Chemistry Major, BS

Program Description

The Department of Chemistry shares Winston-Salem State University’s mission of student success by providing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Courses in the major program, along with those in the General Education, provide opportunities for students to develop skills required for success in the work world and in graduate/professional schools. Chemistry majors participate in hands-on research experiences involving state-of-the-art instrumentation. Chemistry majors and minors may join the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate (ACS, professional chemistry society) or Phi Lambda Epsilon (PLU, national chemistry honor society). In 2014/2015 year, the ACS Student Affiliate was awarded an Honorable Mention from the ACS for its activities.

Vision

The Department of Chemistry is focused on providing opportunities for students to develop academic and hands-on research skills to enhance their competitiveness in: 1) the global STEM workforce, 2) gaining admission into graduate programs in chemistry and advanced studies in forensic chemistry, and 3) gaining admission into professional programs including medical, pharmacy, dental and veterinary schools.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Chemistry is to offer relevant and vibrant major programs in Chemistry and minor programs in Chemistry and Physics. The Department also offers service courses in general chemistry, physical science, environmental science and physics for students in related areas and fulfills components of the general education core curriculum.  

Departmental Goals

1. To prepare students for graduate/professional school admission or entry-level professional positions.
2. To provide effective advising and mentoring.
3. To model effective teaching methods which promote student learning.
4. To promote and facilitate faculty productivity in the scholarship of teaching, learning and research.
5. To provide a variety of courses in chemistry, physical science, environmental science and physics as part of the core and service curricula.
6. To provide service to the University and the community.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of fundamental chemical and scientific principles in 4 areas (Inorganic, Organic, Analytical, Physical, Biochemistry) of chemistry (5 for ACS-certified degrees). 
2. Graduates will demonstrate an ability to apply fundamental chemical and scientific principles to identify and solve original chemical problems.
3. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of and ability to independently operate, collect and analyze data using a variety of modern instrumental and computational techniques while abiding by laboratory safety protocols. 
4. Graduates will demonstrate some experiential professional skills including effective communications (written and oral), proficiency in obtaining and utilizing scientific information, and knowledge of ethical scientific practices.

Major Requirements and Courses

The Chemistry department offers a flexible BS Degree in Chemistry as well as a BS Degree in Chemistry with one of four concentrations: 1) General Chemistry, Non-ACS Certified; ; 2) Pre-Med/Pharmacy Concentration, Non-ACS Certified; 3) ACS Certified; and 4) Biochemistry Concentration, ACS Certified.

Students majoring in Chemistry must satisfy the general education course requirements (60 CH), complete the required courses as specified by the student’s chosen Chemistry degree track, and take electives for a minimum total of 120 semester hours. Courses noted by an asterisk (*) may also be taken as part of the general education requirements. Required major courses include 31 hours of Foundation courses, 18-27 hours of Breadth courses, CHE 4341 - Capstone Experience , and 9-20 hours of Depth courses in the selected Chemistry concentration.

A minimum grade of “C-” is required in the major/concentration required courses; The “C-” or better also applies to courses that required prerequisites. Students are advised to check the chemistry website for prerequisites or co-requisites for courses before attempting to register for them.