Chemistry Major, B.S.

Chemistry is the scientific study of the composition and properties of matter and the investigation of the laws that govern them. All chemists have a common core of knowledge, learned through a highly structured sequence of undergraduate courses in which the content is divided into the classical subdisciplines. The B.S. degree enables students to choose to concentrate in one or more areas of chemistry through the courses selected to fulfill the chemistry elective requirements and through undergraduate research.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the chemistry B.S. program, students are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate a solid understanding of basic chemical principles (knowledge base in chemistry)
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve chemical problems (analytical skills)
  • Demonstrate the use of critical and creative thinking skills in conducting research with mentoring from a faculty member (critical thinking skills in chemistry)

Requirements 

In addition to the program requirements, students must

  • earn a minimum final cumulative GPA of 2.000
  • complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
  • take at least half of their major core requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
  • earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major core requirements. Some programs may require higher standards for major or specific courses.

For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.

Gateway Course
CHEM 101
101L
IDEAs in Action General Education logo General Descriptive Chemistry I
and IDEAs in Action General Education logo Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F
4
Core Requirements
CHEM 102IDEAs in Action General Education logo General Descriptive Chemistry II H, F3
or CHEM 102H IDEAs in Action General Education logo General Descriptive Chemistry II
CHEM 102LQuantitative Chemistry Laboratory II1
CHEM 241Modern Analytical Methods for Separation and Characterization H3
CHEM 241LLaboratory in Separations and Analytical Characterization of Organic and Biological Compounds1
or CHEM 245L Honors Laboratory in Separations and Analytical Characterization of Organic and Biological Compound
CHEM 251Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM 430Introduction to Biological Chemistry H3
CHEM 481Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 481LPhysical Chemistry Laboratory I2
or CHEM 482L Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 482Physical Chemistry II3
CHEM 261Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H3
CHEM 262Introduction to Organic Chemistry II H3
CHEM 262LIDEAs in Action General Education logo Laboratory in Organic Chemistry1
or CHEM 263L
Fifteen hours of advanced chemistry elective courses (one laboratory course is required) from the following list:15
IDEAs in Action General Education logo Research in Chemistry for Undergraduates (may count as a laboratory course) H
Any course numbered CHEM 420 or higher
One capstone laboratory course is required from the following list2
IDEAs in Action General Education logo Polymer Chemistry Laboratory
IDEAs in Action General Education logo Advanced Instrumentation and Analytical Measurement Laboratory
IDEAs in Action General Education logo Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory I
Honors Synthetic Chemistry Lab
IDEAs in Action General Education logo Laboratory Techniques for Biochemistry
Additional Requirements
BIOL 101IDEAs in Action General Education logo Principles of Biology H, F3
MATH 232IDEAs in Action General Education logo Calculus of Functions of One Variable II 1, H, F4
MATH 233IDEAs in Action General Education logo Calculus of Functions of Several Variables 1, H, F4
MATH 383First Course in Differential Equations 1, H3
PHYS 118IDEAs in Action General Education logo Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F4
PHYS 119IDEAs in Action General Education logo Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F4
Total Hours72
H

Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply.

F

FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute.

1

Placement (PL) credits (zero hours) for MATH 232, MATH 233, or MATH 383 do not satisfy chemistry major requirements.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans can be used as a guide to identify the courses required to complete the major and other requirements needed for degree completion within the expected eight semesters. The actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Students should meet with their academic advisor to create a degree plan that is specific and unique to their interests. The sample plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall term. Some courses may not be offered every term.

The recommended course sequence for the bachelor of science degree is listed below. Courses in chemistry and other courses specifically required (and designated by number) may not be declared Pass/Fail.

First and Sophomore Years
First-Year Foundation Courses
IDST 101IDEAs in Action General Education logo College Thriving1
ENGL 105IDEAs in Action General Education logo English Composition and Rhetoric3
or ENGL 105I IDEAs in Action General Education logo English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary)
First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F3
Triple-I and Data Literacy4
Global Language through level 3varies
Major Courses
MATH 231IDEAs in Action General Education logo Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F4
BIOL 101IDEAs in Action General Education logo Principles of Biology H, F3
CHEM 101
101L
IDEAs in Action General Education logo General Descriptive Chemistry I
and IDEAs in Action General Education logo Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F
4
CHEM 102IDEAs in Action General Education logo General Descriptive Chemistry II H, F3
or CHEM 102H IDEAs in Action General Education logo General Descriptive Chemistry II
CHEM 102LQuantitative Chemistry Laboratory II1
CHEM 241Modern Analytical Methods for Separation and Characterization H3
CHEM 241LLaboratory in Separations and Analytical Characterization of Organic and Biological Compounds1
or CHEM 245L Honors Laboratory in Separations and Analytical Characterization of Organic and Biological Compound
CHEM 251Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM 261Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H3
CHEM 262Introduction to Organic Chemistry II H3
or CHEM 262H Introduction to Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 262LIDEAs in Action General Education logo Laboratory in Organic Chemistry1
or CHEM 263L
MATH 232IDEAs in Action General Education logo Calculus of Functions of One Variable II 1, H, F4
MATH 233IDEAs in Action General Education logo Calculus of Functions of Several Variables 1, H, F4
MATH 383First Course in Differential Equations 1, H3
PHYS 118IDEAs in Action General Education logo Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F4
PHYS 119IDEAs in Action General Education logo Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F4
Additional Gen Ed and electives6
Junior and Senior Years
Note: CHEM 481 and ALL Math, Phys and Chem courses numbered < 400 must be completed prior to semester 7 to avoid scheduling conflicts preventing 8 semester graduation.
CHEM 430Introduction to Biological Chemistry H3
CHEM 481Physical Chemistry I3
CHEM 481LPhysical Chemistry Laboratory I2
or CHEM 482L Physical Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 482Physical Chemistry II3
Advanced chemistry electives (15 hours, one laboratory course required) 215
Capstone Laboratory Course chosen from: CHEM 520L, 530L, 541L, 550L, 481L/482L2
Remaining Gen Eds and electives27
Total Hours120
H

Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply.

F

FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute.

1

Placement (PL) credits (zero hours) for MATH 232, MATH 233, or MATH 383 do not satisfy chemistry major requirements.

2

CHEM 395 may be taken for credit as many times as desired but may be counted for no more than nine hours of total credit toward fulfillment of graduation requirements. Additionally, CHEM 395 may not be counted more than once as an advanced chemistry elective in the B.S. chemistry degree, B.S. chemistry degree (biochemistry track), or B.S. chemistry degree (polymer track). Only one of CHEM 395 or CHEM 396 may be counted as an advanced chemistry elective. Students must sign up for CHEM 395 and CHEM 396 within the first week of classes. CHEM 396 may only be counted as an advanced chemistry elective with departmental permission.

Special Opportunities in Chemistry

Honors in Chemistry

Upon the recommendation of the Department of Chemistry, the B.A. or B.S. degree with a major in chemistry may be awarded with honors in chemistry or highest honors in chemistry.

To attain the honors or highest distinction, the candidate must satisfy the following guidelines:

  • Achieve an overall grade point average of 3.30 or higher.
  • Achieve a chemistry major grade point average of 3.40 or higher.
  • Prior to the final semester during which the honors thesis is completed, conduct two semesters or one semester plus one summer of research in the laboratory in which the thesis work will be completed. 

Honors in chemistry is a distinction bestowed on an outstanding student who has completed a research project of considerable merit, as certified by the research advisor and two faculty members appointed by the director of undergraduate studies.

Highest honors in chemistry is a distinction bestowed on a truly exceptional student who has completed a research project of considerable depth and significance that meets the most rigorous standards of scholarly excellence, as certified by the research advisor and two faculty members appointed by the director of undergraduate studies.

Students who wish to complete an honors thesis should begin planning their course programs and research activities during or before the junior year so that ample time and effort may be devoted to research.

Departmental Involvement

Majors are encouraged to participate in Alpha Chi Sigma (chemistry fraternity) and the undergraduate advisory board.

Laboratory Teaching Internships and Assistantships

Undergraduates have the opportunity to serve as laboratory teaching assistants for entry-level undergraduate laboratory courses.

Special Topics

Special topics not offered through the normal course sequence may be pursued through directed reading and registration in CHEM 396 with the approval of the supervising faculty member, advisor, and vice chair for undergraduate studies. An approved learning contract is required, and students must be registered no later than the end of the second week of classes (fall and spring semesters).

Undergraduate Awards

Excellent performances by undergraduates in chemistry are recognized by the department through the following awards:

  • Francis P. Venable Medal: A medallion and cash award are presented to the two most outstanding graduating seniors majoring in chemistry in honor of Dr. Francis P. Venable, who was chair of the department, president of the University from 1900 to 1914, and president of the American Chemical Society.
  • Emmett Gladstone Rand Premedical Scholarship: This scholarship is presented to exceptionally talented graduating seniors intending to pursue a career in medicine.
  • David L. Stern Scholar: Top students from upper-division laboratory courses are chosen for this cash award.
  • Jason D. Altom Memorial Award for Undergraduate Research: This award recognizes research potential of an undergraduate chemistry major.
  • James H. Maguire Memorial Award: This award recognizes an outstanding and academically gifted junior student majoring in chemistry.
  • Tanya R. Ellison Scholarship: A junior female B.S. chemistry major is selected for this cash award on the basis of character and academic commitment.
  • Carrie Ann Largent Scholarship: This merit based scholarship is awarded annually to senior chemistry majors.
  • Alpha Chi Sigma Sophomore Chemist Award: A cash award is given annually to the top sophomore chemistry student from the previous academic year, as determined by a search committee including members of Alpha Chi Sigma.
  • J. Thurman Freeze Scholarship: This scholarship serves to fund summer research between a student’s junior and senior years.
  • E.C. Markham Summer Research Fund: The department chair selects the recipient of this award, who will use the salary to perform research between the junior and senior years.
  • Chapel Family Student Excellence Fund: This award supports undergraduate chemistry majors through research and travel support.
  • Matthew Neely Jackson Undergraduate Research Award: This award provides support for undergraduate chemistry majors to conduct faculty-mentored summer research.
  • Tommie and Billie Hinton Undergraduate Research Fellowship: This award provides support for undergraduate chemistry majors to conduct faculty-mentored summer research to support the development of gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness within the chemistry department.
  • Alan Rauch and Merrill King Undergraduate Student Research Fund: This award supports undergraduate student research in the Department of Chemistry.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduates find research to be an exciting and rewarding experience. Undergraduate research can help them acquire a spirit of inquiry, initiative, independence, sound judgment, patience, persistence, alertness, and the ability to use the chemical literature. Undergraduate research also affords an opportunity to make pioneering discoveries at the forefront of science, using instrumentation and techniques far more sophisticated than those usually encountered in standard laboratory courses.

More than 80 students are involved in undergraduate research projects in chemistry each year. Although successful completion of an undergraduate research project is a requirement for graduation with honors or highest honors (see above), it is not necessary to be a participant in Honors Carolina to undertake a research project.

The usual mechanism for becoming involved in a research project involves making direct contact with faculty researchers to inquire about research opportunities. The Chemistry Student Services Office also maintains a list of undergraduate research opportunities. This process begins well in advance of a preregistration or registration period. Once a research opportunity is identified, a student will register for CHEM 395

CHEM 395 and CHEM 396 together may be taken for credit as many times as desired but may be counted for no more than nine hours total credit toward graduation in either the B.A. or B.S. traditional and polymer tracks and for no more than six hours in the B.S. biochemistry track. In the B.S. curriculum CHEM 395 may be counted no more than once as an advanced chemistry elective.

UNC–BEST

The UNC Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching (UNC–BEST) Program is a collaboration between the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and is designed to allow undergraduate science majors interested in teaching high school science the opportunity to earn their science degree and obtain licensure as a North Carolina high school science teacher in four years. UNC–BEST students also fulfill teaching licensure coursework requirements as well as many General Education and elective requirements as they complete courses in teaching and learning.

Pedagogy Course
EDUC 760Methods and Materials for Teaching Secondary/K-12 Subjects I3
Educational Foundations
EDUC 532IDEAs in Action General Education logo Human Development and Learning3
EDUC 615Schools and Community Collaboration3
EDUC 689Foundations of Special Education3
Student Teaching
EDUC 593IDEAs in Action General Education logo Internship/Student Teaching (final semester)12
Seminar
EDUC 601Education Workshops (must be completed during student teaching semester)1
Total Hours25

For more details on admission requirements, application deadlines, and instructions for submitting an online application, visit the School of Education website.

Department of Chemistry

Visit Program Website

Morehead, Caudill, Venable, Murray, Genome Sciences and Kenan Laboratories, CB# 3290

(919) 843-7100

Chair

Wei You

chemchair@unc.edu

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Jillian Dempsey

dempseyj@email.unc.edu

Chemistry Student Services Coordinator

Jill Fallin

chemus@unc.edu