Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the miniaturized world of atoms and molecules. Chemists analyze the structure of this world of chemicals, discover the forces that govern chemical changes, and invent chemical reactions which create new molecules and materials for the benefit of mankind. For example, most of the clothes we wear and the containers that hold our food are made of synthetic fibers and polymers that were conceived and developed by chemists. Life-saving pharmaceuticals are designed and synthesized by chemists. The development of insecticides, cosmetics, fragrances, fertilizers, and high-tech materials are other examples of the impact of chemistry on society. The objective of the Illinois Institute of Technology undergraduate program in chemistry is to provide rigorous education in the fundamental areas of chemical theory and chemical experimentation. Students become well-trained for industrial careers in research and development, chemical analysis, or chemical manufacturing and marketing. The opportunity for participation in an original research project also provides the necessary experiences for entrance into graduate school in one of the chemical sciences. In addition, the undergraduate program in chemistry provides excellent pre-professional training for careers in medicine (see Preparatory Program for Medical Studies and science.iit.edu/pre-medicine), law, business, and other areas of science and healthcare. Students learn not only the basic science of chemistry but also the practical aspects of the discipline and its numerous applications. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree is approved by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training.

Coursework

The first stage of undergraduate training provides a solid foundation in all of the five basic areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemistry). Most of these courses include required laboratory work. These laboratories provide extensive practical exposure to each of these areas and experience with modern chemical instrumentation such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and gas and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Concurrently, students take courses to strengthen their understanding of mathematics and physics. Students are invited and encouraged to attend weekly chemistry colloquia where lectures are given by prominent chemists from industrial, governmental, and academic laboratories. In the second stage, students take advanced and specialized courses which focus on career interests. Students are encouraged to participate in a research project under the supervision of a member of the chemistry faculty. This research may lead to a senior thesis. Students may receive certification of their Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree through the American Chemical Society (acs.org) by selection of appropriate chemistry electives.

Required Courses

Chemistry Requirements (54)
CHEM 100Introduction to the Profession2
CHEM 124Principles of Chemistry I with Laboratory4
CHEM 125Principles of Chemistry II with Laboratory4
CHEM 237Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 239Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 240Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
CHEM 247Analytical Chemistry3
CHEM 321Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 343Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 344Physical Chemistry II4
CHEM 415Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM 416Advanced Chemistry Laboratory3
CHEM 434Spectroscopic Methods in Identification and Analysis4
CHEM 451Undergraduate Seminar3
CHEM 485Chemistry Colloquium1
CHEM 485Chemistry Colloquium1
Select two CHEM electives 16
Biology Requirements (6-7)
BIOL 107General Biology Lectures3
or BIOL 115 Human Biology
BIOL 401Introductory Biochemistry3-4
or BIOL 403 Biochemistry
Mathematics Requirements (18)
MATH 151Calculus I5
MATH 152Calculus II5
MATH 251Multivariate and Vector Calculus4
MATH 252Introduction to Differential Equations4
Physics Requirements (8)
PHYS 123General Physics I: Mechanics4
PHYS 221General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4
Computer Science Requirement (2)
CS 105Introduction to Computer Programming2
or CS 110 Computing Principles
Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements (21)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, sections B and C21
Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) (6)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, section E6
Free Electives (12)
Select 12 credit hours12
Total Credit Hours127-128
1

Students may choose from CHEM 400+ and CHEM 500+ level courses. Students planning to take CHEM 487 must complete CHEM 450 in a previous semester and are required to take one semester of CHEM 485.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Curriculum

Year 1
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
CHEM 1244CHEM 1002
CS 105 or 1102CHEM 1254
MATH 1515MATH 1525
Humanities 200-level Course3PHYS 1234
 Social Sciences Elective3
 14 18
Year 2
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
CHEM 2374CHEM 2393
BIOL 107 or 1153CHEM 2402
MATH 2514CHEM 2473
PHYS 2214MATH 2524
Humanities or Social Sciences Elective3Humanities Elective (300+)3
 18 15
Year 3
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
CHEM 32124CHEM 3444
CHEM 3433CHEM 43424
Chemistry Elective13CHEM 4851
IPRO Elective I3Humanities Elective (300+)3
Social Sciences Elective (300+)3Free Elective3
 16 15
Year 4
Semester 1Credit HoursSemester 2Credit Hours
CHEM 41523CHEM 4163
CHEM 45123CHEM 4851
BIOL 401 or 4033-4Chemistry Elective13
Free Elective3IPRO Elective II3
Free Elective3Social Sciences Elective (300+)3
 Free Elective3
 15-16 16
Total Credit Hours: 127-128
1

Students may choose from CHEM 400+ and CHEM 500+ level courses. Students planning take CHEM 487 must complete CHEM 450 in a previous semester and are required to take one semester of CHEM 485.

2
 
CHEM 321CHEM 434CHEM 415, and CHEM 451 are not offered every semester. The curriculum may differ in semesters five through eight depending on course offerings.
 

Optional Chemistry Degree Program Course Requirements

Students choosing to pursue the optional degree program below must take the following prescribed courses as chemistry and free electives.

Premedical Program for Chemistry Majors

Program Adviser: K. Spink

Students majoring in chemistry can earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree and, at the same time, fulfill the prerequisites for medical school. For detailed information, visit the Premedical Program website (science.iit.edu/pre-medicine). The following is a list of university science courses that fulfill the premedical requirements of most medical schools:

BIOL 107General Biology Lectures3
BIOL 109General Biology Laboratory1
BIOL 115Human Biology3
BIOL 117Human Biology Laboratory1
CHEM 124Principles of Chemistry I with Laboratory4
CHEM 125Principles of Chemistry II with Laboratory4
CHEM 237Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 239Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 240Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
PHYS 123General Physics I: Mechanics4
PHYS 221General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4