Students pursuing a degree in chemistry typically have interests in science and/or the health professions. Chemistry graduates have strong credentials to pursue graduate degrees in chemistry or related fields, health professional programs, or careers in industry.
Admission into the Major
Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.
Special Opportunities
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Program is available to students pursuing either of the ACS-certified bachelor of science in chemistry tracks. To participate in the chemistry honors program, students must complete the course requirements for either track in the ACS-certified bachelor of science in chemistry degree:
- Maintain a 3.30 GPA in chemistry courses, with no more than one C, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Complete one semester of CH 493 Honors Research Sem or CH 494 Honors Research Sem with a grade of B– or better
- Complete at least one semester of CH 396 Undergrad Research, CH 398 Undergrad Research, or CH 399 Undergrad Research
- Complete one semester of CH 497 Intro To Research, CH 498 Intro To Research, or CH 499 Intro To Research with a grade of B– or higher. This course should be taken with the same research mentor as the CH 396/398/399 course and would typically be taken in the final semester while writing the senior thesis
- Submit an acceptable senior thesis based on research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Students are invited to apply for admission to the Chemistry Honors Program on the basis of performance in introductory chemistry courses. Students may apply online using the chemistry honors application. Contact the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry director of undergraduate studies for more details.
The department sponsors several student organizations, including the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, and Gamma Sigma Epsilon (the national chemistry honorary).
Pre-health Professional Preparation
Students completing any of the chemistry degree options will have fulfilled all chemistry, math, and physics requirements for admission to pre-health professional programs (medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary, etc., schools). With the addition of appropriate biological sciences electives, students earning the BCh degrees will have met all math and science requirements for pre-health professional programs.
Undergraduate Research
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers two undergraduate research courses designed to provide students with a hands-on experience at the forefront of chemistry. These courses include:
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CH 396 | Undergrad Research | 1-3 |
| CH 398 | Undergrad Research | 1-3 |
| CH 399 | Undergrad Research | 1-3 |
| CH 497 | Intro To Research | 1-3 |
| CH 498 | Intro To Research | 1-3 |
| CH 499 | Intro To Research | 1-3 |
In each course, students work directly with a faculty member on a research project. Chemistry majors and minors and students with an interest in chemistry are encouraged to become involved in undergraduate research through these courses. Students should receive approval from the faculty mentor before registering for a research course. Students may find descriptions of faculty research interests on the Department of Chemistry website. Students may contact potential research mentors directly or seek advice on possible mentors from their academic advisors.