Program: Chemistry, B.S. - Georgia State University

Apr 08, 2025

2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog

Each student is urged to consult with an academic advisor at the earliest possible time (even before the first semester) to outline a curriculum to meet his or her needs. A typical program of study for chemistry majors is outlined below. Although not required, several minors are possible for chemistry majors without concentrations.

Students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see College Degree Requirements ) and the University Degree Requirements (see 1400 University Degree Requirements and Graduation ). Alternatives are available to some core and major requirements. Please see one of the undergraduate directors for specific guidelines. Chemistry majors need to take CHEM 1211K during their first term at GSU to be on schedule to graduate in four years.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Areas G and H to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See section 1460 GPA Requirement for additional information.)

Degree Requirements

Area A

MATH 1113 is recommended.

Required course

MATH 1113 - Precalculus 3 Credit Hours or a higher-level mathematics course

Area D

Recommended courses

CHEM 1212K - Principles of Chemistry II 4 Credit Hours
CHEM 1211K - Principles of Chemistry I 4 Credit Hours

Required course

(choose one of the following or a higher level mathematics course)

MATH 2201 - Calculus for the Life Sciences I 4 Credit Hours
MATH 2211 - Calculus of One Variable I 4 Credit Hours

Area F: Courses Appropriate to the Major (18 Hours)

Transfer students, students changing their major, and students pursuing an biochemistry concentration may substitute PHYS 1111K/PHYS 1112K for PHYS 2211K/PHYS 2212K if approved by the Department of Chemistry.
All courses above ending in K may also be offered as separate lecture and lab (L) courses. The combined (K) courses and separate lecture and lab (L) courses cover the same subject matter and are equivalent courses.
Credit hours exceeding 18 earned to complete the Areas A-F requirements will count toward elective hours.

Required Courses (18 Hours)

(unless used to satisfy Area D requirements)

CHEM 1211K - Principles of Chemistry I 4 Credit Hours
CHEM 1212K - Principles of Chemistry II 4 Credit Hours
or
PHYS 2211K - Principles of Physics I 4 Credit Hours
PHYS 2212K - Principles of Physics II 4 Credit Hours
CHEM 2400 - Organic Chemistry I 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 2410 - Organic Chemistry II 3 Credit Hours
MATH 2212 - Calculus of One Variable II 4 Credit Hours
or
MATH 2202 - Calculus for the Life Sciences II 4 Credit Hours

Elective Courses

from the following to complete 18 hours in Area F if needed. Contact the Undergraduate Director for the BS in Chemistry for advice.

MATH 1401 - Elementary Statistics 3 Credit Hours
MATH 2212 - Calculus of One Variable II 4 Credit Hours
MATH 2215 - Multivariate Calculus 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 2107 - Principles of Biology I 3 Credit Hours
BIOL 2107L - Principles of Biology I Laboratory 1 Credit Hours
BIOL 2108 - Principles of Biology II 3 Credit Hours
BIOL 2108L - Principles of Biology II Laboratory 1 Credit Hours
BIOL 2300 - Microbiology and Public Health 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 2950 - Chemistry Research 1-5 Hours
RSCH 1203 - Research Strategies and Technology 1 Credit Hours

Area G: Major Courses (30 Hours)

Required courses to fulfill CTW requirement (6 Hours)

CHEM 4000 - Fundamentals of Chemical Analysis-CTW 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 4160 - Research in Chemistry I - CTW 3 Credit Hours

Major Requirements (19 Hours)

CHEM 2100 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 2 Credit Hours
CHEM 3110 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 2 Credit Hours
CHEM 3400 - Structure and Reactivity of Biomolecules 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 4190 - Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 4010 - Instrumental Analysis 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 4110 - Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 4120 - Quantum Chemistry 3 Credit Hours

Major Electives (5 Hours)

Select additional 3000- and/or 4000-level chemistry courses

Recommended course

CHEM 4600 - Biochemistry I 5 Credit Hours (required for ACS certification)

Concentration Requirements

American Chemical Society Certification

For American Chemical Society certification, students must take CHEM 4600 in Area G, and an additional ten hours of coursework as follows:

Required Courses (10 Hours)

CHEM 4210 - Inorganic Chemistry I 3 Credit Hours
CHEM 4330 - Advanced Synthesis 3 Credit Hours

Elective Courses (4 Hours)

CHEM 4170 - Research in Chemistry II 4 Credit Hours
Can be substituted by other approved courses (must be different than major elective courses)

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

This department offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the department undergraduate director for the specific criteria for this honor.