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Chemistry Major
Chemistry

With a robust grounding in the core principles of the chemical sciences, ODU Chemistry graduates seek the truth and appreciate the qualitative and quantitative elegance of their discipline, and its ever-strengthening connections to other disciplines. 

Degrees offered:
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
  • Associate of Science in Chemistry
  • Minor in Chemistry
Pre-Pharmacy: Students planning on a career in pharmacy are best served by majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Biology.

Three teaching licensures in the natural sciences are also available: These all include a common core of science courses and an emphasis on pedagogical techniques. The three licensures are designed so a student may move from one teaching major to another with ease.
  • Sample 4-Year Academic Plan for Chemistry Majors
    The course plan below is a sample plan for your major; it does not and should not replace meeting with your Academic Advisor to map out the best course plan that suits your individual academic goals and placement upon initial registration.

    Classes listed may not necessarily be offered during a particular term. 

    Year 1
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    ENG 110 ENG 111
    CORE 179 CHM 110
    BIO 201 MTH 241
    CHM 109 HST
    MTH 240  Social/Behavioral Science
    Year 2
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    CORE 279
    		 CHM 230
    CHM 229
    		 PHY 220
    PHY 219
    		 Art/Music/Theatre
    THL
    		 PHL
    Elective Elective
    Year 3
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    CORE 379
    		 CHM 360
    CHM 359 LIT
    LNG 242 PHL
    THL
    		 Social/Behavioral Science
    Elective 
    		 Elective
    Year 4
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    CHM 439
    		 SCI 479
    CHM 451 CHM 440
    Elective 
    		 Elective 
    Elective 
    		 Elective
    Elective 
    		 Elective 

    Faculty Advisors should help students pick Emphasis Electives and Minors based on career path. Other electives should be towards minor or graduate school prerequisites (meet with Advisor) and all students need 120 credits (15 credits per semester) to graduate in 4 years.

Course Requirements

  • B.S. in Chemistry
    Students must complete the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in addition to the major requirements listed below.
    Courses Credits
    CHM 109 General Chemistry I 4*
    CHM 110 General Chemistry II 4*
    CHM 229 Organic Chemistry I 4*
    CHM 230 Organic Chemistry II 4*
    CHM 359 Analytical Chemistry 4*
    CHM 360 Instrumental Methods of Analysis 4*
    CHM 439 Thermodynamics & Kinetics 4*
    CHM 440 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy 4*
    CHM 451 Biochemistry 4*
    SCI 479 CORE: Research in the Sciences 4*

     Required Correlatives

    Courses Credits
    BIO 201 General Biology: Cells/Genetics/Evolution 4
    MTH 240 Calculus I 4
    MTH 241 Calculus II 4
    PHY 219 General Physics I 4
    PHY 220 General Physics II 4
    Total Credits Required 60
  • A.S. in Chemistry
    Students must complete the Associate Degree requirements in addition to the requirements listed below.
    Courses Credits
    ENG 110 College Writing I 3
    CORE 179 CORE: What Does it Mean to be Human? 3
    CORE 279 CORE: What is the Common Good? 3
    CHM 109 General Chemistry I 4*
    CHM 110 General Chemistry II 4*
    CHM 229 Organic Chemistry I 4*
    CHM 359 Analytical Chemistry 4*
    CHM 360 Instrumental Methods of Analysis 4*
    MTH Elective at or above 160 level 3-4
    Select eighteen credits from liberal arts courses, social science, philosophy and theology 18
    General electives 9-10
    Total Credits Required 60
    * Used to calculate the Major GPA
  • Minor in Chemistry
    Courses Credits
    CHM 110 General Chemistry II 4
    CHM 229 Organic Chemistry I 4
    CHM 230 Organic Chemistry II 4

    Select two courses from the following:

    Courses Credits
    CHM 359 Analytical Chemistry 4
    CHM 360 Instrumental Methods of Analysis 4
    CHM 439 Thermodynamics & Kinetics 4
    CHM 440 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy 4
    CHM 451 Biochemistry 4
    Total Credits Required 20