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Chemistry and Biochemistry

Russell Selzer, Chair
selzerr@wcsu.edu
Science Building 334, Midtown Campus
(203) 837-8440

Paula Secondo, Associate Chair
secondop@wcsu.edu
Science Building 339, Midtown campus
(203) 837- 8795

Merisa Williams, Department Secretary
williamsm@wcsu.edu
Science Building 324, Midtown campus
(203) 837- 8669


Faculty

D. Baluha N. Greco J. Prieto
F. Robertson P. Secondo, Assoc. Chair R. Selzer, Chair
B. Stankus

 

Adjunct Faculty

J. Devito T. DiGaetano D. Emert
C. Harcken W. Iannuccilli S. Madison
 F. Tagliaferro D. Wolanin

 

Overview

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides the background necessary for graduate education, industrial careers and the allied health professions such as medicine and nursing. The chemistry program and the biochemistry option are both accredited by the American Chemical Society.


Mission

Consistent with the university’s mission to serve as an accessible, responsive and creative intellectual resource for the people and institutions of Connecticut, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry endeavors to provide a thorough, modern education in chemistry that is tailored to the individual student’s background and career objectives. The chemistry major and the biochemistry option are both accredited by the American Chemical Society.


Objectives

To accomplish this mission, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry:

• Continues to offer our students the highest quality undergraduate programs in chemistry and biochemistry.
• Emphasizes laboratory techniques throughout the undergraduate curriculum to develop students’ synthetic, analytical, instrumental and computational skills.
• Provides laboratory experiences using modern instrumentation and data reduction methods.
• Provides a personalized learning environment through faculty mentored undergraduate research opportunities and cooperative education research.
• Prepares students for graduate education in the sciences, the health professions and other fields of interest.
• Assists students in discerning appropriate careers through diligent advising.
• Provides chemical training necessary for nursing and community health students.
• Fosters the growth and development of faculty through research, attendance at professional meetings, and publication and presentation of scholarly work.
• Continues to collaborate with chemical industry professionals in the tri-state area to support professional growth of faculty as well as research opportunities for the students.
• Expresses its strong commitment to public service by collaborating with regional elementary, junior and senior high school educators to promote science education. Assesses entering students’ backgrounds in math and science to place students in appropriate chemistry courses.


Learning Outcomes

At their completion of their degree in Chemistry:

  1. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in a majority of the six main branches of Chemistry (including: General Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Inorganic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry).
  2. Students will demonstrate competence in the use of practical chemical laboratory safety, techniques and skills.
  3. Students will demonstrate the ability to utilize scientific literature in academic and independent research.
  4. Students will demonstrate the ability to clearly disseminate scientific information in a written format.
  5. Students will demonstrate the ability to clearly disseminate scientific information in a verbal format.


DEGREE PROGRAMS IN CHEMISTRY

Bachelor of Science
Chemistry
Chemistry, ACS Approved
Chemistry with Biochemistry Option,
Chemistry with Biochemistry Option, ACS Approved

Secondary Education: Chemistry

Minor Program
Chemistry


Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.)

BS Chemistry: Non-ACS Degree 

Description: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides the background necessary for graduate education and careers in industrial chemistry, technology, and the allied health professions such as medicine.  

Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 46-51 (SH).  

CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4 SH 
CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 SH 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 206 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (SI)  2 SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar (minimum of 2 semesters)  .5 SH 
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 311 Inorganic Chemistry   4 SH 
CHE 400 Instrumental Analysis Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 401 Instrumental Analysis Lab  2 SH 
Research Options 
CHE 297 Cooperative Education Research OR  12 SH 
CHE 430 Senior Research AND  4 SH 
Adv. Elective: One of these MAT 272, MAT 281, MAT 282, CHE 340, CHE  415, CHE 420, CHE 421 or other approved course.  3 SH 
Cognates (Counted in General Education) 
MAT 181 Calculus I (QR) or MAT 170 (QR) + MAT 171 (QR)  4-7 SH 
MAT 182 Calculus II (QR)  4 SH 
PHY 110 General Physics (with Calculus) (SI) (pre-req MAT 182)  4 SH 
PHY 111 General Physics II (with Calculus) (SI) (pre-req MAT 182)  4 SH 
Minimum GPA for the BS in Chemistry = 2.0. 


General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2324/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  


Sample Four Year Plan: BS Chemistry: Non-ACS Degree
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1  SH  Semester 2  SH 
First Year Navigation (FY)  1  Gen. Ed: Critical Thinking (CT) 3 
CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4  CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 
MAT 181 Calculus I OR MAT 170 and MAT 171 Cal w/Precalc Part 1 & 2 (QR)*  4-7 MAT 182 Calculus II (QR, RPT 1) 4 
Gen Ed: Intercultural Comp. (IC)**  3  Gen Ed: Intercult. Comp. (IC, RPT 2)  3 
WRT 101 Composition I (W1)  3  Free Elective   3
       
Semester 3  SH  Semester 4  SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chem I  4  CHE 211 Organic Chem II  4 
PHY 110 General Physics (calc) I **  4  PHY 111 General Physics (calc) II  4 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3  Gen Ed: Writing Tier 2 (W2)  3 
CHE 206 Analytic Chemistry Lab (SI, Rpt 2)  2  Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP)  3 
Free elective  3 CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
       
Semester 5    Semester 6   
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4  CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 
CHE 311 Inorganic Chemistry  4  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
Adv. Chem Elective  3  Free Elective  3 
Gen Ed: Information Literacy (IL)  3 Gen Ed: Breadth  3
Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW)  2  Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC)  3 
       
Semester 7    Semester 8   
CHE 297 Cooperative Education Research (CE) AND Gen. Ed: Writing Tier 3 (W3)
 7-15 CHE 400 Instrumental Analysis Lecture  3 
OR CHE 401 Instrumental Analysis Lab  2 
CHE 430 Senior Research (CE, W3) AND Advanced Chem. Elective   Free Electives  9
   
Gen. Ed. RPT Competency 3     
Free Electives 6    
   
Total Credits Required for the BS in Chemistry = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. 

*Math placement score determines eligibility for MAT 170 or MAT 181.  Students placing into MAT 100 (Intermediate Mathematics) are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement the summer prior to admission. 

**The BS in Chemistry requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course. 

***MAT 182 CALC II is a pre-req for PHY 110-111.   

 

BS Chemistry: ACS Degree 

Description: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides the background necessary for graduate education and careers in industrial chemistry, technology, and the allied health professions such as medicine.  

Degree Requirements 

All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 46 (SH).  

CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4 SH 
CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 SH 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 206 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (SI)  2 SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar (minimum of 2 semesters)  .5 SH 
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 311 Inorganic Chemistry   4 SH 
CHE 400 Instrumental Analysis Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 401 Instrumental Analysis Lab  2 SH 
CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 430 Senior Research in Chemistry (CE, W3)  4 SH 
Cognates (Counted in General Education) 
MAT 181 Calculus I (QR) or MAT 170 (QR) + MAT 171 (QR)  4 – 7 SH 
MAT 182 Calculus II (QR)  4 SH 
PHY 110 General Physics (with Calculus) (SI) pre-req MAT 182  4 SH 
PHY 111 General Physics II (with Calculus) (SI) pre-req MAT 182  4 SH 
Minimum GPA for the BS in Chemistry = 2.0. 


General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2324/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  

Page Break 


Sample Four Year Plan: BS Chemistry: ACS Degree
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1  SH  Semester 2  SH 
First Year Navigation (FY)  1  Gen Ed: Health & Wellness (HW) 2
CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4  CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 
MAT 181 Calculus I or MAT 170 Calc with pre-Calc (QR)*  3-4  MAT 171 Calc with pre-Calc II (QR, RPT) or MAT 182 Calculus II (QR, RPT 1)  4 
Gen Ed: Critical Thinking (CT)  3  Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP)  3 
WRT 101 Composition I (W1)  3  Free Elective   3 
       
Semester 3  SH  Semester 4  SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chem I  4  CHE 211 Organic Chem II  4 
PHY 110 General Physics (calc) I** OR Gen Ed: Information Literacy  3-4  PHY 111 General Physics (calc) II 3-4 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3  Gen Ed: Writing Tier 2 (W2)  3 
CHE 206 Analytic Chemistry Lab (SI, RPT 2)  2  Oral Communication (OC)  3 
MAT 182 (QR) OR Free elective  3-4  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
       
Semester 5  SH  Semester 6  SH 
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4  CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 
CHE 311 Inorganic Chemistry  4  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture  3  Free Elective  3 
Gen Ed: Intercultural Comp. (IC)**  3  Gen Ed: Intercult. Comp. (IC, RPT 3)  3 
PHY 110 General Physics (calc) I** OR Gen Ed: Information Literacy  3-4  Free Elective 3
       
Semester 7    Semester 8   
CHE 430 Sr. Research (CE, W3)  4  CHE 400 Instrumental Analysis Lecture  3 
Free Electives  11  CHE 401 Instrumental Analysis Lab  2 
    Free Electives  9
Total Credits Required for the BS in Chemistry = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. 

*Math placement score determines eligibility for MAT 170 or MAT 181.  Students placing into MAT 100 (Intermediate Mathematics) are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement the summer prior to admission. 

**MAT 182 CALC II is a pre-req for PHY 110-111.   

***The BS in Chemistry requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course. 

 

BS Chemistry: Biochemistry Option, Non-ACS Degree 

Description: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides the background necessary for graduate education and careers in industrial chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences and the allied health professions such as medicine.  

Degree Requirements 

All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 53-58 (SH) 

CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4 SH 
CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 SH 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 206 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (SI)  2 SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar (minimum of 2 semesters)  .5 SH 
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture I  3 SH 
CHE 422 Biochemistry Lecture II   3 SH 
CHE 431 Biochemistry Lab  2 SH 
BIO 103 General Biology I  4 SH 
BIO 104 General Biology II  4 SH 
Research Options 
CHE 297 Cooperative Education Research (CE) OR  12 SH 
CHE 430 Senior Research AND  4 SH 
Adv. Elective: One of these CHE 320, CHE 400, CHE 420, CHE 438, BIO 300, BIO 310, BIO 318 or other approved course.  3 SH 
Cognates (Counted in General Education) 
MAT 181 Calculus I (QR) or MAT 170 (QR) + MAT 171 (QR)  4 -7 SH 
MAT 182 Calculus II (QR)  4 SH 
PHY 110 General Physics (with Calculus) (SI) pre-req MAT 182  4 SH 
PHY 111 General Physics II (with Calculus) (SI) pre-req MAT 182  4 SH 
Minimum GPA for the BS in Chemistry = 2.0. 


General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2324/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  


Sample Four Year Plan: BS Chemistry: Biochemistry Option, Non-ACS Degree
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1  SH  Semester 2  SH 
First Year Navigation (FY)  1  Gen Ed: Critical Thinking (CT)  3 
CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4  CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI, Rpt. 1)  4 
MAT 181 Calculus I or MAT 170 (QR)*  3-4  MAT 171 (QR, Rpt. 1) or MAT 182 (QR, Rpt.1)  4 
BIO 103 General Biology I (SI)  4  BIO 104 General Biology II  4 
WRT 101 Composition I (W1)  3     
       
Semester 3  SH  Semester 4  SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chem I  4  CHE 211 Organic Chem II  4 
PHY 110 General Physics (calc**) I OR Gen Ed: Information Literacy  3-4  PHY 111 General Physics (calc) II OR Gen Ed: Breadth  3-4 
MAT 182 Calculus II OR Free elective  3-4  Gen Ed: Writing Tier 2 (W2)  3 
Gen Ed: Intercultural Comp. (IC)***  3  Gen Ed: Intercult. Comp. (IC, Rpt. 3)  3 
Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW)  2  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
       
Semester 5  SH  Semester 6  SH 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
CHE 206 Analytic Chemistry Lab (SI)  2  CHE 422 Biochemistry Lecture II  3 
CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture  3  CHE 431 Biochemistry Lab  2 
PHY 110 General Physics (calc) I OR Gen Ed: Information Literacy  3-4  PHY 111 General Physics (calc) II OR Gen Ed: Breadth  3-4 
Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) Or Oral Communication (OC)  3  Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) Or Oral Communication (OC)  3 
       
Semester 7    Semester 8   
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4  CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 
CHE 297 Cooperative Education Research (CE)  AND a W3 course 12 Free Electives 9
OR     
CHE 430 Sr. Research (CE, W3) AND an advanced elective from the list 7-8    
Free electives  3-4     
       
Total Credits Required for the BS in Chemistry = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. 

*Math placement score determines eligibility for MAT 170 or MAT 181.  Students placing into MAT 100 (Intermediate Mathematics) are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement the summer prior to admission. 

**MAT 182 CALC II is a pre-req for PHY 110-111.   

***The BS in Chemistry requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course. 

 

BS Chemistry: Biochemistry Option, ACS Degree 

Description: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides the background necessary for graduate education and careers in industrial chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences and the allied health professions such as medicine. 

Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 54 (SH).  

CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4 SH 
CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 SH 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 206 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (SI)  2 SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar (minimum of 2 semesters)  .5 SH 
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 311 Inorganic Chemistry   4 SH 
CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture I  3 SH 
CHE 422 Biochemistry Lecture II   3 SH 
CHE 431 Biochemistry Lab  2 SH 
BIO 103 General Biology I  4 SH 
BIO 104 General Biology II  4 SH 
CHE 430 Senior Research in Chemistry (CE, W3)  4 SH 
Cognates (Counted in General Education) 
MAT 181 Calculus I (QR) or MAT 170 (QR) + MAT 171 (QR)  4 -7 SH 
MAT 182 Calculus II (QR)  4 SH 
PHY 110 General Physics (with Calculus) (SI) pre req MAT 182  4 SH 
PHY 111 General Physics II (with Calculus) (SI) pre req MAT 182  4 SH 
Minimum GPA for the BS in Chemistry = 2.0. 


General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2324/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  


Sample Four Year Plan: BS Chemistry: Biochemistry Option, ACS Degree
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

Semester 1  SH  Semester 2  SH 
First Year Navigation (FY)  1  Gen Ed: Critical Thinking (CT)  3 
CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4  CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI, RPT 1)  4 
MAT 181 Calculus I or MAT 170 (QR)*  3-4  MAT 171 (QR, RPT 1) or MAT 182 (QR, RPT 2)  4 
BIO 103 General Biology I (SI)  4  BIO 104 General Biology II  4 
WRT 101 Composition I (W1)  3     
       
Semester 3  SH  Semester 4  SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chem I  4  CHE 211 Organic Chem II  4 
PHY 110 General Physics (calc) I OR Gen Ed: Information Literacy  3-4  PHY 111 General Physics (calc) II OR Gen Ed: Breadth  3-4 
MAT 182 Calculus II OR Free elective  3-4  Gen Ed: Writing Tier 2 (W2)  3 
Gen Ed: Intercultural Comp. (IC)***  3  Gen Ed: Intercult. Comp. (IC, RPT 3)  3 
Health and Wellness  2  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
       
Semester 5  SH  Semester 6  SH 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
CHE 206 Analytic Chemistry Lab (SI)  2  CHE 422 Biochemistry Lecture II  3 
CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture  3  CHE 423 Biochemistry Lab  2 
PHY 110 General Physics (calc) I OR Gen Ed: Information Literacy (IL)  3-4  PHY 111 General Physics (calc) II OR Gen Ed: Breadth  3-4 
Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) Or Oral Communication (OC)  3  Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) Or Oral Communication (OC)  3 
    Free Elective  3 
       
Semester 7  SH  Semester 8  SH 
CHE 430 Sr. Research (CE, W3) OR Gen Ed Explorations  3-4  CHE 430 Sr. Research (CE, W3) OR Gen Ed Explorations  3-4 
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4  CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 
CHE 311 Inorganic Chemistry  4  Free Electives  7-8 
Free electives  3-4     
Total Credits Required for the BS in Chemistry = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. 

*Math placement score determines eligibility for MAT 170 or MAT 181.  Students placing into MAT 100 (Intermediate Mathematics) are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement the summer prior to admission. 

**MAT 182 CALC II is a pre-req for PHY 110-111.   

***The BS in Chemistry requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course. 


Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education–Chemistry (B.S.)

Description: This degree provides a biology/education curriculum that imparts a broad base of knowledge about chemistry, so that students have the foundational knowledge they need to educate others. 

Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.   

Required Courses in the Major: 41-44 (SH).  

MAT 181 Calculus I (QR) or MAT 170 (QR) + MAT 171 (QR)  4 – 7 SH 
MAT 182 Calculus II (QR)  4 SH 
CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4 SH 
CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 SH 
CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3 SH 
CHE 206 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (SI)  2 SH 
CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar (minimum of 2 semesters)  .5 SH 
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4 SH 
CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 SH 
CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture I  3 SH 
Senior Presentation  0 SH 
Cognates (Counted in General Education) 
PHY 110 General Physics (with Calculus) (SI) pre-req MAT 182  4 SH 
PHY 111 General Physics II (with Calculus) (SI) pre-req MAT 182  4 SH 
Fine Arts: Creative Process (CP)  3 SH 
HIS 148 or 149 American History (CT)  3 SH 
ENG Literature Course (Any)  3 SH 
Certification Requirements   
ED 206 Introduction to Education (IL, OC)  3 SH 
ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II (W2)  3 SH 
HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools  3 SH 
EPY 405 Intro to Special Education   3 SH 
ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools co-req ED 386  3 SH 
ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Experience co-req ED 385  1 SH 
ED 440 Integrating Language  3 SH 
ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools  3 SH 
ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies (W3)  1 SH 
ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) (CE)  12 SH 
Minimum GPA for the BS Secondary Ed in Chemistry = 3.0. 


General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2324/academic-programs-degrees/ 

Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.  

Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours.  Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.  


Sample Four Year Plan: BS Secondary Education: Chemistry
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.  

  Semester 1  SH  Semester 2  SH 
  First Year Navigation (FY)  1  ENG Literature   3 
  CHE 110 General Chemistry I   4  CHE 111 General Chemistry II (SI)  4 
  MAT 181 Calculus I (QR)*  4  MAT 182 Calculus II (QR, RPT 1)  4 
  HIS 148 or 149 American History (CT)  3  Fine Arts (CP)  3 
  WRT 101 Composition I (W1)  3  Free Elective   1-2 
         
  Semester 3  SH  Semester 4  SH 
  CHE 210 Organic Chem I  4  CHE 211 Organic Chem II  4 
  CHE 205 Analytic Chemistry Lecture  3  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
  CHE 206 Analy. Chem Lab (SI, RPT 2)  2  Health and Wellness (HW)   2 
  PHY 110 General Physics (calc) I  4  PHY 111 General Physics (calc) II   4 
  ED 206 Intro to Education (IL, OC)  3  ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II (W2)  3 
      HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools  3 
         
  Semester 5  SH  Semester 6  SH 
  CHE 300 Physical Chemistry I  4  CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II  4 
  CHE 421 Biochemistry Lecture I  3  CHE 250 Chemistry Seminar  .5 
  Gen Ed: Intercultural Comp. (IC)**  3  Gen Ed: Intercult. Comp. (IC, RPT 3)  3 
  Gen Ed: Breadth  3  CHE Research Presentation ***  0 
  Free Electives  3  Free Electives  8-9 
         
  Semester 7  SH  Semester 8  SH 
  EPY 405 Intro to Special Education   3   ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies (W3)  1  
  ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools   3   ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) (CE)  12  
  ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Exp.   1     
  ED 440 Integrating Language  3     
  ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools  3      
  Total Credits Required for the BS Secondary Ed:  Chemistry = 120; Minimum GPA 3.0. 

*MAT 182 CALC II is a pre-req for PHY 110-111.  Students who need a pre-calculus foundation are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement before they start this degree. 

**The BS Secondary Ed:  Chemistry requires that students complete a language at or above the elementary II level. Students who have completed three years of a foreign language at a minimum of a C average in high school have met this requirement. However, they must still complete at least one Intercultural Competency course. 

***Secondary Education Students should work with their Chemistry Advisor to develop a research experience appropriate for their field. 

See the Department of Education and Educational Psychology within the School of Professional Studies.

 

Minor in Chemistry

Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.

Twenty semester hours (20 SH) of chemistry distributed as follows:

Required Courses (15 SH):
CHE 110 General Chemistry I
CHE 111 General Chemistry II
CHE 205 Analytical Chemistry Lecture
CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I

Five (5) credits from the following approved courses:
CHE 206 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II
CHE 300 Physical Chemistry
CHE 301 Physical Chemistry II
CHE 311 Inorganic Chemistry Lecture
CHE 421 Biochemistry I Lecture