Chemistry
Women's College
Overview
Major
Minor
Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Veterinary Programs
Secondary Education Certification
Dual Degree: Chemistry and Engineering
B.A. Chemistry - Pharm.D. Options
Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions
Angela R. Sherman, Ph.D., Chair
Alfred T. D'Agostino, Ph.D.
M. Kristine Kirk, Ph.D.
Jocelyn McKeon, Ph.D.
The chemistry department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in chemistry to students in the Women's College. It also offers Women's College students preparation for pharmacy, medical, dental, veterinary and graduate schools, as well as for secondary teaching certification. Chemistry, the study of matter and energy, is a challenging discipline that prepares students for many different careers, such as research, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, medicine, engineering and education. Interdisciplinary opportunities may be created by using the chemistry degree in the context of other fields (including law, business, technical and science writing, and information science).
The chemistry program at Notre Dame is designed to give students a broad view and deep understanding of the chemical sciences. Introductory courses offer the student a solid foundation in chemical principles, while laboratory experiences introduce her to the techniques and practices of modern chemistry. Advanced courses are used to treat important areas and methods of chemistry such as chemical determinations and analyses, data reduction and interpretation, experiment design, synthesis, compound structure determination and identification, physicochemical measurements, chemical separations, chemical theories, properties and reactivity, atomic structure and supramolecular chemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria, instrumentation, quantum mechanics, computational chemistry, simulation and modeling, technical writing, use of computers, the chemical literature, and major works in chemistry.
Small classes secure a close relationship between students and faculty. As a student progresses through the curriculum, she builds a knowledge base and develops her critical and analytical thinking skills, develops a professional attitude and collaborative skills, increases her level of participation in the program, and engages in problem-solving activities. Laboratories are equipped with modern instruments for spectroscopy, chromatography, electrochemistry and chemical analysis, providing an environment in which students can explore chemistry by exercising their creativity through experimentation.
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to integrate their course experiences by conducting original research under the supervision of one of the faculty. In addition, students are advised to explore chemical work experience through an internship in a government, industrial or medical laboratory in the area. Students have successfully completed internships and research experiences for undergraduates at organizations such as the Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The chemistry program prepares its majors for graduate study in chemistry and related fields, for medical or other professional schools, for work in clinical and professional laboratories, for teaching in secondary schools and for interdisciplinary careers. Graduates have completed advanced degrees at institutions such as Harvard University Dental School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Howard University School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical School, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Graduates are employed at organizations such as Cristal USA; McCormick & Co., Inc.; Argonne National Laboratories; US Army Research Lab; Fisher BioServices; Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.; and Constellation Energy.
For students interested in a career in pharmacy, Notre Dame's School of Pharmacy offers the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program and a 3-4 (B.A./Pharm.D.) program for chemistry majors. A 3-2 dual degree program in engineering is also available. Chemistry majors may pursue the B.A. or B.A./M.A.T. program in secondary education as well.
Students interested in the chemistry major, including those who would like to transfer from another institution, should contact a department representative prior to arrival on campus. Students should declare the major and indicate choice of program by the beginning of the second semester of study.
Students may be invited to be inducted into the Gamma Theta chapter of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society or they may join the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society. The activities available to students include pursuing internships at institutions in the region, contributing to professional conferences and symposia, attending meetings of the Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society (held on campus and locally), participating in chemistry department seminars and other events, and sponsoring social events. Special opportunities exist for students to work as student lab assistants and in the department’s prep and stockrooms. Scholarships and awards include the Sister Denise Dooley Scholarship, Anne Dulea Award, CRC Press Chemistry Achievement student award, and American Chemical Society student award.
The general education requirement in the natural sciences may be fulfilled by taking CHM-103, CHM-104 (for radiological sciences and nursing students), CHM-108 (for nursing students), CHM-110 and CHM-113 (for College of Adult Undergraduate Studies students).
Chemistry majors and minors must complete all courses required for the major/minor with a minimum grade of C.
Programs of Study
Required Courses for a Major in Chemistry
CHM-110 and 111 General Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-210 and 211 Organic Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-301 and 302 Physical Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-303 Analytical Chemistry (4)
CHM-305 Instrumental Analysis (4)
CHM-350 Chemical Literature (1)
CHM-411 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (4)
CHM-450 Chemistry Seminar (1)
MAT-211 and 212 Mathematics through Calculus II (8)
PHY-101 and 102 General Physics I and II (8)
Two courses chosen from
CHM-325 Survey of Biochemistry (4)
CHM-401 Advanced Topics in Chemistry (4)
CHM-407, 408 Chemical Research I, II (8)
CHM-425, 426 Biochemistry I, II (8)
CHM-463 Independent Study in Chemistry (4)
Special advanced courses offered at cooperating colleges/universities may be allowed with permission of department advisor and chair. No more than two 300- and/or 400-level chemistry courses (with a minimum grade of C) from a cooperating institution may be used to fulfill requirements for the major.
One course chosen from
MAT-213 Calculus III (3)
MAT-315 Differential Equations (3)
PHY-201 Modern Physics (3)
CST-295 C++ Object-oriented Programming (3)
Another advanced math/physics or computer course may be substituted with permission of the chair.
Minor in Chemistry
CHM-110 and 111 General Chemistry I and II (8)
CHM-210 and 211 Organic Chemistry I and II (8)
Choice of two courses (with prerequisite) from the following
CHM-301 Physical Chemistry I, CHM-302 Physical Chemistry II, CHM-303 Analytical Chemistry, CHM-305 Instrumental Analysis, CHM-325 Survey of Biochemistry, CHM-401 Advanced Topics in Chemistry, CHM-425 Biochemistry I or CHM-426 Biochemistry II. 300- and 400-level courses must be taken at Notre Dame.
Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental and Pre-Veterinary Programs
The chemistry department's pre-professional program coordinator will assist the student in selecting courses appropriate to her area of interest. Students take all chemistry courses listed under the chemistry major. Students may substitute one advanced science course (approved by the faculty advisor and program coordinator) for CHM-302, CHM-305 or one of the option courses. Additional requirements:
PHY-101 and 102 General Physics I and II (8)
A minimum of two mathematics courses based on the results of the placement test (Calculus I and II are strongly recommended) (6-8)
BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology (4)
Three 4-credit courses from the following list
Vertebrate Anatomy, Microbiology, Animal Physiology, Biochemistry I and/or II, or Developmental Biology.
Students following this program of study should consider the minor in biology.
Students should consult the American Medical Association Bulletin, the admission requirements of American dental schools, and individual medical, dental and veterinary school bulletins or admission officers for more specific requirements. Students also should contact the Pre-Professional Advisory Committee early in their course of studies.
Secondary Education Certification—Approved Program in Chemistry
Students who wish to prepare for teaching in secondary schools take the courses listed under the chemistry major along with BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology and PHY-155 Introduction to Astronomy. In their senior year, pre-service teachers are encouraged to take CHM-407 Chemical Research I as one of the option courses. Either CHM-411 or one of the option courses is waived with consent of the program coordinator and faculty advisor. One other course substitution may be made when appropriate. In addition, students take the professional education courses offered by the education department for the B.A. or B.A./M.A.T. program.
Dual Degree Program in Chemistry and Engineering
Qualified students with an interest in one of the engineering disciplines, especially chemical engineering or materials science, may obtain a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Notre Dame and a bachelor's degree in engineering from Columbia University, The Johns Hopkins University or the University of Maryland. Students spend the first three years of study at Notre Dame taking general and advanced courses toward the chemistry degree. See the engineering section for specific program information.
Liberal Arts
The student follows the program of study that is outlined in the liberal arts section of the catalog.
B.A. Chemistry — Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Options
Students may wish to complete a degree in chemistry prior to entering a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. This option allows the student to present a strong application and provides a second degree. Many applicants to Pharm.D. programs already hold an undergraduate degree. Students may improve their prospects for admission by using this option and it provides additional career path options. To do so, students take the required courses for the chemistry major as indicated (including Calculus II and Physics II). Students prepare for applying to a school of pharmacy by taking the necessary additional prerequisites in sciences (e.g. biology courses) and other specific courses in the liberal arts. Students take these courses based on the admission requirements of the pharmacy school to which they will apply.
Students wishing to apply to the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy must take the additional courses as indicated in the pharmacy studies section. The student consults with her academic advisor or the pre-pharmacy coordinator by junior year to assess academic readiness to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) exam. The student follows the appropriate application procedure. If a student is interested in a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, she may apply to a graduate program.
Accelerated B.A./Pharm.D. Program (3 + 4)
The department of chemistry offers Women's College students an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree on an accelerated basis in combination with their pursuit of the Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the School of Pharmacy. Consult the pharmacy studies section of the Catalog for more information.
Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the chemistry major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
See course descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.
Fall | Spring | ||
---|---|---|---|
First year | |||
IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | ENG-101 College Writing | 3 |
BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology (recommended for certain programs) |
4 | RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies | 3 |
CHM-110 General Chemistry | 4 | CHM-111 General Chemistry II | 4 |
MAT-211 Calculus I | 4 | MAT-212 Calculus II | 4 |
[15 credits] | [14 credits] | ||
Second year | |||
CHM-210 Organic Chemistry | 4 | CHM-211 Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
PHY-101 Physics I | 4 | PHY-102 Physics II | 4 |
COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 | Religious Studies (300/400) | 3 |
History | 3 | Philosophy (200) | 3 |
Foreign Language | 3 | Physical Education | 1 |
[17 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Third year | |||
CHM-301 Physical Chemistry I | 4 | CHM-302 Physical Chemistry II | 4 |
CHM-350 Chemical Literature | 1 | CHM-401/408/426 Advanced Topics/Research/Biochemistry II | 4 |
CHM-325/407/425 Survey of Biochemistry/Research/Biochemistry I | 4 | Literature | 3 |
Philosophy (300/400) | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
General Education/Electives | 6 | General Education/Electives | 3 |
[18 credits] | [17 credits] | ||
Fourth year | |||
CHM-303 Analytical Chemistry | 4 | CHM-305 Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
MAT-213/315/PHY-201or CST-295 | 3 | CHM-411 Advanced Inorganic | 4 |
Social Science | 3 | CHM-450 Chemistry Seminar | 1 |
General Education/Electives | 6 | Electives/Internship | 6 |
[16 credits] | [15 credits] |