Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Bridging the gap between the life sciences and physical sciences, we live among the discoveries and creations of chemists: from the synthetic fabrics we wear, to the detergents used to wash them, from pharmaceuticals to plastics, cleaner fuels to more abundant food.

Program Description

In the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of the five areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical, biochemistry and physical chemistry) to build a strong foundation for the field. Then you'll explore advanced concepts in areas that Stevens has unique strengths, including drug discovery, medicinal, and computational chemistry.

The chemistry undergraduate program incorporates hands-on research to develop essential skills like forming a hypothesis, problem solving and data analysis which are necessary for a career in chemistry. You'll have the unique opportunity to participate in a year of research in areas like drug discovery and medicinal chemistry with expert faculty who are some of the brightest minds in the field.


The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Concentrations

No concentrations are offered for the Chemistry undergraduate program.

Program Objectives and Outcomes

The objectives of the chemistry program are to prepare students such that, within several years of graduation, they will:

  • Be able to create and evaluate scientific solutions to important chemical, biochemical, and environmental problems and articulate their anticipated societal impact

  • Be able to work collaboratively with peers from a variety of cultural and scientific backgrounds and to promote an inclusive and supportive professional environment

  • Become life-long learners from the perspectives of furthering career advancement, embracing technology, and generating societal impact

Student Objectives and Outcomes

By the time of graduation, chemistry students will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of chemistry, biology, math, physics, and computational methods to investigate and evaluate problems in chemical and biochemical systems at the molecular level to create innovative solutions (Scientific Foundations)
  2. Apply modern techniques and instrumentation in chemistry to characterize the structure and function of molecules to explain and predict chemical, and physical properties and their impact on biochemical systems and the environment (Technical Foundations)
  3. Employ an inquiry-based approach to science to form and articulate testable hypothesis, to design and conduct experiments with current chemical and analytical techniques particularly in the context of drug discovery, computational chemistry, and sustainability (Experimentation)
  4. Examine, analyze, and critique primary chemical literature (Critical Thinking)
  5. Communicate and articulate scientific ideas effectively both in writing and orally (Scientific Communication)
  6. Work effectively as a leader or member of a multidisciplinary team creating an inclusive and supportive environment (Teamwork, Leadership, and Inclusiveness)
  7. Conduct basic and applied scientific research in an ethical and professional manner (Professionalism)
  8. Develop innovative ideas using knowledge in chemical sciences for societal impact (Innovation)
  9. Recognize the impact of chemical research in our society, and understand how policy decisions are shaped by new scientific discoveries (Societal Issues)

Chemistry Curriculum

Term I

BIO 181Biology and Biotechnology

3

BIO 182Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory

1

CH 115General Chemistry I

3

CH 117General Chemistry Laboratory I

1

CH 179Career Pathways in Chemical and Biological Sciences

1

HASS 103Writing and Communications Colloquium

3

MA 121Differential Calculus

2

MA 122Integral Calculus

2

PRV 101First Year Experience

1

Term II

BIO 291Cell and Molecular Biology

4

CH 116General Chemistry II

3

CH 118General Chemistry Laboratory II

1

CH 189Seminar in Chemistry and Biology

1

HASS 105Knowledge, Nature, Culture

3

MA 125Vectors and Matrices

2

MA 126Multivariable Calculus I

2

Term III

BIO 301Professional Ethics for Scientific Research

1

Or

CH 301Professional Ethics for Scientific Research

1

CH 243Organic Chemistry I

3

CH 245Organic Chemistry Lab I

1

ENGR 241Probability and Statistics with Data Science Applications

4

PEP 111Mechanics

3

PRV 20XFrontiers of Technology

1

Humanities

3

Term IV

CH 244Organic Chemistry II

3

CH 246Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

1

CH 321Thermodynamics

3

CS 105Introduction to Scientific Computing

3

Or

CS 115Introduction to Computer Science

4

PEP 112Electricity and Magnetism

3

PEP 221Physics Lab I for Scientists

1

PRV 20XFrontiers of Technology

1

Term V

CH 362Instrumental Analysis I - Spectroscopy and Chromatography

4

CH 550Spectra and Structure

3

CH 580Biochemistry I - Cellular Metabolism and Regulation

3

MGT 103Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinking

2

PEP 222Physics Lab II for Scientists

1

Humanities

3

Term VI

CH 398Research Proposals for Undergraduate Research

1

CH 421Chemical Dynamics

4

CH 461Instrumental Analysis II - Electrochemistry

4

CH 581Biochemistry II: Biomolecular Structure and Function

3

PRV 20XFrontiers of Technology

1

Humanities

3

Term VII

CH 412Inorganic Chemistry I

4

CH 498Senior Capstone Research Project I

3

CH 520Advanced Physical Chemistry

3

IDE 401Senior Innovation-II:Value Proposition

1

G.E.
General Elective

3

T.E.
Technical Elective

3

Term VIII

CH 499Senior Capstone Research Project II

3

CH 582Biophysical Chemistry

3

IDE 402Senior Innovation III: Venture Planning and Pitch

1

G.E.
General Elective

3

T.E.
Technical Elective

3

Humanities

3

Notes:

(1) Technical Electives can be selected from available CH and BIO 300, 400, and 500- level courses that are not already included in your degree program requirements. Suggested technical electives for the Chemistry program include the following:  

If you are interested in a taking a course related to chemistry in another department not on this list, please contact your academic advisor.

 

(2) General Electives can be selected from available courses offered by programs in SES, SOB and HASS (including CH courses). Approval from the student’s advisor and the course instructor may be required.

  • Recommended general elective if planning to pursue an engineering master's would be: MA 221 Differential Equations. 
  • Recommended general elective courses connected to the major include:  EN 250 Quantitative Biology and PEP 242 Modern Physics.

(3) Humanities: Please see Humanities Requirements for specific requirements.

 

(4) SUCCESS Core Curriculum: Students must complete requirements including PRV 101, and three (3) courses from PRV 201, PRV 202, PRV 203, PRV 204, PRV 205.