Chemistry Degrees Online

A student majoring in chemistry receives strong background in the core areas of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Chemistry graduates have success in industry, graduate school, high school teaching, medical school, engineering school, etc.

Students interested in pre-medicine or other health-related fields can complete a chemistry major, a biology major, both, or the pre-medicine major.

Students interested in becoming high-school chemistry teachers pursue a physical science teaching license.

Students interested in chemical engineering can pursue graduate work leading to a masters degree or Ph.D. in chemical engineering.

Other careers in chemistry include
Agricultural Chemistry
Biotechnology
Chemical Sales
Environmental Chemistry
Food and Flavor Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
Hazardous Waste Management
Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry
Oil and Petroleum
Science Writing
Textile Chemistry

Chemistry is the science that underpins most of the major discoveries of the 20th century and will continue to do so in the 21st, as emphasis moves towards the understanding of biological approaches and more eco-friendly synthetic systems.

The Chemistry with Forensic Chemistry BSc (Hons) degree has a basis in the key components of a chemistry degree – analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry – while providing an insight into the application of chemical methodologies and instrumental techniques central to the investigation of crime. This specialism gives additional skills in areas of increasing importance to prospective employers, and involves the study of specifics such as crime scene analysis, causes of unnatural death, detection of illegal drugs in blood and urine and chemical determination of the causes of fire.

The course places a strong emphasis on ‘hands-on’ laboratory work and applications of chemistry to the modern world. At least 40% of the curriculum involves laboratory or computer based experimentation and access to modern instrumental techniques will be paramount in your development. A thorough grounding in theoretical aspects provides the skills, knowledge and problem-solving abilities required for a successful career in industry, teaching, research and other careers where scientific skills are valued.

The course aims to:
provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry
provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the applications of chemistry to selected areas of forensic science
enable you to develop and apply your skills and methodology to a range of techniques used in chemistry and analytical chemistry
develop your professional transferable skills as exemplified by communication, information technology, problem solving and teamwork
help you to understand chemistry and its applications, particularly in forensic science
give you an appreciation of the importance of chemistry in a forensic and social context
provide you with challenging and innovative teaching and learning
develop your critical faculties and problem solving skills to facilitate employment in non-scientific careers and provide you with a grounding for continuing education and development
satisfy the requirements of the Royal Society of Chemistry for Associate Membership and provide you with the basis for progression to Chartered Chemist status through further study.
The distinctive aspects of the course include:
a strong emphasis on the development of practical laboratory skills and hands-on experience of modern scientific instrumentation and methodology, particularly in relation to analytical chemistry in a forensic context
the option to transfer to certain related courses in the chemistry cluster after (or part-way through) year 1 as a result of a common or equivalent level 4 programme of study.
Year 1
The first year will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the study of the key areas of chemistry together with the appropriate mathematical support, and an introduction to the principles of forensic sciences (1 module).

Year 2
In the second year, the core themes of chemistry are developed further and a gradual change from comprehension to analysis and application is made. 40 credits of study focus on analytical methodologies used in a forensic context. An understanding and appreciation of statistics and medicinal chemistry are introduced in two 10 credit modules. Finally through 20 credits of option modules, you will be able to customise the balance in your course between further laboratory-based studies or specialised studies in forensic science.

Optional Placement Year
Between the second and third year of academic study, you can choose an optional, salaried industrial placement, thus enhancing your future job prospects and providing you with a valuable insight into the commercial applications of the chemical sciences.

Final Year
At honours level, the 40 credits of study are core chemistry, developing the inorganic, organic and physical themes from earlier years which are focused on a selection of advanced topics from a wide pool. 30 credits of specialist modules then centre on modern analytical techniques and methods particularly relevant to forensic science. 10 credits of study will fine-tune your abilities to understand the statistical relevance of scientific data, and a further 10 credits are devoted to a customised study of the principles of criminal evidence which are relevant to a forensic scientist. Finally, a 30 credit research project will give you the opportunity to undertake a major investigation into a specific area of chemistry. There are no options at level 6.

This major is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of forensic science. It provides the science background required for working as a forensic investigator in a crime lab. In addition, it prepares students for entry into a graduate program in forensic science. The forensic biochemistry curriculum includes courses from multiple departments and is the credit-hour equivalent of a major plus a minor, therefore no additional minor is required. Students who are interested in pursuing this degree should have a strong background in science, including two years of high school algebra and one year of high school chemistry. The capstone course for this major, CH 440, is offered every other year, therefore students should consult with their adviser early in their program to ensure that they are prepared to take CH 440 when it is offered.

For department information or additional degree requirements, click here
For course description, click on the course.
Total Credits Required for Degree 128

Liberal Studies 30-40

Health Promotion Requirements 2

Required Courses in Major 33
CH 111 General Chemistry I [III] 5
CH 112 General Chemistry II [III] 5
CH 241 Chemical Equilibrium 3
CH 242 Quantitative Analysis 2
CH 321 Organic Chemistry I 4
CH 322 Organic Chemistry II 4
CH 435 Gas and Liquid Chromatography 2
CH 440 Forensic Chemistry 4
CH 450 Biochemistry I 4

Other Required Courses 48
BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles [III] 4
BI 203 Medical Microbiology or 3-5
BI 303 General Microbiology (5 cr.)
BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology 4
BI 312 Genetics 4
BI 418 Molecular Biology 4
CJ 110 Introduction to Criminal Justice 4
CJ 214 The Investigative Process I 4
MA 161 Calculus I [III] 5
MA 171 Introduction to Probability and Statistics [V] 4
PH 220 Introductory Physics I [III] or 5
PH 201 College Physics I (5 cr.) [III]
PH 221 Introductory Physics II [III] or 5
PH 202 College Physics II (5 cr.) [III]

Electives 17
Choose from the following:
CH 215 Chemistry of the Elements (4 cr.)
CH 341 Physical Chemistry I (4 cr.)
CH 342 Physical Chemistry II (4 cr.)
CH 415 Inorganic Chemistry (4 cr.)
CH 436 Modern Spectroscopy (3 cr.)
CH 437 Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (1 cr.)
CH 454 Biochemical Techniques (4 cr.)
CH 490 Senior Research and Seminar I (2-4 cr.)
CH 491 Senior Research and Seminar II (2-4 cr.)
CH 493 Forensic Laboratory Internship (1-4 cr.)
CJ 414 The Investigative Process II (4 cr.)
MA 163 Calculus II (4 cr.)

Undergraduate Courses

Biochemistry
BCHE 140 Introduction to Biochemistry
BCHE 241 Introduction to Research
BCHE 341 Survey of Biochemistry
BCHE 395 Biochemistry
BCHE 396 Biochemsitry and Biotechnology
BCHE 396H Biochemistry and Biotechnology – Honors
BCHE 440 Biochemistry Seminar
BCHE 441 Advanced Research in Biochemistry
BCHE 494 Techniques in Genetic Engineering

Chemistry and Biochemistry
CHEM 100 Basic Chemistry
CHEM 101 General Supplemental Instruction I
CHEM 102 General Supplemental Instruction II
CHEM 110G Principles and Applications of Chemistry
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II
CHEM 115 Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 116 Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 241 Introduction to Research
CHEM 242 Explorations in Chemistry
CHEM 303 Organic Supplemental Instruction I
CHEM 304 Organic Supplemental Instruction II
CHEM 310G Chemistry and Society
CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 314 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 351 Special Topics
CHEM 356 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 360 General Chemistry
CHEM 371 Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 372 Forensic Chemistry
CHEM 422 Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 424 Soil Chemistry
CHEM 431 Physical Chemistry
CHEM 431H Physical Chemistry – Honors
CHEM 433 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 433H Physical Chemistry I – Honors
CHEM 434 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 434H Physical Chemistry II – Honors
CHEM 435 Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 441 Advanced Research
CHEM 442 Glass Blowing
CHEM 443 Senior Seminar
CHEM 444 Senior Thesis
CHEM 451 Special Topics (will be CHEM 372 Forensic Chemistry)
CHEM 452 Integrated Advanced Laboratory
CHEM 452H Integrated Advanced Laboratory – Honors
CHEM 456 Inorganic Structure and Bonding
CHEM 456H Inorganic Chemistry – Honors
CHEM 461 Polymers, Their Composites and Mechanical Behavior
CHEM 466 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 466H Organic Chemistry – Honors
CHEM 471 Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 471H Instrumental Analysis – Honors
CHEM 472 Analytical Methods for Toxic Organics and Metal Ions

Selected Topics Courses

Inorganic Reaction Mechanism (inorganic)

Stereochemistry of Coordination
Compounds (inorganic)

Ligand field Theory (inorganic)

Chemical Applications of Group
Theory (inorganic, physical)

Molecular Rearrangements
Organometallic Chemistry (organic, inorganic)

Stereochemistry (organic)
Synthetic Organic Chemistry (organic)

Reaction Kinetics in Solution (physical)

Free Radical Reactions (physical)
Graduate Courses

A variety of graduate chemistry courses complement the research training of graduate students. The following is a list of the core graduate courses in the various areas together with a list of selected topics courses that are offered upon demand. Students select a course curriculum in their major and supplement it with special topics courses and selections from other areas of chemistry. Students normally take about 30 credits of course work in their program of study.
Analytical Chemistry

CHEM 521 Chemical Instrumentation
CHEM 526 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 527 Separations
CHEM 528 Electroanalytical Techniques
CHEM 529 Spectrochemical Analysis
Biochemistry

CHEM 494 Techniques in Genetic Engineering
CHEM 542 Biochemistry I
CHEM 545 Molecular and Biochemical Genetics
CHEM 546 Biochemistry II
CHEM 643 Biochemical Regulation
CHEM 646 Physical Biochemistry
CHEM 648 Proteins and Enzymes
Inorganic Chemistry

CHEM 456 Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 506 Atomic and Molecular Structure in Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 507 Chemistry of the Elements
CHEM 606 Physical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry

CHEM 462 Polymer Chemistry
CHEM 466 Organic Chemistry
CHEM 516 Advanced Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 517 Advanced Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 665 Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Physical Chemistry

CHEM 485 Nuclear and Radiochemistry
CHEM 486 Introductory Quantum Chem
CHEM 536 Chemical Thermodynamics
CHEM 537 Quantum Chemistry
CHEM 538 Chemical Kinetics
CHEM 539 Spectroscopy
CHEM 638 Statistical Thermodynamics

Selected Topics Courses

Inorganic Reaction Mechanism (inorganic)

Stereochemistry of Coordination
Compounds (inorganic)

Ligand field Theory (inorganic)

Chemical Applications of Group
Theory (inorganic, physical)

Molecular Rearrangements
Organometallic Chemistry (organic, inorganic)

Stereochemistry (organic)
Synthetic Organic Chemistry (organic)

Reaction Kinetics in Solution (physical)

If you loved taking chemistry classes in high school, you should definitely consider being a chemistry major at Michigan Tech. As a chemistry major you will not only indulge your hunger for chemistry, you’ll also challenge yourself with hands-on laboratory and research experiences. Areas available for research include computational, analytical/forensic chemistry, inorganic and organic synthesis, physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical biosensors, and nanomaterials and solid state materials.

As a chemistry major you can concentrate in:
Biochemistry
Chemical education
Chemical physics
Environmental chemistry
Polymer chemistry

Or major in pharmaceutical chemistry where you’ll study the molecular and mechanistic aspects of pharmaceuticals, or biochemistry and molecular biology with a focus on chemistry concepts.

Before you get ready to plunge into your chemistry career, here are a few things you should know about the program…
Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged; most students participate in either undergraduate research or co-op experience with a company (or both).
You’ll be able to use the state-of-the art studio laboratory for your first-year chemistry course; there is a special section of University Chemistry just for chemistry department majors.
Dr. Melvin Calvin is a chemistry Nobel Prize winner — the only one at Michigan Tech!
You can get free help on your assignments or work for the Chemistry Learning Center.
You’ll love the small class size with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio!
You’ll have the opportunity to attend national meetings like the American Chemical Society’s annual conference.

The chemistry program offers the flexibility to pursue a variety of options including independent research. Individualized programs are also available in forensic chemistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-med, and other exciting fields. Speak to a faculty member to set up a program that meets your interests and career goals! Chemistry graduates have gone on to pursue careers in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, forensic sciences, biochemistry, medicine, law, science communications, teaching, and research.