Bachelor of Art in Chemistry and Biochemistry Degrees

Overview

The department of chemistry and biochemistry offers two majors, chemistry and biochemistry. Both programs lead to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The chemistry major requires 30 hours of upper division chemistry coursework; the biochemistry major requires 26 hours of upper division chemistry coursework. Both majors require courses in general, organic, and physical chemistry as well as in calculus and physics. A chemistry major requires additional courses in inorganic and analytical chemistry while a biochemistry major requires supplementary courses in biochemistry and biology.

In addition to the requirements, students must fulfill for their major, the College of Arts and Sciences requires students to complete approximately 46 semester hours of credit in the core curriculum. Credits in the major may also apply toward these core hours. The core curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad education. Courses in the core are distributed through four skills acquisition areas and seven content areas of study.

The chemistry and biochemistry department offers minors in both chemistry and biochemistry. A year of general chemistry, year of organic chemistry, and additional upper division courses are required for both minors.

Students should check the University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog for college policies, procedures, and course listings. They may also want to consult each semester's Registration Handbook and Schedule of Courses as well as the Professor Performance Guide for further information about course offerings and faculty.

For more information, please email Dr. Lynn Geiger at Lynn.Geiger@colorado.edu or Dr. Christine Kelly at Christine.Kelly@colorado.edu.

Career opportunities

Chemistry or biochemistry major students will be prepared for many different careers after graduation. About 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. Additional information about careers in chemistry and biochemistry can be found on the American Chemical Society’s website: http://acswebcontent.acs.org/home.html

Approximately 25 percent of chemistry graduates are attracted by specialized graduate education in chemistry and biochemistry. Graduate work is often in one of the traditional areas of biochemistry or analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry, and, increasingly, in interdisciplinary areas such as atmospheric, bioorganic 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.

Career Services offers a number of programs and services designed to help students plan their career, including workshops, internships, and placement services after graduation. For an appointment with a career counselor or for more information call 303 492 6541, or stop by Willard Administrative Center 34.

Programs

UROP The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers students a chance to work alongside a faculty sponsor on original research. Learn to write proposals, conduct research, pursue creative work, analyze data, and present the results. For more information, call UROP at 303 492 2596.

Study Abroad The experience of studying abroad can prove invaluable for a chemistry or biochemistry major. Further information about study abroad programs is available from the Office of International Education/Study Abroad located on the lower level of the Environmental Design building or call the office at 303 492 7741.
Teaching Certification Chemistry or biochemistry majors can also earn certification as teachers through the School of Education. The program for a secondary school science-teaching certificate is challenging requiring a broad, strong background in science, as well as course work in education and practice teaching. It usually requires at least five years of study. Students interested in teacher certification are encouraged to contact the School of Education.

Academic Advising

Academic advisors assist students in clarifying their interests, values, and goals and help students relate these to academic programs and educational opportunities. The Academic Advising Center in the College of Arts and Sciences provides comprehensive advising services to students who are undecided about their major. Advising is also provided through the center for students interested in the health and law professions.

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Bachelor of Art in Chemistry and Biochemistry Degrees

Overview

Career opportunities

Programs

Academic Advising