Chemistry, BS (non-ACS certified)

This degree is well-suited for all students interested in pursuing chemistry and related fields. Chemistry is the science concerning the control, properties, reactivity, and detection of atoms and molecules in the world around us. Just as chemistry contributes to our existence, culture, and quality of life, the discipline of chemistry is a central science, with new frontiers continually being explored from which new benefits result.

Major Requirements

Chemistry Seminars (0.5 Course Units)

CHE 099: Orientation to Chemistry
CHE 316: Sophomore Chemistry Seminar
CHE 317: Junior Chemistry Seminar

Chemistry Correlates (4 course units)

MAT 127: Calculus A
MAT 128: Calculus B
PHY 201: General Physics I
PHY 202: General Physics II

Chemistry Core Courses (8.5 course units)

Chemistry Major Core I:

CHE 201: General Chemistry I
CHE 202: General Chemistry II
CHE 310: Analytical Chemistry
CHE 331: Organic Chemistry I

Chemistry Major Core II:

CHE 332: Organic Chemistry II
CHE 371: Quantum Chemistry
CHE 372: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
CHE 430: Biochemistry

Complete one course:

CHE 451: Inorganic Chemistry – Structure and Bonding
CHEM 452: Inorganic Reactions & Mechanisms

300/400 Level Options Courses (1 course unit)

Complete one course:

CHE 370: Special Topics in Chemistry
CHE 371: Quantum Chemistry
CHE 372: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
CHE 393: Independent Research I
CHE 410: Advanced Analytical Chemistry– Instrumental Analysis
CHE 452: Inorganic Chemistry– Reactions and Mechanisms
CHE 470: Advanced Topics in Chemistry
CHE 474: Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHE 476: Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
CHE 478: Special Topics in Materials Science
CHE 490: Student Teaching

*Courses outside the department (such as Genetics, Molecular Immunology and Human Disease, Mathematical Physics, Linear Algebra, or Modern Physics) can be substituted for a 300-level options course upon approval by the department chair.

400 Level Options Courses (2 course units)

Complete two courses:

CHE 410: Advanced Analytical Chemistry– Instrumental Analysis
CHE 452: Inorganic Chemistry– Reactions and Mechanisms
CHE 470: Advanced Topics in Chemistry
CHE 474: Special Topics in Biochemistry
CHE 476: Special Topics in Organic Chemistry
CHE 478: Special Topics in Materials Science

Materials Science Specialization

To complete the Materials Science Specialization, students must take:

The required Chemistry Core courses (CHE 371/Quantum Chemistry and CHE 372/Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics must both be taken when this specialization is applied to the BS in Chemistry degree)
The required Correlate courses
PHY 306: Mathematical Physics or MAT 229 Multivariable Calculus
PHY 311: Analog and Digital Electronics or PHY 451: Advanced Lab or CHE 410:Instrumental Analysis
Two CHE 478: Special Topics in Materials Science courses (including those that may be cross-listed from other CHE 47X) or one CHE 478 (or cross-listed CHE 47X)
PHY 345: Physics of Clouds and Climate or PHY 436: Condensed Matter or PHY 478/Photonics, Optics, and Materials. Students must complete at least one PHY course greater than 200-level.

*Students may apply for a specialization at any time but are encouraged to do so in their sophomore year to facilitate planning and timely completion. To enroll in a specialization program, students should first consult their academic advisor and then formally apply for their chosen specialization using the Undergraduate Change of Major Form. Students will graduate with a BS in Chemistry or ACS BS in Chemistry with a specialization in Biochemistry.

Biochemistry Specialization

To complete the Biochemistry Specialization, students must take:

The required Chemistry Core courses
The required Correlate courses
BIO 201: Foundations of Biological Inquiry
BIO 211: Cell Biology and Biochemistry
CHE 474: Advanced Topics in Biochemistry courses (including those that may be cross-listed from other CHE 47X) or one CHE: 474 (or cross-listed CHE 47X)
BIO 471: Genomics and Bioinformatics or BIO 470: Special Topics class from an approved list.

Transferring Into the Major

Students may transfer majors as either internal or external transfers. Whatever the circumstances, students who transfer into the TCNJ Chemistry major must meet with the Chemistry Department chair to discuss an academic plan following TCNJ’s policies on Undergraduate Transfer Credit, Undergraduate Residence Requirements, and Types of Majors and Minors Defined.

Any currently enrolled student has the ability to apply and be considered for entrance into an academic major in accordance with program entrance standards (see section on Departmental/Program Entrance, Retention, and Exit Standards). Students seeking to change a major should begin the process as early as possible in the semester in which they wish to change their major. This will help to ensure that students will meet any departmental deadlines and/or the campus wide deadline dates as established by the Office of Records and Registration and posted annually on the academic and registration calendar. It also will provide time for the new program/plan (if approved) to be effective for the next registration period. Students may download the Undergraduate Change of Major Form. Students should also print a copy of their TCNJ unofficial transcript from the PAWS Student Services Center and submit it with the form. Successful applicants for internal transfer to the chemistry major will have achieved or exceeded the grade performance standard for CHE 201/General Chemistry I listed above, and a grade of Cin MAT 127/Calculus A. In the event of limited capacity, internal transfer candidates may also be evaluated using the following criteria.

1. GPA in chemistry courses and correlate courses for the major (physics and mathematics)

2. Number of chemistry courses or correlate courses completed

3. Overall GPA