Chemistry is often called the central science because of the pivotal role it plays in the biological and physical sciences, as well as in engineering, agriculture, medicine, and allied health disciplines. Bachelor's degree chemists choose from diverse paths for their short-term and lifetime careers, including graduate study in a variety of programs, rewarding employment in industry or government laboratories, professional or law school, or much-needed teaching in high schools.
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Overview
Students can choose the standard chemistry program, which is comparable to that offered in any major university, or the biochemistry program, which is designed to give more flexibility to students wanting to pursue courses with biological focus. The department encourages students in either specialization to include undergraduate research with one of the department's internationally recognized faculty as a component of the undergraduate experience. Undergraduate research will frequently result in journal publications and/or presentations at scientific meetings.
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Coursework for the Major
For either specialization (standard chemistry or biochemistry), all required courses must be completed within two attempts with minimum grades of C. Any foreign language acceptable to the college can be taken with this minimum program and language courses can be taken S-U. ENC 3254 Writing in the Discipline is suggested to fulfill part of the university writing requirement.
Required Coursework
Required coursework will depend upon the program chosen. Coursework for each specialization can be found below under Critical Tracking and Model Semester Plan.
Recommended Coursework
A.C.S. Certified Program: To receive American Chemical Society certification, a student must complete the standard chemistry major. In addition, credit must be earned for CHM 3610L and CHM 3218 plus an additional two credits of advanced work in chemistry courses such as CHM 4034, CHM 4235, CHM 4272, CHM 4300L, CHM 4304, and CHM 4910. If CHM 4910 Undergraduate Research is used, a thesis must be written. The language requirement must be met in German, French or Russian.
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Course Details
Introduction to General Chemistry: CHM 1025, a two-credit course, is offered for students who need to strengthen their understanding of basic concepts of atomic structure and stoichiometry before beginning the general chemistry sequence (CHM 2045/2045L and 2046/2046L). A placement exam is offered via ONE.UF and the score achieved determines whether CHM 1025 or CHM 2045 is the appropriate first course in chemistry.
General Chemistry. The following general chemistry offerings are available:
CHM 1030/1031 is a terminal sequence for non-science students that presents chemistry from a medical and nursing perspective.
CHM 1020 is a terminal general education course that explores chemistry in terms of society.
CHM 2045/2045L and 2046/2046L is the standard general chemistry sequence and is an acceptable preprofessional requirement for many science and engineering majors. Students are presumed to have good backgrounds in high school chemistry and mathematics (through MAC 1147) and are expected to pass the placement exam offered via ONE.UF before registering for CHM 2045.
CHM 2095/2045L and 2096/2046L is an alternative general chemistry sequence especially designed for engineering majors.
CHM 2047/2047L is a one-semester program for entering first-year students with strong backgrounds in chemistry, normally reflected by high AP or IB chemistry test scores. This program enables students to move more quickly into advanced work.
CHM 2051 General Chemistry Honors is offered as an alternative to CHM 2046 for students who have done particularly well in CHM 2045.
CHM 2054L Accelerated General Chemistry Laboratory is a 2-credit, inquiry-based lab focusing on major concepts in chemistry and their application to quantitative life-sciences research. This course is equivalent to CHM 2045L and CHM 2046L or CHM 2047L.
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Placement
For placement into the appropriate first course in chemistry, please refer to the Academic Advising section or consult a chemistry advisor. All students should complete their general chemistry studies at the same institution.
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Minors and/or Certificates
UFTeach Program: There is a severe shortage of qualified high school chemistry teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see a chemistry advisor about the UFTeach program. UFTeach students complete the UFTeach minor in science teaching with their B.S. in chemistry and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
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Biochemistry
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
The chemistry major with biochemistry specialization requires 61-69 credits, including the following coursework. With approval, this may include equivalent transfer coursework.
Required Foundation Coursework
- Biological science (BSC 2010/2010L and BSC 2011/2011L, 8 credits)
- General chemistry (5-8 credits):
CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2046/2046L or
CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2051/2046L or
CHM 2047/2047L
CHM 2054L can substitute for the CHM 2045L/2046L sequence or for CHM 2047L
- Analytical chemistry (CHM 3120/3120L, 4 credits)
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus (MAC 2311/2312, 8 credits)
- Physics (PHY 2053/2053L and PHY 2054/2054L, 10 credits) or
Physics with Calculus (PHY 2048/2048L and PHY 2049/2049L, 8 credits)
ISC2400L X Lab 1 (3 credits) can substitute for the CHM 2045L, BSC 2010L and PHY 2053L requirements. ISC 2401L X Lab 2 (3 credits) can substitute for the CHM 2046L, BSC 2011L and PHY 2054L requirements.
Required Core Coursework
- Organic chemistry (CHM 2212/2213 or CHM 2210/2211 or CHM 3217, 4-6 credits)
- Organic chemistry laboratory (CHM 2211L, 2 credits)
- Biochemistry (CHM 3218, 4 credits)
- Inorganic chemistry (CHM 3610, 3 credits)
- Biophysical chemistry (CHM 3400 and CHM 4413L, 5 credits)
- Biochemistry laboratory (CHM 4300L, 2 credits)
- Basic Biology of Microorganisms (MCB 3020, 3 credits)
Required Biochemistry Electives
Minimum of 6 credits selected from:
- BCH 5413 Mammalian Molecular Biology and Genetics, 3 credits
- CHM 3610L Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, 2 credits
- CHM 4034 Advanced Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, 4 credits
- CHM 4130/4130L Instrumental Analysis, 5 credits
- CHM 4230 Organic Spectroscopy, 2 credits
- CHM 4272 The Organic Chemistry of Polymers, 2 credits
- CHM 4304 Chemical Aspects of Cellular Control, 3 credits
- MCB 4203 Bacterial and Viral Pathogens, 3 credits
- MCB 4304 Genetics of Microorganisms, 3 credits
- MCB 4403 Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function, 3 credits
- MCB 4503 General Virology, 3 credits
- PCB 3063 Genetics, 4 credits
- PCB 3134 Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function, 3 credits
- PCB 4233 Immunology, 3 credits
- PCB 4522 Molecular Genetics, 3 credits
- PHZ 4710 Introduction to Biophysics, 3 credits
Required Exit Exam
Students must also complete the exit exam (Diagnostic of Undergraduate Chemistry Knowledge) with a minimum score of 30 out of 60.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
- Complete one CHM course and one MAC course
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 2
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L and MAC 2311
- 2.50 critical-tracking GPA and any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete CHM 2046/2046L and BSC 2010/2010L
- 2.65 critical-tracking GPA any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- Complete BSC 2011/2011L
- 2.75 critical-tracking GPA and any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete MAC 2312 and CHM 2212, CHM 2210, or CHM3217
- 2.75 critical-tracking GPA and any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
CHM 2045 General Chemistry 1, 3 credits, and
CHM 2045L General Chemistry 1 Laboratory, 1 credit
State Core GE-P |
4 |
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
State Core GE-M |
4 |
Composition
State Core GE-C; WR |
3 |
| Total |
14 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1, 3 credits, and
BSC 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 1, 1 credit
GE-B |
4 |
CHM 2046 General Chemistry 2, 3 credits, and
CHM 2046L General Chemistry 2 Laboratory, 1 credit
GE-P |
4 |
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
GE-M |
4 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
State Core GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
BSC 2011 Integrated Principles of Biology 2, 3 credits, and
BSC 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 2, 1 credit
GE-B |
4 |
| CHM 2212 Enhanced Organic Chemistry 1 |
3 |
| Foreign language |
4-5 |
Humanities
State Core GE-H |
3 |
| Total |
14-15 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
| CHM 2213 Enhanced Organic Chemistry 2 |
3 |
PHY 2053 and 2053L Physics 1, 4 credits, and
PHY 2053L Laboratory for Physics 1, 1 credit
GE-P |
5 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Foreign language |
3-5 |
| Total |
16-18 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
CHM 3120 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry, 3 credits, and
CHM 3120L Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, 1 credit
|
4 |
| CHM 3218 Organic/Biochemistry 2 |
4 |
PHY 2054 and 2054L Physics 2 (4) and Physics 2 Laboratory (1)
GE-P |
5 |
Elective
Or foreign language if 4-3-3 option |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 3400 Physical Chemistry |
3 |
| CHM 4300L Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
2 |
| MCB 3020 Basic Biology of Microorganisms |
3 |
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
Humanities
GE-H |
3 |
| Total |
14 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 3610 Inorganic Chemistry |
3 |
| CHM 4413L Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
| Biochemistry elective |
3 |
| Electives |
4 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| Biochemistry elective |
3 |
| Electives |
10 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
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Standard Chemistry
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
The standard chemistry major requires 65-70 credits, including the following coursework. With approval, this may include equivalent transfer coursework.
Required Foundation Coursework
- General chemistry (5-8 credits):
CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2046/2046L or
CHM 2045/2045L and CHM 2051/2046L or
CHM 2047/2047L
CHM 2054L can substitute for the CHM 2045L/2046L sequence or for CHM 2047L
- Calculus (MAC 2311/2312/2313, 12 credits)
- Physics with Calculus (PHY 2048/2048L and PHY 2049/2049L, 8 credits) or
Physics (PHY 2053/2053L and PHY 2054/2054L, 10 credits).
ISC2400L X Lab 1 (3 credits) can substitute for the CHM 2045, and PHY 2053L requirements (as well as for BSC 2010L). ISC 2401L X Lab 2 (3 credits) can substitute for the CHM 2046L and PHY 2054L requirements (as well as for BSC2011L).
Required Core Coursework
- Organic chemistry (CHM 2212/2213/2211L or CHM 2210/2211/2211L, 8 credits)
- Analytical chemistry (CHM 3120/3120L and CHM 4130/4130L, 9 credits)
- Inorganic chemistry (CHM 3610, 3 credits)
- Physical chemistry (CHM 4411/4412, 8 credits)
- Biophysical chemistry laboratory (CHM 4413L, 2 credits)
MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations is encouraged.
Required Exit Exam
Students must also complete the exit exam (Diagnostic of Undergraduate Chemistry Knowledge) with a minimum score of 30 out of 60.
The required courses in the standard chemistry major are generally offered every fall and spring. Because of budgetary and other restrictions, summer schedules cannot be predetermined and required courses generally are offered in Summer C (12 weeks).
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
- Complete one CHM course and one MAC course
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 2
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L and MAC 2311
- 2.50 critical-tracking GPA and any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
- Complete CHM 2046/2046L and MAC 2312
- 2.65 critical-tracking GPA and any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 4
- 2.75 critical-tracking GPA and any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete MAC 2313; and CHM 2212 or CHM 2210
- 2.75 critical-tracking GPA and any additional CHM courses
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
CHM 2045 General Chemistry 1, 3 credits, and
CHM 2045L General Chemistry 1 Laboratory, 1 credit
State Core GE-P |
4 |
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
State Core GE-M |
4 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
State Core GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
14 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
CHM 2046 General Chemistry 2, 3 credits, and
CHM 2046L General Chemistry 2 Laboratory, 1 credit
GE-P |
4 |
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
GE-M |
4 |
Biological Science
GE-B |
3 |
Composition
State Core GE-C; WR |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
| Total |
17 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 2212 Enhanced Organic Chemistry 1 |
3 |
MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
GE-M |
4 |
PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1, 3 credits, or
PHY 2053 Physics 1, 4 credits
GE-P |
3-4 |
PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory or
PHY 2053L Physics 1 Laboratory
GE-P |
1 |
Humanities
State Core GE-H |
3 |
| Total |
14-15 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
CHM 2213 Enhanced Organic Chemistry 2, 3 credits, and
CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry Laboratory, 2 credits
|
5 |
PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2, 3 credits, or
PHY 2054 Physics 2, 4 credits
GE-P |
3-4 |
PHY 2049L Laboratory for Physics with Calculus 2 or
PHY 2054L Physics 2 Laboratory
GE-P |
1 |
| Elective |
1 |
| Foreign language |
4-5 |
| Total |
14-16 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
CHM 3120 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
Take CHM 3120/3120L after CHM 2046/2046L, but no later than the first semester of the third year |
3 |
| CHM 3120L Analytical Chemistry Laboratory |
1 |
Biological Science
GE-B |
3 |
| Foreign language |
3-5 |
Humanities
GE-H |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
16-18 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 4130 Instrumental Analysis |
3 |
| CHM 4130L Instrumental Analysis Laboratory |
2 |
| CHM 4411 Physical Chemistry |
4 |
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
Elective
Or foreign language if 4-3-3 option |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| CHM 3610 Inorganic Chemistry |
3 |
| CHM 4413L Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
| CHM 4412 Physical Chemistry |
4 |
| Elective |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| Electives |
9 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in department |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
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Related Chemistry Programs
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