Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Chemistry, BS
What Is the Study of Chemistry?
The Department of Chemistry, in addition to its core of fundamental studies in Physical, Inorganic, Organic, Analytical and Biochemistry, has added a variety of elective courses that offer diversity in training, study and research at the undergraduate level. Within the department, faculty members are active in many research areas including Organometallic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Photochemistry, Protein and Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Molecular Biology of Viruses, Electrochemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy, Reaction Kinetics, Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, and new areas of computer applications.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The programs of study within the Chemistry major provide many benefits to students. There are a wide variety of accredited programs that are designed to meet diverse career goals. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.
The Chemistry Department at Western Washington University is approved by the American Chemical Society, and students who complete the Bachelor of Science in the Chemistry program receive ACS certification of their degree.
How to Declare:
Students planning to major in Chemistry are advised to consult the department at the beginning of their first quarter on campus to arrange for proper sequence of courses.
Admissions: Admission to the Bachelor of Science major in chemistry is selective and based upon preparation and prior academic performance. Application may be made through the chemistry department, Chemistry Building 270.
Admission to the biochemistry major will be in two phases:
Phase I: Students will be designated Phase I chemistry majors until they have completed CHEM 121, 122, 123, 351 and 352.
Phase II: Students will be admitted to Phase II based on their performance in Phase I. Students with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in the Phase I courses will be given preferential admission to Phase II. Students with a grade point average below 2.5 will be considered on a case by case basis for remaining spaces in the major. See the department’s website for more details.
Advising Tips: A typical four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science (ACS certified) is described on the department’s website.
Coursework
- CHEM 351 Organic Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 352 Organic Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 353 Organic Chemistry (3)
- CHEM 354 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (3)
- CHEM 355 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (3)
- CHEM 434 Instrumental Analysis (3)
- CHEM 436 Instumental Analysis Laboratory (2)
- CHEM 441 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 461 Physical Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 462 Physical Chemistry (4)
- CHEM 463 Physical Chemistry (3)
- CHEM 464 Physical/Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory I (3)
- CHEM 465 Physical/Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory II (3)
- MATH 224 Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I (5)
- MATH 204 Elementary Linear Algebra (4)
- PHYS 161 Physics With Calculus I (5)
- PHYS 162 Physics With Calculus II (5)
- PHYS 163 Electricity and Magnetism (5)
- Choose either:
- CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (5)
- CHEM 122 General Chemistry II (5)
- CHEM 123 General Chemistry III (4)
- CHEM 333 Analytical Chemistry (5)
- or
- CHEM 125 General Chemistry I, Honors (5)
- CHEM 126 General Chemistry II, Honors (5)
- CHEM 225 General Chemistry III, Honors (5)
- Choose either:
- CHEM 375 Elements of Biochemistry (4)
- or
- CHEM 471 Biochemistry I (4)
- CHEM 472 Biochemistry II (4)
- Choose either:
- MATH 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5)
- MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (5)
- or
- MATH 134 Honors Calculus I (5)
- MATH 135 Calculus II Honors (5)
- or
- MATH 138 Accelerated Calculus (5)
- Advanced electives with prior departmental approval to total 9 credits
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 125, 134, 135, 138
- LSCI: CHEM 121, 122, 123,125, 126, 225; PHYS 161, 162, 163
Sample Careers
- Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sales
- Crime Lab Analyst
- High School Teacher
- Industrial Chemist
- Veterinarian
- Technical Writing
- Forensic Scientist
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Research Scientist
- Physician
- Occupational Safety Specialist
Department
Contact
Department Office
CB 270
360-650-3070
chemdept@chem.wwu.edu
Chemistry Department Chair:
Steve Gammon
CB 270A
360-650-3070
gammon@chem.wwu.edu