DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY

Undergraduate Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Chair: Wei Yang; Associate Chairs: Ed Hilinski, Eugene DePrince, Michael Roper; Professors: Alabugin, E. DePrince, Hakansson, Hu, Latturner, Li, Logan, Ma, Mattoussi, McCullough, Miller, Roper, Saltiel, Sang, Schlenoff, Schurko, Shatruk, Steinbock, Strouse, Yang, L. Zhu; Teaching Professor: Clark, B. DePrince, Dillon, Krishnan, Little; Associate Professors: Bleiholder, Frederich, Hanson, Hilinski, Kennemur; Assistant Professors: Kalkreuter, Kudisch, Lazenby, Li, Ouyang, Silvers, Smith, Zeng, W. Zhu; Coordinator of General Chemistry Laboratories: Dillon; Coordinator of Organic Laboratories: Little; Professors Emeriti: Cooper, Cross, Delal, Dorsey, Dougherty, Goldsby, Holton, Johnsen, Light, Marshall, Safron, Schwartz, Stiegman, Vickers

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the undergraduate degrees of Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical science. Students seeking BS or BA degrees in chemistry may major in chemistry or environmental chemistry. Students seeking BS or BA degrees in chemical science may major in chemical science or chemical science/FSU-Teach. Please note that a student cannot receive more than one BS or BA degree from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. For example, a student cannot double major in chemistry and biochemistry due to substantial course overlap between the two majors.

A degree in chemistry or biochemistry is suitable preparation for a variety of career choices, including immediate employment in the chemical, biochemical, environmental, or related industries, or graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical physics, biophysics, medicine, or other health-related fields. Chemistry majors should take note of the possibility of earning certification by the American Chemical Society in completing their degree requirements. Details of this program are given below. Additional work in mathematics and physics is appropriate for students planning to conduct graduate work in physical chemistry and chemical physics. For those interested in graduate work in biochemistry or biophysics, the baccalaureate degree in biochemistry or the degree in chemistry with electives including BCH 4053, BCH 4054, and selected biology courses is recommended. Students interested in careers in the environmental sciences, ecology and ecosystem management, and environmental toxicology are encouraged to obtain the chemistry degree with a major in environmental chemistry. In every case, students should plan their programs in consultation with an academic advisor. Normally students begin taking courses required for the major in the first year, and it is important to consult with a chemistry advisor as early as possible.

The baccalaureate degree in chemical science is offered to meet the needs of those students whose career goals lie outside chemistry but require a strong foundation in science. This program is appropriate, for example, for a student interested in forensic science, medical technology, oceanography, the earth sciences, or health-allied sciences, or for students planning a career in business, public policy, or law with an emphasis in science and/or technology. Compared to the other degree programs in this department, chemical science has a smaller core of required courses to which students are expected to add elective work in other areas after consultation with their advisor. Students interested in teaching chemistry in middle school or high school should consider majoring in chemical science/FSU-Teach; the FSU-Teach Program is described below. The chemical science degree is not appropriate for students interested in graduate study in chemistry or closely related disciplines such as biochemistry, environmental chemistry, or marine chemistry, or for students seeking employment in the chemical industry immediately upon graduation.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement. Undergraduate majors in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical science satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in CHM 3120L. Undergraduate majors in chemical science/FSU-Teach satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in CHM 3120L or ISC 3523C.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Chemistry

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Chemistry. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/19/186.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Honors in the Major

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers Honors in the Major to encourage students to undertake independent and original research. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter, or the departmental website at https://www.chem.fsu.edu.

FSU-Teach Program in Teaching Chemistry

For those also interested in teaching chemistry in middle school or high school, FSU-Teach is an innovative approach to teacher education that involves a collaboration between scientists, mathematicians, and education faculty at Florida State University. In FSU-Teach, students will acquire knowledge in science or mathematics and the skill and experience needed to be an effective science or math teacher. The program will pay for tuition for the first two courses, and work study positions with scientists, mathematicians, and local schools are available. For more information, see the FSU-Teach Website at https://fsu-teach.fsu.edu.

Requirements

Please review all college-wide degree requirements, including the foreign language requirement, summarized in An Overview of the College of Arts & Sciences chapter.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree can be obtained by completion of the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree requirements plus additional courses required by the University as set forth in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter.

Current majors in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are generally discouraged from taking courses required for the major as transient students unless taken over the Summer, to meet milestones in their MAP. All upper-level chemistry courses (i.e. courses at the 3000 or 4000 level) applied toward any of the department's majors must be taken at Florida State University, unless specifically exempted by the chair by written request. Students planning to transfer to Florida State University, either as a transfer or transient student, should make note of this requirement.

Prospective majors should note the mathematics and physics requirements. To allow optimal flexibility in planning the upper-division programs, fulfillment of the mathematics requirements should be started in the freshman year. Chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental chemistry majors are required to take General Physics A and B (PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C) as preparation for Physical Chemistry I and II (CHM 4410 and CHM 4411). Chemical science majors may meet the physics requirement with either the calculus-based or non-calculus-based (PHY 2053C and PHY 2054C) physics sequence.

The calculus courses required for the chemistry major constitute a minor in mathematics, and no other minor is necessary. The biology courses required for the baccalaureate degree in biochemistry constitute a minor in biological sciences, and no additional minor is necessary. The two courses in calculus (MAC 2311 and MAC 2312) and the two calculus-based physics courses (PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C) required for the environmental chemistry major constitute an interdepartmental minor approved by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This interdepartmental minor may be used for the chemical science majors who substitute calculus-based physics for the required non-calculus-based physics; otherwise, the baccalaureate degree in chemical science must include a minor of at least 12 credit hours in an approved minor field. No courses used for satisfying CoreFSU Curriculum requirements may also be counted toward the minor.

Final clearance for all majors is made by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students graduating must complete an exit survey, without which the department will not approve graduation.

Academic Performance

All State Common Program Prerequisites listed as Term 1–4 Milestones must be completed with a “C” range (C–, C, or C+) grade or better. Students earning less than the necessary grade in any of these courses will be required to retake those courses until the standard is met. Note: retaking a course may delay graduation and incur increased fee liability (i.e., repeat course surcharge and excess credit surcharge).

All courses applicable to the major must be completed with a “C–” grade or better. Students must earn a “C–” or better in the first course of a two-term sequence to continue that sequence (or file an undergraduate appeal with the Student Affairs Office, to be reviewed by the Undergraduate Advising and Awards Committee, to request taking the year-sequence course out of sequence).

A student who has received more than three unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, or D+) in courses required for the major, excluding the Term 1–4 State Common Program Prerequisites milestone courses, taken after enrolling at FSU, will not be permitted to graduate with a degree in that major.

Baccalaureate Degree in Chemistry

Major in Chemistry

Major in Environmental Chemistry

Complete the two-term sequences in general chemistry (CHM 1045, 1045L, 1046, 1046L, or CHM 1050, 1050L, 1051, 1051L); organic chemistry (CHM 2210, 2211, 2211L); analytical chemistry (CHM 3120, 3120L, 4130, 4130L); physical chemistry (CHM 4410, 4410L, 4411, 4411L); and two terms of advanced work in chemistry of the environment, including some aspects of aquatic, atmospheric, and geological chemistry. Courses that satisfy this requirement include: BCH 4053, CHM 4905 (three credit hours), CHM 4906 (three credit hours), EOC 4631, GLY 4240, GLY 4780, GLY 4884, IDS 3232, OCC 4002, and PCB 4674. Also required are mathematics through calculus III, two terms of calculus-based physics, and two terms of either biology or geology (at least one of these courses must include a lab). The physics and math requirements should be met before taking physical chemistry. Students may obtain an elective from a list obtained from the environmental chemistry advisor or the departmental Website. Chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical science majors cannot double major in environmental chemistry.

Major in Materials Chemistry

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY CERTIFICATION

Students obtaining the baccalaureate degree in chemistry may obtain certification from the American Chemical Society (ACS). Certification requires completion of the core chemistry curriculum listed above, plus BCH 4053 and one additional upper-level chemistry course. Independent research taken as CHM 4905r, Directed Individual Study, or 4906r, Honors Work, may be counted as the upper-level chemistry course, provided that a final report is written by the student and approved by the supervising faculty, and a copy of the report submitted to the Student Affairs Office. Students planning to obtain ACS certified degrees should have their program of studies approved by an advisor in the department.

Baccalaureate Degree in Biochemistry

Students must complete the two-term sequences in general chemistry (CHM 1045, 1045L, 1046, 1046L, or CHM 1050, 1050L, 1051, 1051L); organic chemistry (CHM 2210, 2211, 2211L); analytical chemistry (CHM 3120, 3120L, 4130, 4130L); physical chemistry (CHM 4410, 4411); and biochemistry (BCH 4053, 4054) along with one of the following laboratories: physical chemistry (CHM 4410L and 4411L), biochemistry (BCH 4053L), or honors research (CHM 4906r). Mathematics through calculus II and two terms of calculus-based physics are also required and should be completed before taking physical chemistry. Calculus III is recommended as preparation for physical chemistry. Further, the following biology courses are required: general biology (BSC 2010, 2010L, 2011, 2011L), genetics (PCB 3063), and a biology elective from a list obtained from the biochemistry advisor. Chemistry, environmental chemistry, and chemical science majors cannot double major in biochemistry.

Baccalaureate Degree in Chemical Science

Major in Chemical Science

SUGGESTED SPECIALIZED ELECTIVES FOR CHEMICAL SCIENCE

Medicine

Students intending to study medicine are advised to satisfy the minimum requirements with BSC 2010, 2010L, 2011, 2011L; PCB 3063; and BCH 4053. Furthermore, calculus II, the calculus-based physics courses, and certain other upper-level biology courses may provide additional preparation for the MCAT and subsequent coursework in medical school. These students should prepare programs of study in consultation with advisors in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and with the College of Medicine.

Forensic Science

Students intending to pursue a career in forensic science may choose to major in chemical science with the addition of the following courses: BSC 2010, 2010L, 2011, 2011L, and a biochemistry course with lab (BCH 3023C, or BCH 4053 and BCH 4053L). Certain government agencies (e.g. the FBI) may recommend a background in accounting.

Oceanography

Students intending to specialize in oceanography are advised to include OCE 4008 in the program of studies, along with selected electives in biological and earth sciences (e.g., GLY 4240; OCC 5050).

Business

The baccalaureate degree in chemical science with a minor in business can prepare students for management and marketing positions in the chemical and other technical industries and also provide a strong technical background for students interested in entering programs such as that for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Suggested minor courses are at least one course each in accounting, management, marketing, and finance and one or more business electives. In addition, courses in economics and behavioral science (satisfying CoreFSU Curriculum social sciences requirement) and in computer programming, statistics, and written composition beyond basic English are recommended. Consult with an advisor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and with a representative of the College of Business in preparing a specific program.

Requirements for a Minor in Chemistry

The requirements for a minor in chemistry include the two-term sequence in general chemistry (CHM 1045, 1045L, 1046, 1046L, or CHM 1050/1050L, 1051/1051L) and at least one of the following course sequences: CHM 2210–2211, CHM3120–3120L, CHM 3217–CHM 3217L, CHM 4410–4411. A minimum of 12 term hours is required. Grades below “C–” will not be accepted for minor credit.

Advanced Placement in Chemistry

Students with an Advanced Placement (AP) score of 3 will receive four term-hours of credit in CHM 1020 and 1020L; an AP score of 4 earns the student credit for CHM 1045 and 1045L; an AP score of 5 earns the student credit for CHM 1045, 1045L, 1046, and 1046L. Students with an AP score of 3 are eligible to take a departmental placement exam for CHM 1045 and 1045L.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma holders with a score of 4 will receive three credit hours in CHM 1020C. Those with a score of 5 or higher will earn credit for CHM 1020 (two hours) and 1045/1045L (four hours).