Chemistry (B.S.) Academic Course Map
Students who pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (CHEM) at CU ֲý become well-rounded critical thinkers ready to pursue and apply the “central science” in their careers, which span private industry; water districts, crime laboratories; government, atmospheric science, environmental quality and academia. The Department of Chemistry is internationally recognized for its specialized research and education into the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them. The behavior of atoms, molecules, and ions determines the sort of world we live in, our shapes and sizes, and even how we feel on a given day. Chemists who understand these phenomena are well-equipped to tackle problems faced by our modern society.
Chemistry major students are prepared for many different careers after graduation. ֲý 50 percent of chemistry majors enter directly into industry or government positions that require scientific expertise, such as chemical, oil, electronics, mining and manufacturing industries, water districts, crime laboratories, biotechnology, health and safety, atmospheric science and environmental quality. Approximately 25 percent of chemistry graduates are attracted by specialized graduate education in chemistry or biochemistry. Graduate work is often in one of the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic or physical chemistry and, increasingly, in interdisciplinary areas such as atmospheric, bio-organic or organo-metallic chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and chemical physics for their advanced work. Another 25 percent of a typical graduating class goes on to professional school, pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, business, engineering and computer science.
Admission Requirements
Students who begin at a Colorado Community College can transfer directly to CU ֲý to finish their degree in any of the programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.Please see the CU ֲý College of Arts & Sciences’Colorado Community College webpagefor more information detailed information admissionsrequirements for students transferingfrom a Colorado Community College.
Transfer Recommendations
To graduate in a 4-year overall time frame, it is important that students follow the recommended schedule below. Students who wish to continue their education at the community college beyond the number of credits specified below should explore with both community college and CU ֲý staff how their graduation timeline, COF stipend, and financial aid will be affected.
Suggested Four-Year Course Plan for Chemistry
This is a suggested guide of coursework only and is subject to change. Always consult with your academic advisor for graduation planning purposes.Depending on a student’s situation, a different plan might be more applicable.
Your community college must offer an Associate of Science degree with Designation (DwD) in Chemistryto use this transfer guide and students must be ready for calculus and general chemistry
Please note that to complete an Associates of Science Degree with Designation (DwD) in Chemistry a student will need to complete 65 credits at their community college.
Your Community College (first two years)
Fall Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| CHE 1111 | General College Chemistry I with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| MAT 2410 | Calculus I(GT-MA1) | 5 |
| Guaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Spring Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1022 | English Composition II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| CHE 1112 | General College Chemistry II with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| MAT 2420 | Calculus II(GT-MA1) | 5 |
| Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Fall Semester 2
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 2111 | Organic Chemistry I with Lab | 5 |
| MAT 2430 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHY 2111 | Physics: Calculus-based I with Lab(GT-SC1) | 5 |
| Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 17 |
Spring Semester 2
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 2112 | Organic Chemistry II with Lab | 5 |
| PHY 2112 | Physics: Calculus-based II with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| Guaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) | 3 | |
| Guaranteed Transfer History Course (GT-HI1) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Total community college credits: 65
Completion of these four semesters of coursework fulfills the requirements for the Associateof Science Degree Designation in Chemistry and guarantees that an admitted student can complete a B.S. in Chemistry with an additional 55 semester hours at CU ֲý.
CU ֲý (last two years)
Fall Semester 3
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 4511 | Physical Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 4581 | Physical Chemistry Lab 1 | 1 |
| Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-Division Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 13 |
Spring Semester 3
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 4531 | Physical Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| CHEM 4591 | Physical Chemistry Lab 2 | 2 |
| Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-Division Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 14 |
Fall Semester 4
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 4011 | Modern Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 4171 | Instrumental Analysis – Lecture and Laboratory 1 | 3 |
| Upper-Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 4
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 4181 | Instrumental Analysis – Lecture and Laboratory 2 | 3 |
| CHEM 4021 | Inorganic Laboratory | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 1 | |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 13 |
Total credits at CU ֲý: 55
Completion of all eight semester of coursework above fulfills the requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Chemistry at CU ֲý.

This material was supported by NSF grant #1649201. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

