CY215, CY311/312, CY346, CY400/401 or approved research, and one of CY315 or CY336.
• General Physics PC213/214 and Calculus MS121/122 must also be completed.
• One course in applied or mathematical statistics (i.e. MS252 or higher). Multivariate Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra and Abstract Algebra are recommended.
• At least twenty (20) semester hours of the required chemistry coursework must be taken at Aquinas. A GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained and no more than one C– is permitted in chemistry courses.
• Majors are required to take the Major Field Test in Chemistry.
• Majors must attend at least eight (8) seminars/lectures sponsored by the departments of natural sciences and Mathematics.
• A student who has earned a score of 5 on the AP Chemistry exam may be exempt from CY111. This student may choose to start CY211 (organic chemistry) in the fall of the first year but is not exempt from CY112.
• Any courses taken at other educational institutions must have approval for transfer before the course is taken.

Courses

• CY111 General Chemistry (4) NL
• CY112 General Chemistry (4)
• CY211 Organic Chemistry (4)
• CY212 Organic Chemistry (4)
• CY215 Quantitative Analysis (4) QR
• CY311/312 Physical Chemistry I and II (4/4)
• CY346 Instrumental Methods of Analysis (4) WI
• CY400/401 Undergraduate Seminar/Research (1/2) SC
• CY315 Advanced Organic Chemistry (4)
• CY336 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (4)
• PC213 General Physics with Calculus: Mechanics, Sound, Heat (4)
• PC214 General Physics with Calculus: Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Nuclear Physics (4)
• MS121 Calculus I (4) MS
• MS122 Calculus II (4) MS

The close-knit educational environment at Aquinas develops students who thrive in all dimensions of life. Learn more, in our students' words about the Aquinas experience and the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.

The Dominican tradition is two-fold: contemplative and communal. At Aquinas, we are committed to gathering for liturgical prayer nourished by God's Word and the Spirit. Prayer leads us into the deeper Truth needed to live out God's call for us in the world. We commit ourselves to a love of learning, both formal and informal. This necessitates an openness to learn from the most unlikely sources as well as tried and true scholarship. Aquinas encourages students to engage in service projects and service-learning programs. It also offers preparation for careers that will enable graduates to spread the truths that they have learned - "to make a difference in the world."