Undergraduate Curriculum

The following information is taken from the 2014-15 University of Miami Bulletin -- Undergraduate Studies -- and is presented for your information only. It is believed to be accurate, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. To ensure accuracy please refer to the official University of Miami publication.

For Freshmen enrolled for the 2014-15 academic year, see section I below. For Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors enrolled prior to 2014-2015, see section II below section I:

I. For Freshmen enrolled for the 2014-15 academic year and later:

INTRODUCTION

Each undergraduate chemistry degree program requires the core courses CHM 111, 112, 113, 114, 201, 202, 205, 206, and 214; one year of calculus; and at least two semesters of physics plus lab. The requirements for a major are flexible and should conform to the objectives of the student. A grade of C- or higher must be earned in all courses taken for major or minor credit, and the Chemistry GPA must be 2.00 or higher. Credits earned in CHM 381 and CHM 382 do not count toward the major or minor.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The mission of the Bachelor’s degree program in the Chemistry Department is to promote an understanding and appreciation of the role of chemistry in modern society, especially as it relates to and integrates with other biological and physical sciences and societal issues facing humanity today such as the environment, health issues, and technological advances.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Three programs lead to degrees with a chemistry major: 

  1. the B.A. degree
  2. the B.S. degree
  3. the B.S. degree with certification by the American Chemical Society Committee for Professional Training of Chemists
MAJOR

1. The B.A. degree requires 27 credits of chemistry: the core courses; CHM 331 or 360; plus electives from the following sufficient to reach the required credit hours for the degree: CHM 316, 320, 365, 401, 441, 520, or BMB 401. This major is designed for premedical students, high school science teachers, and others who choose a non-science minor. It may be combined with business courses in an interdisciplinary program.

 2. The B.S. degree requires 40 credits of chemistry: the core courses; CHM 360, 364, 365, 316, 320, 441; BMB 401; plus three credits of electives from the following list: CHM 317, 401, or any 500-level course. This major meets the minimum entrance requirements of many graduate programs in chemistry.

 3. The American Chemical Society certified B.S. degree consists of 45 chemistry credits: the standard BS degree; CHM 442 and 464; at least three credits of CHM 488 or 490. Either PHY 205/210; or PHY 205, 206, and 207; and both PHY 208 and 209 are required. A senior research thesis (CHM 490) is required.

 Variations within the above programs may be recommended by the Department. Transfer students must complete a minimum of half of the required major credits in residence in the Department. Students should make certain that math and physics prerequisites are fulfilled in a timely manner. For students who plan to do graduate work in physical chemistry, a double minor is recommended: Mathematics and Computer Science through 310 and 311, Physics through 350 and 360.

MINOR

A minor in chemistry consists of 8 credits in chemistry courses at the 200 level or above, taken at the University of Miami, exclusive of CHM 381, 382, 488 and 490. 

Credit may be earned in only one of the courses Chemistry 103, 111 or 151. Credit may not be earned in both CHM 104 and CHM 201.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS

Honors in Chemistry may be earned by students who complete the B.S. degree in chemistry, plus at least five credits of CHM 488 and one credit of CHM 490, all with an average grade of at least 3.30. A written Honors Thesis and oral defense on the subject of the Honors Research must be presented by the student and approved by a Department Honors Committee.

II. For students enrolled prior to the 2014-2015 academic year:

INTRODUCTION

Each undergraduate chemistry degree program requires the core courses CHM 111, 112, 113, 114, 201, 202, 205, 206, and 304; one year of calculus; and at least two semesters of physics. The requirements for a major are flexible and should conform to the objectives of the student. A grade of C-or higher must be earned in all courses taken for major or minor credit, and the Chemistry GPA must be 2.00 or higher. Credits earned in CHM 381 and CHM 382 do not count toward the major or minor.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The mission of the Bachelor’s degree program in the Chemistry Department is to promote an understanding and appreciation of the role of chemistry in modern society, especially as it relates to and integrates with other biological and physical sciences and societal issues facing humanity today such as the environment, health issues and technological advances.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Three programs lead to degrees with a chemistry major:

  1. the B.A. degree
  2. the B.S. degree
  3. the B.S. degree with certification by the American Chemical Society Committee for Professional Training of Chemists.

MAJOR

1. The B.A. degree requires 27 credits of chemistry: the core courses; CHM 331 or 360; plus electives from the following sufficient to reach the required credit hours for the degree: CHM 316, 320, 365, CHM 401, CHM 531, 520 or BMB 401. This major is designed for premedical students, high school science teachers, and others who choose a non-science minor. It may be combined with business courses in an interdisciplinary program.

2. The B.S. degree requires 34 credits of chemistry: the core courses; CHM 360, 364, 365 and 316, 320; plus electives from the following sufficient to reach the required credit hours for the degree: CHM 401, CHM 441, 520, 563 or BMB 401 or 506. Two semesters of physics are required. This major meets the minimum entrance requirements of many graduate programs in chemistry.

3. The American Chemical Society certified B.S. degree consists of 44 credits: the core courses; 316, 320, 360, 364, 365, 441, 442, 464, BMB 506; CHM 520, and 563; at least two credits in CHM 488 or 490; either PHY 205/210; or PHY 205, 206, and 207; and both PHY 208 and 209. The Professional Chemistry Program is also available in the Engineering Science Department, College of Engineering. A senior research thesis is required by the ACS for awarding of this degree.

Variations within the above programs may be recommended by the Department. Transfer students must complete a minimum of half of the required major credits in residence in the Department. Students should make certain that math and physics prerequisites are fulfilled in a timely manner. For students who plan to do graduate work in physical chemistry, a double minor is recommended: Mathematics and Computer Science through 310 and 311, Physics through 350 and 360.

MINOR

A minor in chemistry consists of 8 credits in chemistry courses at the 200 level or above, taken at the University of Miami, exclusive of CHM 381, 382, 488 and 490.

Credit may be earned in only one of the courses Chemistry 103, 111 or 151. Credit may not be earned in both CHM 104 and CHM 201.-

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS

Honors in Chemistry may be earned by students who are in good standing within the University’s Honors Program. In addition to the general requirements for University Honors, a student must also complete the core courses in Chemistry; CHM 360, 364, and 365; at least six credits of CHM 490; and any three of the following: CHM 316, 441, 520, 563, BMB 502, and BMB 401 or 506, all with an average grade of at least 3.30. A written Honors Thesis and oral defense on the subject of the Honors Research must be presented by the student and approved by a Department Honors Committee.